10/21/2026
Warning! Long Post! Exciting Announcement! . . .
Greetings Willow W**e Lovers,
It is with great joy that we (finally) “publicly” announce that our beloved Vineyard and W**ery will be sold, effective Tuesday, October 26th. We have loved the last 6 years as owners, stewards and historians of the 5th oldest working w**ery and vineyard on The Leelanau Peninsula with the #1 View! From the vines to the w**es, we happily did it all, (with the help of our amazing Tasting Team, our W**emakers, our Collaborative Partners, our Vineyard Manager / Crew, and most importantly, all of you!) We’ve shared w**e, had great times and made friends to last a life time.
Our decision to sell Willow was well thought out and perfectly planned. In the end . . . We simply realized we love our “time” more than we love our “w**e”. It’s really that simple. We all go through phases and stages, and we are no exception. The only exception is so many may not have the opportunity to execute their dreams in to realities. And to see those dreams become someone else’s reality. We’re thrilled to pass the torch and the pitchfork on to that perfect person for the Peninsula. (Hence our opening line indicating “great joy”. )
We are excited to announce, and introduce, our friend, Ms. Lisa Whalen, the next new owner of Willow. Lisa is a native Michigander born and raised right here in Traverse City having graduated from TC Central (before it was Central). Lisa went on to MSU (go Green) and obtained her graduate degree from UM (go Blue). We’re thrilled to introduce Lisa and excited for the next new chapter in this “storied” w**ery.
This will be our last weekend at Willow and the final four days of the Season. Please come out and join us as we celebrate the end of an era and the beginning of the next new chapter at Willow.
We are proud of our tiny but mighty team. We are proud to have lived our dreams. And, we are proud of what Willow has become . .. one of the most sought after guest experiences on the Peninsula. Our vision to elevate the guest experience from beginning to end became a welcomed reality. Which leads us to an anonymous, motivational proverb: “What comes easy, won’t last. And, what lasts won’t come easy.” An anonymous saying about effort, patience, and resilience as seen on Willow’s wall of wisdom and motivation.
We hope to see you this weekend for the end-of-season celebration.
For VIP reservations, honest answers, direct quotes and media inquiries, please call or text my phone at: 832-248-1188. (Tracy Faulkner)
My friend and new owner Lisa, will happily answer questions and receive congratulations. Please comment here or DM her for communications.
Cheers to 29 more years of the 5th oldest working w**ery & vineyard. Until then . . .
Warm Willow Wishes, Wonderful W**es & Great Times! Cheers!
Tracy Faulkner - Proprietor / Managing Partner (and Harry Faulkner - Husband & Co-Owner)
