Avon Lake, Ohio – Local wine enthusiasts are saddened to hear the announcement that John Christ Winery, a beloved establishment at 32421 Walker Road, will be closing its doors on October 1st. Rumors had been circulating for weeks regarding the winery’s future, and confirmation arrived via a social media announcement this week, bringing an era of local winemaking to a close.
John Christ Winery, a fixture in Avon Lake, had previously adjusted its operating hours in July, limiting weekday service and only opening the retail store and bar during weekends. However, the latest announcement confirmed the more permanent step of ceasing operations altogether.
In a heartfelt social media post, the owners of John Christ Winery explained the difficult decision: “After many years of welcoming our wonderful customers to enjoy our award winning Ohio wine at John Christ Winery in Avon Lake, we will be closing on Oct. 1. We have come to a point in time, after suffering through the COVID years, that we find ourselves without a full-time manager and wine maker. Unfortunately we need to close our doors and regroup for the future. This has been an extremely difficult decision to make. There are no plans at this time to build on the land. We will cherish the fun and good times and appreciate everyone who supported us over the years!”
The announcement cites the lingering challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and the absence of a full-time manager and winemaker as key factors leading to this closure. The owners emphasize that this was not an easy decision, and at present, there are no plans for redevelopment of the winery property.
For those wishing to visit John Christ Winery one last time or redeem gift certificates, the final weekend operating hours are: Friday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Customers are encouraged to use any outstanding gift certificates before the final closing date on October 1st.
A Rich History of Winemaking at John Christ Winery
The legacy of John Christ Winery stretches back to 1946, when founder John Christ arrived in Avon Lake from Macedonia. He established vineyards and a fruit farm across approximately 27 acres, laying the foundation for what would become a local winemaking institution. From its inception, John Christ Winery maintained a commitment to crafting wine entirely on-site. This encompassed every step of the winemaking process, from extracting juice from locally sourced grapes to fermentation, bottling, and labeling. This dedication to quality and local production resulted in an annual output of between 13,500 and 15,000 gallons of wine, enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
John Christ Winery has been more than just a business; it has been a part of the Avon Lake community for generations. Its closure marks the end of an era for local wine production in the area and leaves a void for those who appreciated its award-winning Ohio wines and welcoming atmosphere. The winery served as a destination for weekend outings, special occasions, and for simply enjoying locally crafted beverages in a picturesque setting.
The outpouring of support and memories shared online following the closure announcement underscores the significant impact John Christ Winery had on its patrons. As the winery prepares to close its doors, the owners and the community reflect on the many years of memories and the rich history of John Christ Winery in Avon Lake.
