A visit to a local winery should be more about tasting wine, it should be an all around great experience. The goal for the owners of Fox & Hen Vineyards, located at 13373 104th Ave, Grand Haven, has attained quite the overall experience for their guests along with locally grown wine and ciders. Boasting less is more, bigger is not always better, this small batch winery allows nature to shine through in all they make with as little intervention and additives as possible and guests are very loyal because of it.
“I discovered this winery just recently” Candy Kraker, local resident
“They have a lovely country setting. The staff and owners are all so friendly…the wine is fantastic! The indoor/outdoor seating has created a fun and comfortable atmosphere to sip wine and I love coming back to see what is new on the menu.”
Sustainably Farmed and Locally Grown
The owners of Fox & Hen Winery, Wil and Caitlin Malski, grew up in West Michigan and always had a love for the land here. In 2013, with a small budget and big dreams, they started their winery located on the outskirts of Grand Haven.
“We settled on this property in Robinson Township. 6.5 acres of of sandy gravel soil. We had years of wine making before we settled on varieties of wine we wanted to make public” Wil said.
From 2013 to 2023, they worked the land and faced their greatest challenge of matching their grape varieties to their soil, site and climate.
“We pulled out several grape varieties and had to replant them with cold-hardy varieties” Wil said. “It was a learning experience for us both.”
All of the grapes used for their locally processed wines are grown right on the farm and processed there as well. Their sustainable farm does not use any herbicides, restricted-use pesticides or chemical fertilizers on their estate-grown grapes.
Something for everyone
The owners have a goal to have something for everyone because they have such a wide base of customers. With tourists originally in mind, the owners, Wil and Caitlyn, were surprised at how loyal and local their customer base has become. Hoping that their guests love the winery as much as they do, they created indoor and outdoor spaces for people to enjoy their small batch creations. And if wine isn’t something you enjoy, they have tasty and well thought out cider flavors as well.
“My signature is thinking outside the box when it comes to ciders and small batch experimental ciders” Wil said “I put an emphasis on doing Michigan dry reds well”.
A Laid Back Vibe
As soon as you drive into the property, there’s a welcoming ease and relaxed feeling that draws people in and makes them want to come back time and time again.
“I wanted a nice, welcoming and comfortable hangout. Not something where you stand at the bar and do your tasting and move on. We wanted a place for people to stay and enjoy. It’s a laid back good times feel.” Wil stated. “My goal is to continue to make people happy when they come here”.
Go to www.foxandhenwinery.com for hours and more info.
Anne Vruggink is a Grand Valley State University graduate and former employee of Holland Sentinel and Grand Rapids Press/MLIVE Media Group. She quickly realized the impact the media plays on our local community and wanted to be a part of something greater and more independent from the main stream media. As a West Michigan native her whole life, her heart beats for this community and the people who live here.
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