About DEMOCRACY: The Farm
Located just off U.S. 29 on Rt. 718 in gorgeous Nelson County, Democracy Vineyards is very much in a state of becoming. Once a vibrant apple operation, a portion of the orchard has been cleared to allow for the soils to be prepped for wine production. Destined to be a true Virginia Farm winery, with over 12 acres of Vitis Vinifera grapes, Democracy Vineyards will also remain an active "Ginger Gold" apple operation.
At an elevation between 800 and 1,000 feet the Vineyards are located to the south side of Rt 718.
Noted Virginia Viticulturalist Chris Hill is coordinating the planting of Democracy Vineyards. By design, the rows are set to run North/South to take advantage of the prevailing wind patterns and to provide the greatest sun exposure to the fruit in the summer months. The alignment will also provide easy tractor and worker access to the vines.
Democracy Vineyards is appropriately located in the richest part of Virginia’s wine country the Monticello American Viticultural Area. According to the Jeffersonian Grape Growers Society:
“The wineries of the Monticello appellation fulfill a vision of Thomas Jefferson, whose aim was to produce exceptional quality wines like those he had tasted on his travels to Europe. Today, 500 acres of vitis vinifera vineyards surround Jefferson's historic Monticello estate. In just over two decades, the wine industry in the Charlottesville area has flourished, achieving national and international acclaim. Within the boundaries of this federally designated area are twenty-one farm wineries, the largest concentration of such in Virginia.”
Recognizing the need for an innovative vineyard manager, Democracy Vineyards turned to Ed Martin, an experienced Nelson farmer with a deep appreciation for wine and apple production. Ed’s gentle hand has guided the establishment of the vineyards with the utmost of care for the entire farm and the ecosystem
Our goal is to work with the land to grow excellent wines from the ground up. Democracy Vineyards is committed to building a sustainable farming operation to enhance the farm and promote agritourism in the region.
WINES PRODUCED
Alabaster, Declaration, Emancipation, Forum, Republic, Unum, Velvet Revolution, Village View Gold (apple)
VARIETALS PLANTED
Chambourcin, Merlot, Petit Manseng, Petit Verdot, Viognier
APPLE VARIETALS
Ginger Gold, Gala, Rome, Winesap, Stayman, Black Twig