By Gongwer Staff
Posted: May 30, 2013 2:30 PM

State Rep. John Patterson Hosts Bipartisan Food and Wine Social

Event highlights importance of cooperation, features Ohio-produced wines and cheeses

COLUMBUS—State Representative John Patterson (D-Jefferson) held a reception for Republican and Democratic lawmakers and staff Wednesday in Columbus. The purpose of the event was to encourage more bipartisanship in the state’s legislature while showcasing Ohio-made wines and cheeses.

“At a time when hyper-partisanship pervades politics in Ohio and across the nation, now more than ever, we need opportunities to come together to simply enjoy each other’s company and reflect on why we’re in our elected positions in the first place,” said Rep. Patterson. “In keeping with that theme, it is my hope that each member of both the Ohio House and Senate in attendance left this reception with a renewed spirit to find areas of common interest.”

All of the Ohio-made products featured at the reception came from Rep. Patterson’s 99th House district, which includes portions of Ashtabula and Geauga Counties. Rep. Patterson worked with Donniella Winchell of the Ohio Wine Producers’ Association to coordinate the event and to bring in vendors.

Vendors from the 99th House District that were showcased at the event include The Middlefield Cheese Company, Great Lakes Cheese, Markko Vineyards, Debonné Vineyards, The Winery at Spring Hill, Grand River Cellars, M Cellars and Ferrante Winery.

Officials from Rep. Patterson’s 99th House district were also in attendance, including Ashtabula County Commissioner Peggy Carlo, Ashtabula County Commissioner Danny Claypool, Geauga County Growth Partnership President Frank Samuel, Ashtabula County Tourism Director Mark Winchell, Lake County Tourism Director Bob Ulas and Ice Wine Queen Mary Beckwith.

A lifelong resident of the district, State Representative John Patterson is currently serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives.