LAWRENCE — Demolition began Nov. 30 at Terhune Orchards to make room for a new 3,500-square-foot building that will house a larger production facility for Terhune Orchards Winery. Ground should be broken for the project soon.
“Once the crops are harvested, work on the farm shifts. Some work will be preparation for next year’s crops — such as pruning every tree and vine. But some of the work will be on long-range projects such as getting started on building our new winery,” said Gary Mount. “The plans are drawn, the contractors are chosen and the permits are in hand. Our great Amish barn builders are here again. We will also have amazingly intricate HVAC and plumbing systems.”
The building is expected to be completed in spring 2016. Built in the traditional post and beam, Amish style, this new red barn will look similar to the 150-year-old barn that currently houses the winery tasting room. Sustainable farming and building practices are a priority at Terhune Orchards. The new building will utilize solar panels and other ways to be maximize efficiencies in energy and water usage.
Several garages and a staff break room were torn down in the area where the new building will rise. Over the holiday weekend, The Mount’s grandson, Becket, and his father spent time in the buildings salvaging wood and nails that will be recycled in Becket’s tree house.
In 2006, Gary Mount and daughter, Tannwen Mount, planted 4.5 acres of grapes to begin Terhune Orchards Winery. In 2010 the grapes were ready to be bottled. The vineyard has expanded to 8 acres. The winery produces 11 varieties of red and white wines, including grape wines and fruit-based wines made with Terhune’s own apple cider.
The winery is a member of two associations that organize wine trail events around the state.
“New Jersey’s wine industry has been growing and more and more people are interested in buying local,” Tannwen Mount said. “We are thrilled to see how well the customers receive the wines when they visit the winery tasting room.”
Demand has been high and several varieties have sold out. With this expanded production space the Mounts said they hope to be able to produce the amount of wine their customers want. Terhune also plans to host wine tastings and events within view of the production area.
The construction will not affect access to the farm store or winery tasting room. Terhune Orchards is located at 330 Cold Soil Rd. The farm store is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The winery is open Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information visit terhuneorchards.com, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
