Farming has long been a part of Ed Oxley’s life coming from a farming background in Lawton, MI. He tied the knot with his wife, Phyllis, 61 years ago, and together they raised three sons.
In 1967, Ed and Phyllis acquired their first 50-acre farm in the village of Lawton and harvested their inaugural grape crop that fall. Over the years, they have expanded their holdings, including some of the earliest vineyards established in Lawton in 1868. Today, they cultivate 1,400 acres, featuring 673 acres dedicated to 24 different grape varieties and 200 acres of tart cherries. The rolling hills and sandy soils around Lawton, which is part of the Lake Michigan appellation, makes for an ideal location for wine grapes.
They planted their first wine grapes in 1970, and Ed has diligently maintained that original block for the past 25 years in collaboration with the MSU Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences for research purposes. He also partners with the Department of Entomology, providing grape blocks for integrated pest management (IPM) projects and overseeing their spraying programs. Ed was a pioneer in high-density tart cherry cultivation, working closely with Dr. Ron Perry from MSU. Additionally, he has demonstrated remarkable ingenuity by designing and building his own equipment, including sprayers, harvesters, gondolas, and much more.
The two older, Chris and Rick, have joined them as partners on the farm, while the youngest Keith graduated from Western Michigan University with a teaching degree and started his own business. Their oldest granddaughter has joined the farm also with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science from LMC. Ed and Phyllis cherish their farm and the family operation that it has become!
Celebrating local vineyards and farmers in Southwest Michigan is essential for preserving the region’s agricultural heritage and supporting its economy. Local producers like the Oxley family not only contribute to the unique flavors and diversity of the wines and juices that we create at St. Julian, but also foster community connections and sustainability through responsible farming practices.
By highlighting their efforts, we can promote awareness of the importance of locally sourced ingredients and strengthen the bonds between consumers and the producers who nourish us. Supporting local vineyards and farmers enriches our communities and helps ensure the vitality of the region for generations to come. That is why here at St. Julian are dedicated to supporting local farms and the production of quality wine and juice – a tradition that has been upheld for over 100 years.
