It was sad to learn that The Winery at Holy Cross Abbey, 3011 E. U.S. 50, Cañon City, is for sale and, without a buyer, is scheduled to close Sept. 30.

The winery started producing wine in 2001 and opened to the public in 2002. Over the past 25 years, the winery has earned more than 1,200 medals and awards in international competitions, including the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards. Its wines have captured double gold, Best of Class and Best of Show honors, and it became the first Colorado winery to have its wines sold in a national park, Yellowstone.

After 21 years of operating the winery, owner Larry Oddo plans to retire.

“This winery and our employees mean so much to the community and me. This has been a tough decision,” Oddo said. “We’ve had a few nibbles. 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.”

With his retirement pending, Oddo also made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s popular Harvest Fest, traditionally held the last weekend of September.

To celebrate the winery’s 25th anniversary, all wines, wine flights and wine by the glass are 25% off through Sept. 30. The tasting room also is discounting wine gifts and accessories.

Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Details: 719-276-5191 or facebook.com/Abbeywinery.