Ohio wine producers, most notably those in the Northern part of the state, got a huge shout-out in Huffington Post's national travel blog, "CarsTravelFood."

Titled "Explore America: One of Ohio's Best Kept Secrets Is Wine," the feature goes into depth about Ohio's rich wine-making history while offering modern-day tips on where to go.

"Ohio wineries might be one of the state's best kept secrets, something worth exploring when visiting the Buckeye State. What's for sure is that the wineries are definitely popular destinations and a worthwhile road trip for those who live here."

Some stats: There are now about 150 wineries in the Buckeye State, and 60 percent of those grow their own fruit. At least eight new wineries will open in the state in 2012.

"Ohio wine country is a welcome glimmer of hope in this tough economic climate."

"There is no recession in wine country; our wineries are exploding," says Donniella Winchell, executive director of Ohio Wine Producers Association. "There is a winery within 45 minutes of every resident of the state of Ohio."

The wine industry in Ohio provides about 4,000 jobs, and these vintners attract about 2 million visitors a year. Winchell says 65 percent of Ohio wines are grown in the northeast part of the state in the Grand River Valley, which is 22 miles long and four miles wide. There are about 20 wineries in this region.

Drink up the rest of the travelog here.