Son's autism diagnosis inspires couple to open winery
Columbus Twp. - A mom and dad looking for way to fund therapy following their son's autism diagnosis have created a relaxing, woodsy getaway for their customers to enjoy.
Rob and Hannah Cowan opened Belle River Winery, 2405 Arlington Road in Columbus Township, in March. The business, which is adjacent to their residence, includes the winery, a greenhouse, fruit trees, a manmade waterfall and beehives.
“I call the deck the black hole, because once people are here, they don’t want to leave,” Rob Cowan said.
All of the wine, mead, rum and brandy are made in-house in small batches. The brandy, rum and mead are also organic. Rob Cowan said the couple learned how to make their products through trial and error.
"Lot's of practice on a small scale until we got it right," he said in an email.
Two and a half years ago, the Cowans their now four-year-old son Mikey was diagnosed with autism. His applied behavior analysis treatments were estimated to cost $200 a week after insurance. The Cowans needed to find a way to help pay for the treatments, and they wanted to do it with something they enjoy.
“We took everything we loved about different wineries and put it into this place,” Rob Cowan said.
Rob Cowan said it is his and Hannah’s mission to educate others about autism.
Hannah Cowan said she never thought she’d be able to own and run a business. Before the winery, she worked at a factory in Royal Oak, while Rob was and still works as an information technologist. She said they are still learning the ropes of operating a business.
“To go from working in a factory, to becoming a stay at home mom, to now owning a winery has been an interesting experience,” Hannah Cowan said.
Although the process was long, she said she and her husband have come a very long way and the winery is now a well-oiled machine.
Vicki Kramer started working at the winery a month ago. She said the environment is warm and she enjoys working with the Cowans.
“It really feels like a family here,” she said. “Everyone is friendly and accommodating."
Currently, Rob Cowan is working on fortifying the winery, so the business won’t have to close during winter. He is in the process of placing infrared heaters on the deck. Additionally, the winery will be adding mulled wine to its menu for winter.
Early struggles to open
The process to open the winery took about two years. The Cowans had to bring their idea to the township and zoning authorities before they started to build. Additionally, because the winery is in a residential area, the Cowans have to be careful with noise.
“Respecting our neighbors comes first,” Rob Cowan said. “We don’t let people get too rowdy here.”
Additionally, opening the winery took longer than expected because of legal issues with the contractor. At the end of the situation, the Cowans switched contractors and built the winery through Lakeside Cabins and Sheds.
Future of the winery
The Cowans always knew they wanted to open multiple wineries across Michigan’s Thumb region. Currently, they are looking to open a second location in either Richmond or Marine City. They are discussing with investors to see which area would work out the best.
“Ambiance is important to us,” Rob Cowan said. “Wherever we choose, we want to make something beautiful.”
By the time they have a fourth or fifth winery, they hope to have enough money to open an autism center in Richmond that is no charge to parents.
“You shouldn’t be charged to try to speak to your child,” Rob Cowan said.
Within 10 years, the Cowans want to have a couple dozen wineries across the Thumb and a dozen autism centers in the Metro Detroit area that do not charge for treatment.
The Belle River Winery is open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays; 4 to 10 p.m. on Fridays; 2 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2 to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com or (810) 292-0122.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Son's autism diagnosis inspires couple to open winery
