Contact:

Frances Porter, Executive Director
Berrien County Historical Association
P.O. Box 261
Berrien Springs, MI 49103

Tele: (269) 471-1202

Winery program at the Courthouse Museum

Chris Moersch will present a program on wineries of southwest Michigan at the Berrien County Historical Association's 1839 Courthouse Museum in Berrien Springs. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 27. Moersch is the general manager of the Round Barn Winery in Baroda, and also serves as president of the SW Michigan Wine Trail. The museum is located on Old US 31 (Cass Street) in Berrien Springs. Admission to the program is $1.00, or free to Historical Association members.

Southwest Michigan's soil and climate makes it an ideal location for fruit growing. Local farmers have grown peaches, apples, grapes and other fruit for over 170 years. In more recent times, the vineyards have turned to wine production. The area is now gaining national renown for its award-winning wines.

Chris Moersch will discuss the origins of the area's wineries and explain how the different varieties of wines are produced. For more information, call the Berrien County Historical Association at (269) 471-1202.

The Berrien County Historical Association's 1839 Courthouse Complex is located at 313 N. Cass Street (old US 31), in Berrien Springs, Michigan. It is the site of the Historic county seat and comprises the 1839 Courthouse, 1870s Sheriff's Residence, 1830 Murdock Log House, Bennett's Forge and 1870 Jail Plaza.

PHOTO CAPTIONS (Click on image to view a full size version.)