Stanburn Winery
Located in Stuart, Patrick County, off of Highway 58 near the North Carolina state line. Stanburn is a popular, small family-owned winery founded by Nelson and Elsie Stanley (“Stanburn” combines Stanley and Burnette, the family name on Elsie’s side). Nelson got the idea of making wine while working as a plumbing contractor at Chateau Morrisette, where he heard about how Virginia wineries had trouble finding enough grapes. He and his son David took viticulture classes, and from there the family business was born. The first harvest was in 2009, with Michael Shaps crushing their first two years of wine in Charlottesville, and the winery opened in 2010. From 2011 winemaking was brought back to Stuart, with new winemaker Jocelyn Kuzelka.
Wine. Tier II. In the 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup state-wide wine competition, four Stanburn wines were awarded silver medals: the 2019 Barbera, Big A Red (a Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin blend), Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. This was an excellent showing at the competition for a southern Virginia winery, as few wineries from the area choose to enter the event. At the 2019 Governor’s Cup, Stanburn wines were awarded three Silver Medals, for the 2017 Traminette, 2016 Big A Red and Chambourcin, and a bronze medal for the 2017 Cabernet Franc. Planted varietals include Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, and Traminette. The High Fly is a sweet blend of Traminette and Vidal.
Setting. One star. Nice views over the vineyards and the rolling Piedmont hills. The family are pleasant and welcoming, and happy to discuss the winery’s history and winemaking, along with explaining the different tasting selections. Visitors are welcome to bring picnics.
Stories. Colonial Fort Mayo. The westward expansion of Virginia settlements in the mid-1700s led to multiplying conflicts with Native Americans living in the territory of the colony. In the early 1750s the colonial government ordered a string of protective forts to be built from the Potomac River to the North Carolina line. The southern-most of these colonial forts was Fort Mayo, built on the North Mayo River in present-day Patrick County. George Washington spent a night at Fort Mayo in October 1756, and wrote several letters from there that remain in existence. Some 20 militia members were kept at Fort Mayo during the French and Indian War, where they saw considerable action in defending the area. The fort was located on the North Fork of the Mayo River, off of Old Well Road south of present-day US 58. Stanburn Winery is some 10 miles west of Old Well Road along US highway 58.