Baroda Founders
Description
Leonard Olson, the visionary behind Baroda Founders Wine Cellar, had a profound impact on the wine industry. With roots tracing back to the late 1960s, Olson was instrumental in pioneering European vine cultivation in Michigan, planting 27 diverse grape varieties. He also founded Tabor Hill in 1972, where his winemaking earned accolades and even graced the White House under President Gerald Ford. After leaving Tabor Hill in 1982, Olson expanded his expertise into beer-making and wine-making in Kentucky, contributing significantly to the Kentucky Grape and Wine Council.
Olson’s approach was shaped by global expertise, consulting with distinguished winemakers like Karl Werner and Helmut Becker. His return to Southwest Michigan was marked by a dedication to crafting wines that cater to a wide range of tastes, from classic varietals to unique chocolate and fruit-infused options.
Though Leonard Olson passed away in 2014, his passion for winemaking endures through his son, Gunnar, who now carries on his legacy as the winemaker at Baroda Founders Wine Cellar.