Located in Waterford, VA.
Can you provide a brief overview of the history and founding of your winery?
Carriage House Wineworks began as a passion project in 2017. We purchased a charming farm in historic Waterford, Loudoun County. As a small, family-run operation, we take pride in growing our own grapes and crafting our wines on-site. When you visit, you'll not only enjoy our handcrafted wines but also experience the beauty of our vineyard, winery, and farm. Nestled in the scenic rolling hills of Waterford, our vineyard is surrounded by other boutique wineries, making it the perfect destination for wine lovers seeking an authentic and tranquil experience.
What inspired the establishment of your winery, and how has it evolved over the years?
Gerri and I enjoyed visiting small family-run operations around the world over the years and strove to create such an experience for our customers in Northern VA. We offer an intimate experience frequently interacting with the owners and growers/winemakers.
Are there any unique stories or anecdotes associated with the founding of your winery?
Carriage House Wineworks was featured as one of the few recommended VA wineries in the prestigious 3rd Edition of The Wine Bible by Karen MacNeil. It was an unexpected honor.
Can you highlight a few of your flagship or signature wines and what makes them stand out?
Since opening, our wines have consistently earned high accolades, particularly our reds. Our inaugural commercial vintage, the 2019 Petit Verdot, was honored with a Gold Medal in the Governor's Case at the esteemed Virginia Governor's Cup. Continuing this tradition of excellence, our 2020 Red Barouche red blend and 2021 Petit Verdot also secured Gold Medals at the most recent Governor's Cup. These wines are not only richly complex but also exceptionally food-friendly, making them accessible and enjoyable for any occasion.
Are there any particular vintages that you are especially proud of, and why?
The 2019 vintage was particularly good as Mother Nature cooperated. 2023 was also an excellent vintage due to extended dry weather and sun.
How do you approach the creation of new wine varieties or blends?
I look for balance and food friendliness. The fruit characteristics should be prominent with other aspects of winemaking adding gentle accents.
Are there specific grape varieties that thrive in your vineyards, and why were they chosen?
We grow Merlot, Cab Franc, and Petit Verdot vinified as varietals and a red blend (Red Barouche). They are French ENTEV clones chosen for their quality in the VA terroir. For whites, we have ENTEV clones of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Petit Manseng.
Describe the atmosphere and experience visitors can expect at your tasting room.
Country farm vibe in the tasting room recently converted from a cattle barn. Friendly and personable atmosphere.
Are there any unique events or activities that you host for visitors at your winery?
Facility tours, educational classes, vineyard tours, and club pickup events.
What do you hope guests take away from their visit to your winery?
Good wine is good farming. Learn something about how wine is made.
How does your winery engage with the local community?
We are active in the annual Waterford Craft Fair.
To learn more about Carriage House Wineworks, visit their website here!
Stay tuned for more Vineyard Spotlights!
About the VWDC
Established by the Virginia General Assembly in 2007, the Virginia Winery Distribution Company (VWDC) is a non-profit, non-stock corporation housed within the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to provide wholesale wine distribution services for licensed Virginia wineries and farm wineries.
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