This week we visited an Ohio winery that has an intriguing beginning. The Gammie family owned the land during the Depression. At that time they grew vegetables. They discovered that the property located near Lake Erie was ideal for orchards. A small friendly fruit and vegetable market was thriving on the day of our visit.

Nearby a modern style tasting room and winery overlooks orchards and vineyards. This is the result of added value farming. In the distance there is a view of Lake Erie. Mac McLelland and Bill Gammi are co-owners of Quarry Hill Winery, a partnership that began in 2004.

Last night I began thinking about how nice this was that with the addition of the vineyards and winery, it is unlikely that this land will be developed with homes on ¼ acre lots, apartments or condos or perhaps even strip malls and the like.

Terry reminded me that when we visited wineries in Wisconsin, we had come across another winery with vineyards that had begun as an orchard and fruit market. Orchard Country Winery & Market is located in Fish Country, Wisconsin.

I remember that back home we had enjoyed visiting a nearby orchard where one could pick your own peaches. Does anyone remember Sewell’s Orchards? It didn’t last long as developers were quick to discover this property and develop it with housing. Today as one drives past the development one sees lovely homes with green grass but what was lost to the thousands who visited Sewell’s Orchards to pick peaches, apples and strawberries. Does a small green space make up for the loss of the experience of enjoying freshly picked fruit on a warm summer’s day? I don’t think so.

If you have an orchard near you, work to make it worth keeping as an orchard. One of the ways for orchards to remain without succumbing to development is to encourage vineyards to be planted and adding a winery.

Cheers! Kathy