SAGAMORE HILLS, Ohio – Earlier this year, the Sagamore Hills Township Zoning Commission approved the final site plan for Acadia Farms, a new restaurant and winery project planned for 9947 Olde Eight Rd, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067. The decision followed months of review, a pair of key variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals, and detailed discussion about parking, landscaping, lighting, and stormwater management.
The project is being led by Acadia Farms, with Nicholas Kafantaris appearing before the commission on behalf of his brother, project owner Gus Kafantaris.
Acadia Farms Winery Plan Wins Zoning Approval
Acadia Farms came before the zoning commission for final approval after receiving two important variances from the Sagamore Hills Township Board of Zoning Appeals:
- A 50‑foot rear yard setback variance to allow additional parking
- Permission to “land bank” 28 of the required parking spaces, to be built later if ordered by the Sagamore Hills Zoning Inspector
In total, the plan calls for:
- 164 parking spaces serving the main building
- 10 spaces for personnel
- 20 spaces for the patio area
- For a total of 194 striped spaces on the ground, plus 28 land-banked spaces
Those 28 land-banked spaces will only be constructed if the zoning inspector determines they are necessary. Under the approval, Acadia Farms would then have twelve months from that order to build them, subject to further review by the zoning commission and all other applicable governmental approvals, including lighting, landscaping, and stormwater management. The property owner retains the right to appeal such an order to the Board of Zoning Appeals.
With those conditions in place, the zoning commission was asked to grant final approval for the full Acadia Farms winery project: the restaurant and winery building, lighting, landscaping, and parking layout as submitted.
Parking, Landscaping and Lighting Plans Remain Central
At the zoning commission’s review, members examined large-scale drawings of the site plan. Zoning staff noted that since the prior meeting, the only changes involved parking; the landscaping and lighting plans remained the same as previously submitted.
The commission discussed the total number of spaces and the land-banking arrangement, confirming that the approved plan would meet Sagamore Hills Township zoning requirements while providing flexibility if parking demand grows once the winery is operating.
Board members also revisited questions about landscaping, including vegetation near the front of the property intended to soften views from the road and help deaden noise. The landscaping plan was reviewed as part of the overall approval for the restaurant/winery use.
No residents in attendance offered comments or objections about the Acadia Farms project during this portion of the meeting.
Final Vote Clears the Way for Acadia Farms Winery
After discussion, the commission moved to a vote on the project. A motion was made to approve the final plan for the restaurant and winery, including the additional parking and landscaping, consistent with the July 25, 2025, drawing on file with the township.
The motion passed unanimously, clearing the way for Acadia Farms to move forward with the Sagamore Hills winery project at 9947 Olde Eight Rd, Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067, subject to ongoing compliance with township zoning, county stormwater regulations, and any future direction from the zoning inspector regarding the land-banked parking spaces.
With approvals in place, progress on the Acadia Farms winery has been visible for months. At this time, we are not aware of any timelines for an opening.
