In the early 1800’s, many families from the East Coast travelled to northern Michigan in search of new opportunities. Francis Blackman, one of the early settlers of Leelanau County and a soldier in Pennsylvania for the “War of 1812”, was the first to be granted farmland for his military service. Blackman sold the farm to Robert Lee (not to be confused with General Robert E. Lee) a veteran of the Civil War who first purchased a portion of the farm in 1855. He was later granted additional surrounding land for his Civil War military service. Lee eventually owned nearly 400 acres of land that extended to the shores of West Grand Traverse Bay. In the subsequent 150 years, much of the land was parceled and sold off. The Lee family continued to farm the remaining farmland until the early 2000’s. The farm barn which still stands is the only remaining original building on the farm. It can be seen from M-22 north of the farm entrance as you enter the farm.
K & K Farms Group purchased the 80-acre farm from the Lee family estate in 2010. It was easy to envision its great potential. The farm is in a glacier valley with remnants of a dune that once extended to the bay. Much of the farm was dormant for decades with only a few acres planted with corn and hay, and in earlier years, cherries and potatoes. The farms topography changed forever in the 1940’s when M-22 was redirected along the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. The predominant drumlin dune that once flowed through most of the farm was partially removed to build the new roadway. In 2017-2018, the dune sand was once again moved to create the new processing building and the tasting room areas. Still visible today are the remnants of the old dune that ran from the tasting room to the shoreline of the bay.
Over a 5-year period, a unique palate of heritage cider apple varieties were chosen and planted. These heritage apple trees can trace their roots back to Great Britain, France and early colonial America. A smaller portion of the farm was selected for wine grapes but only in the most ideal sites. The farm has over thirty-five varieties of heritage cider apples and has one of the largest plantings of heritage high-density apple trees in the Midwest. The first small harvest of apples and grapes was in 2016, which was sold to other Leelanau wineries.
On September 21, 2018 Two K Farms tasting room opened. The tasting room is nestled high on one of the farms dune hills with a panoramic view of West Grand Traverse Bay. Every point of the tasting room and outside patio offers a view of water, terra, vineyards and apple trees. Three steps down on to the grassy knoll from the tasting room deck is our all season fire-pit. If it is cool out, there is sure to be a blazing fire.
Two K Farm is managed by George and Max Koskela (the K & K brothers) who are dedicated to finding and cultivating the right fruit varieties for the crafting of exceptional styles of hard cider and wine. You will find them everywhere around the farm, walking through the orchards or vineyards, checking on the processing facility or in the tasting room visiting with guests. The tasting room offers every visitor an opportunity to taste the estate hard ciders and wines. On tap are a variety of French, English, American, sangria, hopped, and barrel aged style ciders. Several more varieties of ciders will be introduced the summer of 2019. All hard ciders and wines are produced on-site in the farms processing facility just north of the tasting room. In the first year of producing hard cider and wine, Two K Farm has won several awards around the country for both the cider and wine. It is the commitment of Two K Farm to create hard cider and wine with the purest of ingredients, great sun, fresh water, and knowledge of the fruit and environment. We believe in a “farm to glass” philosophy!
Experience Awaits
Two K Farms’ Tasting Room is nestled between rows of pine trees with an outdoor patio overlooking a breathtaking view of West Grand Traverse Bay. A high ceiling with exposed beams and exquisite antique chandeliers gives the indoor seating a rustic feel but elegant feeling– a great option for those with a large group or who wish to schedule a private event or party.
If you are just enjoying a drive along Leelanau Scenic Heritage Route, stop by and enjoy a taste of Leelanau at Two K Farms. Cheers!
