Cowbell Brewing Co. is expanding its footprint with the purchase of Dark Horse Estate Winery, marking the company’s first move beyond its flagship brewery in Blyth.
The acquisition signals a major investment in the region’s tourism and hospitality sector, but company president Natasha Fritzley says the timing had to be right.
"For us, it was about two things," Fritzley said. "Number one, we wanted Cowbell to be in a healthy place, and I’m thrilled that we are. We’re a strong Ontario-owned business with a great team."
She says that foundation, along with support from the company’s board, made it possible to seriously consider expansion when the Grand Bend opportunity came forward.
"What excites us the most...was just the ability to continue to make a local commitment to Huron County. This is an investment in this region. We love this region. This is home and where we want to stay."
The property will continue operating as a winery, while also evolving into a broader destination that includes food, events and additional beverage offerings. Fritzley says the company is taking a measured approach before locking in those plans.
"What’s really important to us...is to give the community a chance to tell us what they would like to see," she said. "We are very much in listen mode right now."
That includes gathering feedback from residents and working with existing staff, including the site’s chef, who is staying on.
"We want to know what the locals would like...we want something that’s going to be a fit."
Part of that vision is turning the property into a year-round destination, something Cowbell has already achieved in Blyth.
"Our goal is that Grand Bend will be the same," Fritzley said. "We intend to be open regularly all year round so that local residents have someplace that they can rely on."
Plans include a mix of casual and elevated dining options, events like concerts or markets, and a focus on sourcing from local farmers and producers.
The company also plans to rename the winery in the coming weeks, a move Fritzley says reflects both respect for the past and a step forward.
"We have so much respect for the incredible vision that the Rasenberg family had in developing this property," she said. "But that’s their chapter, and we consider this the next chapter of the property’s story."
She adds that the land itself (particularly the vineyard) will play a key role in shaping that next identity.
"We consider ourselves to be stewards of the land...that story impacts the vines and the grapes and eventually the wines that we will bottle."
While the focus remains on getting the new venture up and running, Fritzley says the company is open to further growth down the road.
"The interest is always there for us. We’re all about more jobs and experiences along the Lake Huron coast," she said, noting the work ahead will require flexibility and community input.
For Cowbell, the expansion is also a way to give back to the region that helped build the brand.
"I think it’s a way of us to say thank you...to the community that has supported us and put Cowbell in the position to do this," Fritzley said. "It’s also a big thank you to the team here."
She says the move creates new opportunities for local staff and reinforces the company’s commitment to growing within the same community it started in.
Further details, including the winery’s new name and branding, are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
