A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure to meet Alf & Sandee from Krause's Farms. They took the time to meet with us a group of new entrepreneurs wanting to learn more about how to succeed in our business ventures. We were greeted in their new wine tasting room with coffee, tea & friendly smiles from all the staff.
Alf & Sandee took turns telling us how they went from a 1 acre farm in 1974 to a now thriving 200+ acres. One of the things that stood out the most to me during our visit was that they were solid about who they were as a business and implement that in all that they do. Every decision they make for the business has to stand in line with their values and vision statement right from how they grow their plants, what they will produce for sale in their market & bakery, to the signage, the recipes, gifts for purchase, involvement of staff with customers and now how they produce and serve their wine in their new Estate Winery.
It has become a destination place for many and as told by Alf & Sandee, they have families that come out weekly with their children to enjoy all that is offered at The Farm.
I won't go into too much detail as their website says it all. You can find it from this link. www.krauseberryfarms.com
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Upon arriving inside the Market & Bakery you are tempted to sample some of the goods. After tasting it would be hard to leave without bringing some home!
They also have a fudge bar to tempt you!
The Estate Winery Tasting Room was crowned with a tin ceiling so they found a way to make a crown for the ceiling in the bakery. Alf spent many hours figuring out how to make all these pie plates fit. Very creative!
Alf & Sandee brought us on a tour of the place and explained how they implemented their visions & values in every detail of their business. They can be seen often talking to customers to keep the personal touch to what has become a very large business.
All the preserves are made from fruit off their farm.
The kitchen is very visible for all to see. They installed a phone on the outside of the room so you can call and ask any questions about what they are doing. They tell you what they are making in the moment, how many pies a day, any questions you may have about production can be answered. You may not get their recipes but they will let you know what goes into it. Much love!
The pies look wonderful! You can pre-order them and they are kept in a pie-safe until you leave.
Almost all the property is put to use. The Porch hosts a waffle breakfast Wednesday - Sunday 9-3.
The latest addition to the farm is The Estate Winery. They put great effort into getting all the details just right in here. The welcome sign is made from horseshoes. Our server for tastings was Ted and he adds much to the experience.
Saddle barstools, pendant lights made from bottles, spittoons for excess wine.
They worked with an artist to create these boots. All aspects of the farm are depicted on them.
Check out the process and see them in more detail here
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Wine Tasting Room
Keeping the theme going, they offer their wine tasting in a boot glass. Wine glasses are available as well for the connoisseurs.
Upon entering the wine making room, you will notice the handle is a riffle.
Details, details, details!!!
Ted explained step by step the process of making wine from fruit.
Each of these crates are filled with fruit being prepared for wine.
It is worth the tour to hear the whole process by an expert. I won't try and repeat as I am sure to get it wrong.
They also have a cooking school now that is held in this room. Everything is cleared and tables brought in. At this point it is now The Farmers Table Cooking School with Wolfgang. Check the schedule for classes here.
The Wine Maker showing us the fruit.
Ted kept our attention throughout the tour!
They crafted the chandelier with a trough and a creative way to let the light out. Can you guess how they did it? They had fun in their fields that day!
This is our group with Sandee & Alf in the centre.
Thank you for the tour Sandee & Alf and thanks to Laura Addinall for arranging it!
