Grayhaven Winery
by
Kathy. Sullivan
Summary: The focus at Grayhaven Winery is on small batch productions This is a family owned and operated winery and vineyard. The name Grayhaven is from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings novel. Grayhaven Winery is a member of the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail.
Grayhaven was started by Lyn and Chuck Peple and is currently operated by the second-generation family Max Peple-Abrams and Deon Abrams. The vineyards were planted in 1978 and the winery began in 1995. Today there are 12 acres of vineyards onsite while the winery leases 14 acres nearby. Altogether they have 26 varieties and produce 5,000 cases of wine that includes many small batches. Wines are sold from the tasting room and at festivals.
The winemaker, Deon Abrams, lived in South Africa and worked at his aunt and uncle’s vineyard and winery. Years later he worked in New York City as an art dealer. He enjoys working with the wines and stated, “if I can replicate some of the elements of the varietal characteristics of the grapes into the wine, I am happy.”
Just outside of the tasting room is a deck with chairs, a pond and a wooden bridge. The pond is filled with koi. The rest of the area is a landscaped garden. The gray colored building with an arched doorway can easily give the impression of a Tolkien scene.
The tasting room is unusual with a rustic theme. The 12-inch ceramic tile floor and arched doorways, and dark wood tasting counter add to the ambiance of the tasting room. A round glass table with chairs also adds to the welcoming atmosphere. Numerous scarves and gloves knitted from alpaca yarn are available for sale. They are handcrafted at the neighboring alpaca farm. Handcrafted jewelry from the area is available for sale. Also available in the tasting room are South African wines and South African sauces. In another area, visitors will notice handmade 100% beeswax candles.
The winery hosts both private and public events. Consider attending the South Africa Food and Wine Festival. Once a year a blending party takes place at the winery. Wedding receptions also take place at Grayhaven. In some instances, the bride and groom taste wine in the barrels and then bottle the wine for their wedding.
Wine Tasting
Cabernet Franc 2007 was a light red. The aroma and taste were of red berries. In addition, the taste had notes of pepper. The finish had very mild tannins and was earthy. Touriga Nacional 2007 offered an aroma and taste of red fruit. The finish also had nuances of red fruit as well as citrus nuances. Sojourn was a blend of Cabernet Franc, Touriga Nacional, Chambourcin with a bit of Pinotage. The aroma and taste were of red fruit. The finish was crisp and fruity with mild tannins. Rendezvous 2007 was produced with Chambourcin. The aroma and taste were of currants and raspberries with strawberry nuances. The finish was crisp with very mild tannins. Suggested pairings include duck, quail and veal. Pinotage 2008 was produced in stainless steel with no oak. The aroma and taste were of red berries. The aroma also had spice notes. The finish was very fruity with spice nuances on the finish. Pinotage 2007 was a late harvest wine. The aroma and taste were of raisins. The aroma also had plum notes. The taste had oak, chocolate and plum nuances. The wine finished with raisin and oak notes. At first there were sweet nuances at the beginning and then it dried on the finish.
In addition to the Grayhaven Winery red wines, the winery also produces blush and white wines. Enjoy a visit to Grayhaven Winery.
Grayhaven Winery
4675 East Grey Fox Circle
Gum Spring, VA 23065
GPS: N37º 48.380’ W77º 54.438’
Visit these Virginia wineries and wine tour groups that partner with Wine Trail Traveler.
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