What’s a Henway?
. . .About 5 Pounds!
Going back five generations, the Horlander family gathered around their dinner table every Sunday night for family dinner. Herman Graham Horlander, a grower of fowl and meat processor, proudly served chicken at every Sunday dinner. Grandfather Horlander always knew the history of that particular bird, as he was the one responsible for its pre-table existence. Guests and family members alike would always remark on the marvelous platter of hen as it was being passed around the table. Inevitably, someone would always ask grandfather Horlander, “what’s a hen weigh?” To which he would joyfully respond, “about five pounds!”
This scenario was repeated over the course of many years and many chicken dinners, and Grandfather Horlander was proud of his contribution.
Farming is in our Family Roots
‘55 The Beginning
Our patriarch, Bob Zurschmeide, who grew up farming in Indiana, still says the money he saved to put himself through college was covered in peach fuzz.
‘93 Putting Down Roots in Virginia
As the family and Loudoun County grew, moving farming equipment in traffic created a huge challenge, so the family purchased a farm in Bluemont, Virginia, in 1993, which is now home to Great Country Farms. As the Zurschmeide family nurtured the soil back into production, we often gazed at the mountain above, envisioning grapes and orchards. The opportunity to realize this dream came true when the family was able to purchase the 100 acres that is now home to Bluemont Vineyard.
‘15 Plow to Pint Brewing was Established
Dirt Farm Brewing opened in 2015, as one of the pioneers in the Farm Brewery movement in Loudoun County. Dirt Farm utilizes different fruits, vegetables, and grains grown at Great Country Farms to create their Homegrown Series, a collection of beers that reflect our surroundings and pay homage to our farming roots.
‘70 Our First Virginia Farm
The family moved to Loudoun County in the early 1970s and started a small homestead farm in Lincoln, Virginia. Following that, they leased up to 400 acres across the county to grow sweet corn, mums, pumpkins, and vegetables for the original family farm market, Fruit of the Vine, in Leesburg.
‘07 The Vineyard and Winery Began
Bluemont Vineyard was established in 2007 when the first grape vines came into full production and now grows over ten varietals of grapes, including Viognier, Norton, and Cabernet Franc.
‘19 Homegrown Hard Cider
The latest craft beverage venture of the Zurschmeide family, Henway Hard Cider completes the trifecta. Keeping to their mission of creating the highest quality farm-to-glass beverages, Henway was a natural extension and way to showcase the art and craft of cider.