At the rear of the Columbiana Corridor on South Main Street is the new McKim’s Winery at 20 1/2 S. Main St. With its proximity to the Corridor, which is a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) for the city, McKim’s customers can take their flights, glasses or even bottles of wine to enjoy the fresh air and ambiance legally, according to winery co-owner Ashley McKim. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

COLUMBIANA – The McKim’s Winery has moved the bulk of its retail operations from ground zero of the East Palestine train derailment to downtown Columbiana.

According to Ashley McKim, who owns the operation with her husband Mike, they have been pleased with their welcome by the city of Columbiana so far.

“Columbiana has been a breath of fresh air,” said McKim, who was complementary of their approach to economic development and business friendliness.

For example, McKim said city officials are allowing McKim’s to use their DORA (Downtown Outdoor Refresment Areas), which runs between PNC Bank and Birdfish Brewing on East Park Avenue, for customers who choose to enjoy the wines outside. This allows them to do so legally and not draw a potential open container if they stay within the selected area.

In fact, the Columbiana Corridor, which is one of the most sought after DORA locations, literally is at the McKim Winery’s front door.

Funded by grants and local business donations, the corridor includes a seating area, a sign and lighting.

Already embraced by the Clipper spirit, the couple’s three children (Brooke, Allie and Tommy) are enrolled in Columbiana Exempted School District through open enrollment.

The wines available for sale are made in small batches within the confines of their Columbiana location along with local Hilltop raw honey and chocolates from Rosalind in Beaver County, Pa.

The shop is located in the former Joe’s Barber Shop at 20 1/2 S. Main St.

“We make 50 varieties and will have 20 in stock for our grand opening,” Ashley McKim said, adding the first day that the Columbiana location opens will be Tuesday, April 8, with their ribbon cutting set for 4 p.m. Friday, April 11.

Previously located in East Palestine, where their business was at Ground Zero during the Norfolk Southern train derailment, they hope the change of scenery around 15 miles north will have a significant impact on their business.

“(So far) Columbiana has been a breath of fresh air,” McKim added.

While the McKims currently use their East Palestine location at 735 Taggart St. as an event center, they have moved all their retail operations to the Columbiana location.

With a variety of different wines available via either a flight, which allows a customer to taste several variety of wines at a sitting; a glass or a bottle, customers have a variety to choose from.

McKim Winery’s inventory includes varieties like Blushing Dragon, Strawberry Watermelon, Coconut Paradise and Puppy Love, named in honor of the family dog Lucy.

“We make sangrias per order on Fridays and Saturdays, using fresh fruit and juices. I would describe our wines as natural fruit blends, varying from tastes of dry and sweet,” McKim remarked, adding that they also produce wines sweetened with local raw honey. “We will have some varieties available in about six months.”

McKim’s Winery uses juice from all over the world. “We ferment here. Different regions and their soils bring out a variety of natural flavors in the wine,” added McKim.

While customers of all ages are welcome to shop he honey and chocolate, the State of Ohio requires that only customers 21 and older purchase the wine.

While the winery does not serve food, they encourage customers to enjoy that of the city’s many restaurants, especially those nearby like Paul’s Italian Grille, R’s Pizza, Generations Cafe and Carla’s.

McKim’s Winery is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, noon to 6 p.m. Fridays and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sundays and Mondays.

The winery address again is 20 1/2 S. Main St. in downtown Columbiana. For information, call 330-398-7662 or email mckimshoneyvine@aol.com.