Fall is (Finally!) in the Air! 🍁 🍂 10/9/25

This past week was a busy week for picking grapes and apples!   The great crop of grapes this year has made the picking experience “fun” and fast and so sweet!  Yes, we have Mother Nature to thank for that as dry weather helps make them sweet.  Thanks to everyone who came out to pick fruit and shop at the market.  We enjoyed talking with the many families and groups, some of whom make grape and apple picking at our farm an annual event.

This is the week to make grape juice and a grape pie!  See more on these below.

How long will the grapes last?
We will have grapes to pick for as long as the weather “holds” them in good condition on the vine.  This year the grapes have endured their share of mixed weather and are still holding strong!  However, if we were to experience a hard frost, they would be done for the year.  At this point, we don’t see this happening in the near future.  Our grapes have been in production for over two weeks.  We have many acres of grapes and do not anticipate being picked out.

Are you doing “orchard clean up” this year, and if so, when?
Yes, we will be having orchard clean up (or post season gleaning) this year, starting sometime the week of October 13 (start date is TBD).  We are still picking our apple crop for the year and will not open for clean up until we are finished.  Price per bushel is TBD.  Please watch our website or these newsletters for updates.

Is there a festival at the farm this weekend?
No, this Saturday and Sunday are normal business days for us.  However, the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce is hosting their annual Fall Color Tour.  See their Facebook post for more information and various stops along the tour.

When are you closing for the year?
We do not have a specific closing date yet, but our regular market hours (being open most days) will end before October 31.  The fruit and vegetable season started earlier and moved faster than in other years due to the hot summer, so it’s possible we may close earlier than normal (which typically is Halloween).  To check whether we are open on a specific day, please check our website.

Will the Fuji apples ever be ready? 
We are wondering the same thing; we are checking them daily and are waiting for them to get their full flavor.  We promise they will be here sometime this coming week. 

Is Santa coming to visit?
Yes, Santa and Mrs. Claus are planning to stop by and talk with well-behaved children and guests starting around mid-November with our annual Holiday Market.  Watch the newsletter and website for more information.

Please check for updates on the website or call us.

We measure the grapes by 5-gallon buckets or a half bushel basket, which weigh 20 pounds.  Minimum quantity to pick is 20 pounds (one 5-gallon bucket).  Discounts when picking 100 pounds or more (5 buckets).

Link to the u-pick grape page – pricing, days and hours open, what to bring, and more
Link to the reservation system page – call us if you need assistance, 269-244-5690

We are currently scheduling grape picking through Oct. 19 and will add more dates once we see how long the season will last.

Neither rain, snow, or hot days keep us from not being in the vineyard to help you!  Thanks, Barb, for assisting our customers and keeping the vineyards managed! 

Current varieties available: Cameo, Golden Supreme, Ida Red, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Red Jonagold, Snow Sweet, Yellow Delicious.  See descriptions of these varieties at the end of the newsletter.