Back to the Wild

Heineman’s Winery: A Deep-Rooted History

Fifth generation winemaker Dustin Heineman talks about growing up on South Bass Island and operating the family vineyard. His great-great grandfather Gustav, a German immigrant, began planting grapevines in the 1880s. Heineman’s Winery has been in business for 137 years, produces more than a dozen varieties of wine and is the oldest family-owned winery in Ohio. He also covers the 1897 discovery of Crystal Cave, the largest known geode in the world, and how it saved the family business during Prohibition.

Keeping the Lake Erie Islands Connected

Let’s visit the bustling Erie-Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton and chat with Kara Clifford, chief pilot and director of training at Griffing Flying Service. We’ll also talk to her father-in-law Tom Griffing, whose family founded the company in 1937.The airline owns or operates 17 aircraft, including several jets,and is a vital link between the Lake Erie Islands and the mainland – especially in the winter months after ferries that service the islands shut down.

Back to the Wild

For decades Mona Rutger has operated Back to the Wild in Castalia, a few miles from Sandusky Bay. She and her dedicated staff at the wildlife rehabilitation center have taken in and released thousands of animals, including many Lake Erie birds such as eagles, swans and other feathered creatures but also including rabbits, possums and other woodsy residents. Let’s visit and chat with this advocate for all wild animals.

Beach Glass

Catawba Island resident Cathy Coffman has turned her hobby, scouring beaches for old glass, into a long-time business on Kelleys Island. She uses beach glass and stones of various geological origins from island beaches to create one-of-a-kind earrings and pendants. Let’s visit with Cathy to find out more about beach glass, how to find it and what can be done with it.

Big Taxi, Small Island

While most people think of taxi cabs as a big city thing, on Lake Erie’s Kelleys Island, taxi cabs are the only thing for folks who don’t drive or have had a few adult beverages. The ins-and-outs of this family-run business, Island Rides,are irritating, amusing and heartwarming. Let’s talk to Bobby and Natasha Skeans and find out more....