From Cider to Community: How Milk and Honey Built Beyond Farming

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a simple product into a full-blown destination, this episode of Rooted Agritourism is for you. I sat down with Peter Gillitzer, co-owner of Milk and Honey Cider in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and let me tell you, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways and real-world inspiration.

Peter and his team didn’t set out to build an agritourism hub. They started with one thing: making really good cider. But as we talked, it became clear that their success came not just from what they produce, but from how they create meaningful, memorable experiences around it.

From Craft Cider to a Place People Want to Be

One of the first things Peter shared was how Milk and Honey began with a focus on heritage apple varieties and old-world fermentation techniques. Their product was solid, but it was the tasting room that really changed the game. They leaned into making it more than just a place to grab a drink. It became a space for connection.

He walked me through how they started adding things like trivia nights and live music, and the momentum just kept building. These weren’t flashy or high-budget productions. They were thoughtful, consistent, and centered on what their customers actually enjoyed.

Value-Added Means More Than Extra Revenue

In agritourism, we hear the term “value-added” all the time. But Peter’s story really brought that concept to life. Every decision, from decor to events to who’s performing on Friday night, was made with their guests in mind.

As someone who runs my own agritourism business, I know how tempting it can be to chase the next big idea. What I loved about Peter’s approach is that it wasn’t about doing more. It was about doing the right things well. They even created a master calendar to keep everything organized and intentional. (Note to self: I need to do this more often.)

Community Isn't a Buzzword, It's a Strategy

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing how deeply Milk and Honey has embedded itself in the local community. Whether it’s booking local bands or partnering with nearby food vendors, their success is built on relationships.

Peter was honest about the learning curve too. Not every event was a hit. Some ideas flopped. But instead of seeing those as failures, they used them to adjust and adapt. That mindset is something every agritourism operator can relate to.

Let’s Keep Learning from Each Other

This episode really affirmed what I’ve seen at Sunny Mary Meadow and what I hear from so many of you. It’s not just about what you grow or make. It’s about how people experience it.

If you're looking for inspiration on how to turn your farm, orchard, or rural business into a community destination, give this episode a listen. Peter brings insight, humor, and a whole lot of heart to the conversation.

Tune in now and let’s keep rooting our businesses in what matters: people, place, and purpose.