Our Story

Bill Willis

Willis Hill Farm derives its name from the first-generation owner, William “Bill” Willis, who started farming in 1873. In addition to raising sheep, horses, and cattle, Bill was a licensed distiller and wine and brandy maker, known locally for his apple brandy, made from homegrown apples from the family orchard. One of his original stills is on display in the winery today. Bill built the Willis Hill Winery barn shortly after it burned in 1890. Bill’s great-great-grandson, Rick Shriver, began restoring the barn in 2015 and opened the winery shortly before his passing in 2023.

John & Rebecca Greer

Rebecca (Willis) Greer, born in 1868, was the only daughter of Bill and Rebecca Willis. She married John Greer in 1902, and they had two children, Rachel and Willis. John and Rebecca took over operations at Willis Hill Farm, continuing livestock and crop operations until their deaths. Rebecca passed away on the farm in 1907 at only 39 years old. Although Rebecca lived her entire, albeit short, life on Willis Hill Farm, she left a lasting legacy. She was an avid photographer, a rare pastime for a woman in the early 1900’s. She was responsible for many of the photos of the family and Willis Hill Farm during her time on the property. John never remarried and continued to operate the farm with his daughter, Rachel, at his side until he passed away in 1938 at age 58. Although John and Rabecca did not legally make the libations of their forefathers, the family recipes were preserved, and stories persisted of John’s ability to make some “damn fine brandy” with his father-in-law.

Forest & Rachel Parmiter

Rachel Greer was born on Willis Hill Farm in 1903. She married Forest Dewey Parmiter in 1925, and the two had two children, Dewey and Dorothy Parmiter. In addition to running the farm with her husband, Forest, Rachel (Greer) Parmiter, daughter of John and Rebecca Greer, was a well-known school teacher in the Morgan County area. Forest began farming Willis Hill Farm just after he married Rachel, as the two moved into one side of the large farmhouse. They had two children, Dewey, born in 1928, and Dorothy, born in 1934. The family raised cattle and sheep in addition to crops. By the time Forest began working the farm, prohibition had taken its toll on the legal wine, brandy, and whisky operations. However, recipes were preserved and handed down. Forest was known amongst his friends for his ability to make wine and brandy in large ceramic crocks located in the barn. His family often recalled the gregarious men who visited, stumbling back to the house from the barn after a nip to the dismay of their wives.

Dorothy (Parmiter) Shriver

Dorothy (Parmiter) Shriver was born in 1934. She married Richard Shriver in 1953 and had two children, Rick and the other one. Dorothy lived her entire life on Willis Hill Farm. She never remarried after her divorce from Dick, yet she continued to maintain the farm and care for her family, including her brother Dewey, until her death in 2023 at 89 years young. Throughout her life, she farmed continuously, raising sheep and cattle, until she finally sold the livestock in the early 1990’s. Dorothy was the epitome of a Depression-era farm woman: tough and enduring, making do with the few financial resources at her disposal.

Dewey Parmiter

Complications at birth in 1928 rendered Dewey disabled for the remainder of his life. He attended school until the sixth grade, at which point the school district recommended Dewey be relegated to a life on the farm. Dewey embraced the opportunity and worked on the farm, helping his father Forest, sister Dorothy, and nephew Rick until he passed at the age of 83. Dewey was a kind-hearted man who loved music and farm life and is fondly remembered by those who knew him.

Rick Shriver

Born in 1954, Rick Shriver was the visionary behind making Willis Hill Farm & Winery a reality. He worked on honing his wine-making ability, which began in the 1970’s, and realized the potential for a winery on the Willis Hill Farm. He prided himself on his blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, peach, and other native-fruit wines, using recipes passed down from his great-great-grandfather, Bill Willis. He began restoring the barn in 2013 as a retirement project and a desire to share the barn and his wine with friends and neighbors. He self-funded the project along with his wife Connie, and by 2018, they were open for business. He grew the business and passed it to his two sons, Adam and Evan Shriver, after his death in 2023.

Adam & Evan Shriver

Brothers Adam & Evan Shriver took over ownership and operations of Willis Hill Farm and Winery upon their father Rick’s death. The boys have continued their forefathers’ legacy by producing wine from locally sourced fruit and other ingredients. They still use the same recipes their great-great-great-grandfather William “Bill” Willis worked with over 135 years ago. The boys and their wives, Jody (Adam) and Kayla (Evan), have broadened the offerings by experimenting with new recipes, including Autumn Olive, Mango, and Lavender. Their goal is to provide a fun and welcoming venue with good vibes and quality products.