OUR STORY

Organized in 2015, Valley Road Vineyards was conceived by a group of friends who brought talents from successful careers in law, advertising, insurance, real estate development, and writing, among others. With our mutual love of Virginia and a shared desire to support the emerging Virginia wine industry, we thought a vineyard and tasting room operation in the heart of the Monticello American Viticulture Area (AVA) would be a good choice for our next chapter together.

We found the ideal site for both a new vineyard and a tasting room, with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Located just 20 minutes west of Charlottesville, we had the added bonus of being at the head of the Rockfish Valley in Afton on Virginia’s famed craft beverage route Nelson 151.

We planted our first vines in the spring of 2016, bottled our first wines that same year, and opened SIP Tasting Room that summer. Since that time, we have added a number of outdoor seating areas, converted our Barn to a magnificent event space, created two outdoor wedding venues, and we have added two additional vineyards for a total of 17 acres under vine.

OUR VINEYARDS

AFTON SOUTH
Monticello AVA
Planted Spring 2016

The vineyard directly above the Valley Road campus is what attracted us to this property and is now recognized as the “gateway to Nelson 151.” At just under 1000’ elevation, southeast-facing, and with great air drainage, it offers optimal growing conditions for the four one-acre blocks of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot vines.

MOUNTAIN GLEN
Monticello AVA
Leased Winter 2017

Located 20 miles south of Valley Road near Lovingston. Senior Vineyard Consultant Grayson Poats has tended these seven acres of vines with care to yield fruit worthy of inclusion in Valley Road estate wines. Chardonnay, Chambourcin, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Viognier.

GRAYSON VINEYARD
Monticello AVA
Planted Spring 2021

Our latest project is an additional six-acre vineyard at our Afton property along Nelson 151. In addition to two clones of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, we are planting our first block of Albariño – and can’t wait to taste its debut in 2024! The Valley Road Founders dedicated the vineyard as the Grayson Vineyard on August 21, 2021 to honor our first General Manager, Grayson Poats, one of Virginia’s preeminent vineyard specialists.

OUR TEAM

Stan
CEO and Co-Founder

I see Valley Road Vineyards and the Virginia wine industry as my opportunity to be creative and enjoy a new chapter after a successful 30+ years practicing law. A proud UVA Law alum and resident of Nelson County since 2008, choosing this area to begin Valley Road Vineyards was the perfect choice. Plus, I am fortunate to share this dream with the love of my life and now partner in work, Barbara. Beyond my role at Valley Road Vineyards, I am a father of four, enjoy traveling, and being outdoors. I’m frequently behind the bar at our Tasting Room, SIP, and look forward to raising a glass with you. Cheers!

Barbara
Director of Marketing

In addition to my role as Valley Road Vineyards' Director of Marketing, I’m also one of the winery's Founders. After having my career and raising our family in Richmond, I am so fortunate to live in this beautiful part of the world and get to work with my husband to bring Valley Road’s wine, events, Wine Club, and wedding services to our guests. I joined the Valley Road staff in 2018 after a 30+ year career working with advertising agencies in New York and Richmond, including The Martin Agency and West Cary Group. It’s fun to be my own client for a change!

Lynn
General Manager

I’ve been a part of Valley Road since the day it opened — first as a Vinista, then as Wine Club Manager, and now as General Manager. Working with our Wine Club members and customers allows me to share my long-held passion for the wine industry. I’ve completed Piedmont Valley Community College’s Enology and Viticulture certificate programs and I am currently pursuing a WSET Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits. When not at the winery, I manage my own business-to-business marketing communications agency in Charlottesville and I love to explore wine through travel.

Ben
Tasting Room Manager

I joined the staff of Valley Road Vineyards in Fall 2021 as a Venue Representative and Vinista. I’ve known the team here since they opened, courtesy of my prior roles in the Monticello Wine Trail industry, so I was thrilled to be welcomed into the VRV family. In March 2023, I took on the Tasting Room Manager role and that’s where you’ll find me on weekdays - come see me, I’d love to introduce you to our wines! On weekends, I’m either helping our couples have their greatest day ever as a Venue Representative or playing bass with Gallatin Canyon Band.

Grayson
Senior Vineyard Consultant

A proud Virginia native and JMU graduate, I have been involved in the Virginia wine industry since 2002. My combined passion for agriculture and wine lead me to Delfosse Vineyards, where I was the Vineyard Manager for 12 years. In 2015, I joined the Valley Road Vineyards team as General Manager. I handed over the GM reins in 2022, but still oversee both the Afton and Mountain Glen vineyards. I’m also an active member of The Virginia Vineyard Association, where I report on the Central Virginia region for its Grape Press newsletter.

Walter
Manager of Grounds and Maintenance

The VRV Team has titled me “Jack of all Trades and Master of Most.” I’ve always had a passion for fixing anything and everything and have made a career out of it. In addition to general maintenance of the property, buildings, and grounds; I also assist with vineyard operations. I truly enjoy the variety from project to project. From auguring 6,100+ holes for a new vineyard planting to assembling furniture, mowing, or prepping for a wedding, there’s never a dull moment. I’m a proud husband, father of three, and Nelson County native.

AWARDS

Bottles - AWARDS.jpg

It was gratifying – and humbling – when our inaugural 2014 Petit Verdot received a Virginia Governor’s Cup Gold Medal and was placed as one of the 12 wines in the 2017 Governor’s Case. We naively thought “Gee, how hard could this wine business be?” But 2014 was an astoundingly good year for Monticello AVA Petit Verdots, with four of our neighboring wineries’ Petit Verdots also placing in the Governor’s Case. We were fortunate to enter the wine business at the right time in the right place!