WINDSOR -- The owner of a popular Walkerville wine bar is devastated after his establishment went up in flames.
Windsor fire crews were called to a blaze at Wineology Bar and Restaurant at 1646 Wyandotte St. E. early Thursday morning.
Fire officials said on Twitter damage is estimated at $700,000 for the building and contents. It started in the kitchen hood and exhaust system and is listed as accidental.
Owner Jean-Claude Boulos says one of his employees called him around 1:30 a.m. or 2 a.m. to tell him about the fire.
“It’s very sad,” said Boulos. “The place is gone, destroyed. I don’t know how long it’s going to take to put it back together, but I can guarantee you it’s coming back.”
Boulos says the location has been open almost six years.
“A lot of wines and memories here, but (we’ll) come back for sure,” says Boulos.
Boulos also owns Wineology locations in Tecumseh, Kingsville and Kitchener.
Neighbour Darlene Dunn Mahler says she could feel the intensity of the heat as the flames erupted through the building.
A Windsor fire investigator will be attending the Walkerville location later Thursday.
The public has been asked to stay away from the area.
Boulos explained the closure to patrons on social media.
