Fieldstone Winery Thrives With Community Support

Fieldstone Winery has become a big part of the Rochester business community over its past decade downtown, and a pair of events last weekend highlighted the impact the business has made locally.

The business cut the ribbon on its 4,000-square-foot production facility at 388 South St., which opened a year ago, and was joined by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Rochester Mayor Stuart Bikson, Downtown Development Authority Director Kristy Trevarrow and representatives from the local business community.

On Sunday, Fieldstone's Annual Crush Festival was held at the production facility, with about 350 in attendance despite chilly and rainy conditions. The event included the crushing and pressing of grapes and demonstrations of how Fieldstone makes wine in Rochester. Samples also were offered, including the winery's award-winning Michigan Traminette.

"Everyone's been really great and supportive," Jordan Southard from Fieldstone Winery said. "It's been great. We've been in Rochester for 10 years and could not have done it without the community."

Southard said the production facility allows the winery to produce enough product to seek distribution outside of the community. 

"We have a couple of new products coming out over the next year or so that will help push distribution," Southard said. The winery also will take part in an upcoming wine tour stretching from Michigan's "Thumb" region to Metro Detroit. 

Southard said for those who have not yet visited the winery, Fieldstone offers free tastings every day except Mondays, when it is closed. Hours are available at its website.

Fieldstone Winery also has a wine and chocolate pairing event scheduled from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12. Details and tickets are available on the Fieldstone website.