Nestled in the shadow of Old Rag Mountain, with the Shenandoah National Park boundary out the back door and a LOVE sculpture greeting visitors upon arrival, DuCard Vineyards is a drop-dead gorgeous boutique winery tucked away on the back roads of Madison County, just north of Charlottesville.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year of its tasting room being open to the public (and 20 year anniversary of growing grapes on the site), DuCard has carved out an impressive niche in the Virginia wine scene.
DuCard has been awarded Gold Medals for white, red and dessert wines in the prestigious Virginia Governor’s Cup competition, including being one of only a handful of wineries to receive two Gold Medals this year.
DuCard has been named Virginia’s Greenest Winery when it first opened and then again last year, with a strong commitment to sustainability and being a good steward of the land. The facilities rely on solar power and the tasting room uses reclaimed barn wood flooring and a variety of other features contribute to minimizing their carbon footprint. Have a Tesla or other electric vehicle? Charge it (for free) at the power stations provided at DuCard.
DuCard is the #1 top rated winery on Trip Advisor for Central Virginia. Personal, friendly and knowledgeable service is the norm, with DuCard being a sort of “Cheers Bar” for its loyal customer base.
In addition to standard tastings at the bar, DuCard also now offers a Seated Flights program featuring a selection of current releases, premium wines and older, sold out vintages from the owner’s library, served at your table.
While a number of Virginia wineries either buy much of their fruit from other vineyards, or even from California – or contract the winemaking out to others rather than doing it themselves – DuCard is one of the uniquely authentic operations in the state. Virtually all the grapes are grown on the three Madison County sites they farm, and all the wines are made onsite by DuCard’s winemaking team, using old fashioned, small batch methods and lots of tender loving care.
Consumers are increasingly looking for ‘authentic’ experiences, including seeking wines that reflect the local ‘terroir’ or sense of place. DuCard wines reflect the mountainous environment and rocky soils of Madison County, where they grow all their our own grapes, and visible out the back patio – and provide a full, and enjoyable experience for guests. An interesting article by DuCard’s owner that discusses this local topic can be found here: {VIEW}
DUCARD VINEYARDS
40 Gibson Hollow Ln. Etlan, VA 22719
Phone: 540-923-4206
Website: ducardvineyards.com
Video: vimeo.com/333101760
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DuCard Vineyards: A Unique, Gorgeous and Award-Winning Authentic Farm Winery
