Born to make alcohol

Muskegon’s Clay Avenue Cellars might be the most compact winery in the world. Although there is no official way to verify that statement, it doesn’t get more cozy than a 15′ x 20′ brewing room nestled in a two-story, former gas station/historic building that weighs 75 tons.

Yes, 75 tons. The weight is known because the building was moved from its original home in 2004 to its present day location at 611 Clay Avenue, where Wino-Bob practices his craft. “Friends tell me I was born to make alcohol,” is what Wino-Bob will tell you.

Bob Rajewski (aka Wino-Bob) is the owner, operator, winemaker, fruit picker and chief glass washer at Clay Avenue Cellars, and he makes a convincing argument that size is not as important as creativity. “My pumpkin wine was gone in three weeks,” he boasts. “Sold out.”
 
The micro-winery in Muskegon specializes in fruit wines (using all local fruit), and many are made from the results of Rajewski’s foraging efforts.  “Did you know that elderberries are the size of BBs?” he asks.

Rajewski is the only full-time employee, but he has plans for the near future that include the possible expansion into microbrews and a larger location. “In five years, I want to be a full-time brewer and train someone on the wine,” he says. He also adds that he wants to feature a female brewmaster in his business, preferably his daughter. “It is lot of fun,” he says. “I have customers from all over the world — England, Australia.” However, he adds, “The French weren’t impressed, though.”

To learn more about Clay Avenue Cellars, you can visit their website here.

Source: Bob Rajewski, Clay Avenue Cellars
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Job News Editor