Lovingston Winery
Lovingston Winery opened in 2003 as a small batch 100% estate grown vineyard and winery located in the rolling countryside of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Originally built as a family residence in 1906 by the Stevens family, tobacco and cattle were primary business drivers - like much of Central Virginia - as the rolling hills and red clay and granite soil was prime and fertile for farming.
In 2003, the Lovingston Winery and Josie's Knoll Vineyard came to fruition with the first planting of five acres of vines. Named after Josie Stevens, the original matriarch of the property, the vineyard focused on Bordeaux varietals of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, two staples in Virginia wine.
It was not long before the vineyard welcomed expansion with the addition of Petit Verdot, Chambourcin, and the South African varietal, Pinotage as well as three white varietals: Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, and Petit Manseng. Even through growth, the winery has stayed true to its belief that great wines come through cultivation and care in the vineyard above all else.
Owners: Wes Roberts & Tessa Riley
885 Freshwater Cove Lane, Lovingston, VA 22949
tel: 434-263-8467
email: wes@lovingstonwinery.com
website: lovingstonwinery.com
Winery Story:
Opened in 2003, Lovingston Winery has long been dedicated to producing high quality 100% estate grown wines as the southern most winery in the Monticello AVA. The winery sold in 2021 to Bill and Shelley Riley and their daughter Tessa and son-in-law Wes, who have reinvigorated the property by setting out to share their property in as many ways as possible. While most guests come for their Bordeaux and Burgundy style wines, others come to stay in their circa 1906 Farmhouse or picturesque log cabin surrounded by 250 year old oak trees. Some come to visit their mini horses, Teddy and Queenie, or mark their calendars in the Spring for their annual Corgi Race. They even have reason to visit if you aren’t a wine lover with events like Tea for Tupelo, a traditional tea-styled brunch. If you enjoy small, family run wineries that have that quintessential cozy touch, this is the winery for you!
Winemaker: Riaan Rossouw
Winemaking Philosophy:
We believe a great wine starts in the vineyard and is simply guided through the winemaking process with as little outside influence and additives as possible. We believe Virginian wines are best cultivated through gentle pressing and neutral or conditioned oak aging, creating a fruit forward wine with soft tannins that can be enjoyed by all wine drinkers.
Wines Typically Available:
Seyval Blanc, Petit Manseng, Late Harvest Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, ‘Love, Virginia’ Rose Rotunda Red, Cabernet Franc, Pinotage, Merlot, Estate Reserve
Hours:
Wednesday: 2-6
Thursday: 2-6
Friday: 1-6
Saturday: 11-6
Sunday: 11-6
Tasting Fee:
We offer custom tasting flights at $15/flight where you may choose any 4 of the available wines to build your own custom flight. We also offer glass and bottle purchases.
Group Policy: Groups are accommodated with reservations. Private group tastings are also available.
Food Available:
We offer cheese and cracker boards as well as various fudges and pre-packaged snacks like chips, popcorn, granola bars. Guests are also welcome to bring outside food to enjoy.
Pet Policy:
We are pet friendly and just request that dogs remain outdoors and leashed.
Kid Policy: We are kid friendly and offer snacks and juice boxes for the kids to enjoy when they entertain themselves on property with our tree swing and mini horses!
Events:
Public Events – Ever evolving lineup of events open to the public. Some ticketed. Check out our website to stay up to date on events.
Private Events – We offer weddings, business retreats, formals, birthday parties, private dinners, wine club events and more. Visit our website for details.