Photos features Anthony Debevc., Sr. on a tractor in the vineyard.

Prior to establishing a commercial vineyard in 1972, the Debevc family made wine for home use and cultivated Concord grapes on the family farm.

Early view of the completed chalet. Constructed in about a year, the winery's grand opening ceremony occurred on May 27,1972.

The original winery site of Debonne Vineyards before the construction of the winery.

"(Grape vine) site selection is the number one preventative in the eastern U.S. for frost damage," Tony Debevc, Jr. explains. "Good air drainage and a higher elevation help. Also the temperature moderation of the lake effect (later spring bloom and extended fall season) and frequent cloud cover are built-in frost protectors."

Source: Putting the Finesse in the Wine Bottle (August 1976), Fruit Grower Magazine.

Building the chalet was a family affair.

Donniella (Debevc) Winchell is standing in the front of the structure holding a roof beam. Standing with a hat on the lower level is Tony Debevc, Sr.. Rose Debevc and her son Tony Debevc, Jr. are poised on the top of the scaffolding.

View of the chalet near the end of construction. The original 40 X 90-foot structure included an underground fermenting, storage cellar, and a hospitality room, which seated 25. A few years later the structure was enlarged by 20 square feet. Today, the seating capacity has grown to 150.