Moonstone Farm opens new tasting room

PALMER — The Moonstone Farm opened a new feature to its weekly marketplace experience, the Railcar Tasting Room Thursday, July 14.

Moonstone Farm is managed by David and Michelle Church with the help of their children.

“It’s a family farm,” it’s all about balance,” David said.

The Railcar Tasting Room offered a variety of ales, wines, spirits, ciders, and other drinks. David said they work with breweries from across the state. He said they spent over a year renovating a railcar formerly used by the Alaska Railroad, complete with an indoor bar area and a 20 by 40 foot back deck so customers can enjoy their drinks outside in the fresh farm air.

David said the successful launch of this new facility is encouraging in regards to their overall goal of supporting their children through the family farm.

“So far it’s working out really well. They all enjoy it,” David said.

The Moonstone Farm has a rich history as one of the original Matanuska Colony farmsteads originally run by David’s grandparents John and Julia Church. He said that he purchased the property in the early 1990s and kept the family tradition going.

“We’ve been farming ever since. We’ve been enjoying the lifestyle, and it’s been a good place to raise the kids.”

David said they used to sell their products at various local markets before establishing their own proprietary marketplace that runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays. He said that’s helped them save on travel and offer the freshest crops.

“It doesn’t get any fresher than this,” Church said with a laugh.

The Moonstone Farm offers a wife arraybif crops and other farm fresh products including broccoli, potatoes, onions, carrots, beets, leeks, peppers, herbs, and flowers. David said their pickled products are very popular, and it’s nice having a full colorful field of vegetables to choose from.

“You can have a different salad every day,” David said.

A handful of local vendors participate in the Moonstone Farm marketplace each week. David said they don’t want too many vendors so they can maintain their cozy little spot off Church Street.

“We don’t want it to get real big,” David said.

David noted that they have tour buses come through every week during the summer.

“You meet all kinds of people from all over the world,” David said.

Aethereal Coffee owner Troy McGlashan sells organic coffee, baked goods, and bone broth every Thursday at the Moonstone Farm.

“It’s great. It’s a beautiful farm. It’s really nice as far as the vibe goes,” McGlashan said. “I think it’s great for the health and overall well being if the community

Joanie Kirk makes her way to the Moonstone Farm on a regular basis. She said that she loves the food as much as the people.

“I love this place. They know about growing really excellent organic food, clean food, “Kirk said.

For more information about Moonstone Farm, call 907-354-1887 or .facebook.com/moonstonefarmalaska.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com