Pollak Vineyards

About Us

Enthusiasm, passion and knowledge — these are the qualities we hope to present to you. Under the able direction of Nick Dovel, our tasting room is staffed by a talented team available to help both the novice taster as well as the more experienced oenophile. Casey and Aaron are among the staff who can introduce you to our wines, winery and history as well as share a story or two. Their job is to answer your questions, provide information and importantly, to try to make your experience with us memorable.

Owners Margo and David Pollak were inspired to create this venture because of their own passion — passion for wine as well as the pleasure it brings to meals shared with friends. For David, this venture drew upon his experience in the late 1970s with vineyards along the Russian River in Sonoma and then his establishment of one of the first wineries in the now famous Carneros region of the Napa Valley. In Virginia, the Pollaks saw the potential to create great wines from well-sited and meticulously maintained vineyards. They sought the experience of other vintners and growers to seek an ideal site and then applied the best agricultural and winemaking practices.

Jake Busching, General Manager, shares their vision of producing exceptional wines. He and Turtle Zwadlo oversee vineyard management in consultation with Chris Hill, a longtime Virginia viticulturist. Together, they planted 25 acres of French vinifera vines. Varieties include Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and most recently Petit Manseng. In 2005, they harvested their first vintage, 320 cases of a Meritage blend. Winemaking is done in consultation with Michael Shaps, an accomplished winemaker with ventures locally and in France where he learned his trade. Today the uniquely designed winery makes about 4000 cases.

David sees the same pioneering spirit in Virginia that he witnessed in the early days of California, and he foresees similar success here.

"We are certainly not pioneers. Rather we can build upon the experience that other Virginia vintners have had and refine the particular varietals for which Virginia can produce world class wines. Viognier and Cabernet Franc show particular promise." - David Pollak