Fruits of Their Labor
Fruit Hills Winery & Orchard Holds History as Dynamic as Its Products
Writer / Amy-Lant Wenger
Photographer / Kari Lipscomb
For David and Michele Muir, being given the opportunity to savor the fruits of their labor is something that they can appreciate on a multitude of levels, from so many different perspectives.
On a gently rolling swath of land just beyond the southern outskirts of Bristol, the couple has created a bucolic oasis of sorts, a place where they have crafted and created a collection of highly prized and greatly esteemed artisanal wines. This peaceful yet picturesque setting has served as a historic foundation across many chapters of a story nearly 200 years in the making.
And they call this story Fruit Hills Winery & Orchard.
The Muirs own 40 acres of land that have been in Davids family for generations, dating back to 1852. By 1898 the lush farmlands began to bear fruit, which led to the evolution of Judson Fruit Farm. It was there that people came to discover some of the best produce in the area, including pears, cherries, peaches, apples, strawberries and grapes. In particular, the strawberry nursery at Judson Fruit Farm was among the most plentiful in the area. Reaching back to that earliest era, a great deal of the produce raised on the family farm was often transported in the most efficient way possible for the time – via railway.
So it makes sense that David was seemingly born to mind the mission. He says he has been in the apple business all his life, and even now, all these years since the humble origins of Judson Fruit Farm, the apple is still a sought-after feature on the farm.
But a far greater enticement for the guests of what is now Fruit Hills Winery & Orchard is, of course, grapes. Even so, the transition from a productive fruit farm into a full-time winery was something of a dream, spirited by a drastic life change.
The spark of inspiration was lit when the family was traveling out of state for a wedding. While they were away, they stopped to visit a small winery that offered specialty wines, produced in a small shop in the rear of the building. It was a revelation for David, who at that time had lost his job of 15 years. He wondered aloud if it was within the realm of possibility that he could launch a winery of his own, since he had already amassed years of knowledge in fruit farming.
With assistance, support and guidance from Michele, their son Nathan and his wife Brittany, they sought to realize that vision. One year later, Fruit Hills Winery & Orchard was officially branded.
Today the winery boasts approximately two acres of robust vineyards, on which six different varieties of grapes are grown including two new ones added in recent months. The locally grown varieties, which are known as cold-hardy grapes, include Marquette and Frontenac Gris, along with Petite Pearl, Vignole and Traminette. The latter is a hybrid grape and has been given a distinction as Indianas signature grape. The owners also purchase grapes and juices that are not able to be harvested on Hoosier soil, which allows them to offer such fine wines as Merlot, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc. Several other variations of fruit wine can also be found at Fruit Hills including a unique, blended apple wine infused with cherry juice.
What adds to the prestige of the wines created at Fruit Hills is the fact that they are sold regionally, which makes them highly sought after among both residents and travelers. During the vibrant tourist season, many visitors will make a trek through Elkhart County while searching for noteworthy attractions such as the Quilt Gardens. Whether the winery is a planned destination or a surprise stop along a country thoroughfare, guests come away enthralled by the products, the ambience, the friendly candor and more.
One of the additions that the Muir family has integrated in recent years is the spacious patio, where folks can unwind with a favorite wine, take in the scenery and enjoy a slower pace. On the weekends local bands are featured on the deck, and food trucks are often brought to the facility to give guests a chance to further embrace the small-business ventures around the region. Wine tastings are also a popular lure for customers, as they can sample the various flavors. We encourage them to sometimes try something that might be a little bit out of their comfort zone, David Muir says. They might be surprised and they might find something new that excites them. We focus on wines that we can grow locally. It gives people a chance to broaden their horizons.
Fruit Hills has also become a destination for people to host small-scale, intimate events, such as bridal showers and other gatherings. Because they are typically held outdoors, guests should be mindful of the seasons, but alternative arrangements can
always be discussed.
To make a journey to Fruit Hills Winery & Orchard, drop by the Muir family farmstead at 55503 State Road 15 in Bristol. To stay current on events and business hours, call 574-848-WINE (9463) or check their website at fruithillswinery.com.
