Chatham Vineyards
Experience the History and Flavor of Virginia’s Eastern Shore
Neatly spread like a quilt across 20 scenic acres of fertile land along the banks of Church Creek, Chatham Vineyards encompasses the history, beauty, and flavor of the Eastern Shore like nowhere else. This land has been a working farm for over four centuries. With its incredible views and irresistible wine, Chatham Vineyards is more than a destination— it’s a confluence of history, community, and the fine art of winemaking.
On any given day, you can walk up on Chatham Vineyards and see neighbors enjoying a glass of delicious wine, visitors taking in the flavors and fun, and acres and acres of gorgeous Eastern Shore countryside.
This unique vineyard and Winery is a hub of activity. Visited by thousands of guests every year, Chatham Vineyards is a must-stop destination. And for lucky locals, it’s a great neighbor.
Chatham Vineyards was established in 1999 by Jon and Mills Wehner. A second-generation winegrower, Jon learned the art of viticulture from his parents, who worked at their Great Falls, Virginia, vineyard with his brothers. When Jon and Mills set out to cultivate this rare piece of land known as Chatham Farm, they knew they had something very special. The Chatham Vineyards Winery was constructed in 2005, and the rest is, as they say, history.
“No two things taste more like the place they’re produced than wine and oysters,” says Mills. Indeed, the land on which they grow their 32,000 vines is entirely unique, thanks to a crater created 35 million years ago. “The soil on the Eastern Shore is very uniform, which is ideal for our wines. The land here is our canvas. It’s distinct from mainland Virginia.”
The Eastern Shore’s soil, rich with ancient shell fragments, does indeed bring a unique mineral profile to its wines. The maritime climate, with its long growing season and constant breezes, also enhances the distinctive taste of Chatham’s wines with notable minerality and complexity. Chatham Vineyards hand-harvests its grapes and hand-prunes each vine. It enjoys the unique process that produces its irresistible wines.
“We’re farming for flavors in the vineyard. This is premium viticulture because of the intense hand labor we put into it. We design the vines during the winter for how we want them to grow and how much fruit we want to produce. We limit crop yields for flavors, so each grape has more input from the vine, the water, and the sunshine. This year, we’re redeveloping with a thoughtful expansion that may include white varietals like Albarino and Vermentino.”
Cultivating Community
Recognized by Wine Enthusiast as having one of the top chardonnays in the country, Chatham Vineyards is an excellent neighbor to have! Just a quick drive up Highway 13 from Bay Creek, Chatham Vineyards can turn any day into a great day. With a full event calendar, it’s easy to find an occasion to raise a glass with friends: Wine and Oyster Weekends, Live Music Events, and festive, flavorful experiences.
For the adventurous, there’s even a kayak tour, aptly named ‘Paddle Your Glass Off Wine Kayak Tour’ that culminates on the banks of the Winery, where guests are richly rewarded with a wine tasting. No matter how often you find yourself at Chatham Vineyards, there’s always something new to experience.
Love the Taste? Join the Club!
When you have as many loyal customers and friends as Chatham Vineyards has, rewarding those who love what you do makes sense. The Chatham Vineyard Wine Club is open to people anywhere in the country, but most members live nearby or travel here often. Each time they visit, members receive a complimentary glass or flight of wine for up to four guests.
“We often have a couple entertaining another couple, and they enjoy this great experience as part of their membership each time they visit us,” Mills says. “We also include discounts on wine. Members also enjoy three bottles of wine quarterly, handpicked by Jon. It’s a fun way to enjoy our Winery.”
“Connecting with our community is important to us. We find partnering with other businesses and our community and supporting nonprofits on the Shore incredibly rewarding. A rising tide lifts all boats. We’re the only Winery here, but we would like to stay connected with everyone on the Shore working to preserve this special place we call home.”
Jon and Mills partner with other Eastern Shore businesses, like Southeast Expeditions (of Paddle Your Glass Off! fame), and many nonprofits to enhance the greater community. They enjoy teaming up with organizations like the Barrier Island Center Museum, Arts Enter Cape Charles, the Eastern Shore Land Trust, and Habitat for Humanity, helping them design their events, sponsoring them, or donating wine. One of the things that makes this area unique is the shared goals and willingness to work together. That’s certainly something to raise a glass to!
Mills offers sound advice to anyone curious about their haven here on the Eastern Shore: “You have to taste this place! Our wines are distinct from any other wine in the world. We love pairing the wines with our excellent local seafood and shellfish.
The Eastern Shore has some of the world’s most pristine waters for shellfish production.
“We have the bayside, the seaside, and no noise or light pollution. We also have the most wonderful people who live and work here. I call it magical,” she adds.
Jon and Mills invite you to experience the Eastern Shore region’s unique flavors and endless hospitality at beautiful Chatham Vineyards.
Chatham Vineyards offers a range of experiences that cater to both the casually curious and the ardent wine enthusiasts:
Tasting Room – Guests can enjoy a variety of wines in a rustic yet charming tasting room, surrounded by the sights and smells of winemaking.
Wine Selection – The vineyard produces various estate-grown wines, including Chardonnay, Rosé, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Notable mentions include the Steel Chardonnay, known for its minerality and salinity, and the Vintner’s Blend, a Bordeaux-style red.
Food Pairings – During certain seasons, visitors can savor local delights that pair wonderfully with the wines—cheese, chocolate, oysters, and more—enhancing the tasting experience outdoors amidst the vineyard’s scenic beauty.
Accommodations – For those wishing to extend their visit, the Vineyard House offers a secluded stay with three bedrooms, modern amenities, and direct access to beautiful Church Creek.
Special Events – From wine and oyster festivals to traditional Shore oyster roasts, Chatham Vineyards hosts events that celebrate the region’s incredible aquaculture and viticulture. Join us!
Chatham Vineyards on Church Creek
9232 Chatham Road
Machipongo, VA 23405
757-678-5588
ChathamVineyards.com
Obtain the Property Report required by Federal Law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or values, if any, of the property. This is not intended to be and does not constitute an offer in any state or jurisdiction where prohibited by law. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prices renderings and square footages are provided for reference only but are subject to change and not guaranteed. Sales by Bay Creek Realty/Broker.
