Apple orchard and winery work hand-in-hand after sale
Jim and Becky Mullane expanded the repertoire of Dixon’s Apple Orchard, located south of Cadott, after purchasing Autumn Harvest Winery.
Becky says Autumn Harvest, now known as Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, was an appealing way to expand their current operations, since it is close by their original location.
The Mullanes officially took over the winery at the end of January, and Becky says they plan to keep Autumn Harvest going with the great wines that people have come to know and love, and create new wines in the future.
“Autumn Harvest is well-established now, in this area,” said Becky, adding that helped build their excitement when they were considering buying the business.
Jim says former owners Jean and Chad McIlquham have been great about teaching them about the business, and getting them off to a good start.
“They want us to succeed,” said Jim.
Jim says they found out about the opportunity to buy the winery about two years ago, but Becky says they didn’t put much thought into buying the business, at the time.
“I’d say, in the last year, we started to think more about it, because we need a place to sell our apples,” said Becky.
She says they have not built an apple shed at the apple orchard, because it can interfere with the weddings held there, since the busiest time for both are on weekends.
“We want to keep our weddings private,” said Becky.
The airplane hanger on the Autumn Harvest property will serve as an apple shed for the Mullanes to sell their harvest out of, with plans to get the building ready this summer. She says they plan to haul the apples from their other property to Autumn Harvest for the sales.
“We’ve been selling under a tent, so people knew it was temporary,” said Becky.
Becky also says the additional orchard space will also benefit them, as it works hand-in-hand with what they are already doing. She also says family will spend more time working with the business.
“They have always wanted to work with us, but we weren’t quite big enough,” said Becky. “This generates a little more The airplane hanger located at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery is set to be turned into an apple shed, as owners Becky and Jim Mullane plan to sell apples from their nearby business, Dixon’s Apple Orchard, out of the building.
income, so we can support more than just ourselves.”
Jim says the winery will also complement their wedding business.
“Weddings and wine go good together,” agreed Becky.
She says couples who get married at Dixon’s Apple Orchard will be offered a deal on cases of wine.
Autumn Harvest is undergoing some changes, before the winery re-opens May 1. Becky says they are making the tasting room bigger and giving it a different look.
She says a “vino den” will also be added to the tasting room. Becky says the area will serve as a party area for groups of 35 or fewer, and would be ideal for things like bachelorette and birthday parties.
“Just a fun area where they can, of course, do wine tasting and make it a part of their party,” said Becky.
Jim says they are also adding some newer siding and redoing the ceiling and lighting.
“And then, next year, we have some bigger ideas,” said Jim.
Throughout the summer, they say they hope to bring in bands a least a couple times per month. They are also planning to extend their hours further into the evening, on Fridays and Saturdays.
Becky says their goal is to get people through the door and to experience what is offered. She says wholesale is not their goal, they would rather see people come and enjoy the winery, and apple orchard.
“This is really big for us,” said Becky.
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The airplane hanger located at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery is set to be turned into an apple shed, as owners Becky and Jim Mullane plan to sell apples from their nearby business, Dixon’s Apple Orchard, out of the building. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]
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Jim (left) and Becky Mullane purchased Autumn Harvest Winery at the end of January. The winery, now known as Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, will continue to offer wine tastings and sales. Photo by Julia Wolf[/caption]
