By Brianna Smith

In the heart of Ohio’s Grand River Valley, Debonné Vineyards has grown from a modest fruit farm in 1916 into one of the state’s most recognized estate wineries. Four generations of the Debevc family have farmed in Madison, Ohio, starting with Slovenian immigrant Anton Debevc. His son, Tony Sr., expanded the grape operation in the 1960s, and by 1971, he and his son, Tony, were bottling wine under the Debonné name.

Today, Tony Debevc continues to lead the business as the principal proprietor. His father, Tony Sr., remained actively involved in the vineyard as manager emeritus until his passing in 2010. Under Tony’s direction, the operation has grown steadily while staying true to the family’s agricultural roots and long-term vision.

As the vineyard operation expanded, so

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