Rock Star Buys Michigan Vineyard and Winery
OneRepublic Guitarist Purchases Karma Vista Winery
Berrien County, MI – After a OneRepublic concert in Grand Rapids, guitarist Zach Filkins drove out to visit some nearby wineries. His casual trip ended up turning into a significant business venture as he and his wife, Lindsay, bought Karma Vista Winery located at 6991 Ryno Road in Coloma, now renamed Filkins Vineyards.
Following a Decades Long Dream
The couple reminiscences their first visit to Karma Vista in 2019 when they tasted numerous “wonderful” wines that they fell in love with. Having spent years working in restaurants and hosting wine pairing dinner parties, they had long held a dream of owning a winery. This dream intensified after the discovery of the thriving winery scene during their honeymoon in California.
Taking Ownership from the Hermans
The Filkins bought the winery business from the Herman family, who had been the original owners. The couple expressed their humility and gratitude for the opportunity to take over from the Hermans, stating they were “honored to own and operate the first winery that attracted us to Southwest Michigan wine country”. Their aim is to provide a location where people can connect with each other and appreciate wine in a harmonious setting.
The New Addition to the OneRepublic Family Business
Zach Filkins, a Grammy-nominated artist and founding member of OneRepublic, repertoire includes hits such as “Counting Stars,” “Too Late,” and “All the Right Moves”. With this establisment, he moves into yet another field of business. Filkins Vineyards, offering breath-taking views of the grapevine-covered rolling countryside, hosts guests on-site and envisions its caretakers being a part of a relaxing countryside experience only about a 45-minute drive from Kalamazoo.
A New Management Team
Lindsay’s sister, Melissa Feris, was recruited as general manager for Filkins Vineyards. They also hired Jason Johnson, a winemaker with years of experience in California’s Napa Valley, to lead the ambitions wine production unit.
An Ode to the Hermans
The Hermans, having established Karma Vista Vineyards in 2002, announced their retirement and the sale of their winery in March on social media. In a heartwarming post, they expressed their joy at the success of the winery and their conviction that the Filkins were the perfect people to continue their legacy.
Filkins Vineyards: A New Chapter in Michigan’s Wine Story
The Filkins are committed to carrying on the legacy of the Hermans. They aim to imitate their warm, communicative approach during wine tasting sessions and how the Herman’s passion clearly shone through their work. Amidst excitement and fan fare, Filkins Vineyards opened to the public in May, offering a range of timings to accommodate visitor’s schedules.
Meanwhile, OneRepublic remains focused on their world tour, indicating that the purchase of the vineyard and winery represents an addition rather than a change to Filkins’ career.
Overall, the purchase of Karma Vista by the Filkins represents not just the fulfillment of a dream for a couple, but the continuation of a cherished local business under new stewardship. The story of Filkins Vineyards is just beginning, and Michigan’s wine connoisseurs and OneRepublic fans alike are eager to see what the future holds.
