OUR STORY
Kevin Ford and his wife, Yvonne, dreamed of planting roots, quite literally, on the sloping hillside of the old Naylor Peach Orchard, a place steeped in family memories. Kevin’s grandparents, Edna Mae and Sam Naylor, had lived on the farm since 1945, and the land had long been a canvas for hard work, harvests, and heartfelt traditions.
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The name Red Heifer Winery carries a story as vivid as the hills themselves. It dates back to the day Kevin’s great-grandfather met with the owners to purchase the farmhouse and surrounding property. As they stood discussing the sale, a lone red heifer grazed peacefully on the hillside. Ever the negotiator, Kevin’s great-grandfather pointed to the cow and said with a grin, “Throw in that heifer and you’ve got yourself a deal!”
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And just like that, the farm became part of the family, a working property that has seen generations of hands tend its soil, cultivate its fields, and now, nurture its vines.
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Today, Red Heifer Winery honors that legacy. The vineyard grows where peaches once ripened in the sun, and the spirit of that red heifer lives on in every bottle, a symbol of grit, charm, and the kind of handshake deal that built a family’s future.
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Red Heifer Winery is built on a foundation of family, farming, and transformation. Kevin Ford’s grandparents, Edna Mae and Sam Naylor, originally grew peaches and apples on this land before shifting to dairy and hay. Kevin’s childhood was filled with memories of planting and harvesting corn, potatoes, green beans, and turnips, echoes of which still shape the spirit of the winery today.
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Inside our tasting room, you’ll find tributes to this heritage: a hand-painted Naylor’s Orchard sign and Sam’s memorable vanity license plate, TURNIP.
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When the idea of starting a winery was proposed, Edna Mae embraced it with enthusiasm. She loved the thought of fruit once again thriving on the old farm and gave her blessing to begin the vineyard. The Fords were first gifted a small parcel of land, and later purchased additional acreage, expanding the Red Heifer property to 56 acres.
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In 2009, the Fords broke ground for their home and have lived on the property ever since. The first vines were planted in 2010, right where the peach orchard once stood, and in November 2012, Red Heifer Winery officially opened its doors.
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Though the original farmhouse is no longer in the family, guests are warmly invited to drive up the farm lane to visit the vineyard and winery at the top of the hill. Take in the sweeping views, enjoy the fruits of our labor, and raise a glass to tradition, transformation, and the enduring spirit of the land.
OUR WINE
Every Red Heifer wine is tenderly crafted by owner and winemaker Kevin Ford. Grapes are pressed and then fermented in stainless steel tanks, American oak, French oak, or a combination. All wines are processed, fermented, aged, and bottled on-site. Every bottle has passed through the hands of Kevin and Yvonne. Kevin's wines have garnered accolades including several Comptroller Cup and Governor Cup medals as well as winning the 2019 Best in Class Award for Fruit Wine and Gold Medal for our Blueberry Wine.
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Red Heifer Winery is a proud member of the Maryland Wineries Association and part of the Antietam Highlands Wine Trail.
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OUR WINERY
12840 Red Heifer Winery Lane
Smithsburg, MD 21783
OPENING HOURS
Monday: 2pm - 6pm (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
Thursday: 2pm - 6pm
Friday: 2pm - 6pm
​​Saturday: 12pm - 6pm
​Sunday: 12pm - 6pm
CONTACT