STURGIS  (11/8/2013) –  Sturgis welcomes Belle Joli Winery!  Jackson Vineyard owners Matthew and Choi Jackson and Dr. John and Patty Jackson invited the public to a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, November 8, at 10:00 am.  It was held at the construction site of their new Sturgis winery and vineyard, approximately one-half mile south of Exit 32 at the entrance to Vanocker Canyon.   Immediately following the ceremony, a reception was held at JJ Davenport’s, 1020 Junction Ave, Sturgis. 

Contractor Ainsworth-Benning started blasting last week to prepare for construction of the champagne production facility (South Dakota’s first champagne house) with a tasting room and indoor and outdoor seating.  The winery will sit on a 12-acre parcel and include a 5-acre vineyard, which was planted earlier this year.  The winery is expected to be operational by spring of 2014, employing 10 to 15 staff.

The Jackson family states, “We would like to thank the community of Sturgis as well as Pioneer Bank and Trust for their support.”  This was echoed by Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen stating, “This is an exciting time for Sturgis.  Belle Joli will complement our hospitality industry.  We welcome the Jackson’s and Belle Joli, and look forward to having them join our business community.”  

Belle Joli will be the retail anchor at the southern edge of Exit 32’s development corridor.  Sturgis Economic Development Corp President Pat Kurtenbach states, “The Jackson’s are visionaries in establishing their champagne house at the mouth of Vanocker Canyon.   We expect Belli Joli to be the first of many new, unique business attractions in the Sturgis community.”