In August, Bull Lion Winery announced plans to move from its current location at 530 S. Main St. to 150 W. College St.
Owner Chuck Tordiglione, who has operated the business for four years, told the members at the joint meeting that his lease was ending and the building owner was going in another direction.
Both the commission and council denied a conditional use permit to approve the move.
The commission denied it 7-0, while council denied it 5-1-1 with Duff O’Dell voting in favor of the permit and Mayor William D. Tate abstaining. He stated his family owned property nearby.
How we got here
Tordiglione's search for a new business location turned to the neighboring building that currently provides office space. He said he would have stayed in the current location, formerly a gas station, if it was an option.
The proposed plan would have the winery occupy 1,262 square feet inside and 108 square feet outside with a four-foot deck for patio seating. Tordiglione said the winery has been an 11-time gold medal winner at GrapeFest.
The outdoor patio would eliminate three parking spaces, but Tordiglione said there could be room for compact cars parking in those spots.
“A location on Main [Street] is preferable, I think this is a step down for you, really,” Council Member Sharron Rogers said. “Losing three parking spots, I can’t support this, but I can support you staying in Grapevine.”
Sorting out details
Planning and zoning members and council members raised concerns about outdoor seating and parking with the deck extended four feet from the front entrance.
Tordiglione said he would’ve extended the deck further but could not because of an easement with utilities.
He said he planned to move the live music inside and his business model would shift from mostly an outdoor business to an indoor business. He added at the current location, about 80% of his business are from customers who sit outside in the patio.
At his current location, which was approved five years ago, council granted four tables on the patio and that could hold 10 to 12 customers. Council Member Darlene Freed said there are now north of 40 sitting spots in the space.
“That is a problem for me,” she said of the extra seating. “Visually, what you presented is nice and I’m open to what it looks like but to leave it open-ended and do what you did on Main Street, does not interest me at all.”
What else?
Council Members Leon Leal and Paul Schleta also raised concerns about the extra seating added without permission from the city.
“We love what you bring to our city,” Leal said. “I don’t think this is the place you need to be. Be patient and work with the city. Work on something else that is beneficial to everyone.”
