PORT CLINTON — A favorite of locals and tourists on Catawba Island is getting renamed and rebranded in what the new owners are calling a "second chance."
Mon Ami Winery and Restaurant will now be known as Gideon Owen Wine Co., a nod to the man by the same name who moved to Catawba Island nearly 200 years ago and was involved with the original establishment. Owners Quintin and Donna Smith purchased the restaurant in June and intend to bring it back to its winery roots.
"We have sought out and discovered many of the historical truths of this facility," the new owners wrote in a letter. "An interesting fact is that the original group of fruit growers who banded together to create this national treasure named the entity 'Catawba Island's Wine Company.' In other words, they had the wisdom to view their magnificent creation as the community's wine company, not just theirs."
According to marketing manager Emily Wallack, the family initially had no intentions of changing the name. However those plans changed in late 2019 when it was discovered the business could not make and sell wine under the Mon Ami name due to naming rights issues.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith said they always wanted to sell wine under the Gideon Owen label. Mr. Owen moved to the area from New York in the mid-1800s.
"He was very passionate about grape growing and wine production," Ms. Wallack said. "Quintin Smith feels very passionate about giving him a nod with the name change and bringing Catawba Island back to its glory days. The Lake Erie Shores and Islands are one of the best areas in the world to produce wine, but it's been kind of forgotten about over the last few decades."
Mon Ami was a Catawba Island staple for decades and a popular hangout for area residents and travelers. Lake Erie Islands and Shores President Larry Fletcher said despite the fanfare for the old operations, he's excited for the changes.
"I think what will happen is there will be a rebirth of a longstanding tradition in the region," Mr. Fletcher said. "The redesigns are all about preserving that history. They want to be a good steward of that legacy."
Mr. Fletcher said he hasn't heard any negative feedback. He believes residents have confidence in the Smiths, especially after observing Mr. Smith run Twin Oast Brewing in the area for the past two years.
The Chalet restaurant is set to open April 3, pending final construction. Tirage Wine Bar and a French market with cheeses and breads will open by late May.
The winery partnered with a grower to begin making wine under the Gideon Owen label. Ms. Wallack said the Smiths purchased surrounding land and plan to eventually maintain their own vineyard.
"We understand this is a big change for a lot of people in the community who got to know Mon Ami and it's part of their own story," Ms. Wallack said. "This wasn't an easy decision to cease operations as Mon Ami, but it was a necessary step for future planning. We wouldn't be able to do this without Mon Ami being what it has been."
First Published March 12, 2020, 10:13 p.m.
