Steve and Julie Groff bought their idyllic 77-acre Dallastown farm 13 years ago as a place to raise their kids — and their horses — while Steve pursued his career as an orthopedic surgeon and founder of OSS Health, a regional health system.
But two years ago, after a serious bike accident and trauma surgery of his own, Groff decided it was time to live his dream. Today, the family’s Wyndridge Farm is being developed to support several businesses and as a place, according to Groff, “to celebrate life.”
The farm is already producing “Crafty Cider,” a hard cider made from locally-sourced apples. Cider is the fastest growing segment of the alcohol market, and Wyndridge's champagne-style cider is selling well at regional locations. The farm is also is moving into production of a second craft beverage, details to follow.
Renovations are nearly complete on the 120-year-old barn, which, along with new buildings, will open this summer for special events. With a new commercial kitchen, seating for several hundred, and indoor and outdoor facilities, Groff expects to host weddings, reunions, trade shows, corporate meetings and other special events by fall.
As the events operation ramps up, Wyndridge has built a staff of five full-timers, including an executive chef, event planners, a general manager and a cider master.
The farm was recently awarded a $2.1 million Small Business Administration loan through the York County Economic Alliance.
“We’re really excited about being an economic driver for this area,” says Groff.
Source: Steve Groff, Wyndridge Farm
Writer: Elise Vider
