After more than ten years in business, Wheat State Wine Co. in rural Winfield is closing its doors to the public. The final day of operation will be Saturday, Dec. 31.
Business and scheduled events will continue as usual at Wheat State Wine Co. until year end. Tasting room open hours are Friday to Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Beginning Nov. 18 through De. 31, the tasting room will be open Friday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The tasting room will be closed December 24 and 25.
The final open day will be Saturday, December 31 from noon to 5 p.m. Wheat State Wine Co. encourages the public to check social media and their website for sales and specials on its wine.
Owner and winemaker, Chris Tyler said ‘this has been an extremely hard decision that I did not take lightly. Making great wine and sharing it with our customers has been one of my favorite parts of owning a winery. Having great staff helps, too. Wheat State Wine Co. has been a success; I feel it’s time for me to close this chapter and move on to the next thing.”
Tyler is looking to focus on other ways to invest in Winfield and improve the community for others.
He said Wheat State Wine Co. has grown its customer base every year and has had patrons in for wine tastings from all over the world.
“We’ve really enjoyed sharing our corner of Cowley County with everyone. Spring Hill Farm, the property at which we are located, has been a local treasure for decades,” Tyler said.
Ghost, the winery dog, will continue to live on the Springhill Farm, which is family owned.
Wheat State Wine Company began in 2008 when the first vines were planted on Tyler’s family farm just southeast of Winfield.
With the goal of making the best wine in Kansas, Wheat State Wine Co. started making wine in 2011 with careful attention to detail and a methodical approach that helps create exceptional quality control. Since then, wines have won “Kansas Wine of the Year” honors in 2012 and several medals at national wine competitions in Texas and New York.
Upcoming Events:
September 3– Uncork the Music Presents: Haymakers
September 13– Pre-festival Music Crawl Downtown Winfield
September 14-18– Tasting Room open from Noon-6 for Bluegrass week (find our wine and wine slushies at the festival, too!
October 22– Uncork the Music Presents: Shinyribs
December 31– Final Day Open, from Noon to 5:00 pm
For the full list of upcoming events at Wheat State Wine Co. and year-end events, please visit www.wheatstatewineco.com.
Above photo of Winery staff: Chris Tyler, Laikyn Beckner, Lena Helms, Christine Byrd, and Nick Mattingly.