Imagine: Georgian architecture, European grandeur, local folklore revolving
around Edgar Allen Poe, award-winning lavender gin harvested from lavender
fields on-site, bacon, egg and cheese casserole alongside stuffed French
toast and sweeping, vast views of 135 acres of Frederick County countryside.
Needless to say, an overnight stay at Springfield Manor Winery & Distillery is
an experience out of a storybook.
The manor was built around 1775 by James Johnson, who settled on the land while founding
Catoctin Mountain Furnace with his brother, Thomas Johnson. Thomas would later become
the first governor of Maryland. It goes without saying that Springfield Manor is rich in history
and legend. Wealthy from his success at Catoctin Mountain Furnace, which served as a major
supplier of iron in the region during the 18th century, James Johnson crafted his home to
reflect his prominence. The grand stone home is situated on a rise of the Catoctin Mountains
and offers panoramic views of corn and lavender fields and the artesian springs, which give the
home its name.
Owners Amie and John St. Angelo purchased Springfield Manor and its farmland in 2004 and
since have established a distillery and winery on the property. “We have amazing naturally
filtered fresh limestone spring water” at the estate which “make our distilled spirits award
winning,” explained Amie St. Angelo. “The winery produces 10 award-winning wines on site
including big dry reds, stainless Chardonnay, a beautiful rosé and a delightful sparking as well as
four semi-sweet wines. The distillery produces rums, whiskey, vodka, bourbon, and lavender gin
from our expansive lavender field.”