To all of our friends, family and supporters,

As the old saying goes: “All good things must come to an end.”  So must the winery.  We had a lot of fun and enjoyment, taught a lot of people how to make and enjoy fine spirits, and most of all we became a part of the Sarasota community.

After a long and heartfelt contemplation, we have made the decision to close the winery.  I wish could say it was a difficult decision.   From a personal standpoint, it was: knowing a lot of people counted on us for their supplies, wine, and entertainment.  Additionally, I’ll miss the camaraderie that the winery provided to a lot of like minded people who frequented our store. 

Financially though, it was a very easy decision.  It’s easy to blame the current economy.  I won’t because I don’t want to add to the hysteria currently plaguing the local business environment.  Perhaps we had the wrong business model in the wrong town, or we misjudged the potential for success. 

Nevertheless, it’s time to move on to something else.  I want to thank everyone who supported our efforts, most of all Linda, my wife and our diligent winemaker, Deborah Sims, both of whom we could not have done without. 

We will stay in Sarasota and support our community, as I encourage each of you to do.  Keep your eye on Gulf Gate Village. It is Sarasota’s diamond in the rough. 

If you need your fix for homebrew supplies there are a couple of local options or online through several Florida retailers.  Wine supplies are readily available locally and if you want to make wine on premises, you can find great stores in Cape Coral, and Punta Gorda. 

Thanks again for your support.  Cheers, and tip a glass of your favorite wine or homebrew. 

I’ll see you soon,

Mark