Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Lees. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Karen grew up in Fergus Falls, MN, and moved to Colorado and met Jeff. They raised 2 girls and the family would visit Lakes Country every summer. Once the kids graduated college, Jeff and Karen would sell their 9 to 5 businesses and move to Otter Tail County.
With a winemaking background, Jeff felt that a small cider tasting room would be a great addition to the area (there are wonderful apple orchards all over the region). A tasting room that could be on the same property as their home would even be a better idea! They found the perfect lot situated on Lake Ethel smack dab in-between Ottertail City and Battle Lake.
An old dilapidated barn sat on their lot, it had a loft door with “1910” painted on it (the door is now hanging inside the tasting room) 1910 Sip House was the name that stuck. The barn came down and most of the wood salvaged. A repurposed grain bin was erected for the tasting room, it fits the landscape perfectly.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Understanding the Minnesota liquor laws and some neighbors hesitant to welcome our business pandemic.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The 1910 Sip House opened in October 2020, and it has quickly become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. They offer a wide variety of hard ciders, as well as other beverages, and snacks. They also have a large outdoor patio, which is perfect for enjoying the beautiful Minnesota summers.
The 1910 Sip House is a great place to relax and enjoy a drink with friends. They have a warm and inviting atmosphere, and their staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They are also committed to using local ingredients, and their ciders are made with apples from Minnesota orchards.
The 1910 Sip House is still a relatively new business, but they have already made a big impact on the community. They are a great example of how small businesses can revitalize rural areas, and they are excited to continue growing and serving their community in the years to come.
Here are some of the things that make the 1910 Sip House unique: They are located in a historic grain bin, which gives them a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. They offer a wide variety of hard ciders, including both traditional and experimental flavors. They have a large outdoor patio, which is perfect for enjoying the outdoors.
They are committed to using local ingredients. They are a great place to relax and enjoy a drink with friends. Bourbon Barrel aged cider Old Fashioned cocktails every fall-winter
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
The pandemic delayed our opening to the fall of 2020, however, it allowed the two of us to work out the kinks and learn our clientele in preparation for our first summer season in 2021.
Pricing:
- $7 12oz pour
- $15 flight of 4 4oz glasses
- $8 specialty drinks
- $9 Old Fashioned (seasonal)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.1910SipHouse.com
- Instagram: @1910siphouse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lovielees
