End of the Road Winery Celebrates 10 Years of Wine, Community, and Success
- STC
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Germfask, MI — End of the Road Winery marked a major milestone on Saturday, June
20, 2026, as owners James and Robin Barker, along with family, friends, customers,
and community members, gathered to celebrate the winery's 10th Anniversary.
Over the past decade, End of the Road Winery has become a beloved destination in
Schoolcraft County, offering handcrafted wines, memorable experiences, and a
welcoming atmosphere that has attracted visitors from across Michigan and beyond.
The anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the winery's journey, recognize its loyal customers, and celebrate its contributions to the local tourism and
business community.
The special event featured wine tastings, live entertainment, food, and festivities that
brought together longtime supporters and first-time visitors alike. Guests enjoyed an
afternoon of celebration while honoring a business that has played an important role in
the growth and promotion of Schoolcraft County as a destination.
The inspiration for the winery dates back more than 40 years when the late Doyle Foore
offered a simple suggestion after the Barkers had an abundance of grapes. "Why don't
you make wine with those grapes?" he asked. At the time, Robin's response was, "I
don't know, wine comes from the store," while Jim wondered, "How do you make wine?"
Doyle handed Jim a book on winemaking and offered guidance along the way. That
conversation sparked a passion that led Jim to begin making wine the very next day.
After years of experimenting and sharing their creations with family and friends, the
Barkers transformed their hobby into a vision for a winery that would offer not only
locally crafted wines but a complete tasting room experience for visitors.
"We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received from our customers,
community, family, and friends over the past 10 years" said James and Robin Barker,
owners of End of the Road Winery. "What started as a dream has grown into something
truly special. We have enjoyed sharing our passion for winemaking and creating a place
where people can gather, relax, and make memories. Celebrating this milestone with so
many people who have supported us throughout the years was incredibly meaningful.
We look forward to continuing to serve our guests and being a part of this wonderful
community for many years to come."
Schoolcraft Tourism & Commerce would like to extend its sincere congratulations to End
of the Road Winery on reaching this remarkable milestone and wish them continued
success and many more years of growth, prosperity, and memorable experiences for
residents and visitors.
"Congratulations to End of the Road Winery on celebrating 10 successful years in
business," said Victoria George, Executive Director of Schoolcraft Tourism &
Commerce. "Reaching a decade in business is an incredible accomplishment and a
testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion that have gone into creating such a
unique destination. End of the Road Winery has become an important part of our local
tourism industry and business community, attracting visitors from near and far while
showcasing the very best of what Schoolcraft County has to offer. We are grateful for
their contributions and look forward to seeing their continued success for many years to
come."
Over the past 10 years, the winery has experienced significant growth. What began with
six 80-gallon stainless steel tanks has expanded to include an additional 15 tanks
capable of holding 165 gallons each. Production has grown from approximately 200
cases of six wine varieties to more than 1,200 cases featuring 26 different varieties.
Operations have also become more efficient, evolving from filling, corking, and labeling
bottles entirely by hand to utilizing specialized equipment that helps meet growing
demand while maintaining quality. The winery has also expanded its outdoor seating
area, creating a beautiful gathering space that now accommodates approximately 65 to
75 guests.
Since opening its doors in 2016, End of the Road Winery has established itself as a
destination where guests can relax, enjoy locally crafted wines, and experience the
natural beauty and hospitality of the Upper Peninsula. The winery's success reflects not
only the vision and dedication of James and Robin Barker but also the support of the
community and visitors who have embraced the business over the years.
As End of the Road Winery begins its next chapter, the anniversary celebration served
as a reminder of how far the business has come and the positive impact it continues to
have on the region. From a simple suggestion between friends to one of Schoolcraft
County's premier destinations, End of the Road Winery's story is a testament to
perseverance, passion, and the power of pursuing a dream.
Contact Information: End of the Road Winery
Phone: (906) 450-1541
Address: 6917 BURNS ROAD GERMFASK MICHIGAN
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