Discover the Apple Barn Orchard & Winery: A Family Legacy of Farming and Winemaking

A Rich History Rooted in the Land

The Apple Barn Orchard & Winery traces its origins back to 1848, when Norwegian immigrants Jacob and Maren Brensetre established the original family homestead. Their son, Ole, later adopted the American name Jacobson and built the historic farmhouse around 1865 after returning from the Civil War. This farmhouse has remained in the Jacobson family for six generations, a testament to their deep roots in the land.

One of the first structures the Jacobsons built was a brick smokehouse, which still stands today as a landmark and symbol of their self-sufficient farm life. Neighbors would gather to help each other butcher hogs, using cast-iron kettles and a slow-burning fire to preserve the meat with that distinct hickory smoke flavor. These antique kettles can still be found scattered around the flower garden near the farmhouse, reminders of the farm's rich heritage.

Transitioning to Orchard and Winery

In the 1980s, Steve Jacobson, a horticulture graduate of Michigan State University, returned to the family farm and began converting the dairy barn and buildings into a vibrant orchard setting. Starting with just 40 acres, the Jacobsons gradually expanded their apple orchards, now boasting over 4,000 trees across 12 popular varieties, including Cortland, Honeycrisp, Gala, and more.

Alongside the growing orchard, the Jacobsons added a bakery and country store, providing fresh pies, cider donuts, and other homemade treats for their patrons. In 2004, they took the next step and established the Apple Barn Winery, where master winemaker Steve Jacobson crafts a variety of award-winning fruit wines using the farm's own homegrown apples, pears, strawberries, and other berries.

A Sustainable, Agritourism Destination

Today, the Apple Barn Orchard & Winery offers visitors a truly immersive farm experience. Guests can pick their own strawberries, apples, and pumpkins, depending on the season, and explore the historic smokehouse and family farmhouse. The country store and bakery tempt with freshly baked goods, local honey, jams, and other artisanal products.

The winery provides complimentary tastings of the estate-grown fruit wines, each one a unique expression of the farm's bounty. Visitors can relax on the patio, sipping wine while taking in the pastoral views and enjoying live music on weekends.

Through it all, the Jacobson family's commitment to sustainability and preserving their agricultural heritage shines through. From their use of integrated pest management practices in the orchards to their focus on local sourcing and artisanal production, the Apple Barn Orchard & Winery is a shining example of a modern, family-owned agritourism destination.