Blenheim Vineyards

About Winery: Established in 2000 by owner Dave Matthews of the Dave Mathews Band, Blenheim Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located 20 minutes southeast of Charlottesville. With two vineyard sites growing Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the goal at Blenheim is to make high quality wines that reflect the climate, soil and beauty of the surrounding landscape. They depend on growing beautiful, healthy fruit, and work hard in the winery to limit the amount of intervention. None of their wines stay in the barrel for more than a year, as their goal is to keep them approachable and drinkable when they are young.

Aggie Connection: Kirsty developed an appreciation for wine through a job that allowed her to apprentice for famed Virginia winemaker Gabriele Rausse. After making wine for several years in Virginia, Kirsty moved west to pursue formal training at the University of California at Davis where she graduated with an M.S. in Viticulture and Enology in 2007. Kirsty officially joined Blenheim Vineyards as winemaker in June of 2008 and was promoted to General Manager in April of 2009.

Alum: Kirsty Harmon '07, Winemaker

Aggies Uncorked Featured Wine: Cabernet Franc