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Maryland Department of Agriculture

2024 Winners: The Deford Family​

Governor's Agriculture Hall of Fame |

Award ceremony date: Feb. 6, 2025

The Deford family, 12th-generation Marylanders, has been a prominent force in Maryland's agricultural and wine industries, particularly through their ownership of Boordy Vineyards and Long Green Farm in northern Baltimore County. The family's agricultural history dates back to the 18th century when Long Green Farm was first established by the Gittings family. The Defords acquired the farm in 1938, and Robert Deford, Jr. began managing it full-time after World War II, focusing initially on livestock and crops. In 1965, following advice from Philip Wagner, the founder of Boordy Vineyards, Robert planted a vineyard on the farm. 

The vineyard became the focus of Robert's son, Rob Deford III, who took over the farm's management in the late 1970s. Amid the growing pressures on small family farms due to modern agriculture's consolidation, Rob proposed purchasing Boordy Vineyards from Wagner and relocating the winery to their farm, which marked the start of a new direction for the family. After extensive challenges, Boordy became financially stable by the 1990s, and in 2000, the Defords preserved the farm by placing a conservation easement with the Maryland Environmental Trust. Rob’s son, Phineas Deford, joined the winery in 2008 after completing viticulture and business education.

 This generational shift, combined with a series of strategic investments in vineyard replanting and a new winery facility in 2012, elevated Boordy Vineyards’ wine quality. In 2023, the family restored their historic barn, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Today, Boordy Vineyards operates 50 acres of vineyards in Maryland, producing a wide variety of wines and collaborating with local growers. 

The Defords are also dedicated to environmental sustainability, implementing practices such as wastewater management and habitat restoration. Additionally, they are active in the community, with Rob and Phineas serving on various boards related to land preservation and agriculture. Boordy Vineyards has earned numerous accolades, including multiple Best in Show awards at the Maryland Governor's Cup and recognition for its leadership in the wine industry. The Deford family's commitment to agriculture, quality winemaking, and community service continues to shape Maryland's agricultural landscape, as they celebrate their 80th anniversary in 2025.

Quotes from the Nominators

“Since the purchase of the Long Green Valley Farm in 1938, the Deford Family have been leaders in Maryland agriculture, land preservation, and setting high standards for environmental sustainability,” said Erika Crowl, Senior Extension Agent for University of Maryland Extension in Baltimore County. “They have devoted countless hours to perfecting their wines by working closely with Extension, Soil Conservation District, Farm Bureau, Maryland Wineries Association, and many other agricultural organizations. We are honored to have the Deford Family represent Baltimore County and to be a part of their induction to the Governor's Agriculture Hall of Fame."