AmRhein's Wine Cellars

We’re passionate about making wine and have a deep respect for the land. It comes naturally to us. We've been practicing viticulture for 22 years and designing wine for 18 years.

We both grew up in Salem, VA, graduated from Glenvar High School and began this journey simply because we personally enjoy wines. Everywhere we have traveled, over almost 50 years together, a winery stop was part of our trip. ‘Do what you love’ is our life’s motto.

In addition, we have always had an appreciation for agriculture so, we put our acreage at our Bent Mountain home to good use and entered the world of viticulture.

It took many how-to conferences and much learning from other winemakers in Virginia, but we are both determined self-learners who are driven by passion and a good challenge.

The German Influence

AmRhein is a German name meaning “on the Rhein” (Rhine) River. AmRhein’s Wine Cellars is a Virginia family owned and operated, 100% estate-grown winery, specializing in wines with a German influence.

We are located in Southwest Virginia off Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 136.  

We are the 63rd winery in Virginia. Our vineyards were first planted in 1995 and our first crush occurred in 1999. The winery opened in 2000 with a Viognier.

Unique Growing Climates

AmRhein’s Wine Cellars vineyards are unique in their broad range of microclimates and elevations. This allows us to produce a vast range of different varietals to create wines. 

These land options provide perfect terroir & climate for each grape type.

Our flagship vineyard and home to the winery is Bent Mountain vineyards (near Copper Hill) boasts an elevation of 2,600 feet, with nine acres of volcanic granite soil, which drains well and holds nutrients making it profitable to grow Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Traminette.

Franklin County vineyards (on Cahas Mountain), with 12 acres at 1,900 ft., displays very fertile red clay soil supporting grape varieties of Viognier, Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Aglianico, Petit Manseng, Traminette, Petit Verdot.

Botetourt County vineyards (on Rt. 460, and off the Blue Ridge Parkway) showcases a 1,200 ft. elevation vineyard hosting 19 acres of vines with various soil types supporting Petit Verdot, Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon, Marsanne, Aglianico, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio.

Award Winners

The wines have won numerous awards, and are considered some of the finest. With over 15 wines in classic styles of both reds and whites and in the exclusive blends found in our personally designed Eclectic brand, AmRhein’s Wine Cellars tempts every palate!

A fun fact for our customers ~ Russ Amrhein, in his 30’s, had a 200-hog operation in his backyard on Poor Mountain that was a ‘hobby’ and provided supplemental income for about 10 years. The family likes to tease and say the family slogan is ‘From Swine To Wine.'  If only our 2 children had grown up on a vineyard instead of a pig farm . . . but the stories are priceless!

We hope you will come visit our winery on Bent Mountain or stop by our tent during a wine festival around Virginia and get to know us. We would love to meet you and see what you think about our wines!