We had the pleasure of speaking with Dan Brown, winemaker and owner of Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery. Located in Shoemakersville, PA, this farm welcomes you with 98 acres of rolling hills and woodlands. The farm is a third generation working farm that his grandparents bought in 1947. Though originally starting as a farm for pigs and chickens, each generation has brought their own unique aspects to the land over the years, including dairy cows, sweet corn, and of course, finally, wine.
Dan understood the importance of learning everything he could about his craft, so he enrolled in courses in winemaking. He planted the vineyard in 2010 with over 2500 vines and secured a winery license in 2015. What started out as a stall at the farmers market has since grown into the Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery we know and love today, with two tasting rooms, wine available at select local retailers and a loyal customer base.
One of the hallmarks of Deerfoot Farm is that each generation has been very open to changes over the years. The family is always looking for new opportunities to engage with the community, and not just in winemaking.
Deerfoot Farm also offers a pick-your-own blueberry patch that runs from mid-June to mid-July. They offer four varieties of blueberries and all are available to be purchased by the pound. Today, the blueberry plants are already coming in nicely for the season, and Deerfoot Farm welcomes you to be a part of their upcoming harvest!
Follow their social media page here to keep up-to-date with announcements and season updates.
The Importance of Community
The beauty of supporting a business like Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery is that you are not only supporting a local business, but an entire community. Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery is based in Pennsylvania and supplements other fruit used in their wines with produce from growers in the Kutztown and Central Pennsylvania area, making sure that they source local ingredients whenever possible. Dan feels that this is an important part of their business. Their farm has always placed a strong emphasis on focusing on local produce and strengthening their local community.
This local emphasis even extends to their participation in the Berks County Wine Trail, a group of wineries that create unique events across Southern Pennsylvania. Each of the owners of the wineries on the trail are also the winemakers. Visiting the local wineries in the Berks County area gives visitors the opportunity to meet with the winemakers and discuss all that goes into making the beverages that they enjoy.
“If you want to find good PA wines, you have to go to the winery,” Dan said.
At Deerfoot Vineyards and Winery, you can find an extensive selection of fantastic wines for all tastes. They offer award-winning blueberry and cherry wine, riesling, cabernet franc, and cayuga white — plus more!
Dan’s pride in his craft and his family farm is evident in how he is building his local legacy. He spends a lot of time sending the wine he produces to competitions to share their wine with more of the community.
From the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition and American Wine Society to the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition and PA Farm Show Wine Competition, their wine has been recognized as top entries over the years earning 80 awards and counting.
Where Can You Find Deerfoot Wine?
Deerfoot wine can be found in select locations, including their two tasting rooms located in Shoemakersville and Lancaster, PA.
Deerfoot Downtown at 348 N Queen St. in Lancaster, PA is open Friday through Sunday, from 12:00pm to 7:00pm. Their other location at 1492 Ridge Rd. in Shoemakersville, PA is open 12:00pm to 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday. It is the perfect atmosphere to get together with friends or family to enjoy a glass of wine.
Outside of the tasting rooms, many local restaurants serve Deerfoot wines. Copperz Brewing Co. in Hamburg, PA, Shot & Bottle in Lancaster, PA and Sly Fox Brewing Co. in Wyomissing, PA all carry Deerfoot wines.
Whether you’re heading to Deerfoot Winery to taste their incredible wine or pick their exceptional blueberries, there is something for everyone to enjoy! See what they’re up to next and follow them on Facebook.
