 We would like to congratulate Dragonfly Vineyard & Wine Cellar for being selected as the West Liberty Business Association’s June 2024 Business of the Month. Dragonfly is a winery, restaurant, events and venue option. They are located at 710 West Herr Road, Urbana, Ohio. Their phone number is 937-653-4377. Their hours of operation are Thursday, 5 PM - 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday, noon - 9 PM.
The business is owned by the husband-and-wife duo of Kent and Connie Eichenauer. Kent is a psychologist who still works in the cardiac rehabilitation programs at Mary Rutan Hospital in Bellefontaine as well as Mount Carmel Hospital in Grove City. He is the winemaker. His wife Connie is a retired teacher/administrator from Springfield City Schools. She is the tasting room/vineyard manager. The very first acre in the vineyard was planted in May of 2011. The winery was built and opened in June of 2019. They currently have 12 employees. Dragonfly got its start growing grapes for another winery, then started playing around making wine in their basement. After sharing wine that they had made with friends and family, people wanted to buy the wine. They were not legally allowed to sell the wine since they did not have their commercial certification. People encouraged them to open a winery, and after several years of fighting that off, they gave in. The vineyard setting is very beautiful! People can sit in the vineyard looking at the very grape that made the very wine they’re drinking. It is a peaceful setting, generally filled with laughter. And although they have different events, and live music at times, people love the tranquility. They also have appetizers and sandwiches that go well with the wine. In the winter, they have a warm fireplace, in a cozy tasting room. They also give tours. People love to learn about the wine making process. Connie is passionate about the vineyard and many garden, FFA groups and interest groups have come to tour the vineyard and learn about grape growing. Several times they have had a sommelier visit and talk about wines and wine pairings. They have done that themselves, offering wine tastings and dinners, live music, Yoga, the Parkinson’s/PSP stroll; these things on their Facebook page and on their website. Their wines are also available in some local restaurants and grocery stores, and they are happy to be a part of the community in that way. They also rent out vineyard space and the building at times for different events such as reunions, graduations, bridal showers, baby showers, various group gatherings/parties. Their customers love the wine! And they love the peaceful setting, and the people they meet that they continue to be friends with. Thursday evenings are filled mostly with the regular customers that come in to be with each other. They seldom get away from their business. They are usually there working in the vineyard or cellar. But as much as there is to do, they will always find the time to attend their grandchildren’s ballgames/activities. Connie says that the best part about this business is the people! They love meeting people, sitting down with them, drinking wine, and hearing their stories. She also added that their favorite thing about West Liberty is the energy and enthusiasm of the people! There’s always something going on! There’s a lot that happens and is offered for such a small town. Again, congratulations to Dragonfly Vineyard & Wine Cellar! Written and submitted by: Brenda Snyder, WLBA Secretary |
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