You Need Not go to the Rhine to See Vineyards

In September 1859, The Gardener's Monthly published an account of a visit to Croton Point, describing Dr. Underhill's extensive vineyard operations. The estate "was visited through the summer by numerous travellers, who are permitted to drive through the grounds."

His vineyards covered the northwest and southeast slopes of Croton Point, with vines "so arranged, that a perfect draught of air is kept up between the rows." The land preparation cost over four hundred dollars per acre, and thousands of grapevines produced "green, white, pink, and purple fruit."

Beyond grapes, Underhill cultivated pear trees "immediately around the villa," and an Apple-Quince variety. The estate featured a deer park enclosed by wires stretched between trees and a fish pond with an ingenious tidal mechanism allowing fish entry but preventing escape.

Underhill also owned Mount Green farm nearby, which he planned to convert to vineyard cultivation. Visitors need not travel to Europe's Rhine Valley to experience comparable viticultural landscapes.