Ever since this summer’s decision by Orange County to reject parts of Union Grove Farm’s agritourism expansion and the farm’s decision to appeal for its proposed music stage, Oct. 8 was circled on the calendar for a high-profile Board of Adjustment hearing.
But the date came and went this past week without a hearing after all.
Union Grove Farm issued a statement on Oct. 5 saying it had pulled its appeal from the county government, citing community feedback and saying it would re-evaluate its proposal to “better reflect the inputs we’ve received.” The hearing was subsequently cancelled.
“Our vision has always been to cultivate a space that supports the long-term sustainability of the farm while creating meaningful opportunities for education, community connection, and a deeper understanding of regenerative agriculture,” read the statement shared on the farm’s social media. “We believe we can find a path forward that reflects both the needs of the community and supports the future of farming in our region.”
The decision represents a sharp turn from the leadership of the regenerative grape vineyard along Dairyland Road in rural Chapel Hill. Founder and owner Greg Bohlen and his partner Meredith Sabye appeared resolute in the inclusion of a live music venue on the property near the site of a planned distillery, which initially was submitted as a 2,500-seat amphitheater. After the component was rejected during a review by Orange County Planning Director Cy Stober in June, Bohlen released an updated rendering and shared a statement about his plans to appeal — claiming the live music element was “vital to achieving our long-term vision” for Union Grove.
The July 2025 rendering of Union Grove’s musical stage plans, presented as a “farm stage” amid the business’ efforts to fit under the agritourism laws that dictate what can currently be built on the site. (Image via Union Grove Farm.)
The initial review and appeal of the stage is driven by the question of what qualifies as agritourism, as Bohlen aims to bring more business and entertainment opportunities to the farmland he acquired in 2022. Since the land is categorized as a voluntary agriculture district — and part of a conservation easement granted to the Triangle Land Conservancy from its prior owners — its uses must be for agriculture and agritourism. Bohlen aimed to create a hub around the vineyard and farm with a variety of elements without needed approval from the county government, like a group of short-term-stay cottages, a restaurant with a pool and bar, a culinary garden and the distillery.
Nearby neighbors and members of the Triangle Land Conservancy, however, argued elements beyond simply growing food and tending livestock ought to be reviewed under the easement’s regulations, which led to this summer’s review. Additionally, TLC filed a lawsuit suing Union Grove Farm in August alleging repeated violations to the nonprofit’s conservation easement, citing the inclusion of an amphitheater and plans to construct three roads through forests on the land. Stober ultimately rejected the overnight rooms, restaurant, and stage citing their lack of “bona fide farm purpose” needed under the traditional definition of agritourism.
Union Grove is moving forward with plans for the culinary garden, its Center for Regenerative Agriculture and distillery — all of which were approved — as it ramps up its grape operations, with its trademarked species beginning to become available for purchase. The statement about rescinding its appeal also indicated the farm will create “a revised plan that is more closely aligned with community expectations.” Those plans, barring any zoning changes to the property, would also require review from the county government.
“While we are grateful for the opportunity to engage with the community,” Union Grove leadership said, “we were disheartened by the personal attacks and mischaracterizations that occurred during the process – particularly concerning our certified regenerative vineyard practices. We stand by our commitment to sustainable agriculture and to operating our farm with integrity and transparency. Moving forward, we are committed to open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving. We sincerely hope to continue working together to shape a future that benefits the land, the farm, and the community we’re proud to be a part of.”
Chapelboro has requested comment from Triangle Land Conservancy on Union Grove Farm’s decision to not move forward with its appeal of the live music stage proposal.
The full statement from Union Grove Farm reads:
“At Union Grove Farm, we are deeply committed to being responsible stewards of the land and thoughtful, engaged members of the Orange County community.
“After careful consideration and in response to the concerns expressed by many of our neighbors, we’ve made the decision to rescind our appeal to Orange County regarding our proposed agritourism operation. We have listened closely to the feedback shared and take those concerns seriously.
“Our vision has always been to cultivate a space that supports the long-term sustainability of the farm while creating meaningful opportunities for education, community connection, and a deeper understanding of regenerative agriculture. We believe we can find a path forward that reflects both the needs of the community and supports the future of farming in our region.
“We are currently re-evaluating our proposal to better reflect the inputs we’ve received. Our aim is to develop a revised plan that is more closely aligned with community expectations – one that balances the preservation of rural character with the future needs of local farming. We believe a thoughtful, collaborative approach can result in a final outcome that everyone can be proud of.
“While we are grateful for the opportunity to engage with the community, we were disheartened by the personal attacks and mischaracterizations that occurred during the process – particularly concerning our certified regenerative vineyard practices. We stand by our commitment to sustainable agriculture and to operating our farm with integrity and transparency.
“Moving forward, we are committed to open dialogue, mutual respect, and shared problem-solving. We sincerely hope to continue working together to shape a future that benefits the land, the farm, and the community we’re proud to be a part of.”
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