The Harvest Party in Full Swing

By Barbara Voris Eastman - theBeachCoast.com | August 2011

The end of August signals that summer is coming to an end, but take heart, because it's also time for the annual Harvest Party at Round Barn Winery in Baroda, Michigan. Now in its 19th year, the two-day event will be held August 27th and 28th from 1:00 to 7:00pm. Every year the Harvest Party, just like the wines, beers, and spirits produced at Round Barn, keeps getting better.

Once the harvest begins there is work to be done, so the Harvest Party always takes place a few weeks before the grapes are actually picked. Which means that as you drive up to Round Barn for the party, you'll pass acre upon acre of grape vines heavy with ripening fruit. To fully appreciate the experience, roll down the windows, and take in the intoxicating aroma that perfumes the air of southwest Michigan's wine country.

Raised in the Vineyard

Matt and Chris Moersch grew up around that aroma and Round Barn is the only second-generation winery in the region. Before striking out on his own, their dad had worked at Tabor Hill, but dreamed of having his own place. By the mid- 80s he had planted his first vines and harvested his first crop in 1986.When they were little, both boys helped their dad in the vineyard, tying up vines, mowing, driving the tractor when they turned 12, and any other chores that needed doing. Matt recalls getting time off from school to help with the harvest. It's no wonder that ten years ago-at the ripe old age of 22-he became the principal winemaker. Round Barn branched out into brewing (overseen by Chris) and distilling, and today is also well known for beers and award-winning DiVine Vodka. Like their dad, Matt and Chris dreamed of having their own vineyard and 5 years ago opened Free Run Cellars, in Berrien Springs.

An Idyllic Setting

One of the best things about the Harvest Party is the setting. As you enter the Round Barn estate, there are fields of grape vines on your left and at the end of the long driveway is the historic tasting barn for which the winery is named. It is featured prominently on all of the winery's labels and packaging and was built in 1911 in Rochester, Indiana and moved to Baroda in 1997.

Libations and Music Al Fresco

Perched on a hill across from the Round Barn are the beer-tasting barn and a large deck where visitors can enjoy their favorite brew. Between the two buildings are picnic tables shaded by mature trees and a paved patio with tables and market umbrellas. Up on the hill near the beer tasting room is the stage where, this year, Midwest Hype, Lady Sunshine, Mike & Joe, and Alligator Blackbird will play.

Admission for the event is free and there will be plenty of food options, hayrides, face painting, a moonwalk, and other activities for kids. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and may not bring in outside food or beverages.

This year's Harvest Party promises to be a blast, but next year marks the 20th anniversary of the event, so they're planning to pull out all the punches. And if you go this year--we promise-you'll have such a great time that you'll make Round Barn's Harvest Party an annual family outing.



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