Description

Red Heifer Winery Description

Discover the history and charm of Red Heifer Winery, a family-owned establishment deeply rooted in the heritage of rural Smithsburg, Maryland. Red Heifer offers a genuine connection to its land's past, coupled with award-winning wines that honor traditional craftsmanship.

History and Background

Red Heifer Winery was founded by Kevin Ford and his wife Yvonne, continuing a familial legacy on the slopes of the former Naylor Peach Orchard. The winery's name originates from a charming family anecdote during the property acquisition involving a negotiation over a lone red heifer.

• The property has been part of the Ford family since 1945, originally operated by Kevin’s grandparents, Edna Mae, and Sam Naylor, as a peach and apple orchard.
• Transitioning through years, the site evolved from an orchard to a place for dairy and hay, and then to cultivating vineyards.
• The initial vine plantations began in 2010 on the exact location of the old peach orchards, with the winery officially opening in 2012.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

Spread across 56 acres, the vineyard is not only a place of natural beauty but also a hub of meticulous wine production:

• Kevin Ford, both owner and winemaker, directly oversees the crafting of every wine.
• Production techniques include the use of stainless steel tanks, and American and French oak barrels, ensuring a diverse range of flavors and textures.
• The winery emphasizes a hands-on approach, with every step of the wine-making process, from fermentation to bottling, performed on-site.

Visitor Information and Experiences

Visitors can expect a warm welcome and a series of engaging experiences at Red Heifer:

Opening Hours:

• Thursday to Friday: 2pm - 6pm
• Saturday to Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

Address: 12840 Red Heifer Winery Lane, Smithsburg, MD 21783

Contact Details:

• Phone: 301-824-5210
• Email: info@redheiferwinery.com

Engage with the winery through various tastings and tours, allowing a deeper insight into their vine cultivation and wine production processes. The tasting room features unique décor, resonating with the site's history, including a hand-painted sign from the original Naylor's Orchard and Sam's vanity license plate 'TURNIP'.

Notable Wines or Specialties

Red Heifer Winery is celebrated for its meticulous winemaking, earning several awards:

• The winery is a proud recipient of Comptroller Cup and Governor Cup medals.
• Notably acclaimed is the 2019 Best in Class Award for Fruit Wine and a Gold Medal for the Blueberry Wine.

Conclusion

Red Heifer Winery not only offers a taste of Maryland's rich agricultural past but also serves as a testament to dedicated winemaking. Explore the scenic beauty of the Antietam Highlands Wine Trail while enjoying wines crafted with passion and precision at Red Heifer Winery.