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Science Talk – Belmont Vineyard and the 19th Century Wine Industry in the Virginia Blue Ridge

January 21 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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Current popular reconstructions of the Virginia wine industry focus on the limited success of production vineyards until the late 20th century. However, historical research and archaeological survey in Shenandoah National Park resulted in the rediscovery of a significant winery with origins prior to the Civil War: Belmont Vineyard. By 1890, the vineyard was producing and shipping thousands of gallons of wine and brandy across the eastern United States. The operation was established by Warren County farmer Marcus Buck in the 1850s on tracts of Blue Ridge land. Its development slowed by the Civil War, the vineyard ultimately included 80 acres of the farm. Archaeological survey has located the remains of the manor house, dependencies, extensive road and stone wall networks, cistern, pressing room, and two three-story wine cellars constructed into the mountain. With the assistance of Marcus Buck’s farm journal, current vintners, and the Virginia Wine Board, an offshoot of research will focus on the identification of surviving 19th century grape varieties, as well as an understanding of 19th century grape cultivation strategies in a region that is seeing the resurgence of the wine industry.

Organizer

Wayne Theatre
Phone
540-943-9999
Email
info@waynetheatre.org
View Organizer Website

Venue

Wayne Theatre
521 W. Main Street
Waynesboro, VA 22980 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
540-943-9999
View Venue Website

Current popular reconstructions of the Virginia wine industry focus on the limited success of production vineyards until the late 20th century. However, historical research and archaeological survey in Shenandoah National Park resulted in the rediscovery of a significant winery with origins prior to the Civil War: Belmont Vineyard. By 1890, the vineyard was producing and shipping thousands of gallons of wine and brandy across the eastern United States. The operation was established by Warren County farmer Marcus Buck in the 1850s on tracts of Blue Ridge land. Its development slowed by the Civil War, the vineyard ultimately included 80 acres of the farm. Archaeological survey has located the remains of the manor house, dependencies, extensive road and stone wall networks, cistern, pressing room, and two three-story wine cellars constructed into the mountain. With the assistance of Marcus Buck’s farm journal, current vintners, and the Virginia Wine Board, an offshoot of research will focus on the identification of surviving 19th century grape varieties, as well as an understanding of 19th century grape cultivation strategies in a region that is seeing the resurgence of the wine industry.

Organizer

Wayne Theatre
Phone
540-943-9999
Email
info@waynetheatre.org
View Organizer Website

Venue

Wayne Theatre
521 W. Main Street
Waynesboro, VA 22980 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
540-943-9999
View Venue Website