Posts Tagged ‘Craft Brewery’

A Winery with ADHD you might say….

Thursday, October 2nd, 2014

Marketing our place is well…..challenging. Let’s see back in the 1800’s my wife’s family settled here in Marlboro Township Ohio. Since then they have been hunters, farmers, leather tanners, school teachers, truck drivers and what ever else put food on the table.

Making Hay while the sun shines

Making Hay while the sun shines

Today we are a farm, farm market, “Agri-Tourism Destination” with a corn maze, pumpkin patch and whole host of family centered attractions and activities. We even have a pumpkin cannon that can heave a pumpkin about a half mile. Back in 2005 we opened a winery and have about 10 acres of grapes mixed in with the 600 or so acres we farm. Most recently we have opened a craft brewery that is doing very well.

New stainless tanks this year!

New stainless tanks this year!

Try and fit all that in one blog, face book page, G+ page or just about any other vector that makes sense. I’m often unsure if my post about the latest beer bread we made from spent grain from the brewing process will motivate someone to stop liking our face book page. After all they liked us after a trip to our pumpkin patch and corn maze.

GoPro view of our 2014 Corn Maze "Sea Turtles"

GoPro view of our 2014 Corn Maze "Sea Turtles"

You might say we offer a Vintage for all the seasons of your life. On the same day we have hosted birthday parties for one year old’s and 92 year old’s and even threw a bachlorette party in between. We serve five course paired wine dinners and craft beer tasting events as well and toasted cheese and hot dogs. It all depends when you are here and what you like.

One day they left me to watch the beer boil!

One day they left me to watch the beer boil!

At the same time we don’t try and be all things to all people. We offer a reflection of our personalities combined with what the land we live on and work with provides for us in the form of a competitive advantage. We are not the cheapest place around but feel we offer one the best values for your time if you enjoy an authentic agricultural based fun experience.

Crusin' the Vines, Metal Muscle Nites

Crusin' the Vines, Metal Muscle Nites

We do weekly car cruises that connect generations. Families come out to see grandpa’s car outside instead of just covered in the corner of the garage on holiday visits. This blogs author grew up with the older guys in the neighborhood wrenching on 57 Chevy’s and 68 Chevelle SS’s etc.

Three generations returning from our pumpkin patch

Three generations returning from our pumpkin patch

So before the sun sets on another Ohio summer please visit with us if you have the chance. And don’t worry well will be here all winter open as well getting ready to bring you new things to see and do down on our farm.

Our goats up on Goatapalooza ramp walkway enjoying a sunset view.

Our goats up on Goatapalooza ramp walkway enjoying a sunset view.

Craft Beer, More of the “More” to what we are

Saturday, August 30th, 2014

Well maybe we need to change this Blogs name? It is hard for us to get across the marketing message that is Maize Valley. We span a lot of different things.

Here we grow again

Here we grow again

Briefly “Maize Valley Farm” was began by Kay and Donna (Rohor) Vaughan my wife Michelle’s parents in the 1960’s. Kay’s ancestors were the third settler’s in the township dating back to the 1800’s. Donna’s parents moved into Marlboro township in the early 1900’s. After graduating from Kent State Kay and Donna were married and started the farm and family. They taught school and farmed as many as 6,000 acres. The farm included grain crops and dairy with their son Steve as well as other livestock over the years.

Michelle lower left, Breanne upper left, Donna upper right and Brett

Michelle lower left, Breanne upper left, Donna upper right and Brett

In the late 90’s the farm changed again selling the cows and some equipment and adding a produce market and agri-tourism venture including pumpkin picking and a corn maze. As houses closed in more in 2005 a winery was added and now in 2014 a craft brewery is set to open on Labor Day, September 1st 2014. Today we still farm about 600 acres, with a wide variety of crops ranging from garlic to green beans to grapes to pumpkins and hops.

Harvest 2014

Harvest 2014

Todd Vaughan is the wine maker and overseeing the beer production with the help of brewmaster Jake Turner. Michelle (Vaughan) Bakan manages the market and food service with the help of main staffer Scott Mann and a whole host of great employees. Bill Bakan is the Fun TSAR in charge of most all outside operations from grounds maintenance to all things “Corn Maze” and such.

Marlboro Madness our Pumpkin Cannon

Marlboro Madness our Pumpkin Cannon

Stay tuned as we work at using this blog to give “The Rest of the Story” of what goes on and how we try and manage folks expectations. We hope we do well for you. Thanks for stopping by.

Hot Chicks, Breanne and Cara Bakan at Maize Valley

Hot Chicks, Breanne and Cara Bakan at Maize Valley

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