Pheasant Hollow to celebrate anniversary

It's been 18 years since Pheasant Hollow Winery opened its doors in the small town of Whittington.
On Dec. 29, the winery whose signature "Black and Blue" sold nearly 16,000 gallons last year, had a shift in ownership. The Pontious family took control of the business, purchasing the shares of Bruce and Mary Morgenstern.
To celebrate, the new owners are hosting a "grand re-opening" July 1 to 4 featuring food, music and even discounts on wine.
"We're really excited about the fact that the minority partners bought out the majority partners," said Jack Griggs, one of the "new old owners." Griggs said his family has been involved since "day one."
"We are excited about the improvements we've made," Griggs said. Those improvements include working on the gazebo area, adding asphalt to the parking area and planting colorful flowers.
"We're looking at doing some things to improve production," Griggs sad. "Our distributors keep wanting more and more product."
Griggs said the group decided to expand the annual July 4 celebration into a four-day event this year. On July 1, Sauced Up Smokers will serve food from noon to 8 p.m., "or until we run out," Griggs said. That day will feature two local bands, "Taxi" out of Ridgway, playing oldies and classic rock at 1 p.m., followed by the classic rock band "The Morels" from Mt. Vernon.
At 4 p.m. July 2, the "Rock 'n' Roll Banker" will provide tunes from 2 to 5 p.m. On July 4, singer/songwriter Chris Slone will play from 2 to 5 p.m.
Pheasant Hollow will have free snacks created by "the Wine Guys," Franklin and Tyce Saylor, from noon to 2 p.m. July 2 and 4.
"On July 4," Griggs said, "we're going to have brats served with a slaw in a sauce made from our wine." Griggs said they also will be offering an 18 percent discount on wines that day in honor of the 18th anniversary.
Griggs said the family is excited about the changes that have been made.
"There is more to come," he said.