In December 2004, the Williamsburg Land Conservancy a received a donated permanent conservation easement on 223 acres of woods and open space on the Williamsburg Winery property extending from the winery buildings to the James River. The easement was donated by Patrick Duffler, owner of the Williamsburg Winery. At the time it was donated, the conservation easement was the largest ever received by the WLC, surpassing the 201-acre easement held on land stretching along the James River within the Governor’s Land community.

Reflecting happy childhood memories of wandering through European forests, Mr. Duffler and his family sought to create their own “Black Forest” on winery property, planting thousands of trees over time. Each year, the trees are carefully pruned and nurtured and an extensive nature trail has been developed as well. The forest and shoreline are now home to an abundant array of wildlife including deer, turkey, fox and waterfowl. It is this gem of a forest that Mr. Duffler committed to permanently protect from development.

In October 2005, the Dufflers placed an additional 46 acres of the Winery property into a permanent conservation easement. With the exception of the actual winery buildings and the small, European style inn, Wedmore Place situated on the land, Mr. Duffler has placed almost all of his property under conservation easement.