Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris and Kim Rohr. They share their story with us below:
We are Chris and Kim Rohr. Both Northeast Ohio natives, we met in the corporate world following Chris’ military career in the United States Marine Corps and developed a shared love for visiting wineries. We began by making our own fruit wines at home, including dandelion, strawberry rhubarb, peach, and blackberry merlot, and sharing with friends and family. Chris decided to enroll in the enology program through Kent State University Ashtabula and received his associate’s degree in enology in 2015. Fast forward 17 years — our family has grown to include four boys — as has our passion for making wine and creating a sustainable foundation for our family for years to come.
Much of our inspiration for our winery comes from our love of and Kim’s family history in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Summer trips to the Adirondacks are a fourth-generation tradition we continue with our boys, and it brings us the utmost joy to share our passion for hiking and nature with them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
With any business, there are always many struggles. For us, the challenge has often been work-life balance. Since starting the business, we’ve balanced working full-time jobs, Chris going to school to receive his degree, experiencing a miscarriage, building and finishing the tasting room, planting and maintaining the vineyard along with 13 acres of property, all while still trying to spend time with our family.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
We are an Adirondack Mountain (upstate New York)- inspired boutique farm winery. We pride ourselves in producing hand-crafted, high-quality, small-batch wines.
So many people who visit here tell us how much they enjoy the laid-back, peaceful vibe they get when they are at our winery, as well as the time we and the staff take to get to know and connect with our customers. That alone gives us a great sense of pride.
When we started this winery, we did so not only with the intent to build a sustainable future for our family but also as a way to share our property and our love of the outdoors with others. We strive to be Christ-like servants to all who come with the hopes that our kindness will spread to them and those with whom they interact.
In terms of what sets us apart, we believe the uniqueness of the camp atmosphere and Adirondack decor/craftsmanship of many items in the tasting room (handmade by Chris and his father-in-law) is a draw as well because it is something not a lot of people in Northeast Ohio have experienced.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
We both enjoy listening to and engaging in readings that build and deepen our relationship with Christ, which greatly helps us in keeping everything that comes our way on this journey into perspective. There is also something to be said for the strong community of winery owners in our area and within the industry itself, who are always willing to take a phone call to discuss questions, share information, or bounce ideas off one another. Through the enology program at Kent State University Ashtabula, which Chris completed, he was also able to gain several professionals who served as mentors in the years leading up to our opening.
Pricing:
- Prices per bottle range from $16.99
- to $34.00
Contact Info:
- Website: www.losttrailwinery.com
- Instagram: @losttrailwinery
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/losttrailwinery
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrHcaC8NOQeDzUmtPqjA89w
- Other: https://vinoshipper.com/catalog/Ohio-Wines/lost_trail_winery_and_vineyard
