Our History

It all started with the want of a garden!  Lin Deardorff, "the dirt guy" has not always been the amazing apple-whisperer he is today.  In his first career, he was a successful business man in the field of commercial real estate.  All that changed in 1980 when he and his wife Bonnie moved their growing family of five children from the big city to a place in the country...where Bonnie could have the garden she longed for. 

Lin's second career is apple farming, which he has been doing since 1982. More recently, since 2005, he has added grape growing and has a partnership in an award-winning winery on our farm. 

Over the past 35+ years, their family has grown to include 5 kids, 13 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren who love the family farm. Their little garden in the country has grown into a successful Minnesota agri-tourism business that is nestled on 120 rolling acres of pristine land near Lake Waconia, Carver Park Reserve and Parley Lake with 20 acres of apple trees and seven acres of vineyards. 

We include a total farm experience including, tractor rides, fresh cider, local products for sale including pumpkins, honey, and gift items. We share our beautiful apple barn space with the Tasting Room of our partner business,  Parley Lake Winery. This business grew out of friendship and the love of wine. Lin Deardorff is the grower and his partner, Steve Zeller, is the winemaker.