Business Cycle: AmRhein wine is going, going, gone

The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority “makes us dump it,” said winery spokeswoman Jackie AmRhein-Sells.

The winery and vineyard in Bent Mountain announced its closing last month after 26 years. Rather than see wine go to waste, the owners discounted the remaining inventory. As of Monday, whites were $6 and $12 a bottle and reds were $14, and prices will drop by $2 a week through month’s end, AmRhein-Sells said.

Bottles are for sale on the winery website, at AmRhein’s Fine Jewelry in Roanoke County through June 21 and at the tasting room on weekends through June 30.

Owners Russ and Paula AmRhein live on the property and intend to stay in retirement, idling the vineyard and the winemaking operation. Priorities are shifting to the care of Russ AmRhein, who turns 73 this month and has Parkinson’s disease, the family has said.

There isn’t a buyer lined up for the business, the real estate or its equipment, their daughter said. The vineyard did not receive its annual pruning in dormancy last winter, she said.

“I would say, eventually, two years, five years, 10 years, who knows, they will end up selling it,” she said.

ABC, asked about the dumping requirement, said “Virginia ABC winery permits include the right to possess and store alcoholic beverages, so when that license expires, so does the right to possess those products at the formerly licensed location.”