It’s
October, when thoughts turn to harvest, Halloween, and hauntings – the perfect
time to explore a haunted winery or two. This month, Joy’s JOY of Wine will take
a look at haunted wineries across the U.S., and the world. So pour a glass of
something dark and brooding as we explore some ‘spirited’ wineries, and those
who make them so…
The
Winery at Marjim Manor in Appleton, New York, has a reputation - for being
haunted. Many people report
feeling watched while in the building.
The owners have heard voices, seen objects move on their own, and
the apparition of two men has been observed.
The manor actually began as a family home. Built in 1854 by Shubal Scudder
Merrit for his wife and children, members of the family resided there until
1895. Dr. Charles Ring then
purchased the house for his wife, Hannah.
They named it Appleton.
In
1933, the Sisters of St. Joseph purchased the home. They turned the house into a nuns’ retreat, created a farm
school for deaf boys, and formed a camp for girls. The Sisters stayed for 60 years.
In
1993, the home was purchased for use by Gardner Graphics. After ten years, it was sold again. In
2003, current owner, Margo Bittner bought the house in order to turn it into a
winery. One year later, the Winery
at Marjim Manor opened with ten different types of wines.
So
who or what haunts this winery?
Reports indicate that possible ghosts include the first owner, Shubal
Scudder Merritt, Shubal’s son Lewis, who was accidentally shot by his father and
died in the house. Second owner,
Dr Charles Ring is said to appear in the manor at times. And so does Duke, one of the dogs
that lived with the Sisters of St. Joseph. 
While
most wineries tend to play down otherworld occurrences, Marjim embraces
it. The winery has been
featured on the Travel Channel’s Most
Terrifying Places in America and
on Ghost Hunters. 
Want
a chance to see the sprits?
Private group ghost hunts can be scheduled for Friday or Saturday nights
with 4 weeks notice and a minimum of ten guests. The Winery at Marjim Manor also offers wine tastings, tours, and
events. For more information visit
their web page @ http://marjimmanor.com
~
Miles
Wine Cellar in Himrod, New York is another winery with a haunted past. Located in a Greek Revival Mansion, the grounds over
overlook Seneca Lake, in the New York Finger Lakes Wine region.
According
to local legend, a young couple from the Victoria era can be seen on the front
porch in an embrace. Rumor has it
that they died tragically in the house, but no one has actually been able to
trace the story.
Doug
Miles and Suzy Hayes have lived in the home since the eighties. They report several incidents of
slamming doors throughout the house, mists rising from the floors, and bed
quilts being thrown about the room. (And did I mention there is also a family
cemetery on the grounds?)
In
2003, the winery released a white wine, appropriately named “Ghost.” The bottle features a silk-screened
image of a Victorian woman, with the mansion visible among her skirts. The wine is still in production.
Miles
Wine Cellars offers wine tastings, a café with seasonal food offerings, and an
inn where you can spend the night.
The Inn at Miles Wine Cellars is located in the mansion. A two-night stay is required. Learn more @ http://mileswinecellars.com
Have a favorite haunted winery? Let me know
where the spirits imbibe….
~
Joy
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