Golden Eagle Wine Cellars
Also known as: Lonz Winery
Why it's listed
On the southern tip of Middle Bass Island in Lake Erie, this group of buildings grew around two wine-making enterprises. Andrew Wehrle founded the Golden Eagle Wine Cellars in 1866, and by 1871 its storage capacity was reputed to make it one of the largest wineries in the country. Fires in 1923 and 1942 destroyed upper structures, but the 1870-71 limestone cellar survived. George Lonz bought the property in 1926 and began rebuilding in 1934 with builder Henry Blocker. The result is a castle-like winery of block, brick, stone and stucco, topped by a central tower with a copper-domed observatory. The complex also includes the c. 1866 Siegrist-Lonz house, an 1885 wine press, workers' and manager's residences built before 1874, a 1906 Queen Anne house and a stone boat basin. It was listed as the oldest, largest and best preserved of the Lake Erie island wineries, with architectural and historical importance.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the complex is the oldest, largest and best preserved of the Lake Erie island wineries, and is reputed to be among the oldest and, once, largest in the United States. It is also architecturally notable for the unusual stone, stucco and brick winery and for varied residences from about 1866 to 1906. Its history links the Wehrle and Lonz wine-making families.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 86000868, listed April 24, 1986. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Fox and Lonz Rds., Middle Bass Island |
|---|---|
| County | Ottawa County |
| Listed | April 24, 1986 |
| Reference number | 86000868 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1866 - c. 1945 |
| Architect / builder | Henry Blocker |
| Architectural style | No distinct style; winery described as gothic, medieval and moorish; also Greek Revival, Italianate and Queen Anne residences |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Industry, Agriculture, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition rated from excellent to deteriorated; the boat basin and wine press interior are in disrepair. Listed use includes a working winery, with a 1983 manager's residence renovation. |
| Acreage | 44 |
| Coordinates | 41.67678, -82.81037 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 86000868.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q138646526
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.