Jim & Carol Gonzalez
Jim and Carol Gonzalez raised their family of four children in Park Ridge, Illinois. Jim, originally from El Paso, Texas, & Carol, from Park Ridge, visited southwest Michigan regularly & decided to put down roots there, both literally & figuratively.
In 2014, Jim & Carol purchased their first vineyard, La Esperanza (The Hope), a little over a mile from Lake Michigan, purely as an investment. Their intention was to be good farmers &
sell their grapes to local wineries. When those wineries started to win awards with their fruit, they decided to take things to the next level.
In 2016 they purchased 76 acres of farmland in Fennville, christening her La Gracia (The Grace), & began to realize their vision of not only crafting quality Michigan wines but restoring the land to a state of health and vigor.
Modales’ exceptional winemaker, Andrew Backlin, has been instrumental in the success of the winery. His expertise, vision, creativity, & impeccable palate has transformed grapes grown solely in Michigan into world class wines.
After renovating & enhancing the two barns on the property, they broke ground for the production site and winery and opened their doors to the public in 2019. Since then, over 40 acres of grape vines have been planted and has since become one of the leading vineyards in Michigan to be certified organic. Thanks to their outstanding staff in the vineyards, tasting room, office, & cellar, Jim & Carol’s dream has become a reality.