Grayhaven Winery
Tucked away in Gum Spring is a hidden gem with a long history, Grayhaven Winery. Founded in 1978, Grayhaven Winery is a family business, starting when the Peple family moved to the Isbell Estate in Gum Spring with the intent of starting a Vineyard. Gryahaven Winery is one of the oldest commercial vineyards in Virginia and was the 22nd winery to receive a Farm Winery License from the Commonwealth. For almost 50 years, Grayhaven Winery has been growing grapes to turn into delicious wines for people to enjoy.
Grayhaven’s day to day operations are now ran by Max Peple-Abrams and her husband, Deon Abrams. You can find them anywhere from the vineyard, the cellar, or the tasting room serving customers. Truly a family business, their son can be found bottling, pressing grapes, or bussing tables. A unique aspect of Grayhaven is that Deon Abrams is South African, bringing South African wine and culture to the winery. Max and Deon regularly visit South Africa to visit the wineries and winemakers they work with. In addition, Grayhaven holds their South African Wine Festival every September. A cherished tradition since 2006, this event celebrates South African wine, culture, and food.
Grayhaven’s vineyard is on 12 acres where they grow 17 varieties of grapes that produce eight different wines. They also receive grapes from select mountainside vineyards in South Africa which are then processed, aged, and blended in their cellars. Grayhaven is dedicated to expressing the unique environment of the Virginia Piedmont region in their grapes and wines. From the soil to the distinct seasons of Virginia, all of these aspects of nature contribute to the personality of their wines.
Head on over to their website and get your tickets for this year’s South African Wine Festival. And if you cannot make it to the festival, get some friends together and head out there for an afternoon of wine and fun!