Moon Dancer Winery, a beloved fixture in York, Pennsylvania, has ceased operations as of Thursday, July 18th, potentially marking a permanent closure after a protracted legal battle. The winery, situated just south of Wrightsville, found itself at the center of a deed restriction lawsuit that ultimately led to its shutdown.
Jim Leaman, a musician with the band Travelers, visited Moon Dancer Winery on Thursday with hopes of securing another performance gig. His band, known for their country blues and folk tunes, had previously played at the winery located on Klines Run Road. Aware of the winery’s ongoing legal challenges concerning deed restrictions within the rural development, Leaman was uncertain about its future.
Upon arriving, winery owner Jim Miller confirmed Leaman’s fears. Unless a successful appeal is mounted, Thursday marked the final day for Moon Dancer Winery. Miller shared the devastating news with Leaman in the winery’s retail and bar area, a space usually filled with the cheerful buzz of patrons. Leaman, expressing empathy, remarked on the emotional toll Miller must be experiencing, to which Miller somberly agreed, “You can’t imagine.”
The legal dispute, initiated in 2017 by neighbors Amanda Perko and Matthew Balsavage who reside adjacent to the winery, revolved around alleged violations of deed restrictions within the upscale Lauxmont Farms development. These restrictions, designed to maintain the residential character of the area, prohibit commercial activities and businesses that could cause disturbance to residents. Judge Clyde Vedder of the York County Court ruled in May that Moon Dancer Winery was indeed in breach of these deed restrictions.
Initially closed on June 10th following the ruling, Moon Dancer Winery received a temporary reprieve on June 19th. This allowed them to reopen on June 21st as the court agreed to reconsider the case. However, this brief glimmer of hope was extinguished last week when the court reaffirmed its decision, mandating the winery’s closure by Thursday, July 18th. Miller poignantly described the situation as an emotionally draining “roller-coaster ride.”
“It’s devastating,” Miller reiterated on Thursday afternoon, as loyal customers trickled in, offering words of sympathy and enjoying a final glass of wine at their cherished local winery.
Miller’s connection to the 50-acre property dates back to 1993 when he first acquired it and began cultivating grapes. He reminisced about the initial support from his neighbors, including the previous owner of the house now occupied by the suing couple. She had not only assisted in painting the winery’s interior but also permitted him to plant grapevines on her land. Local children were also involved in the early days, enthusiastically helping with grape harvests, even stomping the grapes with their feet.
Moon Dancer Vineyard & Wintery closes, following a reprieve last month
In 2004, Miller realized his vision by opening the winery in a sprawling, French-country-inspired building. Moon Dancer Winery evolved into more than just a winery; it became a vital event venue and a staunch supporter of local musicians. Miller emphasized its role as a community hub, drawing wine enthusiasts from across the region and beyond. Recently, demonstrating continued investment in the business, the winery installed a state-of-the-art Italian bottling machine in its underground cellar, capable of bottling an impressive 1,000 bottles per hour.
Despite these efforts and its established presence, Moon Dancer Winery’s future hangs in the balance. “We’re going to do whatever we can to fight this and to stay open,” Miller affirmed, highlighting the injustice he feels, “It never should have gotten this far.”
Miller emphasized the land’s agricultural preservation status and his three decades of responsible land stewardship. He expressed bewilderment at being forced to close despite this commitment. The duration of the closure remains uncertain. Miller speculated that if the closure becomes permanent, he might be compelled to subdivide the land for residential development, potentially building houses for “rich people,” a prospect clearly at odds with his passion for winemaking and community building.
Perko and Balsavage, the neighbors who initiated the lawsuit, have declined to comment on the winery’s closure, according to their legal representative.
Mike Argento has been a York Daily Record staff writer since 1982. Contact him at [email protected].
Previously: After a brief reprieve, Moon Dancer Winery ordered to close – again
Previously: Moon Dancer to reopen Friday as court rules to allow it to continue operating
