A landmark on Geneva’s legendary 3rd Street since 2004 is closing permanently at the end of the month.
According to a statement, Galena Cellars Tasting Room, located at 477 S. 3rd in Geneva, will close permanently on January 31.
“The impact of the pandemic was felt very hard at our Geneva location,” the statement read.
Galena Cellars Vineyard and Winery, based approximately 2.5 hours west of Geneva in Galena, Illinois, began in MacGregor, Iowa, and was originally called Christine’s Winery, after Christine Lawlor who opened it with her husband in 1974. After purchasing an additional winery in Wisconsin, the Lawlors purchased a third in Galena. Subsequently, the Lawlors focused all their efforts on the Galena location, improving facilities and expanding production continuously.
In 2004, the firm opened their first and only suburban Chicago tasting room in Geneva.
The statement from the winery indicates that future activities will be focused on their two facilities in Galena. A new production facility at the Vineyard is also planned.
“We are grateful for the many years we have spent being part of the Geneva community. May this not be goodbye, but simply a cheers to the future.”
