Wines produced: Velvet Revolution Reserve, 2007, Virginia Red blend Declaration Reserve, 2008, Virginia White blend Village View Gold, coming Fall 2009, Ginger Gold Apple wine
Wine Varietals Planted: Initial Planting: Merlot, April, 2009 Viognier, Petit Manseng, Petit Verdot, Chambourcin
Second Planting: Traminette, Spring 2010 Norton
Apple Varietal: Ginger Gold, Gala, Rome, Winesap, Stayman, Black Twig
The Farm at Democracy Vineyards
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 construction supervisor, Democracy Vineyards turned to Kevin Drumheller, a fourth generation Nelson farmer with a deep appreciation for wine and apple production. Kevin’s hand has guided the conversion of orchard to 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.