New Kent Winery: A Guide to Virginia's Premier Wine Destination

New Kent Winery is a family-owned and operated winery located in New Kent, Virginia. The winery prides itself on providing an unparalleled selection of estate-grown, handcrafted wines that showcase their dedication to quality from vine to bottle. The winery is constructed using materials reclaimed from buildings that are over a century old, giving it a unique and rustic charm.

Visitors to New Kent Winery can enjoy a more personal experience with their classic wine tasting. Tastings are offered daily and begin at 11:30 am and run every half hour until 5:30 pm, and each time slot has a limit of 16 people. Additionally, the winery offers tours of the building that tell the story of the reclaimed materials used in its construction. The winery is mainly constructed of pre-Civil War brick, 40-foot heart pine beams from the 1850s, and century-old railroad trusses, giving visitors a sense of the history behind the winery.

Overall, New Kent Winery is an exceptional winery that offers visitors a unique experience in a beautiful setting. With its dedication to quality and use of reclaimed materials, it is a must-visit destination for wine lovers in Virginia.

History and Ownership

Founding of New Kent Winery

New Kent Winery is a family-owned winery located in New Kent, Virginia. The winery was founded in 2001 by Joe Dombroski and his wife Jo Anna. The couple purchased the land and planted the first grapevines in 2001. The winery opened its doors in 2008 and was built for $3.5 million ¹.

The winery is situated on 26 acres of land overlooking the Pamunkey River. New Kent Winery is a mid-sized winery with production of over 6,000 cases annually ².

Family-Owned Tradition

New Kent Winery is a family-owned business that prides itself on its tradition of winemaking. The winery has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the 18th century when George Washington was a winemaker himself. The winery has continued this tradition by producing high-quality wines using traditional winemaking techniques ³.

The winery is still owned by the Dombroski family, who have continued to grow the business since its inception. The family is committed to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region and to providing visitors with an unforgettable experience ¹.

Overall, New Kent Winery is a family-owned winery with a rich history of winemaking dating back to the 18th century. The Dombroski family is committed to continuing this tradition by producing high-quality wines using traditional winemaking techniques. The winery is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the unique terroir of the region.

Wines and Winemaking

Signature Varietals

New Kent Winery is known for its exceptional wines, with a range of varietals to suit every palate. Some of their signature wines include Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Merlot, White Merlot, Red Blend, and Sweet Virginia. Each wine is carefully crafted to bring out the unique flavors and aromas of the grapes, resulting in a truly memorable wine experience.

Winemaking Process

At New Kent Winery, the winemaking process is a carefully orchestrated dance of science and art. It all starts with the careful selection of the grapes, which are handpicked and sorted to ensure only the best fruit is used. The grapes are then crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks, with the temperature carefully monitored to ensure optimal flavor extraction.

Once the wine has fermented, it is aged in oak barrels to add complexity and depth. The winemaker carefully selects the type of oak and the level of toasting to complement the flavors of the wine. Finally, the wine is bottled and aged further to allow the flavors to fully develop.

The Winemaker's Role

The winemaker at New Kent Winery is a skilled craftsman who oversees every step of the winemaking process. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the science of winemaking, the winemaker is able to coax the best flavors and aromas out of each grape.

In addition to overseeing the winemaking process, the winemaker is also responsible for selecting the grapes, deciding when to harvest, and determining the best blend of grapes to use for each wine. With a keen palate and a deep love of wine, the winemaker at New Kent Winery is truly an artist of the highest order.

Vineyard and Terroir

Vineyard Practices

New Kent Winery is located on the banks of the Pamunkey River in New Kent, Virginia. The vineyard practices sustainable farming methods, using cover crops and natural fertilizers to maintain soil health. They also use an integrated pest management system to minimize the use of pesticides. The vineyard is planted on well-drained soils that are ideal for growing grapes. The vineyard is managed by a team of experienced viticulturists who ensure that the vines are pruned and trained to produce high-quality fruit.

Grape Varieties

New Kent Winery grows a variety of grapes, including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Vidal Blanc. These grape varieties are well-suited to the terroir of the region and produce wines that are complex and full-bodied. The winery produces both red and white wines, each with its own unique flavor profile.

The winery also sources grapes from other vineyards in Virginia to produce some of their wines. For example, they source grapes from the Shenandoah Valley to produce their Cabernet Franc and Merlot wines. This allows the winery to produce a wider variety of wines and showcase the diversity of Virginia's wine regions.

Overall, New Kent Winery's commitment to sustainable vineyard practices and use of high-quality grapes has resulted in wines that are well-balanced and reflect the unique terroir of the region.

Visiting the Winery

New Kent Winery is a family-owned winery, tasting room, and popular wedding venue in New Kent, Virginia, conveniently located near Richmond, VA. The winery offers different tasting and tour options to suit all wine drinkers. Here's what you can expect when you visit the winery.

Tasting Room Experience

The tasting room at New Kent Winery is open seven days a week, and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of handcrafted wines. The tasting room is spacious, with plenty of seating, and features a beautiful bar where visitors can sample the wines. Visitors can choose from several different tasting options, including a standard tasting, a reserve tasting, and a chocolate and wine pairing.

Winery Tours

New Kent Winery offers tours of the winery and vineyards, where visitors can learn about the winemaking process and the history of the winery. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about wine and are happy to answer any questions visitors may have. Visitors can choose from several different tour options, including a standard tour, a VIP tour, and a private tour.

Amenities and Accessibility

New Kent Winery is located in a beautiful setting, with rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. Visitors can relax on the patio or porch and enjoy a glass of wine while taking in the scenery. The winery also features a spacious event space that is perfect for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

The winery is open from 11 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, and from 11 am to 8 pm on Friday and Saturday. On Sundays, the winery is open from 11 am to 6 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. The winery is also accessible for visitors with disabilities.

Winery Events and Activities

Live Entertainment

New Kent Winery is known for its live entertainment. Visitors can expect to enjoy live music performances, food trucks, and other events. The winery hosts a variety of musicians that play different genres of music, including jazz, country, and rock. Visitors can check the winery's upcoming events calendar to see what's happening at the winery.

Upcoming Events Calendar

The winery's upcoming events calendar is always full of exciting events. Visitors can expect to find a variety of events, including concerts, yoga classes, and food truck festivals. The winery also hosts wine tastings, where visitors can sample some of the winery's best wines.

One of the winery's most popular events is the Vineyard Live Concert Series, which features live music performances by local musicians. Visitors can enjoy the music while sipping on some of the winery's best wines. Another popular event is the New Kent Winery 7th Anniversary Celebration, which celebrates the winery's anniversary with live music, food, and wine.

In addition to these events, the winery also hosts private events such as weddings, corporate events, and private parties. Visitors can contact the winery to learn more about hosting a private event at the winery.

Overall, New Kent Winery is a great place to visit for live entertainment and fun events. Visitors can check the winery's upcoming events calendar to see what's happening at the winery, and plan their visit accordingly.

Wine Club and Membership

New Kent Winery offers a Wine Club membership for wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy exclusive wine releases, wine discounts, first tastings, special events, and more. The Wine Club membership is a custom club where members can make changes to select their wines each quarter. Members can choose to receive 2, 4, or 6 bottles of wine per quarter. The cost of the Wine Club membership varies depending on the number of bottles selected.

Membership Benefits

The Wine Club membership offers various benefits to its members. Some of the benefits are:

• Exclusive access to limited-release wines
• Discounts on all wine purchases
• Free tastings for members and their guests
• Invitations to member-only events
• First access to new wine releases
• Complimentary tours of the winery

Wine Club Exclusives

New Kent Winery offers exclusive events for Wine Club members. Members have access to private events such as wine and food pairings, barrel tastings, and winemaker dinners. The winery also hosts an annual Wine Club member appreciation event. Wine Club members can also purchase tickets to exclusive events before they are available to the public.

Overall, the Wine Club membership at New Kent Winery is a great way for wine enthusiasts to experience exclusive wines and events. With a custom club membership, members can select the wines they want to receive each quarter. The benefits of the Wine Club membership include discounts on all wine purchases, free tastings, and invitations to member-only events.

Dining Options

Food Pairings

New Kent Winery offers a variety of food pairings that perfectly complement their wines. The winery's tasting room features a selection of light bites, such as artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and crackers, that are perfect for snacking while enjoying a glass of wine. Visitors can also try the winery's signature "Wine & Cheese Pairing" experience, which includes a flight of wines paired with artisanal cheeses and accompaniments.

For those looking for a more substantial meal, New Kent Winery offers a variety of catering options for events held on-site. The catering menu includes a variety of delicious options, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and pasta salad, that are sure to satisfy any appetite. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.

Catering and Takeout

New Kent Winery offers catering services for events held on-site, as well as takeout options for those who want to enjoy the winery's food from the comfort of their own home. The catering menu includes a variety of delicious options, such as grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and pasta salad, that are sure to satisfy any appetite. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.

In addition to catering, New Kent Winery also offers takeout options for those who want to enjoy the winery's food from the comfort of their own home. Visitors can order from the winery's selection of light bites, such as artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and crackers, as well as sandwiches and salads. The winery also offers a variety of wines for purchase to complete the perfect at-home dining experience.

Local Collaboration

New Kent Winery values local collaboration and community engagement. They believe that working together with nearby wineries and breweries can lead to a thriving local economy and a better experience for visitors.

Nearby Wineries and Breweries

New Kent Winery is not the only winery in the area. Nearby wineries include the Jolene Family Winery and the Gauthier Vineyard. The Jolene Family Winery is a small family-owned winery located in New Kent, Virginia. They offer a variety of hand-crafted wines and a beautiful view of the vineyard. On the other hand, the Gauthier Vineyard is located in Barboursville, Virginia, and is known for its award-winning wines.

In addition to wineries, there are also breweries in the area. The Talleysville Brewing Company is a local brewery that offers a variety of craft beers. They are located in New Kent, Virginia, and are a great place to stop by for a drink.

Community Engagement

New Kent Winery is also engaged with the local community. They have a strong presence on Yelp, where they have received many positive reviews from visitors. They also participate in local events, such as the "A Taste of New Kent" event held every May. This event brings together wineries, breweries, and food vendors from the area and is a great way to showcase local businesses.

Overall, New Kent Winery is committed to collaborating with nearby wineries and breweries and engaging with the local community. This approach benefits everyone involved and creates a better experience for visitors.

Venue Services

New Kent Winery Vineyard Estate offers a picturesque vineyard setting that is perfect for weddings, corporate functions, and private events. The venue has a range of services that cater to various events, and the staff is always willing to work with clients to bring their vision to life.

Weddings and Private Events

New Kent Winery Vineyard Estate is an ideal wedding venue for couples looking for a beautiful countryside vineyard setting. The estate boasts stunning event spaces that can accommodate many different types of events. The venue offers customizable wedding packages, and the staff is always ready to help couples plan their perfect day.

The venue has two beautifully rustic barns that are perfect for indoor and outdoor weddings. The property also has well-landscaped grounds and sweeping views that make for a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. New Kent Winery Vineyard Estate also offers quality catering services that can be tailored to meet the needs of each couple.

Corporate Functions

New Kent Winery Vineyard Estate is an ideal venue for corporate meetings, formal dinners, banquets, and employee appreciation parties. The venue is conveniently located to both Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia, and can accommodate any vision or budget. The estate has a range of event spaces that can be customized to meet the needs of each client.

The venue offers quality catering services that can be tailored to meet the needs of each corporate event. The staff is always willing to work with clients to ensure that their event is a success. New Kent Winery Vineyard Estate is a great place to host corporate events, and it has everything needed to ensure that the event is a success.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

New Kent Winery has received high praise from its customers, with many leaving positive reviews and testimonials online. Customers have praised the winery for its exceptional wines, beautiful setting, and friendly staff.

One customer on Yelp wrote, "The wine here is absolutely amazing! We loved the beautiful setting and the friendly staff. We will definitely be back!" Another customer on TripAdvisor commented, "The wines here are top-notch. The tasting room is beautiful and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly."

Customers have also praised the winery's events and live music. One customer on Yelp wrote, "We attended a wedding at New Kent Winery and it was absolutely beautiful. The staff did an amazing job and the wine was fantastic." Another customer on TripAdvisor commented, "We attended a live music event at the winery and had a great time. The wine was delicious and the atmosphere was perfect."

Overall, customers have had nothing but positive things to say about New Kent Winery. With its exceptional wines, beautiful setting, and friendly staff, it's no wonder why the winery has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Footnotes

1. Richmond Times-Dispatch ↩ ↩²
2. BS Guide to Virginia Wineries ↩
3. Hopke & Associates - Traditional Building ↩