New Kent Winery

Planting the first vines in 2001, the founders started molding reality from their dream of opening a winery in New Kent County, Virginia. Since that beginning, they planted a variety of vines including… Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Norton ~ a grape native to Virginia. While the vines were maturing to proper age, the founders planned a 17,000 square foot winery equipped with state-of-the-art wine making equipment from around the world. The winery itself, designed by Williamsburg architect John Hopke, has been modeled to reflect an earlier time when wine making was common in the New Kent, Virginia region.

Tasting Room Hours: Open year round. Tuesday – Sunday, 10 – 6.
Tasting/tour fee $7, includes a small baguette and glass.

We visited New Kent Winery on 29 August 2010. New Kent opened to a lot of buzz in mid-2008. It’s an interesting concept, well executed. The tasting room sits at the center of Viniterra, which bills itself as a Virginia Wine Country Community. Driving in, all is neat and orderly, and signs point the way: Sales Office, or Golf Preview Center, or The Winery.

All photos from this winery

A sizeable cluster of vineyards lends authenticity to the expansive winery building, built using reclaimed beams and other materials from century-old buildings. Benches line the Western-style front porch.

Inside, the ceiling is open to the rafters, with skylights bringing in warm sunshine and blue sky.The long tasting bar can easily accommodate a dozen or two. Behind the bar, you may run into Al, a true raconteur, who shares his stories of selling rice to Algerian tribal leaders decades ago.
A covered lounging patio out back was hopping with neighbors and others enjoying a glass of wine.

Groups of 10 or more, please call ahead. Parking available for buses and RVs. Space for private parties.

Several varietals, including Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, and Merlot, as well as a Meritage and an unusual White Merlot.

From Washington D.C. and Locations North, take I-95 (South) to Richmond, then exit 84A to I-295 (South) toward Rocky Mount. Take exit 28A to I-64 (East). Take exit 211 for VA-106 toward Talleysville/Prince George, turn left at Emmaus Church Rd/VA-106, continue for .3 miles.

From Petersburg, Virginia and Locations South, take I-95 (North) toward Richmond, then exit 46 to merge onto I-295 (North) toward Washington. Take exit 28 to I-64 (East). Take exit 211 for VA-106 toward Talleysville/Prince George, then left at Emmaus Church Rd/VA-106, continue .3 miles.