Family‑Run Farm Turns Vineyards Into Beer and Wine Hub

Lincoln Way Vineyards is more than a place that makes wine; it’s a family project that blends farming, science and creativity. Jim and Sherri Borton and their children Alex and Ari manage every step from planting grapes to pouring drinks. The vineyard started twenty years ago, and a tasting room opened in 2018. Alex sparked the beer idea because his friends preferred it over wine. He found cheap brewing gear on Facebook Marketplace and, with a friend’s help, set up the first brew system. Jim handled permits in early 2025 and urged his daughter to start brewing right away. Ari’s first batch was a hopped lager that, though too bitter at first, won customers and encouraged more experiments. Ari studied food science at Ohio State and minored in brewing. She is known as a “supertaster, ” able to detect subtle flavors, and she applies that skill to both beer and wine. She now acts as assistant winemaker while Sherri oversees blending. Together they decide which wines go into bottles.The family’s wine lineup is balanced between sweet and dry styles, with a popular rosé leading sales. They use clever labeling that ties to the Lincoln Highway and encourages guests to “find your wine time. ” Their beer selection includes a light lager, red ale, vanilla porter (soon to be replaced by black‑cherry) and a seasonal raspberry ale. Operations stay local. Beer is sold on the premises, while wine reaches nearby mom‑and‑pop stores. The vineyard hosts casual events: glass‑blowing, paint‑and‑sip nights, Frisbee golf with bike tires and even a massive Easter egg hunt. Plans for canned beer and wine are on the horizon. The Bortons’ blend of family teamwork, agricultural know‑how and a willingness to experiment has turned their farm into a community gathering spot that offers both wine and beer with a personal touch.