Bishop's Orchards is an agricultural operation in Guilford, Connecticut, that serves as a farm, retail market, tourist attraction and winery.
Bishop's Orchards began operating as a family farm in .[1] Over the years, Bishop's Orchards expanded to a 313acres farm, with the Bishop family members maintaining control of all duties ranging from corporate decision-making to retail operations to crop maintenance. In 2007, the Bishop family members created a 10-year stock purchase and loan program to ensure a continuation of family ownership.[2]
Bishop's Orchards has attracted tourism via its retail market and seasonal apple- and pumpkin-picking programs; visits by local school groups are also coordinated.
In July 2010, the owners of Bishop's Orchards completed a two-year study to determine the feasibility of a wind turbine on their property. Utilizing a 197feet tower to measure wind speed and direction, it was determined that while it was not economical at this time, the project could be revisited over the next decade.[3]
The Bishop's Orchards Winery sells fruit wines made from the apples, peaches, pears and raspberries grown at the farm.[4] It is on the Eastern Connecticut Wine Trail.[5]
The Shoreline Wine Festival has been held annually at Bishop's Orchards since August 2006. The festival features wineries from the Connecticut Wine Trail as well as any Connecticut producers.[6]