Wines

Afton Mountain Vineyards

Damien Blanchon
Monticello

Featured:
Friday, May 10, 2024 at the Trade Tasting
Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Grand Tasting

In 1978 the original vines were planted at Afton Mountain Vineyards; some of those original vines are still in production today. Our winery is built on four levels, and we were the first gravity flow winery in the state. Our Tasting House and grounds are surrounded by 360-degree mountain and vineyard views. Onsite cottages are available to book year round.

Located on the sunrise side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Nelson County just 30 minutes from Charlottesville, we can be found on the “Nelson 151” craft beverage trail. Route 151 is a state-designated scenic byway. We are proud to be in the Monticello AVA, which was given the global acknowledgement of 2023 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast.

Our vineyard is planted with 11 different varieties of Vitis Vinifera grapes: Albariño, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Tannat. Our wines are produced only from our own estate-grown grapes. Our focus is producing wines expressing elegance and terroir, that elusive character expressed by our beautiful site. We farm holistically and sustainably, treasuring our ability to be careful stewards of this land. We do not use pesticides or glyphosate in the vineyard. Frequent monitoring, not spray schedules, determines what we use in the vineyard and at what intervals and times.

It is often said that great wine is made in the vineyard, and while it is true that well- made wines require well-grown grapes, there is no substitute for a skilled and passionate winemaker. Our Winemaker, Damien Blanchon, has been tending vines and producing wine in Virginia since obtaining a degree in viticulture and enology in his native France in 2006. Damien joined AMV in 2011 and oversees the winemaking and vineyard management operations of the business. He and his team work diligently to implement sustainable and environmentally respectful practices both inside the winery and outside in the vineyard. Born into a winemaking family, Damien relies on his deep experience, and he approaches each new growing season with the goal of showcasing our terroir and balancing the unique character of every vintage. In November 2023, Damien was named an Industry Leader in Sustainability by Wine Business Magazine and was highlighted in Wine & Country Life’s French Edition. We’re grateful his journey brought him here to Afton in 2011; every bottle of wine we produce is a testament to his knowledge and philosophy of caring for the land.