FRESH SQUEEZE. Becky Mullane and Jim Mullane are the new owners of Autumn Harvest Winery – now known as Dixon's Autumn Harvest Winery.

Becky Mullane and her husband, Jim, will begin a new adventure when they re-open what’s now known as Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery outside Chippewa Falls on May 1 as the new owners and operators. It won’t be totally out with the old and in with the new, as they plan to keep up with some of the tried-and-true traditions of the beloved local winery.

The Mullanes are the family behind Dixon’s Apple Orchard, famous for their Champagne apples. And while apples are still at the forefront of their business, wine is now the name of the game. They emphasize that the wines Autumn Harvest is known for – like the Harvest Moon and Northern Lights – will still be produced and sold. However, the Mullanes are planning on making and producing their own wines, and will be introducing their first original concoction at the grand opening: a Moscato. It’s the first of many new wines Becky Mullane hopes will be a hit in the Chippewa Valley, including a possible wine made with their famous Champagne apple!

“We are hoping to make an exclusive Champagne apple wine as soon as we are able to come up with this most special wine!” she says.

Dixon's Apple Orchard's signature Champagne apples. (Photo via Facebook)

Regular visitors will see some changes when they walk into the winery this spring. There is a lot more space for people to sit and relax, and outdoor seating has been expanded, along with a revamped tasting room – which includes a large tasting bar and The Vino Den, a space that can be used for special events.

There are a whole bunch of new events lined up after their opening on May 1, including live music on the weekends and Fireside Fridays, where people can enjoy wine and popcorn around a bonfire. Food trucks and cheese tastings will also be available from local establishments, such as Marika Gouda cheese, which Mullane says pairs well with their wines, and Consuming Fire Pizza, which will be a part of opening day. Beer and White Claw will also be available for non-wine drinkers, along with some cocktails.

For more information or to keep up with the latest happenings at the winery, head to autumnharvestwinery.com.