Penns Woods Winery Expands Vineyard Stewardship in partnership with Equivine Farm in Chester County
This new partnership preserves historic vineyard acreage and strengthens the future of Pennsylvania terroir.
Penns Woods Winery is proud to announce its stewardship of Equivine Farm, a historic Chester County property featuring 13 acres of mature wine grapes and three acres of apple orchards. The partnership represents both a strategic response to the recent frost-related vineyard losses that rocked the East Coast this past spring and, more importantly, is a long-term commitment to preserving wine grape acreage and supporting the future of Pennsylvania viticulture.
For Penns Woods, the decision to take on the vineyard extends beyond a single growing season.
“I saw in this site an opportunity to create more value for the wine region,” said Davide Creato, Winemaker & Vineyard Manager for Penns Woods Winery. “Losing acreage decreases the potential for Pennsylvania—and the East Coast—to be recognized as a premier wine-growing region. I decided, against all the financial sense, to farm this vineyard as one of our own.”
The Equivine Farm Vineyard was originally planted nearly 30 years ago by the McNeely family and remains under family ownership today. The site includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Chardonnay vines that have supplied fruit to wineries throughout the region and contributed to numerous award-winning wines over the years.
“Many of these blocks have produced wines recognized as high quality both regionally and beyond,” Creato said. “This vineyard has a proven history of producing exceptional fruit.”
The property spans approximately 100 acres and sits atop one of the higher elevations in Chester County, offering a unique microclimate and well-drained soils ideally suited for premium grape growing. At roughly 600 feet above sea level, the vineyard shares geological characteristics with several of Penns Woods’ most respected vineyard sources while maintaining its own distinct identity.
This 1.5 acre block of Chardonnay was planted at Equivine 30 years ago.
Preserving Agricultural Land Through Challenging Conditions
This addition to the Penns Woods fold comes during a difficult year for farmers across the Mid-Atlantic where an unprecedented frost event in April significantly impacted vineyards throughout the region. Penns Woods’ own Chadds Ford Estate Vineyard lost over 70% of their crop with complete destruction of entire varietals including Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc & Moscato Canelli.
Frost damage has substantially reduced expected yields at this site, not only for the current vintage but potentially for years to come. “Our Cabernet Franc vines, I have been training the [cordon] spurs for 15 years, now we have to go vine by vine, assess the damage, save where we can, but many we will have to begin again with a new shoot from the graft. The rootstock is strong, planted decades ago, but the work we have done to train them, all gone. We won’t see wine quality grapes for at least 2, maybe 3 years.” says Creato.
Shriveled Cabernet Franc buds at Penns Woods’ Chadds Ford Estate Vineyard after the catastrophic freeze in April that not only impacted grape growers, but wrecked havoc on produce farms across the region. The Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture estimates losses to the specialty crop industry between $150 and $200 million. Source: Penns State Agricultural Sciences
Equivine Farm escaped the worst of the weather and is expected to produce between 15 and 20 tons of grapes this harvest.“Because we know we won’t produce a full crop in the coming years, we can redirect our labor, energy, and financial resources to acreage that will,” Creato explained. “Instead of simply cutting back, we’re investing in acres that are producing grapes and preserving vineyards that might otherwise be lost.”
The decision reflects Penns Woods Winery’s longstanding belief that the future of Pennsylvania wine depends on protecting and cultivating high-quality vineyard sites throughout the region. Equivine Farm Vineyard has long been cared for by respected regional farmer and viticulture specialist Brian Dickerson. As Dickerson begins transitioning toward retirement and reducing the acreage under his management, the future of this historic vineyard became uncertain.
“When I saw the site, for me it was a no brainer, I had to take it on. Rather than see productive vineyard land disappear, we chose to invest in it and preserve it for the future. “ Creato said.
Supporting Pennsylvania Agriculture Beyond Wine
In addition to its vineyards, Equivine Farm is home to approximately three acres of apple orchards. Last season, this unique blend of heritage apples and modern cultivars were harvested from the property and utilized in the production of Penns Woods Winery’s William Penn Hard Cider. “It felt good to bring back our cider. We first made our William Penn Hard Cider ten years ago but didn’t have the right opportunity to create that again until now. The heart of everything I do is in farming and to have a hand in not only the grapes this time, but also the apples means a lot to me.” says Creato.
Although spring frost did its damage to apple blossoms as well, the orchards are still expected to produce fruit for cider production this season, further supporting Penns Woods’ commitment to local agriculture and regional sourcing.
The Equivine Farm is aptly named as the property is home to a champion thoroughbred horse program and a bookable country retreat with guest accommodations overlooking the farm’s rolling countryside, vineyards, and ponds, making it a unique example of Chester County’s rich agricultural heritage.
Nestled in the famous rolling hills of Chester County, Equivine Farm is a working farm with a tranquil, retreat-like atmosphere.
Investing in the Future of Pennsylvania Wine
Since its founding, Penns Woods Winery has been dedicated to showcasing the quality and potential of Pennsylvania-grown fruit. The addition of Equivine Farm strengthens that mission while helping ensure that valuable vineyard acreage remains in production for years to come.
As Pennsylvania’s wine industry continues to evolve, Penns Woods remains committed to supporting growers, preserving farmland, and producing wines that reflect the character and promise of the region.
“Every acre of vineyard we preserve strengthens the future of Pennsylvania wine,” said Creato. “This is about more than one harvest. It’s about ensuring that our region continues to grow and be recognized for the quality of wines we can produce here. I am stretching a 40 acre budget to manage 53 now, but we’ll make it work”
Equivine Farm Vineyard was planted to follow the curvature of the land with half the site N/S and the other half running E/W.
About Penns Woods Winery
Founded in 2001 and located in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, Penns Woods Winery is one of the Commonwealth’s most acclaimed wineries, producing estate-grown and locally sourced wines that celebrate the unique terroir of southeastern Pennsylvania. Family-owned and operated, Penns Woods is committed to sustainable vineyard practices, regional agriculture, and crafting wines that express a true sense of place.
