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Your Guide to Special Occasion and Holiday Wines

Posted by :Alex Griffith On : October 11, 2024
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Wine is the perfect gift or accompaniment to any special occasion and is almost always welcome. The sheer variety of wines, though, also means it can be stressful to choose the “right” one for an unfamiliar scenario. Aside from bubbly at a New Year’s Eve party, some holiday wines aren’t so obvious. What’s the proper wine for Thanksgiving? For Easter?

Luckily, these aren’t life-or-death decisions. Plus, if you have a favorite wine, it’s absolutely okay to serve it whenever you like! Taking the extra step and pairing wines with events, parties, and times of year, though, is a wonderful way to expand your palate and feel connected to the season and those around you.

So, in the spirit of wine hobbyists everywhere, we’ve curated a list of events, occasions, and holidays alongside the wide array of Chiswell wines that complement them. If any of these ideas stand out to you, consider picking up bottles in advance before they’re gone. Better yet, join Crown Club to take advantage of monthly discounts and quarterly wine trios, ensuring you always have just the right bottle of Chiswell’s Virginia wine on hand!

Holiday Wines

A glass of Chiswell wine next to two baskets of Easter eggs.

Holidays are about togetherness and community, whether it’s a household, a family, or a whole party of folks sitting down together. The wine you serve helps set the tone for a gathering, so putting some thought into your choice of holiday wines is a fun way to make things a little more special for those you love the most.

Here are our ideas for some of the most popular holidays:

Thanksgiving

Everyone’s looking forward to pie! Have a dessert wine on hand, like our Sweet Albemarle Petit Manseng, to round out the meal.

Christmas

A savory winter roast deserves a hearty winter red. Consider a bottle of the 2021 Merlot.

Easter or Mother’s Day

Morning celebrations and brunches are excellent opportunities for mimosas. We recommend the Chiswell Sparkling Chardonnay.

Halloween

A dark, spooky, blood-red wine… preferably one that pairs well with chocolate, like the 2022 Chambourcin!

Valentine’s Day

The most romantic wine option will often simply be your partner’s favorite. For the adventurous, our 2021 Meritage is a nice complex wine to savor and discuss together.

Celebration Wines

Many celebrations in life warrant uncorking a bottle of wine. Birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, promotions, engagements…there are many predictable (and unpredictable) happy occasions that call for raising a glass. It’s nice to be prepared with the perfect accompaniment when the occasion arises. That way, when an announcement or accomplishment comes out of the blue, you’ll be ready to give it the proper toast.

A variety of wines in Chiswell glasses clinking “cheers!”

A bottle of sparkling wine is never out of place when congratulating or appreciating someone. Chiswell’s Sparkling Rosé is always in fashion, with a lively color and fruity nose that add personality and cheer to an event.

Alternatively, have a chilled, sippable white wine on hand, like a Chiswell Chardonnay. Light and easy to store, white wines are ideal for sharing at a smaller or more intimate catch-up about the good news. Seasoned chardonnay sippers may prefer the more rounded, early profile of our oaked 2020 Chardonnay, while casual wine enthusiasts might opt for our lighter 2021 varietal.

Outdoor and Daytime Gatherings

A family drinks wine and enjoys a charcuterie board outdoors, seated in Adirondak chairs.

Sharing a wine outside with friends can be a wonderful bonding treat, even at a barbeque or tailgate alongside burgers and chips!

Weather and setting can change a lot about what wines to enjoy. For grilling-focused events, a full-bodied red wine, such as Chiswell’s Cabernet Sauvignon, is a welcome companion to satisfying red meats. If you’re grilling on a particularly hot summer day, though, it might be more refreshing to make a cool, delicious sangria. Similarly, white wines are classics at garden parties and picnics, like Chiswell’s Sauvignon Blanc, as long as it’s warm and sunny.

Formal Occasions

Two Chiswell red wine glasses on a table with a bronze horse and a candlestick.

Sometimes, we need to impress people. Whether it’s a gift for a superior at work, something to bring to dinner with the in-laws, or a large event, it’s good to plan ahead. We want to get the “correct” wine to make a good impression, even if we don’t know someone’s personal tastes; one easy strategy to avoid decision paralysis is to look at a wine’s awards.

Many Chiswell wines are award-winning, including our multi-award-winning 2021 Meritage and 2021 Chardonnay, with silver medals in the 2024 Governor’s Cup and Monticello Cup. Quality is, of course, subjective, and even the most practiced sommeliers can disagree on matters of taste. Trusting an expert is still a good guide to a wine’s reputation and can take away some of the gamble in picking up unfamiliar wines.

Casual Get-Togethers

Three women laughing while drinking wine.

Often it’s those day-to-day moments that feel the most special. Board game nights, potluck dinners, or just chatting with friends are all meaningful, memorable occasions worthy of breaking out “holiday wines.” Sharing a drink with friends and loved ones is a wonderful way to encourage intimate conversation and connection.

When thinking about good wines to have on hand for a casual get-together, it can be helpful to choose easy crowd-pleasers. Cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay are the most popular wines in the country, and Chiswell has excellent vintages of both. Wine for chatting should be rich and pleasant to sip on its own, which means Chiswell’s 2021 Merlot is also an easy recommendation.

That said, good friends are there for you, not just to be impressed. If you have a wine you’re personally passionate about, they’ll be excited to try it with you!

Host Your Special Occasion at Chiswell

People enjoying private wine tasting at Chiswell

Even more fun than bringing wine to an event is bringing an event to the wine! Chiswell Farm & Winery is a delightful place to celebrate any occasion and is also open on many holidays. Look back on your special moments with fond memories of Blue Ridge views at a beautiful and historic estate.

For group gatherings, a private reserve tasting is a fun and intimate way to learn about wine and enjoy everything Chiswell has to offer. We also host seasonal events throughout the year, from live music to arts and crafts. And we may be biased, but who can imagine a more charming place to get married? No matter the occasion, we always enjoy helping you celebrate it in some small way.

Summer Wine Pairings

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : August 12, 2024
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Wine and food are a pair as old as time. Each is better with the other—especially when you intentionally choose what’s on your plate and in your glass. In fact, wine enhances the dining experience by elevating different foods’ unique qualities and flavors.

Summertime brings a rich bounty of seasonal produce. It also brings long, warm days perfect for savoring refreshing wines alongside just the right meal or snack. Our varied selection of Virginia wines offers plenty of paths to take when crafting your own summer wine pairings.

A Note on Wine Tastings

Small group asking about summer wine pairings with wine tasting flight

Before we talk about specific pairings, it’s important to address the tasting experience. Many people may feel an initial sense of trepidation when exploring the complex world of wine. If this sounds familiar, have no fear: our welcoming staff is eager to answer your questions and help spark your culinary creativity.

Understanding common tasting terms is the first step in developing a sharper palate. When tasting and describing wine, keep these things in mind.

  • Acidity is the degree to which a particular wine tastes sharp and crisp.
  • Body describes a wine’s heaviness from the first sip to the strength of the aftertaste.
  • Dry means that a wine consists of nearly no sugars.
  • Tannins create the bitter and astringent qualities of wine, typically in younger reds, that make your mouth feel dry after tasting.

Pairing is more of an art than an exact science, especially because everyone’s individual palate is different. When recommending which Chiswell wine matches best with specific foods, there are a few things we consider…

  • Flavor. When choosing wine and food, you want the flavors to either complement or contrast one another. A complementary pairing could mean choosing similar flavors, like the fruitiness of rosé with fresh-picked strawberries. Contrasting flavors are a bit more complex. For example, dessert wines like petit manseng taste wonderful with spicy flavors. This is because the sweetness of the wine cuts the food’s palatable burn.
  • Balance. Neither the wine nor the food should overpower the other. An adequate balance of strong and subtle flavors will ensure that the two work together to create one wonderful experience, rather than flooding your palate with overwhelming sensations.
  • Mouth feel. This element is particularly important because it encapsulates the physical components of the dining experience. Consider how the wine sits on the inside of your mouth after tasting, and whether that aftertaste will match well with certain foods.

Our Recommendations

Our family is deeply ingrained in Virginia’s farming community, so it’s only natural that we prefer fresh, local produce, especially in the summer. Whether packed for a picnic or hot off the grill, there are many delicious dishes to pair with our wines.

Chiswell Farm & Winery features local and seasonal snacks, including pimento cheese, chocolate, baguettes, and more. Visitors are welcome to bring their own food as well! We encourage scenic wine picnics that make the most of our expansive views.

Sauvignon Blanc Pairings

Chiswell Wine bottle - Sauvignon Blanc

As our lightest wine on the menu, sauvignon blanc is a quintessential summer favorite. This vibrant white has a strong acidity that cuts the taste of fatty cheeses and hearty meats, balanced with aromatic qualities that accentuate vinegar-based dishes.

Considering that, the perfect partner for a bottle of our sauvignon blanc is a savory, strong-flavored charcuterie board featuring gouda, salami, or pickled veggies—we recommend Chiles Family Orchards’ very own zesty pickled asparagus.

Rosé Pairings

Chiswell Wine bottle - Rose 2020

Our cabernet-sauvignon-based rosé is an ideal summer wine, with notes of pink grapefruit and raspberry. Its lively and aromatic qualities, while similar to the sauvignon blanc’s flavor profile, enhance flavor nuances in lighter foods like salads, prosciutto, and melon.

For a meal, consider pairing it with seafood or a simple pasta. One rule of thumb is that chicken-based dishes are classic matches for rosé. For a southern twist on this timeless pair, try it with chicken salad, where the wine’s fruity notes counterbalance the strong salty flavors.

Chardonnay Pairings

Chiswell Wine bottle - Chardonnay

Our chardonnays feature the crisp and savory flavors of chardonnay grapes, which our family grows on the tallest point of Carter Mountain Orchard. Undergoing different aging conditions, however, changes their flavor profiles considerably.

Our 2020 Chardonnay is lightly-oaked, which accentuates vibrant fruit notes. The clean, light body of this white wine makes it the ideal accompaniment for mild-flavored fare. Seafood and fish, especially halibut or trout, are clear choices.

Meanwhile, our fully-oaked 2021 Chardonnay features a creamy mouthfeel and a grounded, delicate tropical flavor. Meals cooked with butter or cream let this chardonnay’s flavors sing, as can rich dishes (like lobster, risotto, chowder, alfredo) and nutty hard cheeses (Gruyère, Edam).

Sparkling Wine Pairings

Chiswell Wine bottles - Sparkling Wines

Our sparkling chardonnay and rosé have bright flavor profiles, making them refreshing palate cleansers. The dryness inspired by forced carbonation makes them easy picks for a day under the Virginia sun!

When choosing between sparkling chardonnay and rosé, note that the chardonnay is slightly brighter than the rosé. It features tasting notes of stone fruit and citrus, while the rosé’s profile more closely resembles tart berries.

The strong acidity in each of our sparkling wines stands up to bold flavors. For summer wine pairings, think pimento cheese or cured meats like prosciutto or salami. Conversely, those looking for lighter food options might pair their bubbly with fresh mozzarella or vegetables.

Specialty Drinks

Our specialty drinks can complement your food or serve as a unique treat all on their own. We keep things fresh by varying our specialty drinks regularly, so make sure to stop by and see what’s pouring!

Summer Sundown Spritz at Chiswell Winery
Chiswell Winery apple cider mimosa
Strawberry Citrus Sangria specialty drink

We love welcoming guests to our estate to learn about summer wine pairings, experience them in a beautiful setting, and create memories with friends. As always, let one of our team members know if you want any suggestions for the perfect pairing. No matter your preference—red, white, rosé, you name it—we’ll find a combination suited to your unique palate.

Wineries to Visit on the Monticello Wine Trail

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : April 25, 2024
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In 2023, the Monticello AVA was named Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Region of the Year. This prestigious recognition comes at a time of momentum for Virginia wine: local winemakers’ understanding of the cool-climate terroir results in delightfully unique vintages and a blossoming community of wine lovers.

Aficionados with an affinity for California chardonnays and Tuscan Chiantis may ask: what makes Virginia’s wine so special?

To start, the area’s wine history dates back to the 1700s, when former President Thomas Jefferson spurred the beginning of American winemaking. While Jefferson’s attempts were nearly fruitless, recent generations are realizing greater successes.

The area’s bountiful vines of cabernet franc, petit manseng, petit verdot, and others are now hallmarks of the region. Many of the best wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail boast multiple award-winning wines of local competitions, including the annual Monticello Cup and Virginia Governor’s Cup. A special congratulations to the winemakers at King Family Vineyards, who took home the winning cup at both competitions in 2024!

2024 Monticello Cup silver medal wines

At the center of Virginia Wine Country is the Monticello Wine Trail, which connects over 40 wineries around Charlottesville. Member wineries share a dedication to crafting quality beverages and welcoming wine lovers to our beautiful state.

We’re proud to be members and share comradery with other family-owned wineries in the region. Of course, before we discuss some of the best wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail, we must introduce ourselves!

Chiswell Farm & Winery

Chiswell Farm & Winery is the most recent addition to our family of venues, joining Carter Mountain Orchard, Chiles Peach Orchard, and Spring Valley Orchard. Since opening in 2021, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming visitors from near and far to our historic home-turned-winery in Greenwood, Virginia.

Having planted the first trees at Chiles Peach Orchard in 1912, our family is deep-rooted in the Crozet community. Now, our fifth-generation farming family has three generations actively involved in the production and distribution of locally-grown produce, including the wine grapes used by many of the area’s wineries.

One of the best parts of sharing our wine in this historic home is the unique spaces. Throughout the property, guests will find individual rooms where they can make themselves at home. It’s always a joy to see friends and family cozying up on one of the downstairs sofas or challenging each other to a chess game upstairs.

Five men sharing wine and snacks at Chiswell
Two women doing a sparkling wine toast at Chiswell

Of the many things that make Chiswell special, we take pride in our team’s creativity in developing different specialty drinks every season! As one of the few wineries in the area to do so, we’re always testing different combinations and finding new ways to enjoy our wines.

During the spring and summer of 2024, we’re mixing up a Strawberry Citrus Sangria, which features our rosé, lemon-lime seltzer, fresh strawberries, and a dash of mint.

Strawberry Citrus Sangria specialty drink

Septenary Winery at Seven Oaks Farm

Located three minutes from Chiswell

To find Septenary Winery, all you need to do is take a short trip down the road from Chiswell. Located on Seven Oaks Farm in Greenwood, Septenary is bustling with farm animals! Seven Oaks Farm sustainably raises free-range Pekin ducks and grass-fed cattle. While the livestock aren’t part of the Septenary Winery tasting experience, they are a testament to the Zimmerman family’s dedication to sustainable farming.

This commitment extends beyond livestock and translates into the family’s wine grape production, as well! Todd and Sarah Zimmermann founded Septenary to preserve and improve the fruits of their farmland. The Estate Vineyard is carefully placed to facilitate ample airflow, sunlight, and optimal growing conditions for seven acres of merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, syrah, and viognier vines. 

Three bottles of Septenary Wine
Vineyard at Septenary Winery

Pollak Vineyards

Located five minutes from Chiswell

Pollak Vineyards is the namesake of its founding family. Margo and David Pollak saw the potential to create quality wines in well-sited and meticulously maintained Virginia vineyards. This potential blossomed into their winery, which opened to the public in 2003.

We firmly believe that each vineyard’s wines capture unique qualities, from the caliber of the terroir to the grape harvesting methods, aging, and bottling experience. However, there’s something particularly distinctive about the wines at Pollak Vineyards. Pollak’s winemaking techniques are deeply influenced by European tactics, including those in France’s Bordeaux region. If rich and complex tasting notes characterize your dream glass of wine, then Pollak Vineyards is worth visiting!

Flying Fox Vineyard

Located eight minutes from Chiswell

Flying Fox Vineyards consistently produces a limited quantity of wines with the promise of consistency and premium quality. This portfolio features eight Virginia classics, including viognier, cabernet franc, and petit manseng. The winemaking team’s sharp focus on specific varieties encourages play outside the wine space. This is especially evident in the vineyard’s Vermouth production!

Flying Fox’s Vermouth label has four flavors, each highlighting the bounty of Virginia’s distinct seasons with botanical infusions. These Vermouths may be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail (or, as they call it, Fox-tail!).

Flying Fox vermouth
Flying Fox rose wine

Owners Emily Hodson, Elliott Watkins, Chloe Watkins, George Hodson, and Tralyn Hodson envision Flying Fox as a project-based winery with room for creative exploration in the winemaking process. Many locals may recognize the Hodson family name, as they’re the winemaking team behind…

Veritas Vineyard & Winery

Located 12 minutes from Chiswell

The Hodsons have deep roots in the Virginia wine community. Andrew and Patricia Hodson started Veritas in 1999. Twenty years later, the large operation now involves multiple generations of the family.

Located in Afton, Veritas boasts incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and acres of grapevines. Whether you prefer to soak up the sun on the lawn or grab an indoor table, there’s space for groups of all sizes.

This winery is a must-visit for followers of Virginia LOVEworks. In Veritas’ indoor tasting room, there’s a LOVEwork displayed just above the wine bar, crafted from hundreds of wine corks. Visitors can admire the sign while ordering from the winery’s extensive menu. Snapping a keepsake photo makes for a beautiful memory of time well spent.

Veritas tasting room

While it’s true that the best wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail often boast awards (and yes, we have our fair share), what really sets them apart, in our opinion, is the warm welcome you get from a family-run venue. This is especially true for those with involvement from multiple generations; the more branches on the family tree, the better!

We hope you enjoy visiting these and other must-try Crozet wineries during your explorations through Virginia Wine Country. Next time you visit our Big Ash Bar, let us know what you think on Facebook or Instagram!

The Best Wines for Fall

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : September 29, 2023
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The best wines for fall pair beautifully with the changing weather and seasonal cuisine.

During summer, many people favor light, refreshing wines. As the air cools, and we begin eating all those rich foods you might see in a Thanksgiving feast, wines with bolder flavors have their chance to shine.

While everyone’s taste is unique, we have some great suggestions for choosing wines to bring out the best of the season.

Our Winery & Tasting Room Manager, Kephany Powell, is an expert at helping guests choose from among our award-winning wines. When you’re looking for your best wines for the fall, there’s no better place to begin than her three favorite recommendations.

“For fall, my favorite Chiswell wines are the 2021 Chardonnay, the 2021 Petit Manseng, and the 2021 Cabernet Franc.” – Kephany

Chardonnay

“I start embracing richer dishes as autumn rolls around, and a cheesy risotto or a chicken alfredo pairs wonderfully with the 2021 Chardonnay. Our Chardonnay is completely oak-aged, so it has a rich flavor with a good amount of oak and notes of yellow apple, lemon curd and crème brûlée—perfectly balanced!”

Petit Manseng

“The 2021 Petit Manseng is also oak aged, with tropical fruit notes on the nose and palate with a hint of vanilla and a luxurious mouthfeel. Many Petit Manseng wines are sweet, but this one is off-dry with very little residual sugar which is unique.

“It’s my wine of choice for Thanksgiving dinner. Its medium body and full flavor complement roasted turkey, and the many richer dishes that happen to land on the table such as mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, and green bean casserole.”

2021 Cabernet Franc at Chiswell Winery

Cabernet Franc

“Our Cabernet Franc is my personal favorite of the reds we are currently pouring. I love its smoky, peppery quality, and sometimes I get hints of fresh ground coffee when I drink it! I’m looking forward to making the first chili recipe of autumn and enjoying it with the Cabernet Franc!”

The selection of wines beautifully suited to fall doesn’t stop there. The pairing possibilities are as rich and varied as a Thanksgiving menu!

2021 Merlot bottle and glass at Chiswell Winery

Merlot

With its tasting notes of allspice and nutmeg, our 2021 merlot makes a perfect choice for the start of the holiday season. Kephany also suggests it as part of a unique pairing for fall’s first big holiday.

“I will definitely have a bottle of our 2021 Merlot on hand at Halloween just in case I can ‘steal’ some chocolate from my daughter’s trick-or-treat bag!”

2022 sauvignon blanc at chiswell winery

Sauvignon Blanc

When you need a wine as crisp and refreshing as the first days of fall, reach for a bottle of our 2022 Sauvignon Blanc. The tasting notes of tropical fruit add a delightful, lingering hint of summer, and it pairs wonderfully with seafood or fall vegetables.

Sweet Albemarle Petit Manseng 2021 at Chiswell Farm & Winery

Sweet Petit Manseng

Sometimes you need to match sweetness with sweetness. Our 2021 Sweet Albemarle Petit Manseng makes a perfect dessert wine to pair with fall’s after-dinner treats, with its pronounced flavors of guava, coconut, and pineapple.

CiderMosa

When fall hits, that first cool breeze feels so invigorating! You just want to celebrate, and our signature specialty drink delivers the effervescence and fresh fall taste you need to do it right.

“It’s made with fresh pressed apple cider and our Sparkling Chardonnay, garnished with cocktail sugar and cinnamon on the rim, and topped with an apple slice. Delicious!”

Sangria in a drink dispenser

Sangria

Why not bring our wine home and make your own specialty drinks? Sangria is one of our favorites, with many versatile options for using your favorite Chiswell wines.

For the warm early days of fall, a nice chilled sangria hits the spot. Toward the later stages of autumn, when the temperature really drops, you’ll want a drink that can warm you up.

Luckily, we have all your sangria recipes covered, including red, white, sparkling, and warm varieties.

Bring a picnic and enjoy the best fall wines in the perfect setting to savor the season

At Chiswell Farm & Winery, we have everything you need to make the most of autumn, from award-winning wines to a delicious selection of gourmet snacks and beautiful mountain views. As the leaves turn color and the air cools, we invite you to come spread out on our lawn or cozy up in one of the rooms in our historic estate.

If you still have trouble deciding which wine to choose, we can make it easy for you. Just ask for a tasting flight or a recommendation from our friendly and knowledgeable staff!

Fall foliage and guests at Chiswell Farm & Winery

Welcome, Kephany!

Posted by :Ivy Group Developer On : April 19, 2023
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At Chiswell Farm & Winery, we’re not just cultivating our vineyard. We’re cultivating a community. So as we enter our second full year of welcoming guests, we’re excited to introduce our Winery & Tasting Room Manager, Kephany Powell. Since September 2022, Kephany has been serving up exceptional wine and experiences to match. She plays an important role in our close-knit community—and in the exciting new developments on the horizon.

Chiswell's tasting room wine display

Toward the Tasting Room

After Kephany moved to Central Virginia in 1998, she began meeting with friends and family at Crozet vineyards, sharing the pleasures of companionship, wine, and those distinctive Blue Ridge views. Along the way, she became fascinated with the history of wine and viticulture. She grew enamored with the way that wineries serve as unique places to gather and make memories.

She’d found herself in a wine region with an exciting mix of the old and the new. We have a history of grape cultivation stretching back to Thomas Jefferson, and we’re also one of the up-and-coming wine regions of the world!

Kephany’s interest increased until, one day, she made the jump from her career in retail sales and management to a new career in the local wine scene. She worked at Veritas Vineyard and Winery and Keswick Vineyards before coming to Chiswell, where she combines the skills of her former career with her passion for wineries.

Crafting the Chiswell Experience

As the Winery & Tasting Room Manager, Kephany specializes in the guest experience. Visitors should feel, she says, like guests being welcomed into a home.

One of the most unique parts of Chiswell’s hospitality, which she loves, is that its beautiful and historic Greenwood home is fully open. Guests can choose any room to enjoy wine and fellowship with one another. From the cozy sitting rooms to the Big Ash Bar, from the porch to the sloping lawn, the variety of spaces allows visitors to tailor the perfect experience for their visit.

Kephany also helps guests select their wine. Her first piece of advice is always simple: drink what you enjoy! Then she might ask about the circumstance. Are you looking to sip a glass by itself, or to pair it with a meal? What is the occasion? The answers to all of these can help shape her recommendation. 

For herself, she looks for wines that don’t feel overpowered by any single attribute. She loves when all the elements, from tannins to sweetness, reach a balance. Since she adores all the Chiswell wines she serves, it’s hard to get her to pick out favorites. If you press her, though, she just might choose the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc or the 2021 Cabernet Franc!

“I love engaging with our visitors and having the opportunity to serve delicious wines with a true sense of hospitality. It’s fun meeting new people and treating them to the Chiswell experience, but it’s also so rewarding to recognize familiar faces that walk through the front door.”

-Kephany

Exciting Developments

There’s so much to look forward to at Chiswell, Kephany says. One project she’s especially proud of is Crown Club. Since fall of 2022, Crown Club has offered members the opportunity to connect with exquisite wine and a tight-knit community of fellow enthusiasts. She can’t wait to carry out more of the quarterly celebrations where members pick up their wines and enjoy shared activities at the winery and orchards.

The elegant home and gorgeous views at Chiswell have also been drawing a lot of interest as a venue for weddings and special events. In the not-too-distant future, those special celebrations will be an exciting addition to Chiswell’s slate of activities. Already, small groups can book rooms to reserve a beautiful, private setting for their get-togethers.

Finally, the return to warmer months will bring extended hours, live music on Fridays and Sundays, and lots of other events that Kephany loves preparing for and then seeing our guests enjoy.

“I want everyone to experience the delicious wines and special qualities that characterize Chiswell, so I look forward to pouring you a glass soon!”

-Kephany

When you do come in for your next visit, be sure to say hi to Kephany!

Aerial view of Chiswell and surrounding landscape

Want a deeper experience of Virginia wine? Join the (Crown) Club!

Must-Try Wines from Crozet Wineries

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : October 11, 2022
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With its fertile soil and temperate climate, Virginia Wine Country is home to dozens of stellar wineries and vineyards. Our Crozet community is particularly special, featuring a stunning array of varietals and a unique setting beneath the Blue Ridge skyline.

To better appreciate our regional bounty, we’re taking a mini tour of Crozet wineries to sample our neighbors’ new, unique, and award-winning wines.

Colonel Richard Tannat at Grace Estate Winery

the colonel wine at grace estate, a crozet winery

Prefer a hearty red wine? Then you’ll love the earthy flavor of the 2019 Colonel Richard Tannat. Grace Estate is one of the few Virginia wineries that grow Tannat grapes, making this wine one to seek out and savor.

Grace Estate joined us on the podium in the 2022 Monticello Wine Cup with their Colonel Richard, as well as the 2018 Le Gras Cuvee and 2018 Gange-Rolv Viognier. Each of these varietals has a distinct flavor profile—you may just need a flight to sample each one!

Plan a day trip to Crozet and savor the sips of Virginia Wine Country! Visit the Monticello Wine Trail website for a map of Crozet wineries.

Cabernet Franc at White Hall Vineyards

2017 cabernet franc from white hall vineyards, a crozet winery

White Hall Vineyards is known for using mature grapes to produce wines with a rich, fruit-forward taste that’s rare among Virginia wineries. Their 2017 Cabernet Franc is no exception, leading with bright notes of sweet cherry and closing with a smooth finish.

Located 13 miles outside Charlottesville, it’s a beautiful spot to escape the hustle of downtown. White Hall is a dog-friendly venue, so bring your furry friend to relax alongside you in the shaded picnic area!

Tavern at Septenary Winery at Seven Oaks Farm

tavern port from septenary winery in crozet

We didn’t have to travel far for a taste of this sweet, port-style dessert wine. Situated on a historic farm in Greenwood, Virginia, Septenary Winery at Seven Oaks Farm is our closest neighbor in the Crozet winery community!

Like other port wines, the Tavern is fortified with brandy. Why? Adding brandy pauses the fermentation at just the right level of sugar (aka sweetness). Its sweet, smooth flavor profile is the perfect fit for holiday sipping by the fireplace.

Crosé at King Family Vineyards

crose at king family vineyards

Just a bit further down the road from Chiswell is King Family Vineyards, another family-owned Crozet winery. Their aptly named Crosé is a crisp, Merlot-based rosé that you can purchase by bottle, glass, or can.

The winery’s sprawling setting often hosts large group gatherings and events. This includes tailgates for Sunday polo matches, which are made particularly convenient by the winery’s cans of Crosé!

Petit Manseng at Chiswell Farm & Winery

2021 petit manseng release at chiswell farm & winery

The 2020 Petit Manseng was among our most popular wines, winning silver in the Monticello Wine Cup alongside our 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2020 Rosé. If you missed the iconic 2020 vintage, have no fear: our 2021 varietal was just released this September!

While Petit Manseng is typically known for its sweetness, ours features an off-dry flavor profile perfectly complemented by notes of lemon, pineapple, and vanilla. Sample this refreshing white from whichever spot you like best: at a dining table on the lawn, in a rocking chair on our covered porch, or in one of our cozy indoor seats.

Craving a glass of wine and have your little ones in tow? Visit the Carter Mountain Wine Shop at our sister venue, Chiles Peach Orchard.

Has our whirlwind tour left you wondering what other experiences there might be in the world of Crozet wineries? Well, the inauguration of our very own Wine Club is just around the corner! Sign up for our Wine Club newsletter for more info about what’s coming up.

Meet Amanda Gough: Winery & Tasting Room Manager

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : June 13, 2022
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As we continue making our mark in the Greenwood community, we are eager to welcome Amanda Gough as our Winery & Tasting Room Manager! Amanda brings her extensive experience in hospitality, a passion for fine arts, and a taste for fantastic wine to the Chiswell Farm & Winery family.

The Road to Chiswell

A Crozet native, Amanda is deeply ingrained in the local hospitality industry. From refilling bread and water at dinner tables to executing special events and banquets, she understands what it takes to be a welcoming hostess.

Of all the things she learned during this time, she is the most grateful for having developed a problem-solving mindset. This mindset is incredibly valuable as we continue expanding winery offerings and cultivating our place in the Virginia wine community.

Amanda is also traditionally trained as an oil painter and has extensive experience with charcoal. When asked about her work as a figurative artist, she said, “Art just chooses you. The two constants in my life were always art and hospitality. Growing up, I changed what I wanted to do, but those two always stuck.”

Amanda Gough, Chiswell Winery Tasting Room Manager, in doorway.
In her years spent working with local resorts and restaurants, Amanda has seen every facet of the customer experience.

Pursuing a Passion for Wine

The Winery & Tasting Room Manager position presented itself as an opportunity for Amanda to expand her wine knowledge, of which she already had plenty. While growing up, she learned about the delights of food and wine from her mother. This sparked her interest in wine education: a field in which there’s always something new to learn or taste. 

“Wine symbolizes coming together in an enjoyable time. It also symbolizes an educational moment. I’m learning as much as I can because it never stops and there’s always new groundbreaking technologies going into wine…It’s the most delicious puzzle you get to drink!”

While wine was already a personal passion for Amanda, her love of the craft was amplified while working as a Beverage Manager for a live music venue in Farmville. Through this position, she attended different wine education gatherings and purchasing meetings to develop her palette. On a personal note, Amanda enjoys acidic, deep, earthy, and bold wines—although it always depends on what she’s eating!

Chiswell Wine bottle - Rose 2020
Amanda’s personal favorite on the Chiswell wine menu is the 2020 Rosé, shortly followed by the 2021 Sauvignon Blanc.

In tasting different wines from all around the world—from Oregon pinot noirs to California cabernet sauvignons and French rosés—she was intrigued by how various agricultural factors contribute to the unique qualities of each vintage. Naturally, this intersects with our family’s 30-plus years of experience in growing wine grapes.  

“Picturesque doesn’t quite cover how beautiful this estate is. It’s incredibly charming, elegant, filled with history, peaceful, intimate, and inviting.”

Embracing the Chiswell Charm and Community

Amanda’s affinity for the arts is what initially drew her to Chiswell. As an Art History major, she has always been interested in historical estates, and Chiswell fit the bill. Of the many things that make Chiswell special, one of Amanda’s favorites is that the historical home is completely available to the public.

With multiple indoor sitting rooms, guests can have their own intimate and private space, even when sharing the house with other groups. The ground floor’s “Greenwood Room”, which features emerald walls, framed botanicals, and a poetic fireplace for rainy days, is one of Amanda’s favorite indoor spaces.

Men enjoying Sparkling Wine in Chiswell's Greenwood Room.

Equally stunning is the beautiful, peaceful environment that is the Chiswell property. With panoramic views and families of birds nesting all around the home, she describes the area itself as a work of art.

In honor of the landscape—and its fortifying beauty being impossible to capture on camera—Amanda is currently commissioned to do a painting of the surrounding property for the winery’s tasting room. This painting will be one of the many ways in which she contributes to the unique setting that guests can expect when visiting.

“We have the house; we have the food; we have the wine; now we just need the Chiswell family.”

Looking at the year ahead, Amanda wants Chiswell Farm & Winery to provide an elevated experience for guests. She understands that for many, day-to-day life can be filled with stress. For that reason, she aims to make the winery a haven for folks to enjoy the people that they’re with, the wine that they are drinking, and their free time.

People cheering at Chiswell Farm & Winery

Chiles Peach Orchard Open for 2022 Season

Posted by :Franziska Matiuk On : April 1, 2022
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Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to kick off another year of fun at Chiles Peach Orchard.

For the last few weeks, our team has been hard at work preparing the store and getting back into the swing of things. It’s been so good having everyone together again to pursue a common goal: creating the best experience possible for our visitors. The time has finally come to welcome the community back for another unforgettable season!

The Farm Market & Bakery is stocked full of exciting new items alongside your longtime favorites, including our Peach Salsa and Peach Habanero Salsa (available in the Farm Market and online)! And, of course, those delicious cider donuts are in season year-round to tide us over until the first fruits of the season ripen.

  • Easter gifts at the Farm Market
  • Honey and bee gifts at the Farm Market
  • Peach Habanero salsa
  • Salad dressings at the Farm Market
Strawberry icecream

For ice cream, we’ll begin the season with strawberry frozen yogurt and our classic vanilla. Expect some fun new flavors in the coming weeks when we move the Ice Cream Shop to a recently renovated space!

Carter Mountain Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Introducing Carter Mountain Wine’s first release of the year, a refreshing 2021 Sauvignon Blanc! Order a glass from our Wine Shop to enjoy among the blooms in the courtyard.

….And mark your calendars for our annual Hop Into Spring festival on Saturday, April 16!

Hop Into Spring 2020 Event - Easter Bunny with Girl

Carter Mountain Orchard Open Every Day

Posted by :Kristen Dagli On : March 26, 2021
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The sweet smell of spring is in the air! C’mon out to breathe it in and enjoy panoramic views of Charlottesville growing greener, we’re now open daily 10 AM–5 PM.

Carter Mountain wine being bottled

Cheers Are in Order

Keep a glass ready, we’re preparing to release our new Carter Mountain wine! We can’t wait to share the fruits of our labor with you later this year.

Display of Easter merchandise at Carter Mountain Orchard

Have an Eggcellent Easter

Hop up the mountain to snag some truly adorable bunnies, kid-friendly crafts, and spring fling cookie cutters from the Country Store.

We won’t be hosting an egg hunt this year, though we can’t wait to get back to it in 2022!

Sunset at Carter Mountain Orchard

On the Horizon

The sun just loves showing off and we are here for it!

Thursday Evening Sunset Series kicks off on May 7, keep an eye out for the musical lineup and ticking info on our calendar and Facebook page.

Cider donut with mountain views in background at Carter Mountain Orchard

Wednesday is the New Friday

You can find us now at the Local Food Hub Wednesday Drive-Thru Market @ Seminole Square (instead of Friday).

We’re keeping our Ivy Road Pop-up through 2021 on Thursdays– Saturdays.

Carter Mountain Orchard's recipe for apple cider donut bread pudding

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

If you thought you loved our apple cider donuts before, wait until you try our cider donut bread pudding.

Grab it fresh from the Country Store or whip up a batch yourself with our recipe.

Bottle of Bold Rock Hard Cider seasonal watermelon on ice
Bold Rock Watermelon Cider blends the iconic summer refreshment of watermelon with deliciously crisp Blue Ridge apple juice.

Enjoy the View with a Seasonal Cider in Hand

The Bold Rock Tap Room at Carter Mountain Orchard has also kicked off their 2021 season. Soon you’ll be able to admire the budding peach blossoms while sipping on your favorite brew, whether it’s hard cider, seltzer, tea, or lemonade.

Get fresh orchard info, ready-picked for your inbox by subscribing to Carter Mountain Orchards today!

Prince Michel Tasting Room at Chiles Peach Orchard Now Open

Posted by :Julia Prince On : July 10, 2016
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The Prince Michel tasting room at Chiles is now open daily!

In a continuous effort to provide wine lovers with a memorable wine experience, Prince Michel offers multiple settings to enjoy their wines. Their latest satellite tasting room at Chiles Peach Orchard provides visitors with the unique opportunity to appreciate first-hand the partnership between growers and producers.

The relationship between Prince Michel Winery and Chiles Orchard began over a decade ago with special plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and has flourished into a collaboration of two separate tasting rooms located in the actual orchard and vineyard sites owned by the Chiles family. Winery owner Kristin Holzman sites her relationship with the Chiles family as, “one of my most successful and harmonious in this industry.”

Guests to the newly constructed Prince Michel Tasting Room can taste wine inspired by peaches grown feet from the wine shop. The relaxed atmosphere and open, natural spaces provide wine lovers the chance to taste wine in a setting suitable for the entire family.

The Rapidan River Peach is just one wine available for tasting and purchase. Wines range from high-end “craft” wines—like Pinot Grigio and Cabernet Franc grown from select Virginia vineyards—to more unique wines from the Rapidan River series, like Semi-dry Riesling, Peach, and Apple.

The Prince Michel tasting room at Chiles is open Thursday through Saturday from 10AM – 6PM and Sundays from 10AM-5PM.

In the mood for hard cider? Visit the new Bold Rock Hard Cider Cellar just a few steps away from the Prince Michel tasting room!

About Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery

Prince Michel is one of the oldest and largest wineries in Virginia, producing award winning red, white, and sweet wines. As a pioneer in the Virginia Wine Industry, Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery has set the standard for exceptional wine and an equally exceptional wine tasting experience since its 1982 founding in Madison, Virginia. Located in beautiful Leon, VA, the winery now has tasting rooms at both Carter Mountain Orchard and Chiles Peach Orchard.

Chiles Family Orchards ©2025
P.O. Box 229
Batesville, VA 22924
Design & Programming The Ivy Group, Ltd.