Joe and Melanie Cihlar, founders of Rolling Forks Vineyards, were honored last Thursday as the recipient of the Pope County Salute to Business & Industry Award given each year to a business or industry by the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center and sponsors of the event. In the front row from left are: Trina Starker, executive director of the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce; Joe and Melanie Cihlar and Jordan McMahon, president of the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. In the back row from left are: Glenwood City Commissioner Todd Gylsen, Rep. Paul Anderson, Sen. Torrey Westrom, John R. Stone, representing the Glenwood Development Corporation; Greg Vold, representing the Pope County HRA/EDA; Kay Blauert, executive director of the Glenwood Lakes Area Welcome Center; Katie Bartyzal, vice president of the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber; Cody Rogahn, Pope County Commissioner; and Karen Tharaldson, representing the Starbuck Area Chamber of Commerce.

Joe and Melanie Cihlar, founders of Rolling Forks Vineyards which sits on the beautiful hills of Lake Minnewaska, were honored last week as the 2022 recipient of the Pope County Salute to Business & Industry award.

Joe and Melanie and their family accepted the award at a luncheon at Lakeside last Thursday that attracted about 75 people, including past award recipients, local government officials and representatives fromlocal businesses and organizations.

The award is presented by the Glenwood Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center each year and this year the award was co-sponsored by the Cities of Glenwood and Starbuck, the Glenwood Development Corporation, the Pope County Commission, the Pope County HRA/EDA and the Starbuck Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Rep. Paul Anderson and Sen. Torrey Westrom were also on hand to honor the Cihlars.

The Cihlars gave an acceptance speech that featured photos and history of their efforts to fulfill their dream of operating Rolling Forks Vineyards and Winery.

They said they fell in love with their farm because of the undulating hills and its promising potential to grow grapes. 

Rolling Forks Vineyards attracts visitors from all over the state as well as locals and features breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets.  The Cihlars planted their first vineyard in 2010 and currently own and manage 14 acres of hardy grapes and are currently marketing a number of wines made from those grapes.

They are proud of the operation, but more importantly they are proud of their growing extended family, said Joe Cihlar, and the contribution they can make to the community.