Patrick owns and operates Winey Shepherds with his partner, Toni Ireland. Winey Shepherds specializes in fruit and honey wines made with local ingredients. They have been regular vendors at the Alfred Market and Patrick has also been a member of the Alfred Farmers Market Board.
Patrick was raised in Allegany County and graduated from Friendship Central School. He attended the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, where he researched environmental sociology, sustainability, and ethics. Patrick has worked in the agricultural and culinary industries, seeking a way to fuse his ethos for local sustainability with his passions for cooking, preserving, nourishing, and educating.
Toni Ireland attended Alfred State College and has since worked in the agriculture and culinary industries. An avid flower gardener and pastry chef, she has overseen the implementation of several native-pollinator and native-species gardens. She organized a local farm-to-table garden, and it was utilized by local restaurants.
Patrick and Toni ensure that 100% of the ingredients that go into their honey wine are sourced from New York State Farms. All of their products are made with local NYS raw and unfiltered honey. Combining traditional fermentation styles with modern equipment and techniques, they strive to fuse old and new world winemaking practices to create unique, flavorful wines full of body and history. They work to educate themselves and others on the potential of the local biome and all that the natural habitat
of the area has to offer.
As well as running the business while Patrick manages the Market, Toni plans to offer her expertise to the Friends of the Market, which is a new organization that invites the community to bring their gifts to the table to support the Alfred Farmers Market.
Keeping this young couple extra busy is their son, Leopold Chesney.
Patrick’s interest in agriculture, sustainability, and community makes him a good fit for managing the Alfred Farmers Market. The regular 2025 market season runs from June 8th to October 12th. Indoor markets are scheduled for February 9th, April 13th, November 23rd, and December 14th at the Union University Church Center in Alfred.
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