Endless Summer Winery

[Midwest Vintner]

Thank you Midwest Vintner for this post, Ive been thinking about doing a winery for sometime and I've contacted my state office ( got all the paperwork) and the Fed govt stuff.

Hope all goes well for you!

Thanks again for the great info.

TJBryner

No problem. I hope you get through it unscathed and have FUN! Please keep us updated.

The key things that can really bite you.
-Zoning
-Sewer
-Water
-Plumbing
-Electrical

All of those must be separate and basically restaurant style. You will have to change things if they are not! Also, beware false info. We got bad info on numerous occasions. The TTB and ATF were very straight forward (gotta have a clean record though). Make sure you have anything said to you, in writing from ANY official. Double check everything and you should be good to go. Oh, and plan to spend much more than you anticipated.

The way to make a small fortune in the wine business is to start with a large one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm not doing this to get rich. I have put over 4 years up to this point researching, looking for loans and working 2 jobs. It's not easy, but if we even do OK, then I'll be more than happy!

 

[tjbryner]

Thanks for the Key issues, I'm lucky I think??? I have someone that owns a winery close to hear (20 Miles away) and he's been very helpful with information. So far my big issue is I'm in a dry township, It'll go up for a vote this fall . Hoping for the best!!

But I'm still going to buy the equipment as if everything is good to go that way I'm head off the game, I can always look at a new location!


Also How many Gallons are you planning on doing the 1st year?

TJBryner

 

[Midwest Vintner]

Thanks for the Key issues, I'm lucky I think??? I have someone that owns a winery close to hear (20 Miles away) and he's been very helpful with information. So far my big issue is I'm in a dry township, It'll go up for a vote this fall . Hoping for the best!!

But I'm still going to buy the equipment as if everything is good to go that way I'm head off the game, I can always look at a new location!


Also How many Gallons are you planning on doing the 1st year?

TJBryner

Well, It's good you are getting first hand knowledge in your area because it can be different because of state laws. I would be looking at new locations now, if you have time, in order to be ready for both situations. I hope you have a good place to store the equipment because it can take 4-6 months or so to just get the licensing through. It's nice that we were able to build what we wanted, but it's more expensive. If you could buy a winery already built and ready to go, then that would streamline the whole process.

We are going to make in the ball park of 2,500 gal or maybe more the first year. We do not plan on selling it all, but it's better after 2 years anyhow. We started with about 1700 gallons, but will make more and bottle it (hopefully) before next summer.

Good luck!!!!!!

 

[pwrose]

I know you are probably busy being that you just opened, but I have a $ question for ya.
How much not counting land purchase have you invested in getting things started?
Even including the oops I forgot about that and had to add it things.

 

[tjbryner]

Well here's the update.
Every thing was set to go in motion this week, However my township is dry...(No bars, clubs, winery, ETC) I have to wait till the spring of 2013 for a primary election to do a referendum and have the public vote on it.

So for now my options are
1. put every thing on hold
2. Look for another location
3. get the state LLC setup, federal license, and my bound then wait till 2013 and see if it is approved.

If I go with option 3. and it does not go thought I can do an addendum to my Federal license for a new location with only a few headaches. More then likely as it stands I'm doing option 2 and 3.

I will say that this thread has been VERY helpful and again Many thanks!

 

[grapeman]

You might find it even more useful if you start your own thread rather than adding it onto Midwest Vintners. People could find it easier that way and probably you could also. You probably would find it beneficial in the future to move it to a town where it is allowed. It is hard doing business where it is not wanted.

 

[MOwino]

Hello Endless Summer!

My wife and I were here 2 weekends ago. I spoke to you about the Bat Creek beer that is made in Bowling green.

In fact, as I am typing this I am drinking a bottle of your pear wine and yes, it is delicious! This place has a great view and is off to a great start. The owners are very nice and their winery is quite welcoming. We will be back in the spring and look forward to seeing you again. Best of luck to you, I hope you are having a great October.

Chris (from Hannibal)

 

[Midwest Vintner]

Chris, THANKS! October has been really good. Spring should be a good time because we will have another new wine (hopefully!). Also, I plan on installing a water feature between the seating area and tasting room in that patch of grass. We will be doing further improvements too! Looking forward to seeing you. You can check us out on Facebook or EndlessSummerWinery.com to see what we have going on.

 

[Rivenin]

i just posted on your facebook wall, looks awesome! i'm super jealous!