Democracy Vineyards @ www.virginiawine.org

Democracy Vineyards

Rt. 718 P.O. Box 451
Lovingston, 22949

About Democracy Vineyards

Located just off U.S. 29 on Rt. 718 in gorgeous Nelson County, Democracy Vineyards' tasting room is scheduled to open on Labor Day Weekend 2012. Once a vibrant apple operation, six varieties of grapes are now under cultivation. Destined to be a true Virginia Farm winery, Democracy Vineyards features over ten award winning wines, including a Virginia varietal apple wine made from Ginger Gold apples. Democracy Vineyards is pleased to be part of the newly established Jefferson Heritage Trail featuring 8 wineries as well as a distillery and other local attractions between Charlottesville and Lynchburg Virginia. The founders of Democracy Vineyards, Susan Prokop and Jim Turpin, started with just an idea, a notion of a Virginia farm winery where they could start their encore career as Virginia winegrowers. 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 assisted with the establishment 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 also provides 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." 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.

Hours of Operation

Opening to the public Sept. 1, 2012. Open Saturdays 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays 1 pm to 5 pm through November 25.

Winery Fees

Tasting Fee: $5.00

Wines

White

Petit Manseng

2010 Alabaster
This Petit Manseng dessert wine provides the perfect complement for a cheese tray dessert or by itself as a apertif. $19 375 ml 100% Petit Manseng 7% residual sugar 13% alcohol content

Viognier

2009 Unum
A bright lightly oaked Viognier filled with floral aromas and a crisp acidic finish. Add a baguette, instant picnic. $17 100% Viognier 12.5% alochol content

White Wine Blend

2009 Declaration
This blend combines the richess of the Chardonnay and the crispness of the Viognier. Perfect with seafood or pork or as a refreshing glass of white wine. $15 Content: Chardonnay 67%, Viognier 33% Alcohol Content: 12.50%

Red

Chambourcin

2010 Suffrage
Chambourcin with characteristics of raspberry and spice are dominant in both the nose and the mid-palate of this vintage. The memorable finish includes licorice and tobacco notes. Pair with Italian or spicy lamb. $17 100% Chambourin 12.5% alcohol content
2010

Merlot

2010 Emancipation
This classically styled Merlot varietal has black cherry and cocoa undertones. It pairs well with casual American and Italisn food. $17 100% Merlot 12.5% alcohol content

Red Wine Blend

2009 Forum
(50% Pinotage, 50% Cabernet Franc) This new vintage is a Cape style blend that highlights Pinotage blended with a stainless aged Cabernet Franc. This well integrated wine features a fruit filled nose, gentle mid palate and a memorable lingering finish of plum and black pepper.$15
2009 Velvet Revolution
The flagship red, featuring a blend of Vitis Vinifera and hybrid grapes, this vintage expresses a solid structure with undercurrent of plum and black cherry. Hearty enough to stand up to any braised beef, this wine will also pair exceedingly well with well seasoned leg of lamb. Price: $16 Content: Cabernet Franc 25%, Chambourcin 25%, Petit Verdot 25%, Merlot 25%

Fruit

Various Fruit Wines

Village View Gold
(100% Ginger Gold Apples) Our highly anticipated Ginger Gold apple wine. A light fruit wine features a honey filled nose leading to a seemingly effervescent mid palate with excellent natural sweetness. $14 2% residual sugar 8% alcohol content

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