In May 2017, Baroda, Michigan-based Entente Spirits, which operates Round Barn Winery, Free Run Cellars, and Round Barn Public House, acquired Tabor Hill Winery in nearby Buchanan. The acquisition includes 25 acres of existing vineyards, Tabor Hill’s restaurant and its three retail locations. Tabor Hill is currently Michigan’s fourth largest winery.
The deal was the largest Michigan winery purchase in the state’s history and will allow Round Barn to more than double its annual wine production.
Round Barn owner Rick Moersch said: “We enjoyed working with (the Varnum) crew facilitating the unique transfer of assets against the backdrop of a highly regulated industry.”
Varnum advised Entente in the transaction, including drafting the purchase agreement and coordinating license filings with the liquor control commission. Varnum’s team included Pete Roth, John Titley and Mallory Field (corporate); Chris Baker (regulatory); Matt Eugster (environmental) and Pete Schmidt (real estate).