Rankin Art & Design Group
Todhunter Vineyards & Winery
New Florence, Pennsylvania
A Legacy Rooted in Sustainability
This one-of-a-kind vineyard transforms a historic family farm into a living legacy of craftsmanship and sustainability. Designed for a couple redefining their future, the project integrates local materials and net-zero, off-grid strategies to honor the land and its heritage.
Client Story
Rooted in Heritage, Growing a Legacy
For over 250 years, our family’s land has been a silent witness to history, a place where generations have lived, worked, and dreamed. Today, we begin a new chapter: transforming our ancestral home into a thriving, first-generation family-owned business. This is our foundation, and it’s where our journey begins.
The Legacy of Sweeney Farm - Home of Todhunter Vineyards and Winery
In the heart of Westmoreland County and Fairfield Township, nestled within the picturesque landscape of New Florence, stands Sweeney Farm—an enduring testament to family, history, and perseverance. Our story begins with Samuel Sweeney and his wife, ‘Grandma Jessie’ Huston, who dedicated their lives to these lands. Samuel’s roots trace back to Barnabas Sweeney, who journeyed from Donegal, Ireland, to these rolling hills and married Mary Todhunter, a descendant of a Quaker pioneer named John Todhunter. John Todhunter had settled in Colonial Pennsylvania in the late 1600s, planting the seeds of a rich and enduring legacy.
Over the centuries, the Sweeney and Todhunter families grew intertwined with other local families, including the Hamills, Krichbaums, Vickerys, Austraws, Ewings, and Menohers. Their names and histories remain etched in the landscape—from the Hamill School on Hamill School Road to Austraw Road, Menoher Park Memorial Cemetery, and the Historic Hamill House in nearby Ligonier. These landmarks remind us of the deep roots and shared history that define this place.
Today, the farm spans nearly 100 acres of breathtaking old-growth woods, fertile highland agricultural fields, a crystal-clear spring-fed pond, and a rustic, centuries-old cabin. With this natural bounty and historic significance as our inspiration, we are proud to reimagine this land as Todhunter Vineyards and Winery, a destination that honors our past while embracing the future.
Design Principles
Inspired by the Rich Family Story and Beautifull location
Heritage-Driven Design
Celebrate the historic character of the land by incorporating elements like natural stone, reclaimed wood, and traditional craftsmanship.
Highlight the connections to local landmarks and family history through interpretive signage, architectural details, and storytelling within the space.
Modern Functionality, Timeless Aesthetic
Marry modern winery and hospitality amenities with the rustic charm of the old cabin and surrounding farmland.
Ensure flexibility in design to accommodate a range of uses, from intimate tastings to large community events.
Seamless Integration with Nature
Preserve the natural beauty of the old-growth woods and spring-fed pond by designing structures that blend harmoniously with the landscape.
Use the existing rock quarry that has been damaged over time as the center of the new building development
Use Off-Grid Net Zero sustainable materials and practices to protect the environment and create a timeless sense of place.
Community-Centered Spaces
Create gathering areas that foster connection and storytelling, such as outdoor terraces, fire pits, and open-air event spaces.
Embrace the regional identity by collaborating with local artisans, historians, and winemakers.
A Living Legacy
Infuse the property with symbols and narratives that celebrate its history, from English and Quaker heritage to the intertwining of families and cultures.
Position Todhunter Vineyards and Winery as a place where the past informs the future, offering an authentic, memorable experience for all who visit.
Empower
Growth
