Revamped Johnson County winery launches — and another vineyard moves
Those who drive past the former Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery in Olathe will notice some changes.
For one, it’s no longer Stone Pillar.
Now called The HOFF (or The Hometown Olathe Family Farm), owner Thomas Hoff has revamped the winery of 15 years to give it a new look and name.
The old tasting room has been converted into a large, green-and-pink seating area, serving cocktails, mocktails, dirty sodas, wine slushies and more while hosting events like Love Island watch parties.
“It’s a completely new concept,” he told The Star, though it’s utilizing the same 11000 S. Woodland St. site and vines.
Thomas has parted ways with his cousin and former business partner at Stone Pillar, George Hoff. But don’t fear, Stone Pillar fans — the company still exists.
George has relocated Stone Pillar to De Soto. It opened in May at 29080 W. 95th St., the former Happy Valley Farm location, and it’s still planning a grand opening date.
“We still have all the favorites people are used to,” George said.
George said he’s enjoyed working with the growing small town to provide more entertainment opportunities, including an outdoor concert and market series called Rhythm & Roots.
The idea to start the series spawned from a city employee confiding in George that they were looking for ways to keep De Soto residents in town on a Friday night.
“That’s kinda what got the wheels turning, like what can we do … to bring everyone together?” George said. “It’s been a big boost for shops downtown.”
Longtime Stone Pillar customers have stopped by the new location to see George, and De Soto residents have been equally excited about Stone Pillar’s move, he said. He’s planning a pumpkin patch for the fall.
“We’ve received a very warm welcome from everyone here,” he said. “It’s a very good feeling. We still have a lot of work ahead of us.”
Over at the Olathe location, HOFF co-owner Taylor Jezik said they’re hoping to become more than just a winery, hosting children’s readaloud events and other family-friendly activities.
They’ve planted sunflowers and lavender for photo opportunities, and they’re planning pumpkins and Christmas trees for their respective seasons. Like Stone Pillar, they’re also awaiting a grand opening date.
The HOFF will still have wine, though it will now be under their new brand. After receiving a liquor license a few weeks ago, they’ve been slowly rolling out new products and opportunities.
“All of the things that were, still are, we’re just expanding on the concept,” she said. “Completely different as far as aesthetic goes.”
The Olathe land itself has been in the Hoff family since 1864, even as the area around it began to develop into neighborhoods. Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery opened for wine sales in 2010. The grape vines were planted a few years prior.
This story was originally published July 22, 2025 at 2:59 PM.