The Layton family has been farming in the Salem area of Dorchester County for several generations, on what is now 1800 acres known affectionately as Lazy Day Farms. Joseph H. Layton, Sr. bought the original farm in 1948, and farmed until 1981. In the mid-70s, Joseph H. Layton, Jr. and Laura Layton purchased Lazy Day Farms, which they still farm today with their son William. Over the years they have raised cattle and tomatoes; today they grow corn, soybeans, wheat and grapes. William and his wife Jennifer Layton, and their children Stephen and Alison, live on the Home Farm which is also the location of the new winery.
In an effort to diversify their farming operation the family reevaluated their business, and a few years ago joined Maryland’s growing wine trade. They planted their first grapes in 2007, choosing to grow grapes hardy and well-suited to the Eastern Shore. The name Layton’s Chance comes from a family property nearby, an indication of the strong family history in the area.
While the vines were climbing trellises, the Laytons took on different aspects of the project. Joe, Laura, William and Jennifer each own a quarter of the winery and make decisions by consensus, however each family member plays a distinct role. In the fall of 2009, the Laytons hired a few employees for vineyard and winery operations, and to help on the farm.
Who we are
Laura Hill Layton, from Snowhill, MD, is well known throughout Dorchester County after having taught English here for 33.3 years. After retiring in 2008 Laura took on full time office management duties for the winery. She maintains our accounts, takes care of purchasing and ordering, helps coordinate private events, and keeps everything running smoothly. Laura is devoted to books and her grandchildren, and we love having her calm demeanor in the office to patiently deal with whatever crisis comes up.
Joseph Layton graduated from the University of Maryland College of Agriculture with a degree in Agronomy, and he has been farming ever since. His careful attention has kept Lazy Day Farms productive for almost 40 years. He continues to handle farm operations, while sharing ownership of the winery and participating in the decision-making process for winery operations. You might catch Joe running the back roads of Vienna early in the morning, a habit he maintains well enough to have run three full marathons!
William Layton also studied at the University of Maryland, graduating with a business degree which he put to use in 8 years of employment with Toyota. As a youth he was put to work on the farm, so he was happy to spend his twenties living in different American cities and experiencing life off the farm. However, at thirty, when the question of succession arose, William answered the call to return to farming and came home to Vienna. He took on the daunting role of principal winemaker, while also overseeing and managing general vineyard and winery operations.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Jennifer met William while both were studying at the University of Maryland. They married immediately after graduation, and she was eventually convinced to settle on the Eastern Shore. Jen has a full time position at MaTech, Inc. in Salisbury and spend her evenings and weekends working on winery issues. Jen created the winery business plan as part of a project while earning her MBA at Salisbury University. Her expertise in marketing and her practical thinking has been a major help in turning a good idea into reality.
Richard Murphy, from Salisbury, began working with the Laytons in October 2009. He served 9 years in the Marines and now lives in Easton with his wife and 3 children. Richard has experience in construction and property management, valuable skills as we complete the winery. His primary role will be maintaining the vineyard, everything from driving fence posts and hanging deer fencing, to planting and pruning the grapes. In his free time he likes to go hunting and metal detecting.
Chloé Wieland, a resident of Trappe, MD, was also hired in October 2009. A 2006 graduate of the University of Virginia, she spent a few years living and working abroad before returning to the Eastern Shore. She brings experience in marketing and training, and she will be responsible for managing the tasting room and maintaining our website and promotion materials. Chloé also works with Richard and William in the vineyard and helps make and care for the wine.
Chuck Rohner has been working at Lazy Day Farms since November 2009. Although originally from Ohio, he has been settled in Dorchester for many years. He mainly works with Joe in the fields but can also be found driving tractors in the vineyard or helping in the winery.
Here's a glimpse of what's coming at Layton's Chance Vineyard & Winery. You can spend the day touring the winery, tasting our wines, exploring the vineyard and enjoying our nature trails and picnic area. We will also offer one-hour tours of the working grain farm. If you are looking for a place to relax, join us in the evening to hear local performers. Additionally, our event room is an ideal spot for private occasions.
Come take pleasure in a “Lazy Day” at Layton’s Chance Vineyard and Winery!