After 25 years of winemaking in Cañon City, the Winery at Holy Cross Abbey may soon close.

Since it opened to the public a quarter century ago, the wine-making operation at the historic monastery has won over 1,200 medals and awards in international competitions.

But now its owner, Larry Oddo, plans to retire according to a recent press release.

“This has been a gut-wrenching period of time,” he said in a statement. “This winery and our employees mean so much to the community and me. I’d love to have someone continue the legacy we have built over the years, but finding the right person to carry it forward hasn’t been easy. I may have to let it go and move on, and that is the most difficult part of owning and exiting a small business.”

Along with tastings and tours, the winery has hosted a number of events over the years.

“Building, growing and hosting events is risky and a ton of work, but so rewarding if done correctly,” Oddo said. “We believe we’ve gotten a lot of things right over the years. I’m going to miss that aspect of the business and involvement with the community.”

Wine from the Abbey was chosen last year as the first from Colorado to be available at a national park, and is currently on the wine list at Yellowstone National Park. But this year, the winery is canceling its Annual Harvest Fest, usually held the last weekend of September.

“Unless something changes, we simply will not have the wine or staffing to pull it off,” Oddo said.

If he can’t find a buyer, the winery will shut down at the end of September.

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