The Homeplace Vineyard
by
Kathy Sullivan
March 2012
Summary: The Homeplace Vineyard is a boutique winery with southern charm in Chatham, Virginia. Visitors will discover southern hospitality with their wine tasting. The winery is on the SoVA Wine Trail. In addition to bottled wines, pitchers of Homeplace Sangria are available.
The Homeplace Vineyard is located on property purchased in 1912 by the great grandparents of the current 4th generation. Indeed this is a family operation. Joe and Brenda Williams and their adult children are involved in the winery and vineyard. Jesse Williams is the vineyard manager. Mary Williams Smith is the tasting room manager and her husband, Chris, is the winemaker. Renee and Billy participate in whatever way they can including providing and updating the website as well as helping with vineyard pruning and harvesting.
Originally the property was a tobacco farm and transitioned to grapes in 2005 with the planting of Traminette. The original homeplace burned in the 1970’s. The Homeplace Vineyard tasting room was constructed where the original homeplace stood. The wood for the tasting room is from three tobacco barns.
The rustic tasting room fits in well with the countryside location. A screened-in porch wraps around the entire facility. Inside, the tasting room offers a comfortable setting with several pieces of antique furniture used by the family. A hog table made by James V. Blair, Joe’s great grandfather, is refinished and in the room. A small sitting area is available near a fireplace. The walls are of old tobacco barn beams and light pine wood that adds to the warmth and friendliness of the tasting room.
Vineyards
As of March 2012, the vineyards consist of nine acres of grapevines. Varieties included Traminette, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier and Chambourcin. Some grapes are sold to other wineries. Cabernet Franc is sourced locally and strawberries are sourced from southern Virginia.
White Wines
Viognier was a light yellow/gold. The aroma and taste offered fruit nuances while the wine was dry and crisp. Old Green Tractor was a blend of Viognier and Traminette. The aroma was fruity. The taste was of fruit and crisp. Fruit notes lingered on the finish.
Red Wines
Cabernet Franc sourced from grapes growing locally was light red with dark pink hues. Nuances included dark fruit and spice. The finish offered mild tannins and was fruity. Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 was ruby with a dark fruit aroma. The taste was of dark fruit yielding to spice. The wine finish had mild tannins with fruit yielding to spice. Chambourcin 2010 was red with dark pink hues. The aroma and taste was of red berry fruit. The finish offered mild tannins with fruit yielding to earthy and spice nuances. ShamRaz was a blend of Chambourcin and raspberries. The aroma and taste had raspberry notes. The wine was sweet with a raspberry finish. The wine paired well with chocolate.
Rosé and Fruit Wines
Rockin’ Rose was a red table wine produced with Chambourcin grapes. The wine was a light pink produced by fermenting off the skins. The wine was fruity and dry. This would be a good afternoon drink. Cabin Sunset was 100 percent strawberry. This is a wonderful springtime wine with fresh strawberry nuances and a light body.
Watch for events like Flip Flop Fridays from May through the fall. When visiting The Homeplace Vineyard carry a picnic lunch to enjoy. The winery recommends Old Green Tractor and ChamRaz wines for cake recipes.
The Homeplace Vineyard
568 Rigney Circle
Chatham, Virginia 24531
GPS: N36º 52.050’ W79º 28.423’
Visit these Virginia wineries and wine tour groups that partner with Wine Trail Traveler.
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