Vincent’s Vineyard
Located in Lebanon, Russell County, off of Highway 19 at the foot of the Clinch Mountains, and the second-westernmost winery in Virginia, at least as of 2019. Vincent’s Vineyard is owned and operated by Vincent and Betsy Gilmer who moved into the 6-generation family farm in 1992 known as Melody Acres. Along with their three sons they took over the tobacco farm and raised a small herd of cattle. As small tobacco farmers faded out throughout the region in the late 1990’s, the vineyard was planted in 2001. The tasting room was opened in 2009.
Wine. Tier III. The grapes grown on the 3.5 acres of vines at Vincent’s are Cabernet Franc, Traminette, Chardonel, Chambourcin, Steuben and Concord. The unusual Steuben makes the Ambrosia wine. For those who don’t care for double-digit tasting fees, Vincent’s is a good value, as wine tastings are free, and all bottles are priced below $15.
Setting. One star. The Vineyard lies within the foothills of the scenic Clinch and Beartown Mountains, and the tasting overlooks Big Cedar Creek. Warm and inviting tasting room. The family also raises Katahdin sheep who can be seen wandering around the farm. Wedding venue Melody Acres Farm is adjacent to the vineyard.
Stories. Mountain Heritage Museum and Heritage. Some 20 minutes from Lebanon and Vincent’s Vineyard is the town of St Paul’s, which houses the Mountain Heritage Museum. In 2016, local lawyer and author Frank Kilgore opened up his collection to the public in the new Museum. This collection includes coal mining, logging, railroad, farming, Civil War, Native American and Appalachian artifacts, along with local and regional artwork. It is a good way to learn more about the Great Appalachian Valley and southwest Virginia in between outdoor adventures. St Paul’s also hosts the Clinch River Days Festival in late May, an event which has been running since 1998 (the 2020 event has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 epidemic, so look for 2021 to be one of the biggest Festivals yet).