MCCORDSVILLE — A McCordsville winery is shuttering its doors to the public because of burdens caused by a new noise ordinance being considered by the town council. But town officials argue they’ve made every effort to cooperate with the business while taking steps to minimize disruptions to neighboring residents.
Daniel’s Vineyard, a popular family-owned winery and event center, announced Monday that it no longer will be open to the public starting Thursday. All public events — including its summer concert series — will cease, and the business will now focus exclusively on private events, Cellar Club memberships and wine distribution, owner Daniel Cook said in a statement.
Daniel’s Vineyard plays host to a summer concert series each year featuring live performances. Since the winery opened a year and a half ago, Daniel’s has been the subject of several noise complaints from neighboring residents and businesses, who say they can hear the music late into the night from their homes.
Last June, at least 75 people gathered at town hall to discuss with the town council what action officials might need to take. An ad-hoc committee was formed to negotiate a compromise to the problem; citizens representing interests both for and against the music continuing at Daniel’s Vineyard were slated to meet and discuss possible solutions.
But now, Daniel and Kimberly Cook say they’ve been pushed to make the difficult decision to close their winery and tasting room to the public. While they still plan to remain a part of the community, the restrictive noise ordinances presented by the town council have caused them to shift the focus of their business, they said.
“We have loved serving the community and hosting thousands since opening a year and a half ago,” Daniel Cook said in a news release. “But without the support of the town council of McCordsville, where the vineyard resides, we have to re-evaluate our business plan.”
Daniel’s Vineyard plans to continue serving as a venue for corporate events, weddings and nonprofit fundraisers, Cook said. It will also continue having members-only special events through a revamped Cellar Club, he said.
The McCordsville Town Council strives to be responsive to both businesses and residents, it said in a statement. Further, the amended ordinance is intended to replace an existing ordinance so the town can find a solution to satisfy both sides of the issue. Daniel’s Vineyard made its decision based on its business plan, they said.
The revised town ordinance has not yet been voted on by the council, town manager Tonya Galbraith said. A public meeting was held Tuesday to measure and determine the correct decibel level it can use as a proper reference while drafting the new ordinance, she said.
“We’re trying to be very scientific about it, making sure we have the right number so we don’t have to do this again,” Galbraith said. “We’re doing this for all other businesses in town, too. No matter what the outcome is, we’ll still have an ordinance.”
“We support Daniels’ Vineyard, and we support our residents,” she added. “We’re trying to find that balance where we can do both. But for the town to be put in such poor light when we’re actually trying to work through this issue, it’s hard.”
