A Taste of Portugal: Brent Manor Vineyards

Nelson County’s newest addition, Brent Manor Vineyards, is a boutique winery which aims to combine the best traditions of the old-world wines with the delicious flavors of the new world. Owners Jorge and Tracie are passionate about this blend of old and new, so passionate in fact, that they left their work in the insurance world behind to manufacture exquisite wines just south of Charlottesville.

Their roots are firmly grounded in the old-world wine tradition of Portugal, infusing it in their wines and in the feel of their distinctly Virginian tasting room.  The tradition of good wine has been passed down for generations amongst the Portuguese, one of the longest wine producing areas of the world.  Owners Jorge and Tracie are no strangers to the Portuguese wine heritage either:

“Growing up in a small ‘aldeia’ in Portugal, everyone made their own wine. When harvest season came, neighbors would help each other with the picking of the fruit.  The grapes would be dumped into large stone or concrete tanks called ‘lagares’ and then the men would get in and step on the grapes to crush them.  When I first started making wine for myself here, I would still get into my open top tank and step on the grapes.”

The vineyard has certainly progressed since it’s early days. Since the first plantings Chambourcin and Vidal Blanc grapes, Brent Manor has added Traminette vines.  In total the vineyard has 1,300 vines! The grounds and manor are resplendent.  Seriously, check out some of pictures on their Instagram.

From their crop they currently offer six wines for tasting, but they also feature a favorite Portuguese wine each week.  We’re excited for their Wine till Nine events featuring live music a Saturday each month through the summer. Be sure to ask about their wine club during your tasting.

Tasting Room Hours:

Friday 3-6

Saturday 11-5:30

Sunday 11-4:3-

$9 tasting, and you can walk away with the glass.