Division Street at Ward Road

These ruins mark the site of the Monarch Winery, the first section of which was built by, Jacob Rush in 1872 and enlarged about 1880. The cellar had a capacity of 40,000 gallons, in addition to which nearly 2,000 gallons of grape brandy were made annually. Nearly 150 acres of vineyard supplied the grapes for the Monarch's products. Catawba, Delaware, Riesling, Elvira, Norton, Ives, Concord, Sherry, Port, and altar wines were made here. Though the 18th Amendment put a momentary halt to the wine business until 1933, a special, unfermented grape juice called "Rex Champ" was made for medicinal and sacramental uses. After prohibition was voted out, wine‑making was revived until the operation was closed down c. 1950.

   
From Kelleys Island, A Tour Guide