A historic former dairy farm in Topsfield has been transformed into a multi-faceted beverage destination combining a craft brewery, distillery, winery, and café. Alfalfa Farm Cellars, which opened on Mother’s Day this year, revives the nearly 300-year-old property with a focus on locally produced drinks and community engagement.

The farm, once home to a herd of golden guernsey cows and sprawling across 600 acres, ceased dairy operations in the 1970s. Since then, its iconic twin silos—visible to travelers on Interstate 95—have remained a landmark. Now, those silos overlook a renewed gathering place where visitors can enjoy a variety of beverages throughout the day.

Paul Donhauser, co-owner and developer of the site, drew on his childhood connection to the area and inspiration from Bavarian guesthouses frequented during family vacations. “We’re grain and grape to glass,” Donhauser said, emphasizing the farm’s commitment to producing beverages on site. His vision was to create a venue where guests could start with morning coffee and stay through evening beer or cocktails.

The property includes an outdoor pavilion with picnic tables, a taproom featuring small-batch beers such as the American hazy double IPA Judah and the nitro stout Bedtime Stories, and a tasting room with house-made gin served by a fireplace. Weekend events with live music and food trucks add to the appeal, along with outdoor seating that welcomes families and pets.

A small vineyard on the grounds grows grapes intended for future incorporation into the winery’s offerings, underscoring the farm’s agricultural roots. Visitors can even step inside one of the silos to experience its height and historic presence firsthand.

Donhauser comes to the project with extensive experience in brewing and real estate. He previously founded Essex County Brewing Co. in Peabody in 2018, which merged with Ipswich Ale Brewery last year and relocated production to the new Alfalfa Farm Cellars site. He also serves as vice president for global real estate and facilities at Boston Scientific.

“I wanted to do something for the community,” Donhauser noted. “And capture something more experiential.” The farm’s address is 267 Rowley Bridge Road in Topsfield, and it is open to visitors seeking a diverse selection of craft beverages amid a setting rich in regional history.