Ashtabula County's Wine and Walleye Festival

Ashtabula's Wine and Walleye Festival, held on Bridge Street in the city's Harbor District, is a celebration of that county's favorite exports. The festival, held in late August features live music, wine tastings, a fishing tournament, and food from local restaurants. The 2009 dates are August 22-23.

The Wine:

Ten Lake Erie Wineries are participating in the Wine and Walleye Festival. Among them are Chalet Debonne, Ferrante Winery, and Laurello Vineyards.

The Walleye:

In addition to the wine tastings and music, the festival is sponsoring a walleye tournament on Saturday, August 22 from 615am to 230pm at the Ashtabula River Public Dock.

Hours and Admission:

The Wine and Walleye Festival is open Friday, August 21 from 5pm to 1am; Saturday, Augusts 22 from 1pm to 8pm; and on Sunday, August 23 from 1pm to 6pm.

Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Weekend passes are available for $25 and designated/non-drinker tickets are available for $10. Tickets include a wine & walleye wine glass, eight tasting tickets, and a promotional bag. Participation in the walleye tournament is $50 per person and includes entrance to the festival. Advance tickets are available online at the Festival's Web site.

Hotels near the Wine and Walleye Festival:

Visitors to the Wine and Walleye Festival can stay at the Geneva State Park Lodge (check rates), one of the area's bed and breakfast inns, or the Holiday Inn Express at I-90 and Exit 223 (check rates)