Meet the winemakers
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As a kid, Justin would trail ride his cousin's horse, in the early summer mornings, around his family's farm. As a teenager, Chelsea competed in stadium jumping with her larger-than-life gelding.
Justin and Chelsea Francis have now been married for nearly 20 years, and have three children. They live on a small hobby farm, with their menagerie of goats, ducks, chickens, cats, and dogs. Their three horses live at the family's boarding facility, next door to the future site of the Tasting Room. |
Our Story
The couple began making wine as a hobby that they could share and learn about together. It wasn't long before they found they had a gift for the craft, and a real understanding of what others want in a wine.
In 2017, Equus Ridge became a recognized business by the State of Ohio, with a Federal Basic Permit being granted the following year. Much of 2019 was then spent building a dedicated production space, upgrading production equipment, and working with State inspectors. Late in the year, Equus Ridge was granted a State of Ohio Winery License. The first juice went into fermentation in the Fall of 2020, and our first bottle was sold on April 2, 2021.
In 2017, Equus Ridge became a recognized business by the State of Ohio, with a Federal Basic Permit being granted the following year. Much of 2019 was then spent building a dedicated production space, upgrading production equipment, and working with State inspectors. Late in the year, Equus Ridge was granted a State of Ohio Winery License. The first juice went into fermentation in the Fall of 2020, and our first bottle was sold on April 2, 2021.
Our Future
As a small-batch winery, the growth of Equus Ridge is planned with the quality of our products as first and foremost. Initially, our wines are only available for purchase on-site, at our production facility. In the near future, you will begin to find Equus Ridge Wines on the shelves of local, Licking County retailers. When the time is right, our barn-style Tasting Room will be erected on 2.5 rolling acres of equestrian property, less than 2 miles from our current production area. Check our Updates page for the latest news on our journey!