Located just south of Charlottesville, Blenheim Winery is best-known for being owned by musician Dave Matthews. Bought by Matthews in 1999, the farm has a history dating back to 1730, when John Carter, the colonial Secretary for Virginia built a mill and a house here. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The name comes from the Palace of the Duke of Marlborough. The current main house dates back to the mid-19th century, with a smaller house (the “Claims” house) dating back to the 1730s (when it was used to secure Carter’s “claim” to the land).
Wine. Tier II. England-born Winemaker Kirsty Harmon studied under Gabrielle Rausse, as well as in Burgundy and New Zealand. Blenheim does not generally enter wine competitions, so it is a bit hard to judge quality against other Virginia wineries. Dave’s brother Peter Matthews manages the vineyard.
Setting. Two stars. Deck with a breathtaking view of the vineyards and lower Piedmont. Great views also from the windows of the high-ceilinged second story tasting room.
Stories. Celebrity wineries — Dave Matthews. Matthews was a Charlottesville bartender when he started his band, so there is a logic to his staying with the local spirits business. He is one of a long and still-growing list of celebrities who have opted to become winery and/or vineyard owners (Dan Ackroyd, Antonio Banderas, Mick Fleetwood, Peggy Fleming… it’s a long list). Some just lend their name, others are active participants in some part of the wine-making process. Gerard Depardieu is known as an example of an actor deeply involved in the production of his wine. In the case of Blenheim and the Matthews, it’s a family affair: brother Peter manages the vineyard, their mother lives on the property. And Dave comes after Charlottesville-area concerts.