Transforming Unused Land: A Connecticut Family’s Thriving Vineyard Farm

# vineyards/white-silo-winery-in-sherman-connecticut/”>White Silo Farm & Winery: 40 Years of Agricultural Innovation in Sherman, Connecticut

Nestled in the picturesque town of Sherman, Connecticut, White Silo Farm & Winery stands as a testament to family dedication, agricultural innovation, and community engagement.

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What started as an overgrown 17-acre parcel has grown into a lively destination offering farm-fresh produce, award-winning wines, and memorable events. The Gorman family’s four-decade journey turned a neglected property into one of the region’s most beloved agricultural spots, shaping Sherman’s local economy and cultural scene in the process.

From Overgrown Land to Thriving Agricultural Destination

Back in the early 1980s, when so many Connecticut farms were vanishing, the Gorman family took a leap and bought a 17-acre parcel in Sherman. Most people would’ve called it too wild to cultivate, but Ralph Gorman—who’d worked as an engineer and teacher—rolled up his sleeves and started clearing the land, determined to make something of it.

Building a Diverse Agricultural Portfolio

They started with raspberries, but soon branched out into crops that actually thrive in Connecticut’s sometimes finicky climate. Now the farm grows heirloom tomatoes, blackberries, asparagus, peaches, and quince—a rare lineup, especially as farmland in places like New Milford and Danbury keeps disappearing under new development.

The big shift came with winemaking. At first, the Gormans focused on fruit wines, using their own berries. Later on, they planted vineyards, which let them craft grape wines that honestly hold their own against bottles from more established wine towns like Litchfield and Woodbury. These days, they bottle around 1,000 cases a year, helping put Connecticut on the wine map.

Creating Community Connections Through Food and Entertainment

While a lot of farms have struggled just to keep the lights on, White Silo has found its groove by mixing things up and giving visitors real reasons to come back.

A Venue for Celebration and Gathering

The old dairy barn—renovated but still full of rustic charm—now draws folks for weddings and special events. It’s got the same vibe you’d find in the historic barns of Roxbury or Washington. The farm even hosted a family wedding not long ago, making it a place for new memories as much as for growing crops.

Chef Gina Hauspurg leads the farm’s kitchen, pulling off farm-to-table dinners that could easily wow food lovers from Greenwich or Westport. These dinners put the spotlight on the farm’s own harvest, plus other local ingredients, so every meal feels like a little celebration of Connecticut’s farms.

Supporting Local Arts and Employment

White Silo isn’t just about food and wine. It’s also become a cultural hub, giving local artists a place to show their work—pretty important in a region where gallery space is tough to find.

The farm also creates part-time jobs for people in the area, which is no small thing. Lots of businesses in Fairfield County talk about supporting the community, but White Silo actually does it.

Weathering Challenges and Looking to the Future

This year brought tough weather. There was way too much rain and a lot of heat, making things tricky for crops all over Connecticut.

Still, White Silo keeps adapting. That kind of resilience? It’s just how the Gorman family rolls, and honestly, it’s gotten them through forty years in this business.

Sherman’s First Selectman, Don Lowe, calls the farm a “wonderful destination.” He says it brings life to the town and gives a boost to the local economy.

White Silo stands as one of Sherman’s last working farms. It’s a real piece of Connecticut’s agricultural story.

Ralph and Eric Gorman hope the next generation will keep it going. Like a lot of family business owners in towns like Kent and Norfolk, they wonder if their kids will take over and keep those deep community roots alive.

 
Here is the source article for this story: A CT family turned unused land into thriving farm and vineyard. It’s called ‘a wonderful destination’

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