Tag Archives: Old Firehouse Winery

Old Firehouse Winery, Geneva On The Lake, Ohio

I could hear the beautiful, distinct sound of bagpipes through a large crowd of onlookers as I approached Old Firehouse Winery.   I immediately took notice of the quaint little antique fire truck at the front of the building, half the size of the ones today, and entered the winery to sample a few of their wines.  The sassy red barn had been converted into a firehouse before becoming a winery and restaurant twenty-five years later.  “Old Betsy”, a 1926 Graham Brothers engine, represents the historical evolution of Old Firehouse Winery.

Standing in line with other patrons, I soon realized that the slushies were one of the winery’s best sellers.   I was easily entertained by the television screen with interesting information about the winery and Old Firehouse wines.

I had watched the informative loop twice when I was next in line to be served.   I decided to try the preset Sweet Wine Tasting Samples which included ten 1-ounce sized  plastic cups for a cost of $8.99 plus tax.

The umbrella-covered table had a lakeside view where I could enjoy the beauty of Lake Erie.  An Arts & Crafts Show had been set up in an open area where visitors browsed the booths and made a few purchases. During the summer, the fair takes place every Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day with hours from noon to 8.

Each Old Firehouse sample was numbered in the order of less sweet to the sweetest.

  • The Firehouse White is made of Catawba grapes was a Gold Award Winner.
  • The Firehouse Red is a semi-sweet wine, with a jammy taste and beautifully red in color.
  • Made from the popular, local Niagara grape, my next sample was the Lighthouse Niagara wine.
  • Lake Erie Riesling was surprisingly sweet compared to other Rieslings I have sampled in the past.
  • Raspberry Reflections has a sunset hue, but with its aromatic raspberry scent, it was perfectly prepared with just a hint of raspberry flavor.
  • Not quite sure what to expect with Spiced Apple, I was pleasantly surprised by its refreshing taste.
  • Frosty Peach, a lovely summertime wine,  was lightly flavored with a hint of peach.
  • Grape Jamboree is typical of an Ohio sweet wine and is one of the winery’s best sellers.  The Grape Jamboree is also an annual festival that takes place in Geneva during the month of September.
  • Pink Catawba, with its deep cranberry color was the sweetest wine yet.
  • My final sample was the Sweet Concord which tastes like grape juice that packs a punch.  This was my favorite sample and I purchased a bottle to make some sangria on a hot summer afternoon.

The view from where I was sitting was absolutely gorgeous.  Within a few feet from the seating area was an antique Ferris wheel at the edge of the lake.  This stand-alone attraction is well known to the locals and was built in 1956.  They call it the #5 Big Eli because it was fifth patent of George Ferris.   Old Firehouse Winery has a port wine named after this colorful wheel and has a spectacular view from the top.

Strolling through the winery before leaving for the Lakehouse Inn and Winery, I could not pass up the opportunity to try the slushie and I quickly learned why they are one of Old Firehouse Winery’s best sellers.

Have you visited Geneva on the Lake and tried the wines at Old Firehouse Winery?  I would love to hear about your fun experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my post about the Old Firehouse Winery and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Old Firehouse Winery
9425, 5499 Lake Road East
Geneva on the Lake, OH  44041
Telephone:  440 466 9300

Open seven days a week year around, the winery and restaurant provides daily entertainment during the summer months with extended hours over the weekend.  For more information about the winery and their themed weekends which run from Memorial Day to Labor Day, check out their website.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Ashtabula – Geneva
1831 Austinburg Road
Austinburg, OH   44010
Telephone:  440 275 2020

Where to Eat:

Biscotti’s Restaurant
186 Park Avenue
Conneaut, OH  44030
Telephone: 440 593 6766

Serving  Italian cuisine, I ordered the Medallions Gorgonzola Alfredo to try their homemade Alfredo sauce, so rich and delicious.

Exploring Geneva-On-the-Lake

Screams and giggles filled the air as I passed the water slide on my way to the Old Firehouse Winery.  The children were having the time of their lives and enjoying the beautiful, hot sunny day at Geneva-on-the-Lake.

Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Geneva-on-the-Lake has been a popular resort town since the late 1800s.  It was the perfect location for me to stay while I explored the 23 wineries a short drive from here.  During the summer, Geneva-on-the-Lake boasts a fabulous schedule for their Lake Summer Concert Series and a robust Calendar of Events throughout the year.  Some of the notable events that piqued my interest include:

I swore to mark my calendar and make plans to attend each of these amazing events.

The Old Firehouse Winery is located on the shore of Lake Erie and came highly recommended by Marge at the Visitor’s Center.  The Center was my first stop of the day before enjoying breakfast at Deb’s Diner on the Street and ordering their breakfast special. The whimsical, cartoonish map which acted as a placemat, contains an extensive list of restaurants, shops, attractions and wineries.

I compiled a list of wineries from the Visitor’s Guide and Fun Map as visiting them were a priority for my weekend as well.

  • Debonne Vineyards – post coming soon!
  • Deer’s Leap Winery Restaurant – post coming soon!
  • Grand River Cellars Winery and Restaurant – post coming soon!
  • Ferrante Winery & Ristorante
  • Harpersfield Winery – post coming soon!
  • Lakehouse Inn Winery
  • Old Firehouse Winery
  • Old Mill Winery – post coming soon!
  • The Winery at Spring Hill – post coming soon!
  • Virant Family Winery –  post coming soon!

Additional wineries provided by the Ohio Wine Association in Geneva:

  • Wineries from the Ohio Wine Association as the Vines & Wines Region
    • Bari Beauty & Health Plus Granny’s Wines, Euclid
    • Bene Vino Urban Winery, Perry Village
    • The Brew Mentor, Mentor
    • Buccia Vineyard, Conneaut
    • Candlelight Winery, Garrettsville
    • Country Porch Winery, Cortland
    • Emerine Estates Winery, Jefferson
    • Farinacci Winery, Austinburg
    • Goddess Wine House, Ashtabula
    • Greene Eagle Winery, Cortland
    • Hundley Cellars, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • Juliet Sky, Willoughby
    • Kosicek Vineyards, Harpersfield – post coming soon!
    • Laleure Vineyards, Parkman
    • Laurello Vineyards, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • M Cellars, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • Maple Ridge Vineyards, Madison
    • Markko Vineyards, Conneaut
    • Sharon James Cellars, Newbury
    • Silver Creek Wine Cellar, Garrettsville
    • South River Winery & Red Eagle Distillery, Geneva – post coming soon!
    • Joseph Vineyard, Madison – post coming soon!
    • Tarsitano Winery & Vineyard, Conneaut
    • ThornCreek Winery & Vineyards, Aurora

After visiting the Old Firehouse Winery, I strolled the streets of historical Geneva-on-the-Lake starting at the Cove, the resort’s one time legendary rock ‘n’ roll bar.  What fascinated me most about the Cove were the acts that once performed here such as the Coasters, Platters, Drifters and the infamous Jimi Hendrix, not to mention owner, Pete Macchia’s connection to Dean Martin, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra.

Slipping into the 1940’s Fascination Game, I played a few games here against the attendant as I was the only visitor, but it was so much fun realizing that I was sitting in the midst of Geneva-on-the-Lake history. There are less than a dozen of these venues that remain in the US. The object of the game is to secure a “Bingo” using balls that light up when they are deposited in the holes.  The winner receives a coupon which can be redeemed immediately or accumulated over a period of time for much larger prizes, even a cruise.

Although the building has since been torn down, the historical Pier Ballroom was considered the “finest of its kind between Cleveland and Buffalo”.  Its roster of Big Band performances is impressive with the likes of Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk.  The Pier held its final dance in 1973 and by 1994, the ballroom, bathhouse and beach were dismantled and permanently closed.

When I asked my friends if they had any suggestions on where to visit while I was at Geneva on the Lake, they recommended Eddie’s Grill.  This adorable little restaurant is located on the corner of Lake Road East and has been serving steakburgers, hot dogs and French since 1950.  You can’t visit the Lake without Eddie’s.  It’s a Geneva tradition.

Sunrise Café is another go-to restaurant for an amazing breakfast. Don’t let the outside fool you.  This is one hot spot for locals, and a hidden gem for tourists.  You won’t be disappointed.

If you are in the mood for some amazing Italian fare, Piero’s Pasta House should be on your list.  With great portions and big flavors, expect to pay a little more here and wait for a table.

Madsen Donuts has been serving donuts at The Lake since 1938 and I was in need for some sugar.  Their cream ticks come highly recommended as they are not too sweet.  I orders one of the cream sticks, a chocolate iced and cream filled donut.

There are so many great dining options here:

  • Capo’s Pizza
  • Sand Bar
  • Sandy Chanty Seafood Restaurant
  • The Gallery Shops at the Landing, A Festival Marketplace
    • Wild Water works was just opening
    • Next to Pera’s Motel
  • Putt Putt
  • Joe’s Place with their Marieta’s Homemade Pina Coladas

Veteran’s Memorial Pipe Band: practicing for a performance at the Firehouse Winery – there was a craft show with a few booths set up behind the winery, open from noon to eight…prime location on the water.

Sunset Bar…I am certain that this would be my hangout if I spent the weekend….here, the winery and Joe’s Place with their Homemade Pina Coladas.

Some of the other attractions and restaurants include:

  • The Oak Room Dinner Theater
  • Murphy’s Pub and Ale House
  • Swiss Chalet, open Memorial Day thru Thunder Weekend
  • Signs for Mary’s Kitchen
  • Bob’s Food Court
  • Krazy K Shirts
  • Grumpy’s Ole Fashioned Lemonade
  • Time’s Square Restaurant

I had a wonderful time visiting Geneva-on-the-Lake and look forward to another opportunity to visit.  If you have any favorite places at GOTL, please let me know in the comments section below.   Many thanks for reading about my Geneva-on-the-Lake adventure and wishing you many amazing travels!