In 1920, Morris and Minnie Epstein immigrated from Eastern Europe to New York City. Morris worked as a painter for a few years before relocating to Simsbury, Connecticut to try his hand at farming. They bought a 40-acre dairy and tobacco farm. Having no farming experience, this was a leap of faith. They decided to name the farm Rosedale after their youngest daughter, Rose.

Tragedy struck in 1927 when Morris fell from a silo and died. Their son, Louis (aged 16) took over the family farm. Sisters Ida and Rose helped out, but it was on Louis’ shoulders to keep the farm viable.

He started a milk route in Hartford, where he met Edith. Shortly thereafter he decided to grow sweet corn and other vegetables as the sandy soil was conducive for growing crops. The cows were sold, but there were still chickens for fresh eggs. Louise and Edith were married in 1946. They had two children: Sandra in 1947 and Marshall in 1952.

Over the years additional farmland was purchased. There are now 110 acres in total. 60 acres are used for farming, and five acres for the vineyard.

Marshall decided he wanted to continue his family's legacy. He graduated from college with a business degree, and married Lynn in 1973. He and Lynn always knew that in order for the farm to succeed they had to increase exposure and engage in agritourism – a form of tourism that combines agricultural activities with tourism experiences.

Three daughters and four grandchildren later, a thriving vineyard, a wide variety of crops, an on-site bakery site, a CSA program, a corn maze, a sunflower stroll, and hosting several “Chef-to-Farm” dinners and a variety of food festivals with MAX Hospitality, along with wedding and corporate events, Rosedale is continuing to evolve.

Marshall and Lynn’s older grandson, Kyle, recently graduated from UCONN and is now a full-time employee and an intricate part of the business. Rosedale is continuously looking for ways to grow and expand their footprint, for his generation and for future generations.