Terhune orchards Review

About Terhune orchards

Terhune Orchards: A Family-Owned Winery and Produce Farm in New Jersey

Terhune Orchards is a family-owned winery and produce farm located in Lawrence Township, Mercer County, New Jersey. Established in 1975 as a small-scale apple orchard, Terhune has since expanded to include a vineyard, pick-your-own produce fields, outdoor events, barnyard tours, and more. With its commitment to sustainable farming practices and dedication to providing the freshest possible produce to its customers, Terhune Orchards has become one of the most beloved destinations for foodies and wine enthusiasts alike.

The History of Terhune Orchards

Terhune Orchards was founded by Gary and Pam Mount in 1975. The couple had recently moved from California to New Jersey with their young family when they decided to purchase an old apple orchard that was up for sale. Despite having no prior experience in farming or agriculture, Gary and Pam were determined to make their new venture a success.

Over the years, the Mounts worked tirelessly to expand their business. They planted new varieties of apples and other fruits such as peaches and nectarines; they added pumpkin patches for Halloween; they started offering hayrides around the farm; they built a farm store where customers could buy fresh produce directly from the source.

In 2003, after years of experimentation with different grape varieties on their land, Gary and Pam decided it was time to try their hand at winemaking. They planted several acres of vines on a south-facing slope overlooking the farm's pond - an ideal location for growing grapes in New Jersey's climate.

After several years of trial-and-error winemaking (and some help from experienced consultants), Terhune released its first vintage in 2007 - a dry red blend made from Cabernet Franc grapes grown on-site. The wine was an instant hit with locals who appreciated the Mounts' commitment to using only estate-grown fruit in their wines.

Today, Terhune Orchards is run by Gary and Pam's daughter Tannwen Mount and her husband Reuwai Hanewald. The couple has continued to expand the business while staying true to its roots as a family-owned farm that values sustainability, community, and quality above all else.

The Terhune Orchards Experience

Visiting Terhune Orchards is an experience like no other. Whether you're looking for fresh produce, award-winning wines, or just a fun day out with the family, there's something for everyone at this beloved New Jersey institution.

One of the highlights of any visit to Terhune is picking your own produce straight from the fields. Depending on the season, you might be able to pick apples, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, pumpkins - even sunflowers! There's nothing quite like biting into a juicy apple that you've just plucked from a tree yourself.

If wine is more your thing than fruit-picking (or if you're looking for an adult-only activity), be sure to stop by Terhune's tasting room. Here you can sample some of their award-winning wines made from estate-grown grapes such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. The tasting room also offers cheese plates and other snacks that pair perfectly with their wines.

For families with young children (or anyone who loves animals), don't miss out on a visit to Terhune's barnyard area. Here you can meet goats, sheep, chickens - even alpacas! - up close and personal. There are also pony rides available for kids on weekends during certain times of year.

Throughout the year there are also various events held at Terhune Orchards such as live music performances in their outdoor pavilion or holiday-themed activities like pumpkin painting or wreath-making workshops. Check their website for a full calendar of events.

Sustainability and Community

At the heart of Terhune Orchards' mission is a commitment to sustainability and community. The Mount family believes that farming should be done in a way that respects the land, conserves natural resources, and supports local ecosystems.

To this end, they use integrated pest management techniques to minimize the use of pesticides on their crops; they compost all organic waste from the farm to create nutrient-rich soil; they have installed solar panels on their barn roof to generate renewable energy; they participate in local food banks and other charitable organizations.

Terhune Orchards also values its role as a community hub. They host events throughout the year that bring people together - whether it's for live music, wine tastings, or just enjoying some fresh air on a beautiful day. They also partner with other local businesses and organizations to promote sustainable agriculture practices and support small-scale farmers in New Jersey.

Conclusion

Terhune Orchards is more than just a winery or produce farm - it's an institution that embodies everything that's great about New Jersey: hard work, dedication, sustainability, community spirit, and delicious food and drink. Whether you're looking for fresh produce straight from the fields or award-winning wines made from estate-grown grapes, Terhune has something for everyone. So why not plan your visit today? You won't be disappointed!