Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily & Dillon Martin.
Hi Emily & Dillon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Dillon and Emily grew up in Maple Grove, but both of them spent their summers on the shores of Green Lake or hunting by Timber Lake. We both have family ties to the New London-Spicer area. Emily’s great, great grandfather built a home on the shores of Indian Beach Rd, while Dillon’s grandparent’s built their homestead on Lake Henry over 80 years ago. They knew they would live out here someday, just never knew that it would be the former Glacial Ridge Winery. They even named their dog Spicer before they knew they would be living out there!
Dillon and Emily fell in love with the property because of it’s rich history and the apple orchard. Dillon has always been involved with farming as he worked for Midwest Machinery-John Deere in Howard Lake. Emily was anxious to get the event space set up for weddings and murder mystery dinners. The extra building was turned into a speakeasy restaurant that now features local ingredients, craft cocktails, beer, and wine.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, the property was in dire need of repair. The apple trees had not been pruned and taken care of for many years, there have been leaks in almost every roof on the property, the house onsite needs to be completely gutted, and several underground pipes have needed repair. Every corner we turn there has either been a pile of garbage, broken equipment, or damaged property. Dillon is able to fix nearly everything on the property, otherwise they would not have started such a large undertaking.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The property that we bought is extremely unique. There are 7 acres of apple orchard and event venue that holds up to 225 guests. There is another building that was used for a wine bar and winter festivities when it was Glacial Ridge Winery, but very dated and needed some TLC. It also has an outdoor stage to host live music.
What sets us apart from others is the character and history of the property. The event center was the bus depot for the New London-Spicer school district, while the front building was also a bait shop. Eventually, the original owners turned their hay field into an operational apple orchard from the mid-80’s until early 2000’s. The community loved their visits to the orchard and at one point they sold over 4,000 apple crisps in a year. The family needed to retire and sold the property to another couple that turned it into a winery. They started a new tradition of hosting a Thursday Night Music Series throughout the summer that the entire town would attend! They hosted murder mystery dinners, a grape stomp, and other fun events until 2018. New ownership came in and they were not able to capitalize on the traditions and events that the previous owners had done.
Dillon and Emily bought the property in the middle of 2025 and have been slowly building back the traditions. They are anxious to return the property to it’s former glory by recreating a space that feels both new and familiar. Dillon has been working in the orchard and cleaning it up, rehabbing the trees, and plans to plant more while Emily has been working to build up a reputation for private events and weddings. The former bait shop and winery storefront has now been turned into a prohibition style cocktail lounge called The Tasting Grove. Most of the ingredients are locally sourced from the neighboring small businesses and helps circulate brand awareness.
Emily and Dillon have learned that it takes a village to be successful. Often times it has been difficult for them to accept help from others. New London-Spicer has an outstanding community outreach and want their businesses to succeed. They are most proud of the opportunity and support that they have from this unique property and the unwavering support from the community. They have been welcomed with open arms and that is a love that can’t be duplicated.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Emily grew up visiting the apple orchard and bringing apples home to her grandma. She also attended many of the Thursday Night Music Series that the winery hosted. A few of the musicians that she grew up watching, now perform on the stage that she owns and operates!
Pricing:
- Food and beverages a little spendy as they are fresh, locally sourced, and craft.
- Wedding packages and private event pricing is available upon request.
- Apple picking is available in the fall.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oldmillorchard.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/old_mill_orchard_tasting_grove
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/oldmillorchard
