Some of the vineyards at the Country Heritage Winery.

By Loren Shaum
Guest Columnist

LAOTTO — In the 1830’s, Fort Wayne settlers starting moving to the fertile farm lands lying further west and north of town. Many migrated north on the old Indian trail called the Mongoquinong Trail. In the 1850’s the town of Simon’s Corners was formed at the crossroads of two trails.

The Wesleyan Church was formed and became a main cog in the Underground Railroad.

Eventually the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad came through creating an intersection with the Eel River Railroad. So, the town name was changed to Grand Rapids Crossing because the railroads did not like the previous name. The trail was renamed the Lima Plank Road

In 1875, LaOtto was proposed for the town name by local Lutherans, and the county approved the new name.

Today, the town is concentrated at the intersection of Old SR 3 and SR 205. With a population of over a thousand, the town is buoyed by several popular establishments.

Sit ‘N Bull Pub ‘N Patio

Icelandic cod sandwich is served at the Sit ‘n Bull Pub ‘n Patio.

This joint is the local watering hole for those that can get there, then get home. Walking-in, you are greeted by regulars at the bar — most already happy campers at mid-day. The bartender greets you and quickly pours a cold one while you peruse the menu. It’s mostly a pizza and burger joint but with some interesting twists, and the Icelandic cod sandwich caught my attention. It was a colossal slab and melted in your mouth. I happily hammered the whole thing!

The daily special was chicken wings, and on occasion, you can choose from as many as 18 flavors. There are conventional and bazaar choices like gator, fire and garlic butter Cajun — among others. I sampled the honey barbecue and would go back for more.

LaOtto Brewing Company

Just down Main Street is LaOtto Brewing. Established in 2015, this small brewery is going strong against larger and more well-financed microbreweries. To maintain sustainability, the brewery must draw folks from afar, and the reason just might be the creative collection of brews — both regular and seasonal.

Creative names prevail like Rayjean Against the Machine Imperial IPA, Postmaster Pale, Hammond’s Imperial, Nor’Easter IPA and Napoleon Complex Salem. One seasonal brew is the Hardheaded Russian Imperial Stout. This robust brew must be sipped slowly. At 11.4% ABV, it can kick your butt!

Eats are just what you need while sloshing down these unique brews. There are six starters including their house-seasoned popcorn. Also available are sandwiches, wings, a wrap and four flatbread pizzas. And, you can build your own pizza, if you are so inclined.

Country Heritage Winery

This beautiful winery is a must-stop. Created from a 100-year old family farm, there are 101 acres of vineyards and ponds, The lodge-style winery features a store, tasting room and event center. Outside seating includes fire pits that you can reserve.

You can sample from over 30 varieties of dry and semi-sweet, sweet, dessert, ice and port-style wines, as well as, hard ciders and seasonal slushies. You can order a flight of your choosing.

Honey BBQ wings served at the Sit’N Bull Pub’n Patio.

They installed a wood-fired pizza oven and now offer eight pizzas including a pizza-of-the-week.

The remainder of the menu has expanded dramatically over the past couple years. You can choose from multiple nacho varieties, seven sharables, a soup-of-the-week and four sandwiches including the monster grinder.

Many people purchase a bottle of wine and wander the grounds while sipping their favorite vibration.

The event center is especially inviting with stuffed bears, a water fall and mounted deer heads are all a part of the ambience.

For an unincorporated burg, LaOtto has more to offer than many larger communities. Sadly, one interesting attraction, the Moose Lake Craft Village has closed. It was a great stop for breakfast, lunch, or a dip of ice cream.

Regardless, take a day to see all the town provides. It’s only 40 minutes from Lake Country, and you won’t be disappointed.

If You Go

Sit ‘n Bull Pub and Patio is at 101 S. Main St.

LaOtto Brewing is at 202 S. Main St.

Country Heritage Winery is at 185 CR 68 adjacent SR 3.