Breitenbach Wine Cellars

The word “breitenbach” means “bright or broad stream” in German. So when Duke Bixler founded his winery in 1980 on a breathtaking piece of property with a gorgeous stream winding through it, choosing the name “Breitenbach Wine Cellars” was easy. Today Duke, his wife Cynthia, and his daughters Anita and Jennifer all work at the winery, ensuring the quality of Breitenbach wines.

Located in the Amish country of Ohio, Breitenbach produces both American and European varietals including Cabernet, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Their white wines include Viognier, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. The three most popular wines at Breitenbach are original labels Frost Fire, Roadhouse Red, and First Crush.

The top seller, Frost Fire, is named for the effect the sun makes when it glistens through the ice on the trees in the winter. An American varietal made from Niagra grapes, Frost Fire is different from other Niagara-based wines because it’s created from multiple vineyards with differing soil compositions. This tantalizing wine has won numerous international medals over the years. Frost Fire was named best-of-class and received the gold medal at Los Angeles County Fair Wine Competition in 2001.

Roadhouse Red is another Breitenbach favorite. This remarkable wine is a blend of Concord and Baco Noir grapes. Roadhouse Red was named an example of American greatness at the Jefferson Cup Invitational in Virginia. First Crush, another Breitenbach mainstay, was awarded the winery’s first gold medal at the Eastern International Wine Competition in 1985. This sweet blush is made from Catawba grapes.

Breitenbach Wine Cellars also offers an unusual Amish favorite: dandelion wine. In keeping with their unique tradition, local Amish families pick the dandelion petals by hand and provide them to Breitenbach for winemaking. Two yearly events on the Breitenbach grounds are the Annual Dandelion May Fest and the National Dandelion Cookoff.

Imagine yourself in Ohio’s lush, rolling Amish countryside. Bearded farmers drive past in their horse-drawn carriages as you enjoy a picnic lunch by a clear, bubbling stream. Luscious dandelion wine, natural to the rustic setting, compliments your food. Looking off at the puffy clouds, you wonder who sat there, relaxing by the stream, a hundred years ago. That is Breitenbach Wine Cellars.