In 1972, Dr. Thomas and Mary Quilter, Ohio Wine Hall of Fame recipients, began growing a wide variety of wine and table grapes as an experiment and hobby on a grain farm thirty-three miles north of Columbus. They learned that certain grape varieties such as Seyval, Marechal Foch, Concord, and Niagara are, in general, more winter hardy and therefore more suitable for the region. A hobby turned into a business when, in 1984, Shamrock become a bonded winery.

Today, the vineyard includes a number of French-American hybrids, labrusca, and some vinifera. The current owners, Van and Emily Creasap, only produce wine from fruit grown on site, with only a few exceptions due to climate issues. Van Creasap is the grandson of Dr. Thomas Quilter.