Gauthier Vineyard opens in New Kent

New Kent Virginia can now claim ownership to Virginia’s 248th winery. ( Who knew) with the recent opening of Gauthier Vineyard’s Winery.  

Gauthier Vineyard  is a family-owned working farm, equestrian center, vineyard and winery located in scenic New Kent County near the intersection of the Lafayette and Washington-Rochambeau trails to Yorktown. The owners, Mo and Sandi Gauthier, both retired Navy Captains, purchased the 110 acre “Fair Winds” farm in 2010. Like most ground in the county, the farm is rich in history. Local relic hunters have validated its service as a Civil War encampment for both Union and Confederate forces during the lengthy Peninsula Campaign.

Also on the farm is another family operation – Hensley Show Horses – a world class equestrian center complete with a barn full of champions.

The Gauthier’s built their state-of-the art equestrian center in 2011. The equestrian center offers boarding, training, lessons, clinics and competitive events.

The Gauthier’s original 3200 Norton and Viognier vines were planted by friends and family in the Spring of 2011, followed by construction of the tasting room and wine making facility in 2012-2013. In addition to their estate grapes, the Gauthier’s purchase Virginia grapes and lease vines in the foothills overlooking the Shenandoah Valley in partnership with Randy and Karen Phillips, founder-owners of Cave Ridge Vineyard. Randy, an award winning vintner, oversees the wine making operations for Gauthier Vineyard.

Mo and Sandi’s daughter, Aimee Stevenson, is Director of Sales and Marketing and manages tasting room operations. Aimee has many years of experience in the service industry, and we are thrilled to have her on the team.

With the opening of Gauthier Vineyard New Kent now has three wineries including

Virginia is well on its way to full ownership of the title Napa of the East Coast. The  Old Dominion is the fifth largest wine grape producer in the country, and has a long history dating back to winning Gold at the World’s Fair in Paris in 1889. Where once it was law for every well-bodied male to plant vines and grow grapes, winemaking has become the passion of a commonwealth of lovers.

More info here Gauthier Vineyard

If you are seeking other wineries nearby explore the Colonial Virginia Wine Trail which features four of Virginia’s best wineries all within a one hour drive of Williamsburg VA.  No matter where you start or finish your wine trail adventure, you are sure to enjoy great wines, great food and lots of fun along the way. Take the scenic drive along I-64 sampling wines from the Williamsburg Winery, Saude Creek Vineyards, New Kent Winery and James River Cellars, all within a day’s adventure.