Historically Speaking
by Renee Leininger

Esche's Aqua Vino Restaurant
at the Utica Historic Marina

The construction of the Erie Canal began in 1817 in Rome, New York and was the first navigable transportation system built in New York State.  Stretching from Albany to Buffalo, the canal...with its 36 locks...was considered a civil engineering and construction marvel of its time.

Officially opened in 1825, the canal's main purpose was to serve as an economical and timesaving transportation method for commercial and recreational watercraft.  It not only saved time and money, but helped to stimulate growth and prosperity throughout the state's region especially around the locks.  One such area to prosper was the City of Utica via its marina.

The Utica Historic Marina, located at 16 Harbor Lock Road, features a docking pier and an 8,000 sq. ft., two-story brick facility that overlooks the historic Erie Canal.  The city owned structure is handicapped accessible and features a banquet room with seating for up to 150 people, restrooms, elevator, outdoor patio, parking and a year round resturant located on the lower level...the prestigious Esche's Aqua Vino Restarrant & Banquets.

The restaurant, which opened in September 2007, is owned by Whitesboro native, former NHL goalie, Robert Esche.  Robert currently plays hockey in Bern, Switerland.  His vision was to reinvest in the community and to bring "a sophisticated, urban dining/banquet destination" with a waterfront setting to the area.

Since its inception and through the efforts and dedicatin of Robert and the Aqua Vino staff, his vision has come to fruition making Esche's Aqua Vino's Restaurant & Banquets a highly sought after dining or banquet destination.

Courtesy of
Beverly Esche, General Manager
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