Douglas Valley Farm and Winery to sell land, focus on expanding wine operations

MANISTEE, Mich., March 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --The owners of Douglas Valley Farm and Winery will auction approximately 797 acres of land – including some home sites with views of Lake Michigan -- to permit them to focus more fully on their wine and hard cider business. Murray Wise Associates LLC will market the property and conduct the auction in cooperation with Sheridan Realty & Auction Co.

The property includes approximately 675 acres suitable for growing a wide variety of crops, including grapes, cherries, apples, asparagus, Christmas trees, corn and hops. Of this, approximately 300 acres are currently planted in sweet and tart cherries, apples and Christmas trees.

Douglas Valley founder Cliff Boomer said the company decided to sell the land in order to focus its efforts and resources on the wine and hard cider business. He noted that a portion of the land to be sold is part of the Douglas Valley master plan. Several of the tracts are located adjacent to vineyards operated by Douglas Valley Winery and are suitable for growing Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Riesling.

"We can't do everything as quickly as we would like, and while we have a significant amount of excellent land for growing fruit, asparagus and other crops, we realize we need to sell some of the land to free up time and capital for planting more grapes and building the winery on the accelerated timetable we've chosen," said Boomer. "We would love new neighbors interested in growing grapes and other crops that could be utilized in our existing business."

The land – which is being sold in 23 tracts ranging from 4 acres to 124 acres – is located in four sections, said Joe Bubon, executive vice president of Murray Wise Associates. "The largest group of tracts is located off Schoedel Road and M-22, where Douglas Valley has enjoyed a great deal of success with its own vineyards. Some of the land being sold is elevated, with stunning views of sunsets over Lake Michigan."

The auction will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at Little River Casino Resort, Manistee. Individuals interested in additional information on the properties may call 800-607-6888 or visit murraywiseassociates.com.

Murray Wise Associates LLC, with offices in Florida, Illinois and Iowa, is a leading national agricultural real estate marketing and financial advisory firm.

Sheridan Realty & Auction Co., led by International Auctioneer Champion Bill Sheridan and based in Mason, Mich., specializes in selling real estate, farm machinery, livestock and other assets.

For more information:
Carl Carter, 205-823-3273

SOURCE Douglas Valley Farm and Winery