Moon Dancer Vineyard & Winery, a popular destination just south of Wrightsville, Pennsylvania, has officially closed its doors as of Thursday, July 18th, potentially marking the end of an era for this beloved local establishment. The closure comes after a protracted legal dispute with neighboring residents over deed restrictions, culminating in a court order that has forced the winery to cease operations.
Jim Leaman, a musician with the band Travelers, visited Moon Dancer Vineyards on Thursday with hopes of booking another performance, unaware of the immediate closure. His band, known for their country blues and folk music, had previously played at the winery, drawn to its welcoming atmosphere and scenic location on Klines Run Road. Leaman, aware of the ongoing legal challenges facing the vineyard, was uncertain about its future.
He encountered owner Jim Miller in the winery’s tasting and retail area, where Miller confirmed the disheartening news. Unless an appeal proves successful, Thursday would indeed be their last day in operation. Leaman expressed his sympathy, acknowledging the immense emotional toll of the situation, to which Miller somberly replied, “You can’t imagine.”
The legal saga began in 2017, initiated by neighbors Amanda Perko and Matthew Balsavage, residents of an adjacent property. Their lawsuit contested the winery’s operation based on deed restrictions within the upscale Lauxmont Farms development, which prohibited commercial activities and businesses deemed a nuisance to residents. In May, York County Judge Clyde Vedder sided with the neighbors, ruling against Moon Dancer Vineyards, stating the winery had violated these restrictions.
Exterior view of Moon Dancer Vineyards winery building in York County, Pennsylvania, showcasing its French-country style architecture and scenic vineyard setting.
Despite a brief reprieve granted on June 19th, which allowed Moon Dancer Vineyards to briefly reopen while the court reconsidered, the respite was short-lived. The court ultimately reaffirmed its decision, mandating the winery’s closure by Thursday, July 18th. Miller described the legal process as an agonizing “roller-coaster ride.” He voiced his devastation on Thursday afternoon, as loyal patrons visited to offer their condolences and share a final glass of wine at the now-shuttered Moon Dancer Vineyards.
Miller’s history with the 50-acre property dates back to 1993 when he first acquired it and began cultivating grapes, long before Moon Dancer Vineyards became a recognized name in the local wine scene. He fondly recalled the initial support from his neighbors, including the previous owner of the property now occupied by his litigants, who even assisted in painting the winery’s interior and permitted grape vines to be planted on her land. Local children were also involved in the early days, helping with grape harvests and the traditional stomping process.
In 2004, Miller realized his vision, opening the Moon Dancer Vineyards winery within a striking French-country style building. Over the years, the winery evolved into a vibrant community hub, hosting events, supporting local musicians, and attracting wine enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. Recent investments included a state-of-the-art Italian bottling machine, installed in their 17-foot deep cellar, capable of bottling an impressive 1,000 bottles per hour, highlighting Miller’s commitment to quality and growth at Moon Dancer Vineyards.
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Looking ahead, Miller expressed his determination to explore all available options to challenge the ruling and keep Moon Dancer Vineyards alive. “We’re going to do whatever we can to fight this and to stay open,” he asserted, emphasizing the perceived injustice of the situation. “It never should have gotten this far.”
Miller highlighted the land’s agricultural preservation status, underscoring their three-decade commitment to responsible land stewardship. “We have been good stewards of this land for 30 years, and now we’re being told we can’t,” he lamented. The future remains uncertain, with Miller acknowledging the indefinite nature of the closure. If the shutdown becomes permanent, he speculated on the possibility of subdividing the property for residential development.
Perko and Balsavage, the neighbors who initiated the lawsuit, have declined to comment on the closure of Moon Dancer Vineyards, according to their legal representative.
Mike Argento, Columnist/reporter at York Daily Record since 1982. Contact him at [email protected].
