A Century Designated farm, Sanders Ridge has been in the Shore family for over 159 years. Neil Shore, the great great grandson of John Benjamin Shore who settled the original 800 acres in 1847, is the fifth generation of Shore farmers to work the land on Sanders Ridge.  (and a descendent of the legendary Daniel Boone)

In the late 90's, it was becoming ever clearer to Neil and other life-long farmers in the area, that the conventional cattle, timber, grain, and tobacco farming of their day just wasn't going to offer their sons and daughters the livelihood that it had once afforded them.  With the realization that he was going to probably be it - the last Shore who will farm this special place - Neil began researching and implementing  strategies that he hopes will sustain the farm, the land, and all the natural resources it supports -  including his children and grand children. 

Neil and his mother, Kate in the vineyard, 2004

In the year 2000, Neil laid the groundwork and established the vineyard for the Sanders Ridge Vineyard and Winery.  In December 2005, he began producing USDA certified organic vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers at the Farm at Sanders Ridge and in September 2008, he will open the Winery and Homeplace 1847 Restaurant.

Neil is also developing a series of Birding and Walking Trails around the farm, vineyard, winery, lakes and creeks, so that visitors can wander independently, or enjoy informal guided tours.  His objective is to satisfy an array of individual interests or recreational needs and make
Sanders Ridge a place where folks can participate or experience the farm and the special places within it.

Above,  two farm residents, bask in the
warm morning sun

Nose rubbing definitely permitted
(and greatly appreciated!)