Wolftown wine site to open

As temperatures cool and farmers prepare for the fall harvest, a new Madison County winery will open its doors for the first time.

Sweely Estate Winery – which recently changed its name from Acorn Hill Winery – is putting the finishing touches on its 16,000-square foot hospitality center, which will include a tasting room and a banquet hall.

The winery expects to open soon with a grand opening event set for October.

“We’re really excited because it will let us take advantage of the harvest,” Sweely Estate Winery President Marcie Siegel told The Eagle.

Winery representatives are excited they will be open during the fall since “it’s such a beautiful time of year to look outside at the foliage,” Siegel said.
The local business eventually plans to host an open house “thank you” event for Madison County and Orange County residents, according to Siegel.
“It will let folks taste the wine complementary and look at the building on their own, just to say a thank you,” Siegel said.

Sweely Estate Winery – owned by Jess and Sharon Sweely, who also own Acorn Hill Farm that has locations in Shelby and near Oak Hill on U.S. 29 – recently changed its name due to legal issues.

A winery on the west coast with a similar name filed legal action against the Madison County-based business, so the owners decided to revert back to one of the original names they considered when the winery was first established – Sweely Estate Winery.

“I’m proud of the wines we’re making here, so I’m proud to have my family name on each and every bottle. It’s a legacy my wife, Sharon, and I can pass along to our children and grandchildren,” Jess Sweely said in a news release. 

Winery representatives are currently busily preparing for the opening of its landmark facility set on 300 acres near Wolftown. 

“It’s really ‘old world’ looking. It looks like it’s been here a long, long time,” Siegel said of the new building, which will feature a main room that can accommodate up to 200 people.

In 2008, the winery will bottle 9,500 cases with next year’s goal set at 12,000-15,000 cases, the winery’s president said. The Madison County business hopes that within the next few years they will reach the 25,000 case mark, she said.

This year the vineyard managers were able to manage grape growth on its 40 acres planted in vines without the use of herbicides, Siegel said.
“Any time you can do it natural, it’s good,” she said.

In addition to its own grapes, Sweely Estate Winery uses grapes grown at other area vineyards. Company representatives expect the winery’s own vineyards to produce at least half of its wine once they reach their full 25,000-case producing capacity, Siegel said. 

The winery’s employees have been attending Virginia wine events to try out their current selection of wines, which includes Pinot Gris, Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and the “1867” Bordeaux Style Blend. 

“From a production and quality perspective I am really pleased with the wines we’ve produced. I’m anxious to get the facility open so we can share it,” Siegel said.

The winery’s 2007 Pinot Gris stands out as a perfect choice for the hot summer months, according to Siegel.

“I really, really love our Pinot Gris. It’s just so refreshing with the heat. It’s great with seafood or anything lightly grilled,” she said.

For information or to purchase wine from Sweely Estate Winery, visit its Web site at http://www.sweelyestatewinery.com or call (540) 948-9005. The winery is located at 6109 Wolftown-Hood Road (Route 230) near Wolftown.