Walker’s Bluff Winery in Carterville announced Wednesday it will permanently close, with operators citing rising property taxes and continued financial losses.
The closure does NOT affect Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort.
Brad Elders, who operates the winery, said the decision followed receipt of the latest property tax bills. Elders said taxes on the approximately 232-acre property spanning Jackson and Williamson counties are approaching $400,000 annually.
Elders said the winery has lost money each of the past two years despite efforts to keep the operation going. Approximately 25 employees are affected by the closure.
Walker’s Bluff said in its announcement that the continued property tax burden made it impossible to continue operating the longtime Southern Illinois destination, which has hosted weddings, concerts and other events in addition to its winery and dining operations.
Elders said there are currently no plans to list the property for sale, although its long-term future remains uncertain.
The announcement came the same day The Frenchman’s Widow in Herrin, another business operated by Elders, announced it will also permanently close. Elders said the two closures are related.