Elk Island Winery Visit and Q&A
I visited Elk Island Winery back for Memorial Day Weekend with some friends, and the experience has still stayed with me because it was so much fun! First of all, I can’t believe that less than one mile away from my favorite folks, Byrd Cellars, you can find another amazing gem of a winery! I highly recommend doing this Goochland mini trail if you haven’t already!
The drive into the property is beautiful as you pass the vineyard which is on a hill, and go into a house that was converted into the tasting room. We stayed on their back patio and had a wonderful, socially distanced time. The grounds are so pretty and well maintained, our visit turned into a little photoshoot! Great spot for anyone who loves wine and is looking to have an engagement shoot or family shoot!
In the spirit of trying to be cautious about COVID but still wanting to do a tasting, we ordered glasses of different wines, and split them. We had the orange Viognier, the Sauvignon Blanc, the Blushing Rosé, and both of their Nortons (naked, and reserve). All of the wines are on the fruity, sweet side, which makes it a good summer spot! Our favorites were the Viognier, Norton and Blushing. I also bought the Ginger Tea Sangria to take home, and that was one of the most unique sangrias I’ve tasted, highly recommend!
I had a chance to do a Q&A with the owners via email, check it out below:
What made you all want to start a vineyard?
We had already been farming row crops, and we owned a hillside that was just cut for hay. We had been reading about the growing Virginia wine industry, and thought that hillside would be a great place to grow grapes and sell to existing wineries.
How did you guys learn about wine production?
Mostly reading, talking with other wine makers and online courses through VESTA and U. C. Davis, which also involved some work experience at other wineries. Paul's work experience as an engineer running manufacturing companies made the logistics part easy.
What was the biggest challenge in getting started?
Probably the grape growing part. Virginia had accrued a lot of learning growing different varieties in the early 2000's, but there was still a lot to figure out.
How did you select your current location?
We bought our farm in 1997, and it just happens to be on a nice and scenic secondary road, which makes it easy for customers to find us.
What is unique about the wine industry in Virginia?
Without a history or expectations from anyone, we are free to experiment. Also, our French-like climate allows us to grow most any variety.
How did you select which grapes to grow?
We first planted Norton, since it is an easy vine to grow. Then selected Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc next as these were our favorites to drink ourselves. After that we look at market trends, and variety knowledge of our customers.
What is your biggest differentiator?
Having prior farming experience and manufacturing experience, we like to say we are very efficient and precise in what we do. And we do everything from grape growing to bottling. This allows us to price our wines lower than most established wineries with comparable quality.
What is your biggest advice for someone wanting to start a vineyard?
”Hope you like work" and "don't reinvent the wheel." Talk to and learn from all the people currently in the industry, VA Tech, Trade groups, etc. And by the way it is not "romantic."