Patrick Duffeler’s purchase of a farm in 1983 started the Williamsburg Winery story, though the history of Virginia wine extends back centuries from that on the very same land. Making… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery’s Special Place in Virginia Wine History

Williamsburg, Virginia — Cheers to the Williamsburg’s Winery’s 2019 Petit Verdot Reserve! This full-bodied red wine with dark fruit flavors and layers of dark chocolate and vanilla earned a coveted… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery’s 2019 Petit Verdot Reserve Achieves a Coveted Spot in 2023 Virginia Governor’s Cup® Case

A new world opened up to Jen Allen when she moved to Williamsburg last year with her husband, Brenden, who is stationed at Fort Eustis. Back in her hometown in… Continue reading New Director of Retail Operations Enjoys Sharing an Appreciation for Virginia Wine

A high school graduation trip to Italy wasn’t just fun for Alex Frey. It altered his life, introducing him to the world of wine. As a college student at William… Continue reading European Trip Introduced New Direct Shipping Manager to the World of Wine

Kris Rideout is happiest at the Williamsburg Winery when she wraps up in layers and dons her leopard print hat with a head lamp and descends into the reserve cellar… Continue reading New Wine Club Manager Passionate About Offering Members an Exclusive Experience

Whether you spend a few hours or stay overnight, the Williamsburg Winery located among more than 400 acres of green space on the Wessex Hundred Farm offers a wonderful respite… Continue reading 5 Musts to Add to Your Williamsburg Winery To-Do List

What’s called the Reflective Project showcases the Williamsburg Winery’s ability to embrace an entirely different style of winemaking a hemisphere away. On several levels, this distinctive vintage along with the… Continue reading A Wine Worthy of Reflection: The 2017 Malbec

My warmest holiday greetings to you and your family as we bring 2022 to a close. It has been a special year at the Williamsburg Winery in that it was… Continue reading A Message From the Founder: Cheers to 2022!

As the weather changes, so does the Williamsburg Winery. Visit year-round to experience the seasons at the lovely Wessex Hundred Farm. Start this month by booking the Romantic Winter Escape… Continue reading Visit the Williamsburg Winery Year-round to Celebrate the Uniqueness of the Seasons

How to find us wherever you are . . . We can’t wait to welcome you to the Williamsburg Winery located at 5800 Wessex Hundred in Williamsburg, Virginia. We’re just… Continue reading Find Your Way to Wessex Hundred

Dreaming of a wine Christmas? Wine makes a wonderful holiday gift, and the Williamsburg Winery offers several special holiday bundles to match the taste of the recipients on your list.… Continue reading Holiday Bundles Perfect for the Wine Lover on Your List

When you visit the Williamsburg Winery at Wessex Hundred, you will be immersed in more than good wine. You’ll be surrounded by nature, a working farm both picturesque and serene… Continue reading App Suggestions to Enhance Your Outdoor Experience at Wessex Hundred

The Williamsburg Winery donated $2,088 to the Riverside Foundation late last month to help support preventative screenings and support services for breast cancer patients and their families. The winery teamed… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery Donates to Riverside Foundation to Support Breast Cancer Patients

The walls of the Susan B. Constant Tasting Room at the Williamsburg Winery reflect the approach of fall and the harvesting season with a new art exhibit that is part… Continue reading Susan B. Constant Tasting Room Celebrates a Bountiful Harvest in New Art Exhibition

When Patrick Duffeler drives past the crepe myrtles that line the Wessex Hundred entrance, parks his car and walks any part of the scenic property, he is simply at home.… Continue reading A Reflection on Forty Years at Wessex Hundred

Patrick Duffeler’s passion for green space makes it only natural that among the 420 acres that is home to the Williamsburg Winery, visitors will find a nature trail far from… Continue reading Unspoiled Nature Trail a Respite to Enjoy Nature’s Bounty

The Gabriel Archer Tavern at the Williamsburg Winery has been recognized as one of the best winery restaurants in the nation, according to USA TODAY. The Tavern was selected as… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery’s Gabriel Archer Tavern Earns National Distinction from USA TODAY

The decision to plant vineyards and start a winery at Wessex Hundred was met with plenty of skepticism back in the ’80s when Patrick and Peggy Duffeler started their new… Continue reading Celebrating the Roots of Virginia Wine with a Toast to Acte 12

Whether the real Mona Lisa hangs in the Louvre remains a subject of debate 500 years after Leonardo da Vinci’s painting of one of the most recognizable faces in the… Continue reading Mona Lisa’s Toast to the Williamsburg Winery

Engagements. Weddings. Birthday parties. Anniversaries. Galas. Leah Robertson makes sure those milestones are magical when celebrated at the Williamsburg Winery. The transplanted Floridian joined the winery four years ago as… Continue reading Leave the Magic to Leah Robertson at Your Next Celebration

With spring in the air, it’s time to plan for a picnic. Whatever’s in your basket, don’t forget to pack a bottle of wine from the Williamsburg Winery. Kenny Bumbaco,… Continue reading Don’t Forget the Wine When Planning Your Picnic

This is another in a series of posts highlighting The Williamsburg Taste the Trail Package that offers guests at Wedmore Place an opportunity to explore multiple award-winning wine, craft beers… Continue reading Rediscover the World’s Most Ancient Fermented Beverage at Silver Hand

Spending the night at Wedmore Place is a marvelous retreat in itself, and often guests of the Williamsburg Winery hotel find the green space at Wessex Hundred so restorative, they… Continue reading Plan Your Day Visiting Williamsburg After a Good Night’s Rest at Wedmore Place

This is the first in a series of posts highlighting The Williamsburg Taste the Trail Package that offers guests at Wedmore Place an opportunity to explore multiple award-winning wine, brews… Continue reading Taste the Trail: Experience What’s on Tap Along with the Best-Ever Soft Pretzel at Alewerks

Colonial Williamsburg is truly one big museum, but if you’re looking for art specifically during your stay at Wedmore Place, head to the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum and the… Continue reading Combine Your Visit to Wedmore Place with a Trip to Williamsburg Art Museums

Williamsburg Winery founder Patrick Duffeler has long touted the importance of reflecting in the woods of the Wessex Hundred Farm, home to thousands of majestic trees that he planted himself.… Continue reading Every Day is Earth Day at the Williamsburg Winery

It’s no surprise that wine and art pair well together. After all, winemaking is an art in itself. Guests at the Williamsburg Winery can now savor both inside the Susan… Continue reading Introducing “Art at Wessex Hundred” at the Susan Constant Hall Tasting Room

Williamsburg, Virginia — The Williamsburg Winery earned a trifecta— three Gold medals in the 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Competition — and a first on Tuesday. While the Williamsburg Winery… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery Takes Gold Three Times at Governor’s Cup

Williamsburg Winery Wine Club members are in for an exclusive treat. As part of their February wine shipment, they’ll receive the first of the Winery’s Small Batch Field Blend Series.… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery Introduces Small Batch Field Blend Series

Savor Virginia’s bounty on your plate as part of the Williamsburg Winery’s new Chef’s Notebook dinner series. The first of these monthly epicurean journeys will be offered on Thursday, Feb.… Continue reading Seasonal Ingredients, Four Wines Highlight new Chef’s Notebook Dinner Series at Gabriel Archer Tavern

After a near-perfect growing season three years ago, is it any wonder that the Williamsburg Winery’s 2019 Adagio is worth touting 10 months before its release? Structure. Depth. Layers. Complexity.… Continue reading The 2019 Adagio in a Class All Its Own

Williamsburg, Virginia — The Williamsburg Winery’s 2020 Virginia Viognier earned a Gold Medal at the largest competition for North American wines in the country. More than 5,700 wines from approximately… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery’s 2020 Virginia Viognier Brings Home Gold in San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Even with the vineyards dormant, the Williamsburg Winery is bustling this winter with the typical buzz surrounding blending and bottling. It’s one of the busiest periods at the winery topped… Continue reading Winter Blending and Bottling Notes Give Nod to 2019 Reserves Including a Merlot in Class of its Own

The Williamsburg Winery’s most intimate connection with customers is through its Wine Club, which provides members with the ultimate experience in world-class wine and food. Meet Doris H. Elliott, a… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery Wine Club: “When I’m homesick for Europe, I go to the Winery”

Barrel making is an art steeped into history and century-old tradition. While technology has improved the process, it still relies on the handiwork of artisans and craftsmen at every stage.… Continue reading The Art and Craft of Making a Barrel

Turn into the pastoral entrance of the Wessex Hundred farm that leads to the Williamsburg Winery and you’re prompted to slow down before you spot the first speed limit sign.… Continue reading Tour Wessex Hundred with the Help of Our Guide

Guests visiting the Williamsburg Winery know its founder, Patrick Duffeler, as a friendly fellow with a warm handshake, a storyteller with an exquisite memory for names and dates and the… Continue reading Art, Wine, Motorsports and an Evening to Remember at Wessex Hall on Dec. 9

The Williamsburg Winery’s most intimate connection with customers is through its Wine Club, which provides members with the ultimate experience in world-class wine and food. Meet Wine Club members Jim… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery Wine Club: Discovering New Tastes While Making Friends

The Williamsburg Winery’s most intimate connection with customers is through its Wine Club, which provides members with the ultimate experience in world-class wine and food. Meet Kimberly Riley, a longtime… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery Wine Club: “Everybody is a Big Family and You’re a Part of It.”

The Commonwealth of Virginia has an official new wine region thanks to the Williamsburg Winery continuing to be a trailblazer on behalf of the industry. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax… Continue reading A Toast to Virginia’s Eighth AVA and the Williamsburg Winery for Making it Happen

Go to bed in Williamsburg and wake up in Europe — Greece, England, Italy, France, take your pick. Spend the night at Wedmore Place, the hotel on the grounds of… Continue reading Soak in the Art and Wonder of Wedmore Place

The Williamsburg Winery’s inaugural Tour de Virginia is gearing up to be a memorable experience for cyclists and not just because of the scenery, though that is special, too. The… Continue reading Cyclists to Log Miles for Meals During Tour de Virginia

The Williamsburg Winery’s new Chef de Cuisine is at home at Wessex Hundred. A native New Yorker, Jake Wechsler moved to Williamsburg with his family at the age of 15… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery’s Newest Chef Returns to His Roots

Partnering with the Williamsburg Winery for the inaugural Tour de Virginia just made sense for Mercedes-Benz of Hampton. The luxury car dealer, looking to expand its footprint in the Williamsburg… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz of Hampton a Natural Partner for Williamsburg Winery’s First-Ever Tour de Virginia

The nose has it! Not that wine aged in cognac barrels doesn’t taste wonderful, but the aromatics are what truly distinguishes this method. While aging wine in cognac barrels isn’t… Continue reading Smell the Difference in Wine Aged in Cognac Barrels

Chris Duffy rode his bike everywhere growing up in picturesque New England. Today’s Director of Road and Fitting for Conte’s Bike Shop competed for teams in Spain and Italy. As… Continue reading Get comfortable, get fit, have fun with Conte’s at Williamsburg Winery’s Tour de Virginia

When Hincapie Sportswear hosts cycling events, the Williamsburg Winery is a regular at the start line offering sponsorship. Rich Hincapie is happy to return the favor for the inaugural Tour… Continue reading Cycling’s Hincapies on Board for Williamsburg Winery’s First-Ever Tour de Virginia

The Williamsburg Winery continued its legacy of giving back to the community by creating a special label for its 2019 Rosé to help raise money in support of breast cancer… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery Donates $2,016 to the Riverside Foundation to Support Breast Cancer Patients

Lisa O’Conner will tell you she chooses to forgo manicures and makeup as Viticulturist at the Williamsburg Winery. Neither works for her in the elements that range from pouring rain,… Continue reading Even on a Cold Day, Viticulturist Lisa O’Conner Feels the Warmth at Wessex Hundred

Raise a glass to Petit Manseng! Better yet, take a sip of the Williamsburg Winery’s 2019 Petit Manseng, which achieved the Platinum Award at the 2021 Winemaker Challenge International Wine… Continue reading A Toast to the Williamsburg Winery for a Platinum & Four Golds at International Competition

Sit. Sip. Savor. Take part in a new tasting experience at the Williamsburg Winery ‘s Susan Constant Hall, adjacent to the Retail Wine Shop. “We’re changing from the standard tasting… Continue reading A New Way to Enjoy a Flight of Wine at the Williamsburg Winery

As much as the Williamsburg Winery has evolved over the last 20 years, so, too, has its founder, Patrick Duffeler. Readers of the second edition of “The Art and Science… Continue reading Going Behind the Scenes with a More Personal Patrick Duffeler in his New Book

Williamsburg, Virginia — The second edition of “The Art and Science of Viticulture and Winemaking at the Williamsburg Winery” featuring stunning photographs from the Wessex Hundred farm and a behind-the-scenes… Continue reading Second Edition of “The Art and Science of Viticulture and Winemaking at the Williamsburg Winery”

Patrick Duffeler and Clyde Berryman are fast friends. The founder of the Williamsburg Winery and the once co-owner of the Williamsburg Art Gallery share more than a love of wine… Continue reading A Friendship Forged in Motor Racing

The Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic will celebrate its 30th anniversary in November 2021, and for all three decades, the Williamsburg Winery has been along for the ride. Thirty years ago,… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery and the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Celebrate 30 Years Together

Traveling unlocks the adventurer in us and stimulates our natural curiosity to learn about the customs and cultures of somewhere new. Wedmore Place, the hotel at The Williamsburg Winery, invites… Continue reading Wedmore Place Brings Europe to Williamsburg

Visitors to Wessex Hundred can savor their Williamsburg Winery flight at multiple spots on the farm — the Gabriel Archer Tavern, the 1619 Pavilion and the Duck Pond to name… Continue reading Merchants Square Wine Bar and Tasting Room an Extension of the Warmth Found at Wessex Hundred

The Williamsburg Winery founder Patrick Duffeler makes no secret of how frequently nature inspires him. He favors the tranquility and restorative qualities even a simple walk outside can provide. No… Continue reading Hush, Listen and Discover the Magic Alongside The Williamsburg Winery Duck Pond

By Patrick Duffeler, Founder What is the meaning of “woods” to me? A place of peace, first of all, even if you have wolves or coyotes living in them. In… Continue reading Listen to the lives of trees and breathe in their wisdom

A careful examination of Gulay Berryman’s painting “Dancing Under the Stars” reveals Williamsburg Winery founder Patrick Duffeler and his wife, Francoise, reveling in a courtyard. The original work by the… Continue reading When Art and Wine Combine for a Beautiful Picture

Appreciating the essence of Wessex Hall starts with an understanding of open-hearth fireplaces. The Williamsburg Winery’s largest event venue houses two at opposite ends of the 48 x 96-feet space.… Continue reading Classic Fireplaces Add to Wessex Hall’s Warmth

Intimate. Charming. Picturesque. Westbury Hall at The Williamsburg Winery shares those qualities with its namesake, the village of Westbury in southwest England. The three-level converted warehouse opens into a multipurpose… Continue reading Revel in wonderful Westbury Hall

The wine world lost a legend and The Williamsburg Winery founder Patrick Duffeler lost a friend with the passing of Steven Spurrier on March 9. The British wine expert’s legacy… Continue reading Patrick Duffeler Reflects on Steven Spurrier, the “Light of the Wine World”

Fresh air, a vineyard view, relaxed seating. The 1619 Pavilion at The Williamsburg Winery offers another setting for what founder Patrick Duffeler calls “the casual enjoyment of wine.” The two-level,… Continue reading Sip the wine, savor the view, stick around for a while at the 1619 Pavilion

The Williamsburg Winery continues to set the bar among Virginia wines and nationally thanks to three notable distinctions. The 2017 Petit Verdot Reserve was awarded a gold medal from the… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery Achieves a Trifecta of Notable Distinctions

When Patrick Duffeler walks around his Wessex Hundred farm where trees almost outrank the vineyards, he returns to his roots. Growing up in Brussels, The Williamsburg Winery founder was smitten… Continue reading Patrick Duffeler’s lifelong love of trees and the lessons they provide

Walk down the steep set of stairs and an enchanting archway awaits. The inviting sign from Austria on the handmade wooden door reads “Weinkeller.” The Williamsburg Winery founder Patrick Duffeler… Continue reading Peek inside Wessex Hundred’s most intimate wine cellar

WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia – The Williamsburg Winery is pleased to announce it has welcomed Thomas Kayrouz, M.D., to its Board of Advisors. “If there is anything we have all learned in… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery Welcomes Thomas Kayrouz, M.D., to Board of Advisors

Whites wines came first at The Williamsburg Winery. Then reds with the making of the Gabriel Archer Reserve — a blend that made a bold statement when it was introduced… Continue reading The Gabriel Archer Reserve Celebrates its 30th Anniversary

Patrick Duffeler savors what’s simple. Business requires the Founder of The Williamsburg Winery to regularly dress in suit and tie, sit behind a computer and answer a smartphone. But the… Continue reading Patrick Duffeler Cherishes the Moments While Leaving a Legacy

One of the most magnificent trees on the Wessex Hundred farm predates the founding of America. The Williamsburg Winery founder Patrick Duffeler calls the 300-year-old white oak the “Tree of… Continue reading This Tree Stands out Among a Forest of Thousands at Wessex Hundred

Williamsburg, Virginia — Toast the new year with a little sparkle from The Williamsburg Winery. The state’s largest winery recently introduced sparkling wine to its portfolio with two fizzy selections. The… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery Rings in a New Year With a Sparkling Addition

Here’s how Bruce Vogt feels about oysters. “After God created the oyster, he didn’t need to evolve it any further because it was perfect!” says the owner of Big Island… Continue reading Pair Oysters and Wine for a Succulent Evening

Jim Beckert knew he wanted to retire in Williamsburg after a visit to Ford’s Colony nearly 20 years ago. He and his wife, Nanette, call it home today, though Jim… Continue reading After 38 Years at One Company, Jim Beckert Makes Himself Home at Another

Moldova, the birth country to Elena Barber, boasts more wines per capita than anywhere else in the world.  “Pretty much everybody in my country makes their own wine,” Elena, Assistant… Continue reading An Unlikely Return to Her Roots for Elena Barber

Kenny Bumbaco studied aboard in Seville for a summer at William & Mary to immerse himself in the Spanish culture. Languages fascinate him, dating back to his introduction to Latin… Continue reading Kenny Bumbaco, Fluent in the Language of Wine

Francoise Duffeler’s appreciation for nature and its spiritual ability to nurture dates back to growing up in the picturesque French countryside. Gothic castles, fragrant gardens and acres of bucolic green… Continue reading Meet the Extraordinary Francoise Duffeler

Family dinner in the Meyer household did not equate to burgers and fries. At 4-years-old, Matthew Meyer, today Winemaker at The Williamsburg Winery, savored sips of wine at a dinner… Continue reading Matthew Meyer, a Winemaker with Deep Roots

Simon Smith’s career has taken him from one storybook setting to the next. The Vice President of Food and Beverage at The Williamsburg Winery grew up in lush Kent, England,… Continue reading Wessex Hundred, a Fitting Chapter in the Storied Career of Simon Smith

“Hello! Welcome!”  The frequent greetings from Patrick Duffeler turns some heads as he walks through the Gabriel Archer Tavern on the grounds of the winery and farm he founded decades… Continue reading Revel in the Gabriel Archer Tavern, a Welcome Respite with a Storied History

Greetings, Friends of The Williamsburg Winery, As we bring 2020 to a close, I am reminded of the words of English explorer and soldier John Smith. “The attitude, and the… Continue reading Reflecting on an Odd Year While Anticipating a New One

When Tracy Shackelford and Harold Philipsen of Northwestern Mutual, in partnership with The Williamsburg Winery, put a call out to the community to help feed hospital workers in Williamsburg, the… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery and Community Partners Team Up to Feed Hundreds of Hospital Workers

The ingredients are simple.  House-roasted turkey.  Brie.  Granny Smith apple slices.  Lingonberry preserves.  Roasted garlic mayo.  French baguette.  When it all comes together, it’s the iconic Turkey & Brie sandwich… Continue reading The Legend of the Turkey & Brie Sandwich

To write is human.  To receive a handwritten note is divine!  In many ways, today, that art – the art of letter writing – is lost.  It is, after all,… Continue reading The Art of Writing

Earlier this year, it was a career Army spouse who was announced as the winner of The Williamsburg Winery’s military spouse appreciation giveaway. It was the least we could do… Continue reading Meet Maureen Mains, Winner of The Williamsburg Winery’s Military Spouse Appreciation Giveaway

We think we can all agree, it’s lovely to be recognized, and it’s an honor to receive an award for your work, for your craft. Sometimes those awards come from… Continue reading Savoring Readers’ Choice Awards for The Williamsburg Winery in 2020

There’s something about a piece of old wood.  It has character.  Soul.  Stories embedded into every grain, every worm hole, every ring of history.  If you were to “come across… Continue reading The Art of Woodworking

Pi Day is an annual celebration of the mathematical constant.  3.14.  March 14.  But around Wessex Hundred, and especially at The Gabriel Archer Tavern, you know what else is constant? … Continue reading Celebrating Pi(e) Day with Chorizo Quiche from The Williamsburg Winery

From home-grown herbs and produce to Eastern Shore oysters and Edwards Surry ham, The Winery takes great care in selecting the finest quality meats, fruits and vegetables to serve to… Continue reading A Taste of Italy in Virginia

Ages well.  Big and bold.  Loves being single or part of a group.  While this may sound like the beginning of a social media profile, it’s actually referring to Virginia’s… Continue reading Why We Love Petit Verdot

If you’re a fan of Virginia Wine, you’ve probably seen your fair share of pictures of tractors rolling through lush, green vineyards. Winemakers and vineyard workers leaf pulling and working… Continue reading There is No Off-Season in Winemaking: Winter on the Farm

There’s just something about bread that makes it go perfectly with a glass of vino.  The two also have a few things in common.  Both are hand-crafted – think of… Continue reading Breaking Bread with Prosperity Kitchen and Pantry at the Virginia Beach Wine Bar

Thank goodness for that brave man who ate that first oyster. Because, ever since, we’ve been eating them as often as possible. Raw. Steamed. On the half-shell. And, whenever we… Continue reading Rock-On With Oysters Rockefeller

As you may have noticed, every one of our corks send an important message to our friends – ENJOY LIFE!  What better way to do just that than over a… Continue reading A Sunday Supper Recipe: Mushroom & Prosciutto Pasta

Bisque. See this on any menu and you know right away you’re getting something rich and thick.  Cream based.  A blend of satisfying flavors.  And you’ll probably want to tell… Continue reading The Gabriel Archer Tavern’s Roasted Corn and Crab Bisque

To reserve something is to save it. To retain it for future use.  For our wine lovers out there, you know what it means to reserve – to save –… Continue reading Understanding the 2017 Reserves from The Williamsburg Winery

It’s a California GOLD rush for The Williamsburg Winery’s 2017 Petit Verdot Reserve and Barrel-Aged Claret. The Williamsburg Winery was awarded gold medals for its 2017 Petit Verdot Reserve and 2017 Barrel Aged… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery Earns Two Gold Medals at Prestigious National Wine Competition

The latest expansion brings in over 9,000 plants and increases the total number of vineyard acreage to 51.3. New year, new vineyards.  At least, that’s the motto in the earliest… Continue reading The Williamsburg Winery Expands, Plants New Vineyards

What happens when you combine the fruit known to represent kindness and a sweet symbol of love and commitment?  Raspberry Chocolate Pie.  We recently dug into some old recipes from… Continue reading A Sweet Recipe: Raspberry Chocolate Pie

Real talk.  When it comes to talking about The Williamsburg Winery’s new Wine Bar in Virginia Beach, that’s the best place to start.  With real talk. Why? Because it’s the real… Continue reading 8 Things You Should Know About The Williamsburg Winery’s Wine Bar in Virginia Beach

Mise en place.  French for “everything in place,” most chefs will readily admit that this is one of the most cherished secrets for success when working on a line.  Before… Continue reading A Williamsburg Winery Holiday Menu With “Everything In Place”

For decades, The Williamsburg Winery Founder Patrick Duffeler has done more than facilitate the hand-making of wine. He’s hand-crafted and personalized Christmas cards each year for friends and family. The… Continue reading Holiday Dessert Inspiration: Bread Pudding with Spiced Wine Reduction

A self-proclaimed free spirit, Reba McConnell was the child that would spill the paint on the walls and color outside of the lines.  Sometimes on purpose…just to see what happened. … Continue reading Bringing Imagination to Life with Artist Reba McConnell

Would you be surprised to learn that Scrooge himself may have been the very reason for the spiced wines of the season and solidifying it as a holiday staple?  It’s… Continue reading 5 Easy Ways to Use Settlers’ Spiced Wine

Harmony and notes.  Structure and range.  Depth and balance.  Body and variety. There’s a reason the very terms used in music can be used to describe our most important moments… Continue reading At Ease with the 2017 Adagio

With over 300 acres of green space, vineyards, and unique views, The Williamsburg Winery at Wessex Hundred is home to overwhelming natural and architectural beauty.  Each person who visits experiences… Continue reading Vintage Perspectives: Exploring Nature’s Connection of Art and Wine

What’s better than taking a bite out of a yummy homemade cupcake? Taking a bite out of a handcrafted cupcake infused with handcrafted wine from The Williamsburg Winery.  Twisted Sisters… Continue reading Sweet Collaborations: Twisted Sisters and The Williamsburg Winery

It’s been said: “Nothing is better for the soil than the farmer’s footprints.”  At Wessex Hundred, we certainly believe that to be true.  This month, we were reminded just how… Continue reading Harvesting Community Grape-ness

Happy Cinco de Mayo weekend! Whether you are planning on celebrating at home or going to a party, it’s hard to beat Chef Taylor’s simple but delicious Brisket Tostadas! The… Continue reading Chef Taylor’s Cinco de Mayo Brisket Tostadas

Tacos and wine? Yes! It’s the perfect pairing you never knew existed, especially when it involves Petit Verdot and lamb. Lamb and Petit Verdot have a special place in our… Continue reading Cooking with Wine Episode 2: Ewe Know What I’m Taco’n About

It’s officially Rosé season! Chef David McClure has created a delicious dish to celebrate the flavors of springtime that pais perfectly with the new 2018 Wessex Hundred Dry Rosé. The… Continue reading Cooking With Wine – Through Rosé Colored Glasses: Episode 1

This Sunday, March 31st is National Oysters on the Half Shell Day! In the beautiful Commonwealth of Virginia, particularly in the Tidewater region, oysters can be enjoyed year-round thanks to… Continue reading 3 Ways to Spice Up Oysters on the Half Shell

With Wix Blog, you’re not only sharing your voice with the world, you can also grow an active online community. That’s why the Wix blog comes with a built-in members… Continue reading Grow Your Blog Community

When it comes to design, the Wix blog has everything you need to create beautiful posts that will grab your reader’s attention. Check out our essential design features.  Choose from… Continue reading Design a Stunning Blog

We’ve made it quick and convenient for you to manage your blog from anywhere. In this blog post we’ll share the ways you can post to your Wix Blog.  Blogging… Continue reading Now You Can Blog from Everywhere!

Perfect for this time of year, this recipe can be made using a Dutch Oven or slow-cooker and used for different preparations. We have served it over pasta, wrapped in… Continue reading Red Wine Braised Pork

So you want to host a blind tasting, eh? Maybe you’ve heard of them through articles, maybe you want to continue your palate education, maybe you’ve watched Somm recently and… Continue reading How to Host Your Own Blind Wine Tasting

Love is in the air! Dinner is always a classic date idea, but why not consider something without a reservation? Whether you are celebrating with a significant other, family, friends,… Continue reading 5 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Without Dinner Reservations

It’s finally time to plan for the moment, the moment you ask the One to marry you. You’ve got your perfect person, you have the ring, now you just need… Continue reading 5 Ways to get Engaged at The Williamsburg Winery

During our fall trip to France late last year, we discovered the world of Bastides. The French word is derived from the classic bastions meaning a fortification protecting its occupants… Continue reading Discovering the World of “Bastides”

It’s that time of year again, the annual hunt for the perfect gift for your friends and family. A lot of folks share our opinion that a good bottle of… Continue reading Wine Gifts for Each Person on Your List

In southern Italy, there is a long tradition of eating seafood on the eve of a major holiday, or feast day, which started with the tradition of abstaining from meat on… Continue reading Seared Red Snapper with Butternut Squash and Plum Endive Compote

Ingredients: – Leftover Christmas Ham (any type), about 2 cups, diced – Bread (any type), cubed, about 8 slices – Brown Sugar, 1 ½ cupsHazelnuts, peeled and blanched, 1 cup… Continue reading Savory Leftover Bread Pudding

Savor The Williamsburg Winery’s classic Warm Spiced Wine Recipe this Holiday Season. The Williamsburg Winery’s Settler’s Spiced Wine is crafted based on a 400 year old recipe used during by… Continue reading Fill Your Home with a Festive Spirit!

Step-by-Step Instructional Video Ingredients: 8-10 Oysters (based on size) 2 Shallots, diced 3-4 Celery stalks 3 oz (3-4 slices) Edwards Surryano Ham, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp butter White Wine for… Continue reading Thanksgiving Traditions – Chef David’s Oyster Stew

​We love wine, obviously. And we love making wine. But we also understand that sometimes, you want to try something different. Even our winemaker, Matthew Meyer, likes experimenting with new techniques,… Continue reading Rare Fermented Beverage Release

The popularity of Virginia wines is exploding, and local farmers are working hard to catch up. Like many of our fellow Virginia winemakers, we’re currently not able to grow or… Continue reading Vineyard Expansion: Need. More. Grapes!

Ingredients: – Whole Pheasant, 2-3lbs – Olive Oil, 1 cup – Carrots, tops on, 3-4 – Cipollini Onions, 3-4 – Whole Leek – Fennel – Garlic, 1 cup – Salt,… Continue reading Chef David’s Braised Pheasant

Have you joined us for the cozy winter season at the vineyard? The bare vines sleep under their blankets of ice and snow. The tasting room is warm and fragrant… Continue reading There is No “Off Season” in Winemaking

Vice President of Marketing, Michael Kimball, is drinking… BEAUJOLAIS “Gamay allll the Beaujolais!!! I’m currently obsessing about Cru Beaujolais. Beaujolais (100% Gamay) in general gets an unfair rap here in… Continue reading What We’re Drinking: An inside look at what Wessex Hundred team members are imbibing

If you haven’t heard, there’s a rather important football game down in Atlanta this Sunday! To celebrate this special, American tradition, Chef David has created two wine-friendly dishes inspired by… Continue reading Wine Friendly Recipes Perfect For The Big Game!

When you think about “being home” for the holidays, what are the top images that come into your head? Probably some combination of welcoming smiles, gifts, colorful decorations, raised glasses… Continue reading Come Home for the Holidays!

My husband and I ended November exhausted. Work and family issues were wearing us down, and we weren’t feeling very festive. Not only did we need to rest and recharge,… Continue reading The Romance of Ice Skating in Colonial Williamsburg

Our next stop was Athens where we were to visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon. It was a huge disappointment. The lines to enter the Parthenon were over two and… Continue reading And, Another Long Trip to Europe, Part Three

The next morning, we boarded the “Norwegian Spirit,” a cruise liner that can provide comfort and fine cuisine for some two thousand guests. Their crew of nearly nine hundred with… Continue reading And, Another Long Trip to Europe, Part Two

Francoise, my lovely wife, left for France during the closing days of August. By then, she had received all documents subsequent to her interview and her test on American citizenship… Continue reading And, Another Long Trip to Europe, Part One

If you shop at your local farmer’s market, you already know there is a wide range of small producers providing local vegetables, cheeses, honey, eggs and more. But for every… Continue reading How Chef and Farmer Partnerships Set the Trends

If you flip Williamsburg over to the southern side of the equator, you get pretty close to Mendoza, the wine capital of Argentina. Just a few hundred miles further east… Continue reading A Winemaker’s Dream Realized: The Making of Reflective

Images by Phaedra Hise We all have our own “Madeleine moment.” That feeling that Proust captured so well, with the single bite of tea cake transporting the novelist’s hero back… Continue reading Love, Memory, and the Inspiration Behind Great Cooking

For a number of years, I have shared with friends and guests the story of how we acquired this farm. At the time, I was International President of Fragrances Selective.… Continue reading Once upon a time, there was a farm in Williamsburg, Virginia

Renowned American food writer M.F.K. Fisher  wrote in her 1941 culinary classic, Consider the Oyster,  “American oysters differ as much as American people.” Not only do American oysters differ considerably… Continue reading Wine & Brine Lounge 4/8: Meet Ward Oyster Company

The Wine & Brine Lounge at the Gabriel Archer Tavern officially opened Labor Day weekend last year to showcase the diversity of local aquaculture by offering oysters from different waterways… Continue reading Wine & Brine Lounge 4/15: Meet Big Island Aquaculture

Food people tend to live large, especially if they’re in the industry. “Excess” starts to look normal when eating and imbibing are your full-time job, but we all discover at… Continue reading Two-Wheeled Shepherd Tends a Cycling Flock

This weekend at the Wine & Brine Lounge, April 29 and 30, oyster and wine enthusiasts can continue to explore local terroir and merroir diversity with two different oyster varieties… Continue reading Wine & Brine Lounge 4/29: Meet Shooting Point Oyster Company

When we think of the Williamsburg Winery in the center of the farm, we think automatically of vines, grape harvest, wine, tasting, and pleasure also. There is, however, another aspect… Continue reading One of the lesser-known aspects of the Wessex Hundred Farm

Multi-course “tasting menus” are the newest dining trend in DC and New York, and one restaurant is even offering a tasting menu in Richmond. Chef Ian Robbins thinks it’s time… Continue reading Why We’re Getting Fresh and Local with a Tasting Menu

When we started the winery 32 years ago, we were running a small farm that only a handful of people believed in. We were lucky to get early support from… Continue reading Getting Funky with Local Fungi

The Wine & Brine Lounge at the Gabriel Archer Tavern will reopen for the 2017 season on March 18. The inaugural 2017 weekend will feature Pleasure House Oysters from Ludford Brothers Oyster… Continue reading Wine & Brine Lounge 3/18: Meet Captain Chris Ludford

The word “farm” conjures up images of sunny rolling hills, green with rows of fresh vegetables. But visiting a mushroom farm is more like stepping into the Twilight Zone –… Continue reading A Visit to the Mushroom Farm

With 40 million oysters sold last year, Virginia is the largest producer of farm-raised and wild oysters in the U.S. The diversity of oysters found in rivers and creeks along… Continue reading Wine & Brine Lounge 4/1: Meet Captain Danny Crabbe – Fat ‘n Happy Oyster Company

FARMER SPOTLIGHT SERIES – Beaver Creek Farm We were impressed recently when our chef introduced us to Beaver Creek Farm. This Virginia quail farm also raises pheasant and other lean and flavorful… Continue reading Cooking Top-Flight Birds from Beaver Creek Farm

Williamsburg enjoys a very peculiar climate.  In 1981, Peggy, my wife, had found this out when we were doing our research before purchasing the Wessex Hundred farm.  The area is… Continue reading A Siberian Snow Blizzard in Williamsburg

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate all of the wonderfulness in your life. It’s a time to eat delicious food, celebrate family traditions and, of course, enjoy local libations. The… Continue reading A Winemaker’s Guide to Thanksgiving Wine Pairing

The oyster’s place at the Thanksgiving table is steeped in history. Oysters were served at the inaugural Thanksgiving feast and have been a significant symbol of this American tradition ever… Continue reading Thanks be to the Virginia Oyster

The history of seafood in America is forever and indelibly linked to the history of Virginia. On April 26, 1607, Captain Christopher Newport and the Virginia Company colonists, including 104… Continue reading A SEE FOOD DIET OF SEAFOOD (& WINE!)

Since the Capital Trail opened, my dream has been to ride it from Richmond to Williamsburg and spend the night, then ride back. So I jumped at the chance to… Continue reading End to End: Richmond to Williamsburg Winery Ride

As we departed, our friends were puzzled where we were going.  When we told them that we were going to Kischinau, the capital of Moldova, that small republic squeezed between… Continue reading Adding a famous new wine country to our roster of visits: Moldova

Gabriel Archer was a key figure of the founding of English America. A Cambridge educated lawyer, Gabriel Archer was the Co-Captain of the Godspeed, the lead ship of the three… Continue reading Gabriel Archer of 1607 Jamestowne celebrated by a Virginia Reserve Wine

Early in April ’15, Françoise and I were in Provence and drove up to Paris to pick up Matthew, the Winery’s talented Winemaker, and his wonderful wife Elena, who is… Continue reading Of Barrels, Antiques and a Container

Here we are, a Virginia Winery present at the London Wine Fair for many years.  Two years ago, Matthew Meyer, our Winemaker, chatted with numerous winemakers from Argentina to discuss… Continue reading As the World Gets Smaller

Early last year, Francoise and I were looking at homes in the Perigord, one of the iconic regions of France, just Northeast of Bordeaux. The Perigord is known for its… Continue reading From the Perigord with Love

The Loire Valley in France is a place of endless castles; Chambord, Chenonceau and another one hundred castles. It has been said for centuries that the Loire Valley was a… Continue reading Bubbles from the Loire Valley

About a year ago, Françoise and I met Sabine Brochard, an absolutely charming friend.  One of our French friends who lives in Washington, D.C. had made the introduction.    Sabine… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery Wines now sold in France

Latest news is that Argentina, as a sovereign country, has decided to devalue its currency while for the Nth time defaulting on its foreign debt and arguing for relief with… Continue reading Don’t Cry for Argentina

Argentine wines have made a name for their country with the ever increasing quality of their Malbec varietal. When I was involved in Formula 1 Racing in the seventies and… Continue reading A Footprint in Argentina

The first twenty parts covered the history of how the Williamsburg Winery began its life. I have been working on the next volume of parts on the excitement and challenges… Continue reading One More Trip to Europe, Spring ‘13

It is often said that behind or right next to every man who develops a project, there is a woman. Well, next to me for thirty seven years was Peggy.… Continue reading Part 20: The Strength of Peggy

By the Fall of 1989, we had garnered a few awards. The regional press had been covering the start of our operation and sales were brisk. Looking at the depth… Continue reading Part 19: The (true) Art and Science of Viticulture and Winemaking at the Williamsburg Winery.

From my early years, my mother taught me to appreciate the beauty of trees, of green space, of fresh air. There was not a week in our childhood that my… Continue reading Part 18: Wessex Hundred, the Farm and its Environment

The ‘88 Vintage had been pressed. We had harvested good quantities from our on-site vineyards and secured additional grapes from our leased vineyards in several areas of the state. With… Continue reading Part 17: Vintage Victory

Watch the 25 year old Channel 3 News of the first crush and bottling. This was the real thing. Harvesting grapes from our own vineyards; managing the crush from A… Continue reading Part 16: Moving forward

The big project for 1988 was the construction of the winery and securing the required financing. The first winery building that had been licensed was really a tractor shed with… Continue reading Part 15: Construction of the Winery & First On-Site Crush

Early December ’87. It had been over seven years since that trip to Guadeloupe that sparked the thought of launching us in a new direction. We sat in the kitchen… Continue reading Part 14: 1988, Launching the First Wine

It reminded me of the famous quote of Caesar crossing the Rubicon. “Alea Iacta Est”. (The die has been cast.) Oh, yes, the time was January ’87. I was negotiating… Continue reading Part 13: Jump in the Project with Both Feet

There were three silos on the farm. Big.  Some fifty to sixty foot tall silos made in concrete interlocking pieces held tight by metal rings. One was right next to… Continue reading Part 12: The Silos on the Farm

The year was 1986. The focus was now on financial projections and the determination of how much more additional cash would be needed. How soon could the project reach stability… Continue reading Part 11: Size Matters (Vineyard and Winery sizes matter, that is.)

Let’s do it. Just do it. Demonstrate with deeds, not just plans. We had committed ourselves to the project in 1980, purchased the farm in ’83, and had done a… Continue reading Part 10: The First Planting

Williamsburg has a special place in my heart. In 1961, as a graduating high-school student on an AFS-Rotary scholarship program, I was taught during that senior year in Upstate New… Continue reading Part 9: Discovering the History of the Farm as well as its Soil

The wine industry has been around for several thousand years. The Romans introduced and planted vines in Bordeaux, in Burgundy, on the banks of the Rhine, and the Mosel, the… Continue reading Part 8: Did We Have Credentials in the Wine Industry?

We had now been in Virginia for almost one year. The old house had received quite a facelift. The new house was in construction. Our containers of furnishings had arrived… Continue reading Part 7: A Visit to Virginia Wineries. Barboursville, Rapidan & Ingleside

I think every person has multiple facets to their personality. I have known that since my younger years, I have been a car guy. I love mechanical & technical things,… Continue reading Part 6: Combining Executive Life, Project Development & Construction

Within a matter of ten days from leaving the family on the farm with remodeled kitchen, I was back in Spain, working my “executive” life, focusing on business growth in… Continue reading Part 5: Share the Joy with the Family

It was a rather warm weekend. On the last working day before the 4th of July weekend, we had closed on the purchase of the farm, made our payment after… Continue reading Part 4: The Arrival, July 1983

The call from Virginia came in at the very exact appointed time at the office where I was working. Would you believe we had been in our new house for… Continue reading Part 3: Decision Time

Fundamental decision: where in the world are we going to look to acquire a farm. Peggy smiled gently and showed me a world map with four areas that she considered… Continue reading Part 2: The Search for a Farm

The year was 1980. Peggy and I were vacationing in Guadeloupe in June. It was a fun trip, we had a small French rented car and went on a discovery… Continue reading Part 1: How it all began

As much as any food, oysters taste like where they are from. This expression of place – called merroir – includes the unique flavor characteristics of their surroundings, including water… Continue reading Wine & Brine Lounge 3/25: Meet Tommy Legget – Chessie Shellfish and Aquafarms