Or at least Martha’s Vineyard is to lose its winery. While we reported in the spring that the winery, Chicama Vineyards, was being sold and would reopen in the fall (see: Massachusetts Oldest Winery, Chicama Vineyards Sold), it appears that plans have changed. An advertisement in this week’s Martha’s Vineyard Times indicates that the winery is closing. The ad is for a “Final Sale and Closing Party” to be held today and tomorrow (8/8-8/9/2008). I do not know the details but will find tem out later today when I visit the winery (yes I am on the Vineyard…).
So after 37 years in operation, it would appear the Massachusetts’ first and oldest bonded winery will be colosing its doors foever. I, for one, amd sad. The winery has always been an institution on the Island since I frist started visiting regularly over 20 years ago.
I have confirmed that the Chicama Winery is closing. It has been sold and the new owners are not going to operate it as a winery and they are not going to develop the land. I managed to pick up one of the last cases of their wine while there at their “Final Sale and Closing Party”. The sellers, the son and daughters of the founders will all be living in Vermont so their time on the Island as residents is also coming to an end.
For more information see the article “Chicama Vineyards closes after 37 years” in the “News in Brief” section (http://www.mvtimes.com/2008/08/14/news/news-in-brief.php – scroll all the way to the bottom) of the Martha’s Vineyard Times.
[...] last summer. Chicama Vineyards. It looks nice enough. Apparently it was sold in 2008 but plans changed and now all you get is this. Tears of [...]