Matt Deitrich’s journey into farming began at a young age. While still in high school, he worked at a large grape farm and quickly discovered a passion for the work. That early experience sparked his dream of growing grapes of his own and set him on the path to becoming a wine grape farmer.
At just eighteen years old, Matt rented approximately 20 acres of grapes and partnered with a local juice producer. He invested in equipment and farmed part-time while learning the industry firsthand. However, after five challenging years as a first-generation farmer, he recognized the difficulty of sustaining the operation. As a result, he stepped away temporarily to regroup before slowly returning to wine grape farming.
During his early years, Matt built strong friendships and industry connections. These relationships later helped him purchase a 10-acre vineyard planted with Merlot, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. Soon after, he expanded again by acquiring an additional 20-acre vineyard. This move effectively tripled the size of his operation.
This season marked a major milestone. Matt purchased 75 acres and rented another 60, bringing his total vineyard footprint to roughly 180 acres. Today, he grows 18 different grape varieties. The Lake Michigan Shore has played a critical role in both his success and his love for grape growing.
“We are at a similar latitude to some of the world’s most renowned vineyard regions in Europe,” Matt explains. “Lake Michigan moderates winter temperatures, which allows us to grow sensitive varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. We also grow American and French hybrids.”
Family involvement makes grape growing even more meaningful for Matt. His wife, Emily, and their children play an active role on the farm. Together, they foster teamwork while teaching the next generation the value of agriculture and hard work.
Looking ahead, Matt plans to continue expanding his vineyards while producing high-quality grapes. He hopes to inspire his children and other young farmers in the community. “Through the ups and downs, God has provided Emily and me with incredible opportunities and mentors,” he reflects. “We are deeply grateful for their guidance and hope to pass that knowledge on to others.”
Celebrating local vineyards and farmers remains essential in Southwest Michigan. This support helps preserve agricultural heritage while strengthening the regional economy. Producers like the Deitrich family contribute distinctive flavors and diversity to the wines and juices crafted at St. Julian. At the same time, they promote sustainability through responsible farming practices.
“Growing for St. Julian is more than a buyer-seller transaction—it’s a true partnership,” says Matt. “We focus on growing the best fruit possible, and they create world-class wines. I value their commitment to local growers and the strong connection we share with the Braganini family, Nancie Oxley, and the winemaking team.” He adds, “Seeing our grower names on the back of the bottle is incredibly meaningful.”
By highlighting the hard work of local farmers, we raise awareness of the importance of locally sourced ingredients. In turn, this strengthens relationships between consumers and the people who grow their food. Supporting local vineyards enriches our communities and helps protect the region for future generations.
That’s why, at St. Julian, we remain committed to supporting local farms and producing high-quality wine and juice. This tradition has thrived for more than 100 years—and continues to grow through partnerships like these.
