Located in Faber, Virginia, Brent Manor — Tracie and Jorge Raposo’s farm winery — is situated just off U.S. 29 a half-hour south of Charlottesville. Jorge offers some of his favorite local wines along with samples from his native Portugal. The Raposos bought the farm in 2009, and are building it up alongside their insurance industry career. The winery opened its doors for business in late 2015, but Brent Manor was forced to source all of their fruit externally after predation decimated their vines.
Wine. Tier III. Early days for this winery as its wines are awaited in coming years, and none have yet been entered into any wine competitions. Tastings here do offer the unusual opportunity to sample some excellent Portuguese wines, and there are worse ways to await the winery’s estate production.
Setting. The winery remains under construction as of late 2019. Seating on the hillside takes advantage of the stunning mountain views. A small stage has been completed at the bottom of the hill to accommodate music. The porch is completed and offers outdoor seating and the wine program has matured.
Stories. One of Virginia’s biggest natural disasters — Hurricane Camille. A highway Historical Markernear here commemorates the 1969 monster storm, Hurricane Camille, that changed so many lives in this part of Virginia. On August 20, 1969, torrential rains, following remnants of Camille, devastated the area. A rainfall in excess of 25 inches largely within a 5-hour period, swept away or buried many miles of roads, over 100 bridges, and over 900 buildings. 114 people died and 37 remained missing. The damage totaled more than $100 million (real money back then) and Virginia was declared a disaster area.