Minnetonka Orchards, the nearly half-century-old orchard in Minnetrista, will have a new sheen when it opens for the season on Aug. 17.

Though, "season" will be relative as well. Renamed Everly Farms earlier this year, the orchard has added The Table, a farm-to-table restaurant it hopes will become a year-round destination.

It's all part of a transformation that has been taking place since Esther and Frank Weigel purchased the orchard in 2021 from owners Phyllis and Lowell Schaper.

The Table, the new restaurant, will feature a farm-to-table menu that pairs its estate-made wines and ciders with seasonal family-style meals.

The eatery is led by Chef Tom Grittner, who co-owned and operated Tillie's Farmhouse in St. Paul until 2021, as well as Everly Farms winemaker Sean Reeves.

The rusti

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