JBR Vineyards
by
Kathy and Terry Sullivan
Summary: JBR Vineyards, located in southwest Virginia, is a boutique winery that specializes in estate grown wines and customized wine tastings. The owners, Jessee and Debby Ring focus on producing quality wines. They have set a high goal for JBR Vineyards; in the future they hope to win the Virginia Governor’s Cup award.
Customized wine tastings take place at the owners’ home and at the winery and vineyard in Pearisburg, Giles County. Their home is surrounded by extensive gardens and a vineyard is adjacent to the gardens. We learned that JBR stands for Jessee, Bane (Jessee' mother) and Ring.
Wine Tasting
Wine tastings are by appointment only. Our elegant wine tasting took place at Jessee and Debby’s home. We sat and chatted with Debby in the elegant living room before entering the dining room for a tasting of five JBR wines. This was not our first wine tasting in someone’s house. We have tasted wines in many dining rooms and kitchens throughout the world. This is always special and the tasting has an intimacy that is not usually afforded in large tasting rooms that attract many wine enthusiasts.
While visiting with Debby we learned that Jessee was raised in this area of Virginia. Jessee later went to California for years where he developed an interest in wines, later becoming a wine collector. Debby said that Jessee has always enjoyed wine.
The JBR Vineyards winery and vineyard began with a trial, experimental planting of grapevines at their home in 2006. The home vineyard soil is composed of clay. The experimental vineyard had three grape varieties: Riesling, Pinot Noir and Merlot. However, Debby noted that the Merlot did not do well. Debby smiled and commented that the first time they tried to make wine they used a potato masher for crushing the grapes. Of course, today JBR Vineyard & Winery is using traditional winemaking equipment.
After three years, in 2009, the grapevines were replanted and expanded to 1.5 acres. In 2014, JBR Vineyards became a Virginia farm winery. The owners expanded in 2016. During our discussion with Debby, she commented that the Cooperative Extension is very helpful.
Jessee and Debby added another vineyard located in Pearisburg in Giles County and there they expanded with Pinot Noir and Riesling. This vineyard was the first vineyard in Giles County. The soil in Giles County is a combination of rock and gravel. According to Debby, Jessee learned winemaking from reading books and taking classes through UC Davis online. Adjacent to the vineyard is the wine production building. JBR Vineyards provided the photo of the wine production building (pictured right). Some special events take place at the winery building.
Currently JBR Vineyards is producing 200 cases of wine using their estate grown grapes. Every year the winery sells out of their wines.
Wines
The 2017 Giles County Pinot Noir was a translucent ruby color. The wine with 13% alcohol offered an aroma of red berry fruit. The taste included notes of red raspberries, red cherries, mushrooms and earthiness. The wine was medium to full bodied with mild tannins. The finish was crisp. Consider pairing this wine with steak.
The 2017 Country Gentleman Red was produced with 100% Pinot Noir. The 13% alcohol wine was a translucent ruby color with a dark pink hue. The aroma was of red berry fruit. The taste was of red raspberries. The wine had a medium body and mild tannins. There was a bit of sweetness on the taste. The finish was crisp and fruity. Pair this wine with ribs and spaghetti.
The 2017 Mountain Red wine was a translucent light ruby color with a dark pink hue. The wine had 13% alcohol. The residual sugar was 27.5 g/L. This wine was produced with 100% Pinot Noir. The aroma was of red berries. This was a full-bodied wine with mild tannins. The taste was of red raspberries. The finish was fruity and sweet with a touch of earthiness on the aftertaste. This was a 3P wine - good for the patio, porch or pool.
The 2017 Riesling had 9% alcohol. The residual sugar was 45 g/L. The wine was a light yellow color. The wine offered a peach aroma. The taste was sweet with notes of the inner red of a peach and mineral. The finish was crisp and fruity. “It’s meant to be a dessert wine,” according to Debby.
The Riesling 2018 was from a carboy. The yellow colored wine offered an aroma of yellow stone fruit with some tropical notes. The taste was reminiscent of peaches and apricots. The mouthfeel was very velvety. This was a full-bodied wine. The finish was crisp and very fruity. The wine had a long aftertaste.
Jessee and Debby want people to know that they are focused on creating classic wines, as well as producing quality wines. Debby and Jessee emphasize that wine tastings are personalized.
JBR Vineyards Tasting Room
8205 Little River Dam Rd,
Radford, Virginia 24141
GPS: N37º 04.1914’ W80º 34.4107’
JBR Vineyards Winery
1360 Springdale Road
Pearisburg, Virginia 24134
Article written June 2019.
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