THE VINEYARD
At 1723 Vineyards we believe that great wine starts in the vineyard. The owners, Sarah and Ben Cody, are 5th generation farmers from the mid-west, with a passion for great wine and working with their hands. In 2014 they purchased 36 acres of the historic McMaster farm in Landenberg, PA. The farm was saved from high density development and has been placed in the Chester County Agricultural Land Preservation program.
The vineyard is comprised of clay and silt loam soils, interspersed with gravelly quartz and schist. Premium wine grapes including Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino are all right at home. Family and friends helped plant the initial 3 acres in 2015, with plantings growing to 7 acres in 2016, 10 acres in 2017, and 11 acres in 2018.
THE HISTORY
Many people ask about the name “1723”. The vineyard was part of the original New London Township, before current day Franklin Township was split off. New London Township was chartered in 1723, hence the naming of the vineyard. In fact, Benjamin Franklin once owned a portion of the farm, along with adjoining property during the time he served as ambassador to France.