The Meiers Journey: 1895 and Beyond
Ohio’s winemaking story began more than a century ago along the Ohio River and Meiers has been a vital part of that tradition since the very beginning. Nestled in the heart of Cincinnati since 1895, Meiers Wine Cellars has been more than just a winery, it has stood as a proud symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and resilience in the American winemaking history. What began as a humble family operation producing grape juice over a century ago has grown into one of Ohio’s most iconic and enduring wine brands.
During the Prohibition era, when most wineries closed their doors, Meiers adapted providing sacramental wines to churches and wholesome grape juice to families across the country. That ingenuity kept the barrels rolling and the legacy alive.
With the repeal of Prohibition, it returned to the roots in winemaking, producing classic table wines, flavorful dessert wines, and eventually branching into sparkling juices and custom bottling services. Each bottle told a story of family, community, and Ohio soil. The company is best known for its #44 Cream Sherry and produced over 30 kinds of wines and a premium line of sparkling non-alcoholic grape juices.
Over the decades, Meiers evolved, expanded, and passed through the hands of passionate stewards who share the commitment to quality and legacy. Every new chapter brought fresh energy, innovation, and opportunity.
Today, as Meiers Winery, we are still proud to be Ohio’s oldest and most historic winery in continuous operation. We honor the past every day not just by remembering it, building upon it, but also continuing reinviting ourselves.
3 Rivers Winery LLC dba Meiers Winery redefined its role in the wine industry focusing on bulk wine production, customized wine solutions, and other than standard wine, we’ve expanded our services offer to blending, rectification, filtration, barrel dump, formulation R&D, analysis, storage, bottling, caning, private label and co-packing for partners across the country. Our expertise, capacity, and commitment to quality remain as strong as ever.
Because while our name and portfolio has changed, one thing remains unchanged:
We’ve always been in the business of building something that lasts.
The company relocates to Silverton, Ohio, purchasing land along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to expand operations and distribution.
1900
During Prohibition, Meier’s adapts by focusing on non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice, maintaining business through challenging times.
1920's
The business formally adopts the name Meier’s Wine Cellars, Inc., reintroducing alcoholic wines post-Prohibition.
1938
Meier’s purchases vineyard land on North Bass Island in Lake Erie, expanding its premium grape sourcing and estate winemaking.
1941
John Michael Meier begins cultivating grapes near present-day Kenwood, Ohio, laying the groundwork.
1856
Official founding of the John C. Meier Grape Juice Company, after Meier patents a method for preserving and bottling.
1895
Meier’s is acquired by Paramount Distillers, helping stabilize the company and expand its distribution and production capabilities.
1976
Additional expansion includes the purchase of the historic Lonz Winery on Middle Bass Island, further securing their presence in Ohio’s Lake Erie wine region.
1980's
Meier’s becomes part of Vintage Wine Estates, retaining its brand identity and operational independence under new ownership.
2022
Vintage Wines Estates filles Chapter 11 bankruptcy and North America Ethanol Holding acquired Meiers through the auction.
2024
