Nestled in the heart of Michigan, Cronenwett Family Farms carries a legacy spanning more than 150 years. The family has proudly operated the farm across seven generations. Established in 1865, the operation took a pivotal turn in 1888. At that time, third-generation owners Charles and Frank Stainton planted the farm’s first acres of grapes. This decision laid the foundation for a thriving vineyard.
By the early 1900s, the family expanded vineyard plantings to more than 100 acres. They relied on horses instead of tractors and hand-picked every grape. After harvest, they packed and shipped fruit by rail to major markets in Chicago and Detroit. Today, that same dedication and craftsmanship continues to define the farm.
Currently, Cronenwett Family Farms manages more than 350 acres of grapes. The farm supplies fruit to several notable partners in Southwest Michigan, including St. Julian Winery & Distillery. In particular, the operation has earned recognition for its handpicked table grapes. These grapes reflect the family’s deep commitment to quality and tradition.
“In the 1970s, we planted French hybrid grapes specifically for St. Julian,” shares Bryan Cronenwett. “St. Julian has long been a pioneer in the Michigan wine industry. They believed in the potential of our wines well before many others.”
As the farm transitions from the sixth to the seventh generation, Mark and Lesley Welburn now serve as stewards of this historic operation. At the core of their mission remains an unwavering focus on producing high-quality grapes. However, this new chapter also embraces innovation. The family continues to adopt modern technology to improve vineyard efficiency and long-term profitability. As a result, tradition and progress now work side by side.
“Growing grapes is a way of life for us,” says Bryan. “It’s not like most jobs. You experience everything Mother Nature brings, from incredible highs to difficult lows.” He adds, “We had one of our best years in 2023, followed by one of our toughest in 2024. The work is demanding, but the reward of a beautiful crop makes it worthwhile.” Equally important, Bryan notes the strength of multi-generational teamwork. “It builds bonds that last.”
As members of the Lake Michigan Shore Appellation, the Cronenwett and Welburn families value the region’s unique terroir. Over the past 30 years, they have watched Michigan’s wine industry evolve dramatically. Today, the state continues to earn recognition for its quality wines. Consequently, the Cronenwett family now finds itself at the center of an exciting and growing industry.
“Partnering with a company that consistently leads the sector is incredibly rewarding,” Bryan explains. “Our family has built lasting relationships with three generations of the Braganini family. We look forward to growing this partnership together.”
By highlighting the dedication of local producers, we reinforce the importance of supporting locally sourced ingredients. In turn, this strengthens the connection between consumers and the farmers who sustain our communities. Supporting local vineyards not only enriches the region today but also helps preserve its vitality for future generations.
At St. Julian, we proudly uphold this commitment. For more than a century, we have supported local farms while producing exceptional wines and juices. Through continued collaboration with our growers, we believe Southwest Michigan’s agricultural legacy will continue to thrive.
