New multi-wine tasting cellar to open in Farmville

The Virginia Tasting Cellar, a multi-winery tasting room, will celebrate a grand opening on Saturday, Sept.10 and Sunday, Sept. 11.

Located along the Appomattox River in a remodeled pre-Civil War stable, at 201 C Mill St., the tasting cellar will allow cellar guests to sample and purchase wine from a changing line-up of 12 wineries.

“There are almost 300 wineries making exceptional wines all over the state.  Geographically, it is a challenge to visit multiple wineries in one day.  There are hidden gems, at the end of country roads, that people may never have had a chance to taste. Our goal was to bring as many wineries, large and small, together under one roof, and create a unique experience for Virginia wine lovers,” Michele Graziano, owner of the Virginia Tasting Cellar, said in a statement. Her partners in the venture are John Magin and Andrew Polster.

Graziano noted that Farmville already is home to Longwood University, Green Front Furniture and is rich in Civil War history.  “We look forward to adding a Virginia wine destination to that list.”

“We are so excited about this new opportunity for Virginia wines to reach a large and new audience,” said Annette Boyd, director of the Virginia Wine Marketing Office.

Besides multiple tasting room counters, the tasting cellar will offer a covered patio outside overlooking the river. It has two fireplaces, wicker rockers, couches and table seating for more than 50 people.

During the grand opening weekend, the cellar will operate from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Participating wineries so far are Rosemont of Virginia Winery, Hunting Creek Vineyards, DuCard Vineyards, CrossKey Vineyards and Barboursville Vineyards with other wineries to be added before opening day. 

Patrons pay $10 for an opportunity to taste 10 wines presented by winery representatives and tasting cellar staff.