Community Highlights: Meet Jen Viren of Taproot Cider House

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Viren.

Hi Jen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Taproot is a woman owned business, founded in 2016 by Jennifer Viren, a Traverse City native with a passion and mission to create a culture highlighting local farmers and Michigan businesses. Jennifer finds harmony in the relationship between foraging, farming, food and beverage. Her love for our environment and community is the forefront of Taproot’s philosophy. After years in hospitality and organic gardening, sales lead her into the wine industry where she networked with regional wine and hard cider makers. It was in 2016, Taproot was established, a place to gather for ethically sourced and globally inspired plates, hard ciders, and curated cocktails.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One thing I have learned is that to be a successful business owner you have to be resilient. There are many challenges Taproot has overcome, from a global pandemic, changing governments, and dynamics of interpersonal relationships. People come and go, you will always face challenges, if you stay true to your mission and take ownership in your work, commit to forward thinking, find joy and gratitude, you will succeed.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In 2017 Jen married Chef Andy Viren, who’s culinary mindset aligns with Taproot’s philosophy. Our menu is focused on ethically sourced and globally inspired plates, hard ciders, and curated cocktails. Our hospitality team is driven, share like-minded values, and inspire us to continually grow.
In 2019, Jen and Andy purchased land five miles from Taproot Cider House. Taproot Farmstead is our sister business, while remaining dedicated to increasing and supporting our farm vendors, we are proudly growing flowers, apples, plums, strawberries, raspberries, herbs, vegetables, and more for Taproot Cider House. We are blessed to live in a micro climate with extended growing seasons, rich soils, and natures bounty. You can not only taste but feel the difference of quality our menu.
What’s coming next? With a love of agro-tourism, in 2026 we will introduce our boutique cidery and market located on Taproot Farmstead.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
wildcrafted cocktails, unreasonable hospitality, build a business you love, farming on the wild side, donna hay. I could keep going 🙂

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.taproottc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taproot_cider_house/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=8be0b8d6-e6e8-43c9-89a6-2296cd3bdeb7
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/taprootciderhousetc
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/taproot_farmstead/