GENEVA, Ohio -The Ohio Wine Producers Association (OWPA) has partnered with The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake and the Ashtabula County Convention & Visitors Bureau to host the first ever Fly the Alley-a Northeast Ohio fly fishing expo-on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 from 10a.m. to 5p.m. at The Lodge at Geneva.
Each fall, droves of fly fishers line the streams and creeks of Northeast Ohio, angling for a chance at the hundreds of trout traveling upstream to spawn. Northeast Ohio's reputation as a fly-fishing hotspot is thanks in large part to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, who stocks the Lake Erie tributaries with nearly 400,000 steelhead trout each year. These stocking efforts have allowed for a continuous and thriving steelhead population in the northeast region; even earning the area the industry nickname 'Steelhead Alley.'
"Northeast Ohio's regional fish pair perfectly with our cool-climate white wines like Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay," said Donniella Winchell, Executive Director of OWPA. "It's natural for [the wine] industry to reach out to the fly fishing community. We are elated to be a part of this great new exposition in the midst of 'Steelhead Alley', which also is the home to our Lake Erie basin, Grand River Valley and Conneaut Creek wineries."
Fly the Alley will feature professional anglers hosting educational seminars, hands-on instructions and outdoor programs, regional wine and culinary classes taught by industry experts and vendor exhibits from national and local outfitters. Expo attendees can also choose to end the day with a three-course banquet featuring regional fish and wine pairings, live musical entertainment and a Chinese Auction.
Event tickets are currently being sold via the event website or by calling the Ohio Wine Producers Association main office. The Lodge at Geneva is offering a two-night accommodation package, including passes for two to the expo and banquet, via the resort website or by calling the front desk.
Founded in 1975, the Ohio Wine Producers Association is a marketing and public relations vehicle for its statewide viticulture and tourism members.
What started as a grassroots effort to build awareness for Ohio's budding wine industry has developed into a nationally-recognized organization
from which several Midwest states have modeled their wine and grape associations.
Representing the best interest of the state wine industry, the Ohio Wine Producers Association continues its mission of helping Ohio carve a place
in the forefront of the national wine market.
General Event Information:
Website: www.FlyTheAlley.com
Address: The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake; 4888 North Broadway, Geneva-On-The-Lake, Ohio 44041
Professional Anglers/Presenters:
April Vokey (British Columbia)- Patagonia® Fishing Ambassador; FlyGal Ventures-owner
George Douglas (Wash.)- Kype® Magazine-Publisher; Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame angler
Jeff Liskay (Ohio)- Patagonia® Fishing Ambassador; Central Basin Steelheaders-board member
Greg Senyo (Ohio)- Steelhead Alley Outfitters-owner; Orvis® endorsed guide; Eumer® professional fly tyer
Will Turek (Ohio)- Midwest Spey School-founder
Functions & Pricing:
Saturday Expo Pass: $15 per Person; Kids 12 & under: Free
Boxed Lunch (Elective): $10 per person
Banquet Dinner (Elective): $50 per person
On-Site Parking: Free
Lodging Information & Reservations:
The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake: (866) 806.8066 or www.TheLodgeAtGeneva.com
