Rostraver gives final approval to winery
Walter S. Vinoski of Ruffs Dale, left, testifies with his attorney John M. Ranker before Rostraver Township commissioners about a new winery he plans to open this year.
This mansion at 333 Castle Drive in Rostraver Township is on target to become a winery and event center.
BELLE VERNON – Visitors to a new winery in Rostraver Township will enter its large bar through the rear of a palatial stone mansion where there is a view of an outdoor pool and onto grounds that will eventually become a vineyard.
The Vinoski Winery also will host weddings and other large events on the property that is about to be purchased out of foreclosure by Walter S. and Roxanne Vinoski, part owners of the Greendance Winery in Mt. Pleasant.
“It’s an absolutely incredible piece of property,” the couple’s attorney, John M. Ranker, said Wednesday after Rostraver Township commissioners unanimously gave final approval for the winery to open at 333 Castle Drive, Belle Vernon, near Willowbrook Golf Course.
Walter Vinoski said he will convert the four-car garage into the winery, which will initially employ between 12 and 20 workers.
The mansion with 13 bedrooms, a nanny suite, 13 bathrooms and a marble foyer flanked by two circular stairways, was built in 1997 by investor Jay Lustig. It’s been vacant for less than a year, Ranker said.
Inside the rear entrance is a large room already equipped with a bar, Walter Vinoski said.
“It’s set up as a tasting and sales room,” he said.
The Vinoskis have a tentative agreement to purchase the 33-acre site April 6 from Huntington National Bank in Columbus, Ohio, township records indicate.
Walter Vinoski testified Tuesday that he hopes to open the winery 45 days after the sale if finalized.
While the sale price has yet to be disclosed, the property was listed online for $2.5 million.
Ranker said the new winery will be a separate entity from Greendance, and the Mt. Pleasant operation will not be affected by the Rostraver venture.
Two neighbors approached the commissioners to discuss their concerns about the winery causing increased traffic on Willowbrook Road, which leads to Castle Drive.
“The traffic, that really makes me a little concerned,” neighbor Barry Miklos testified. “It’s a great idea,” he added.
Walter Vinoski said he likely will hold four large events a year at the winery.
“We really want to be good neighbors,” he said.