Historic Name

South Shore Inn

Address

1120 Freeport Rd

Municipality

North East Township

Tax Parcel

37005047000800

Historic District

Classification

Class 5 (Definitions of Classes)

State Key Number

Historic Function

Domestic - single dwelling

Style

Built

1860

Architect

Builder

Barn Type on property

Last Entry Update

5/22/2015

The South Shore Inn was once in operation as the South Shore Winery and was the first winery in Erie County. In 1857, William Griffith, a leading horticulturist of the area, particularly of grape horticulture, along with Smith Hammond and Dr. Avery of the North East area conducted an experiment with grapes. They planted a half acre of Catawba grapes to experiment with fruit production and wine making. Their efforts lead to a growing grape business and to the construction of wine cellars at Griffith's farm on Middle Road. The production expanded and in 1863, the South SHore Wine Co. planted a vineyard of 40 acres. The winery turned into an Inn and was run as such in the 20th century up until the early 2000s when the Mazza family bought, renovated and began selling their wine in the old winery.

Sources: Northwest Institute of Research, Historic Survey 1982

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Submitted information is reviewed by Preservation Erie prior to updating the database.

Photo courtesy, Erie County Assessment Office