The Winery at La Grange in Historic Virginia
Visit Northern Virginia, Enjoy Wine and History
Jul 10, 2009
About an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C., The Winery at La Grange in Haymarket, Virginia provides visitors a delightful destination that focuses on history, quality wines and events. This is a delightful day trip into Virginia's countryside.
Historical Connection to Lafayette and Washington
One story exists that says after the Revolutionary War, it was considered an honor to name a piece of property. As his way of thanking the Marquis de Lafayette for his help during the war, George Washington gave Lafayette the honor of selecting the name for the La Grange area in Virginia. Lafayette’s home in France was also named La Grange.
Manor House During the 19th and 20th Centuries
In the 1800’s, the Harrison family owned the brick mansion where it remained with relatives until the 1890’s. The Manor House fell into disrepair until it was purchased in 1938 and renovated. It appears that after the early 1970’s, the house was left unoccupied and once again became derelict. Historians, archeologists and history buffs may enjoy reading the “Cultural Resource Survey of the Winery at La Grange,” available on the winery’s website.
Chris Pearmund Saves La Grange Manor House
As owner and winemaker of Pearmund Cellars, Chris Pearmund was interested in starting a second winery. Pearmund had great foresight and saw the advantages of the La Grange property. Over the years, the Manor House deteriorated to such a point that the Prince William County Historical Commission suggested it might need to be torn down. Pearmund gathered several investors together to purchase the 20-acre property and renovate the Manor House with the ultimate goal of turning the property into a vineyard and winery.
A separate building was added to contain the winery while the tasting room is in the mansion. Visitors can walk throughout the Manor House with a glass of wine and enjoy the renovations that were done. Today the tall, brick mansion house sets majestically in the countryside.
Vineyards and Wines
The vineyards consist of 5,500 Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines. Deer are a major problem for the vineyards, and efforts are made to dissuade deer from destroying the grapes. The winery produces 7,000 cases. White wines include Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Red wines are Norton, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Meritage, Tannat, and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Specialty wines include Cuvee Blanc, Rosé of Merlot and Snort, a Port-styled wine.
Events at The Winery at La Grange
The winery offers many public events and private events. Public events include winemakers dinners, Sangria & Guacamole evenings, Meritage blending classes and movie nights. Private events are possible to arrange for up to 150 guests. Check the website for event information.
Visitors to The Winery at La Grange can use the opportunity to wander through the Mansion House and ask about the history of the property. Detailed information about the archeological survey is available on The Winery at La Grange’s website. For more photos and an article, visit the Wine Trail Traveler website. While you are in the area, consider visiting Pearmund Cellars and Vint Hill Craft Winery.
Address: The Winery at La Grange, 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket, VA 20169
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