While the region may be known for a bustling winery district, Ashtabula County is producing more than award-winning vino. Craft beer drinkers and connoisseurs of fine spirits have come to delight in the area’s products.
Debonné Vineyards was the first winery in Ohio to open a microbrewery: Double Wing Brewing Company, serving and distributing award-winning beers. Cloven Hoof is the area’s newest nano-brewery in Ashtabula Harbor. Sparky’s Place in Conneaut boasts one of the largest selections of draft and bottled beer in NE Ohio
Red Eagle Distillery is an unexpected delight on a winding road lined with wineries and vineyards. Housed in a red barn from the 1800’s with original interior, the owners pay homage to age-old stories of locals stilling spirits in barns during prohibition. Bourbon, rye, brandy and vodka are all on the menu. Red e vodka is made from grapes grown in the vineyard!
The Grand River Valley is known for producing exquisite ice wine; Spring Hill Winery is now producing ice cider! The “frosted apple” is as unique as the “frosted raspberry” dessert wine sold alongside a half dozen hard cider flavors. Fruit wines are all the rage at several locations and now hot summer days are quenched by wine slushies; try the concord slushie at Kosicek Vineyards.
Looking for a non-alcoholic treat? Grab a bottle of grape juice at Ferrante – available year-round – or splurge on an old-fashioned Richardson’s root beer float at White Turkey Drive-In. Caffeine lovers rejoice at Harbor Perk in Ashtabula Harbor where there is no shortage of coffee-inspired creations.