Windsong Winery

(Been there, checked it!)

The name WindSong was derived from the frequent and changing soft melodies caused by winds blowing through the loblolly pines and other trees surrounding and scattered throughout the property.

WindSong Farm is 90 acres nestled in the western section of Goochland County. This 90 acre parcel was a part of the Young America Gold Mining Company property which originally consisted of 308 acres. Gold was panned from the creek and taken from deep shaft mines in the early 1900’s. The first three sections of the original property are privately owned by a descendent of Mr. Theodor Kuntzen, who resides there today. Mine shafts still exist on various parts of the property, although most have been filled in. Gold flakes can still be panned in the creek running through our property, but you do not want to quit your day job.

After months of research and a trip to Canada, we selected Dornfelder wine as a favorite. Dornfelder grapes are so versatile that they can be made into a rich robust full-bodied wine, a lite refreshing sweet wine, or even a delicious port wine. The wines compliment a variety of foods and can be enjoyed with meats, spicy dishes, cheese and crackers or as a simple sipping wine.

After finding that Dornfelder wine was produced at two locations in the United States, we decided that WindSong Farm would be the first to pioneer the growing of Dornfelder grapes in Virginia. Our goal was to introduce this exceptional German red wine to the Old Dominion!

The first vines were planted in 2003 and consisted of 100 Dornfelder plants. Additional vines and the winery inevitably followed. We are and will remain a small winery specializing in a limited variety of wines. Small batches are produced to give our guest a variety of choices. Our winemaker prides himself in the old world styles and methods. His philosophy is keep the winemaking simple and work to give our customers the best superb wines. We will be offering a premier “Jenny’s Reserve”, Dornfelder, Cabaret Franc, Norton, and Peach and Plum wines.

Tasting Room Hours: March through December, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 11am – 5pm; January through February, By Appointment Only (Parties of 6 or greater). Tasting costs $4 per person and includes the glass.

We visited Windsong Winery on 21 November 2010. WindSong is a new entry into the Virginia wine industry and a serious contender for smallest niche. One hundred Dornfelder plants kicked things off in 2003 – the first of the versatile German grapes to be planted in Virginia. WindSong says of their inaugural grape choice: Dornfelder yields deeply colored juice and produces a sultry purply garnet colored wine having fresh acidity and a velvety texture with flavors of exotic spice, berries, and a violet-y florality. Sounds yummy. But even the mighty Dornfelder isn’t grape enough to feed the demand of Virginia wine drinkers crying out for more, more, more (and a little sweet, if you don’t mind). So WindSong is planning a very slow, very controlled growth into Cabernet Franc, Norton, and Peach and Plum wines. Enjoy a glass on the deck overlooking the vineyard or at one of the picnic tables. Bring your binoculars: peafowl and guineas often patrol the area, along with deer, turkey, and other wild animals and birds. In the summer you may spot tanagers, hummingbirds, and purple bundies, just to name a few. Pets are welcome.

All photos from this winery

Chardonnay, muscat, dornfelder, Garnet (red blend), Prospector White (pinot grigio-based blend), peach wine, plum wine, and Essence (fruit wine featuring local strawberries and only 10% vidal blanc).

From Richmond,
take I64 West to the Shannon Hill/Route 605 exit (exit #148.) At the top of the ramp, turn left onto Shannon Hill Road/Rt. 605 South. Travel approximately 2 1/2 miles and make a left turn onto Rt. 603 East/Tabscott Road. Travel 4.1 miles to Funny Tree Trail, on the right. Look for the sign at the entrance. Turn right onto Funny Tree Trail (a dirt road) and travel .9 (9 tenths) of a mile. WindSong Winery and Farm are on the left. Follow the driveway approximately 1000 feet from the dirt road to the tasting room.

From Charlottesville,
take I64 East to the Shannon Hill/Route 605 exit (exit 148.) At the top of the ramp, turn right onto Shannon Hill Road/Route 605 South. Travel approximately 2 1/2 miles and make a left turn onto Rt. 603 East/Tabscott Road. Travel 4.1 miles to Funny Tree Trail, on the right. Look for the sign at the entrance. Turn right onto Funny Tree Trail (a dirt road) travel .9 (9 tenths) of a mile. WindSong Winery and Farm are on the left. Follow the driveway approximately 1000 feet from the dirt road to the tasting room.