08/01/2023
It is hard to believe how fast time goes by! 24 years ago we began the thought process and investigation into an exciting new adventure. As a family, we decided that we had the ability and resources to grow grape vines, apples, and a multitude of other fruits….and make wine. The result of this effort is TownsEnd Winery & Vineyard. The reward for our hard work has been TIME. Time together as a family. Time with neighbors & friends. Time creating new memories. Time learning new skills & then teaching others. Time building new friendships. There has been so much love, laughter, sweat, and collaboration throughout those years. EVERY person in our family…and extended family has been an integral part of our success. Our family is thankful for EVERY person that has ever come to one of our tastings, events, harvests, or into our tasting room. Together we have shown the world what a small Iowa farm can do…and the result tastes delicious! We have been honored over the years by receiving awards for our wines & service. (And even won the “best float” award at the FCF parade) Somehow, we even made it through the pandemic. We have had the honor of being a part of beautiful weddings, receptions, reunions & celebrations. It has been incredibly rewarding to be a part of your special moments. We have literally had customers come from every state in the USA and many other countries. This has enabled us to introduce thousands of visitors our many local treasures, shopping & restaurants in our area. Of course, one of our biggest passions has been in support of the Franklin County Fair…enabling us to sponsor music for many years in the gazebo & to make renovations to the Old Saloon. It has been an honor to have so many incredible friends work with us over the years. (Joanne has been our tasting room manager for many years and is an adopted member of the family) We are thankful for all of these experiences & for the time we shared together.
A favorite quote by Dr Seuss comes to mind: “Don’t cry because it’s over…smile because it happened”. With much consideration, our family made the decision to close the winery at the end of 2023. It has been an incredible journey. The amount of gratitude that we feel in our hearts for our community of friends is hard to even express. We will continue to be open for business & selling our wines this Fall. Our plan is to host our annual Christmas Open House ( December 9th & 10th) as our farewell celebration. We hope that you will come by for a hug, a glass of wine, a farm tour, or just to say hello. Please know how thankful and blessed we feel to have had your support over the years.
Vernon, Judy, Dennis, Derek, Shelley, Tyler,Tracy & Family
