John Christ Winery — Attraction in Avon Lake

So disappointed to leave such a low rating, this used to be one of my favorite places until recently. The last few times I've been here have been not great experiences. The last time I went, there was a man who was incredibly drunk. Whenever I would come up to the bar to order, he would jump in front of me and dance or cough on me saying "oh sorry, I have covid". Nothing was said to him by anyone working. After a little while the song Black Betty came on, to which the drunk man starting making racist remarks to an African American woman in the winery. Again, this man was not asked to leave, but told that he needed to approach the woman again to apologize thus making the situation even more awkward. I was very uncomfortable with how this was handled, but chalked it up to uncomfortable staff that didn't know what to do. Tonight I had another unpleasant encounter. My husband and I were sitting inside and there was a large charcuterie board sitting at the bar waiting to be taken out to someone sitting outside who ordered it. While it was sitting there, an older man was at the counter ordering a bottle of wine to go. While he was sitting there, he was taking pieces of the charcuterie board and eating them. After he left, I went up to the bar and let the bartender know that he was eating it. I went back to my table and watched them take the charcuterie board that had been picked at by a random man outside to the poor person who ordered it. I'm fairly confident that the bartender knew before I even said anything to her about it that the man was eating it. She knew him by name (Bob), watched him eat it, and had the cook come out and look at it after he left while pointing at the food and pointing after Bob. I was absolutely disgusted that they would serve someone food already eaten by a stranger. I keep trying to give this place the benefit of the doubt, but clearly no one cares about the experience people have here. This used to be one of my favorite places to visit, but I don't think I'll be returning...

My husband and I love to visit wineries. We always spend copius amounts of money at good wineries with good service. We visited this winery this past Tuesday, their sign, website and facebook page said they were open until 6pm. We arrived about 5:15 pm, thinking surely we could have a few samples and buy some wine. Upon entering, we both used the restroom. My husband indicated that the mens restroom was void of ANY toilet paper or paper towels. I encountered a staff member, only to be greeted in a gruff manner. When I asked if we could sample some wine, his reply was "I don't have time. I am the only one here and I have to get to a staff meeting." I literally looked at him with bewilderment and said well- I guess we'll go to a grocery store to purchase some wine then! To which he changed his tune to make a sale. Don't advertise you are open till 6pm if you want to close early. This is a retail business- you signed up for this. If you advertise you are open until 6pm, plan accordingly. You lost a couple of wino's. We stayed at a local Airbnb and let them know about our experience and not to recommend this place. We're just an hour away and would have come back if we were treated better. Customer Service should always be your number one focus, you have one chance to make a good first impression- and this was a complete FAIL. I would recommend going to the Wine Vault in Vermillion at 5581 Liberty Ave. This place has a great atmosphere- superior service and the most amazing food plates.Then there's the Paper Moon Winery in Vermillion- they also have food and a great outdoor area and are pet friendly. PLUS Paper Moon has Hard cider- 2009 State Road. We had a a 5 star experience at both places, friendly staff, amazing wines and food. The other nearby winery to this one was Klingshirn at 33030 Webber Road, Avon Lake, OH.We recommend going there instead- staff is sooo friendly...

When my wife and I were dating, John Christ Winery was our "date spot". Everybody there was a friend, or became one. Alex and Zora Christ were wonderful hosts, who served some of the best wines the state had to offer, and comfort foods to match. We were like family. In fact, we held our rehearsal dinner at the winery.

Times change. Alex and Zora retired. The winery was sold. Attitudes changed as well. On my first visit under new management...I asked a question about a wine, and was rudely answered with, "You wouldn't understand." That is a bad answer, since I had worked in the wine industry for years. The "manager" failed to ascertain my background. I am no "expert", but that was rude to say, even to a novice. Later, I met the manager's parents at the winery. They were equally rude.

Sadly, the wines lost their wonderful nuances that Alex Christ formed. The friendly atmosphere is gone. Yes, the place is thriving with the folks who have moved into the Buddy Kopf developments in the area. Good for Buddy Kopf. You are a wonderful businessman. Unfortunately, the good wine is now average. The friendly atmosphere is now just another business...albeit local, that is good!

I do not expect Alex and Zora. They were special to us. That is past. It is just a shame the wines lost their character, and the staff lost their...