A Meadows of Dan distillery is set to move to Danville, according to Patrick County Administrator Tom Rose.
Dry Fork Fruit Distillery is moving to the River District in Danville, according to reports.
Vincent Puccio, and his partner, William T. Willis, plan to relocate the distillery because Patrick County does not allow liquor by the drink sales.
However, in Patrick County, some businesses above a certain altitude may get approval to sell liquor by the drink, Rose said.
Examples include Primland, the previous Doe Run and the Peaks of Otter, he said, and added all were approved to sell liquor by the drink.
When working with Dry Fork to win approval, Rose said “we had written letters of support for them to take to legislators, and helped coordinate with lawyers and what have you. We honestly thought they could” gain the needed approval.
However, “after all the trials and tribulations, they were unable to do so,” Rose said.
While in Patrick, Rose said the company had branched out, with sales in other states. “I think their wholesale business was going well,” he said.
Tastings were held in various ABC stores, according to the company’s social media page.
But company officials “wanted to have tastings” onsite, Rose said, and added the company “thought tastings were important and necessary their business.”
Rose said although county officials worked with the company to obtain the needed approval, “we were unable to do that in a timely manner.”
In their relocation efforts and future projects, “I wish them all the best,” Rose said.
Debbie Foley, director of Economic Development, echoed Rose’s sentiments.
“We deeply regret that Dry Fork Fruit Distillery has made the ultimate decision to leave Patrick County. They were a great asset” to our county’s diverse business community, Foley said. “We wish them well in their future endeavors.”
According to online reports, the distillery makes five varieties of spirits: a 100-proof corn whiskey and 80-proof fruit infused whiskey flavored with Damson plum, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
Using a steam process, the company produces an estimated 2,500 gallons annually, according to social media and online reports.
In addition to the distillery, company officials also plan to locate a retail store and tasting room in Danville’s River District by the end of the year, according to online reports.
Company officials could not be reached for comment.
