Our Story
Additional Information
Three generations of our family work in our vineyards and winery. After purchasing the land in 2004, we planted our first grapevines in Goochland County in April of 2005 and have helped start 3 other wineries in our area. We have 8 acres of vines, and more planned for the spring of 2021, consisting of 9 varieties of American, European, and hybrid grapes. Our grapes are grown at Byrd Cellars Vineyards, (located 2 miles east of the winery on Davis Mill Road).
We produce a robust selection 21 fine wines that are affordably priced from $17-25 and are the best priced wines in all of the state. These wines range from dry to sweet and include a unique after dinner wine, when available, with natural chocolate notes, and a sweet aperitif-like wine produced using the ancient orange method (unique within the state). Our 2022 production was 3,800 cases (45,000 bottles). The subterranean bulk wine winery and bulk wine storage facility has the capacity to produce 4,600 cases of wine and is maintained at a constant temperature of 58-60 degrees year-round; air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter using one of our renewable energy source wood pellet furnaces.
You will often by greeted by the owners, Bruce Murray (the winemaker), Kathy Murray (the real boss) and Chris Murray our Vineyard Manager. This is a great opportunity for you to engage us with your questions about our unique vineyard growing and winemaking techniques. You will often find us serving in our tasting room along with other seasoned staff members. You may also see other family members helping out here ranging from 14-47 years of age. We are truly a family venture.
Our community efforts involve The Goochland Community Cats, Goochland Fire Rescue, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Our youngest granddaughter Maggie Murray - (she's 14 now!!)
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We use a micro-drip irrigation system to conserve water. All of our fertilization is done with natural organic fertilizers and a large portion of our 97 acre of properties are in protected as conserved forest land. At Byrd Cellars, we recycle and re-use our own bottles to conserve energy. Currently about 7,500 bottles are either returned by our environmentally conscientious customers, or in the typical daily use by us at our winery and from festivals. Sustainable grape production means that no grape production by-products are discards, but instead find their way back into the vineyards.
When you purchase bottles of wines from us, and we know you will, you can bring back the empty rinsed bottles, with the labels in tact, and get fifty cents back for each one, helping you and us to do our part for the environment. Who else does this?
