By 1994 we had purchased the Maple Ridge Vineyard
property from an old estate of several generations
which dates back to the creation of Ohio's Western
Reserve Region.

By 1996 we had planted imported European Riesling,
Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc clones grafted on 3309 rootstock in solid clay soils where we discovered the unique way in which the clay minerals increase the flavor components and complexity of our wines.  

Since our new vines took a few years to mature and produce a crop, we began our new vineyard by also raising chickens, goats, pigs and sheep for their eggs, milk, meat and wool.  Being familiar with organic farming methods from the beginning, our farm's fields were converted from conventional growing methods to organic as soon as we purchased them.  

In 1997 we became officially "Certified Organic" by the Ohio Ecological Farm and Food Association (OEFFA).  We started truck farming vegetables that year and sold them at the North Union
Farmers Market on Shaker Square in Shaker Heights, Ohio.  At the farmer's Market we were able to build up a list of clientele who would be ready to buy our wines when they became available in 2001 .

A little more about our history.

Patti Iubelt is the vineyard manager and winemaker for Maple Ridge Vineyard.  A Registered Nurse, Patti  has been interested in agriculture since her early childhood when she assisted with her family's small fruit and vegetable stand in Willoughby Hills, Ohio .  

In 1994 Patti and her husband, Jim,  developed Maple Ridge Vineyard building on her farming knowledge and family ancestry.  Patti is knowledgeable in organic farming methods and both our farm and winery are certified by the USDA and National Organic Standards Board for wine processing, growing grapes, truck-farm vegetables, Navajo Churro sheep and organic hay (for the sheep).  

Patti has spoken at several symposiums and received a grant from SARE, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program for the growing period of 2002-2005,  (ref: compost tea to improve vine health and reduce use of copper during the spray season).  For 2003-2005 Patti was selected by Soil Food Web to conduct research on using aerobic compost teas to find ways to increase vine health and improve disease control.

Jim Iubelt, is now semi-retired. In his much younger days he worked for Julio Gallo at his winery in Modesto, California. Jim's world travels while in the US Navy, and working over 20 years for GE and Rockwell International, have taken him on a global journey of wine appreciation that has increased his knowledge and love of grape-growing and wine-making.

Jim's history of international travel served to support his passion and gave birth to his dream of establishing a small wine-estate similar to the European estates he had experienced over the years. It's also well known that Jim especially loves the wine country of Northern Italy!  

Jim is Maple Ridge Vineyard's sales, marketing and progressive ideas person.  Having a background in ARTISAN wines, Jim is the driving force behind the RED wines chosen for Maple Ridge production.

Our Friends and Family

Of course our Maple Ridge Vineyard would never had happened without the tremendous support and help
of our friends and family. Many special people in the Northeast Ohio Wine industry have provided us unending support in our various endeavors and we fully realize that we wouldn't be here without them! 

We'd like to acknowledge a strong and special influence from Arnie Esterer (Markko Vineyard), Wes Gerlowski (Harpersfield Vineyard), Ken Tarsitano (Tarsitano Winery), and all the others who have contributed to our presence in Northeast Ohio.

We'd also like to extended our gratitude to the late  Gerald Smith (1951-2005). The few and the fortunate have had the blessing of his cooking, conversation and his extraordinary friendship. Gerald was always a much needed inspiration for us and a craftsman extraodinaire - Cleveland Museum of Art, Winemaker and Chef par Excellance! Gerald has left his mark on just about everything that exists at the Maple Ridge Vineyard today.
We will miss him deeply.

Additional supporters such as Parker's Bistro ( Parker Bosley ), the Cleveland Botanical Garden , and Donita Anderson ( North Union Farmers Market, Shaker Square), have provided much appreciated support of our efforts to produce world quality products and establish a proud tradition in Ohio for sustainability and
locally grown food items.

God has blessed Northeast Ohio with some of the world's most diverse grape growing micro-climates, yielding a wide variety of world class wines and other exceptional food produce.

Northeast Ohio is also one of the world's most exciting places where you can find and taste all the greatest concentration of wine-making styles in one location.  The diversity of soil types and wine making styles in this very special region yield the richest pocket of discovery for Ohio wine and food exploration. One you can not afford to overlook if you're a serious wine lover!