History

Fenn Valley is the oldest vineyard in Michigan. After researching the property and the process of winemaking, the site of the Fenn Valley Vineyards was purchased in 1973 by the Welsch family from Chicago. The 230 acre farm was originally a struggling fruit farm, which was cleared to make way for the vineyard. The first grapes were planted in 1974, and Fenn Valley Vineyards was born.  Today, it is still family owned and operated, producing up to 400 tons of grapes and 60,000 gallons of wine annually.

About

Growing grapes in Michigan to produce wine is not an easy task.  The conditions must be perfect- sandy soil, moderate winter and summer temperatures, and rolling terrain to allow for natural airflow. Also, from the time the vines are planted, to when the grapes are ready for full harvest, is 5 years.  Grape vines typically only survive in the Michigan climate for about 25 years, so the vineyard is constantly being replanted.  However, with 40 years of experience, Fenn Valley is able to produce world-class wine, even in Michigan’s difficult climate.

Fenn Valley produces red wines, white wines, specialty wines, and fruit wines. Both the red and white wines are well balanced, premium wines, which pair well with food. The red wines display a slight fruit forward note, the white wines are crisp, and the fruit wines are slightly sweet and refreshing.

Events

There are several ways to experience Fenn Valley and sample their delicious wines:

• Visit their tasting room, where you can sample four different wines as well    as the “wine of the day”
• Participate in their Vineyard Tour or Wine and Food Tour, and learn about    growing and winemaking processes, complemented by a wine tasting.
• Attend an event where you can mingle with other wine lovers, enjoy            delicious food with the winemaker, and sample a variety of wines

• Wine Festival and Open House
• Lunch with the Winemaker
• Winemaker’s Dinners
• Summer Evening Cook-outs
• Girl’s Afternoon Out
• Pre-Release Wine and Food Pairings
• The Vine Wine’d 5k and Post Race Cookout
• Chili Cook-Off
• Nouveau Fest

Awards

Fenn Valley has received numerous domestic and international awards on their wines, too many to mention.  Most recently, in 2012 they received over 60 medals, including 15 Gold medals and 3 Double Gold medals.  The Double Gold medals are the highest distinction and are very difficult to obtain because the judges on two different panels must unanimously award the wine a Gold medal.

• Vignoles Reserve 2011 Semi Dry White Wine – Michigan Wine and Spirits    Competition
• Riesling 2011 – Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
• Merlot 2010 – Tasters Guild International Wine Judging

Fenn Valley Vineyards was also selected by Trip Advisor as a 2013 Certificate of Excellence Winner, which is based on the number of “Excellent” rankings and therefore being voted as the #1 Winery in the area.

Congratulations to Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar their 40th anniversary and on 40 Delicously Successful Years!

Cascade Engineering was founded in 1973, by company President and CEO Fred P. Keller, and is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Cascade is a manufacturer and leading provider of engineered plastics systems and components, serving a multitude of industries. In addition to manufacturing, they offer design, development, and coordination of logistics, providing customers with complete service.  Cascade Engineering is nationally recognized for sustainable business practices and high quality, focusing on the Triple Bottom Line – having a positive impact on people, the planet, and profit. Today, Cascade Engineering is a global company, with 15 locations, 13 strategic businesses, and over 1100 employees, serving an array of industries including:

• CK technologies – Manufactures large plastic injection components used for commercial truck applications
• Cascade Engineering Automotive Americas – Plastics technology to replace heavier metal interior and exterior parts, resulting in lighter weight vehicles with improved fuel economy
• Cascade Engineering Automotive Europe – Manufactures and assembles plastic injection molded components used for vehicle HVAC, electrical and fuel management systems
• Cascade Cart Solutions – Provides products and services for the solid waste and recycling industry, including bins, rolling carts, front and rear-load commercial containers, lifters, and other service technology solutions
• Extreme RFID – Designs and manufactures RFID tags for harsh environmental conditions
• Cascade Engineering Commercial Products – Commercial seating plastic molding processes like co-injection, multi-shot, 3D suction blow molding, insert molding and fabric adhesion technology
• Invisible Waste Services – Provides valet trash services to multi-family residential communities using the patented “Bench” located near the resident’s front door
• Noble Polymers – Specializing in the development and production of compounded thermoplastic resins
• Decade Products – Provides a complete line of reusable plastic containers and pallets for industrial, agriculture and food processing applications worldwide
• Cascade Renewable Energy –  Provides wind and solar services including site assessments and feasibility studies, system design engineering, project management, installation construction, and technical support
• Cascade Consulting Group – Provides training, mentoring and consulting services to help organizations use sustainable solutions to produce business and community results
• Triple Quest – Manufactures and distributes the HydrAid® BioSand water filter which is capable of providing a family of 10 with safe drinking water for 10 years.

Cascade Engineering has been recognized for their sustainability efforts and accolades, which include:

• Platinum LEED Certified
• Certified “B” Corporation
• Finalist for the 2013 Grand Rapids Area Chamber’s Excellence in Business EPIC award
• Winner of the 2011 Innovation Michigan Lifetime Achievement Award

• City of Grand Rapids, Cascade Engineering Partner in Green Award 2013
• Ergonomic Success Award from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration 2005
• National Governors Association Distinguished Service Award
• Best Medium Company to Work for in America finalist 2004

Join us in congratulating Cascade Engineering on their 40th anniversary!