Democracy Vineyards
Located just off U.S. 29 on Rt. 718 in gorgeous Nelson County, Democracy Vineyards' architecturally dramatic tasting room is open Saturday through Monday from April until Thanksgiving weekend. Hours are 1PM - 6PM. Once a vibrant apple operation, six varieties of grapes are now under cultivation. Destined to be a true Virginia Farm winery, Democracy Vineyards features ten award winning wines, including varietals and blends, dry and sweet.
The founders of Democracy Vineyards, Susan Prokop and Jim Turpin, started with just an idea, a notion of a Virginia farm winery where they could start their encore career as Virginia winegrowers.
At an elevation between 800 and 1,000 feet the Vineyards are located to the south side of Rt 718.
Noted Virginia Viticulturalist Chris Hill assisted with the establishment of Democracy Vineyards. By design, the rows are set to run North/South to take advantage of the prevailing wind patterns and to provide the greatest sun exposure to the fruit in the summer months. The alignment also provides easy tractor and worker access to the vines.
Democracy Vineyards is appropriately located in the richest part of Virginia’s wine country the Monticello American Viticultural Area. According to the Jeffersonian Grape Growers Society:
"The wineries of the Monticello appellation fulfill a vision of Thomas Jefferson, whose aim was to produce exceptional quality wines like those he had tasted on his travels to Europe. Today, 500 acres of vitis vinifera vineyards surround Jefferson's historic Monticello estate. In just over two decades, the wine industry in the Charlottesville area has flourished, achieving national and international acclaim. Within the boundaries of this federally designated area are twenty-one farm wineries, the largest concentration of such in Virginia."
Our goal is to work with the land to grow excellent wines from the ground up. Democracy Vineyards is committed to building a sustainable farming operation to enhance the farm and promote agritourism in the region.