Democracy Vineyards Owner Susan Prokop and General Manager Jim Turpin just planted their Nelson County vineyard in April, but have wines available today.  Clearly Democracy Vineyards has lived up to their motto “Democracy starts with a bold vision and succeeds with bold action”.

How do two political operatives with a rich collection of political memorabilia and a passion for wine lead to founding a winery?  As a couple, Susan and Jim have long histories in local, state and national political circles.  The founders started with just an idea, a notion of a Virginia farm winery where they could start their encore careers as Virginia winegrowers.

Can you name all eight U.S. Presidents born in Virginia?
One more reason Democracy was “born” in Virginia (answer below)

Early in the search, with help from Virginia Tech’s Tony Wolf, they targeted Nelson County with its rich agricultural lands, location near population centers and its growing number of viticultural enterprises.  In Nelson, they found a welcoming farm community and a link to Jim’s family.  A somewhat distant relative was the largest apple broker in the region during the Depression.  Legend has it that one of the early “Waltons” episodes, featuring the family being hired to pick apples, was based on Jim’s relation.

In determining the best property for the vineyards, Democracy turned to a valuable resource for any rural community, their county extension agent – in this case, one of Virginia's best, Michael LaChance.  Michael and Jim spent countless hours visiting sites, evaluating vineyard aspect and soil conditions.  

The parcel eventually chosen was home to one of the many apple orchards in the region.  Most interestingly, the two orchards were separated by a small residence known as Ruby’s Cabin.  For forty years, this cabin was the home of Jim’s aunt Ruby Turpin, owner of Village View Orchards.  When preparing the vineyards, a shoe from one of Ruby’s horses was found on the property.  A harbinger of good fortune, this shoe will have a place of honor in the Democracy Vineyards’ future tasting room.

Once the site was selected, Susan and Jim turned to longtime Virginia vineyard consultant Chris Hill to alter the apple operation to a productive winegrowing farm.  Chris focused the vineyards on the front portion of the parcel to take advantage of the natural drainage contours and the favorable elevation of the site.

Regular readers of Grapevine know, all wine starts in the vineyard.  Democracy Vineyards took great pains to hire their winemaker prior to the first planting of fruit.   South African born Riann Rossouw, winemaker at nearby Lovingston Vineyards was selected based on his many years of experience in Virginia and his philosophical agreement with the founders’ vision for Democracy Vineyards.

In 2008, even as Chris and Riann were discussing the specific clones and root stocks to be selected for Democracy Vineyards planting, Susan and Jim were seeking high quality fruit to jumpstart production.  This search led them to a small quantity of high quality Virginia wine in the Monticello appellation that Riann had cultivated and produced in bulk.  After tasting the unfinished wine, Democracy Vineyards decided to purchase the wine and finish it at a custom crush facility.  

Initiating a winery with sourced fruit and custom crush facilities, Democracy Vineyards made the command decision to start with well integrated blended wines for their first vintage.  

Velvet Revolution Reserve 2007 is a blend of both Vitis Vinifera and hybrid grapes from the Monticello appellation.  Melding nicely in the bottle the flavors are becoming well integrated expressing a solid tannic structure and interesting balance of plum and black cherry.  The lingering finish has hints of pipe tobacco and anise.  This wine is easily hearty enough to stand up to braised beef or grilled lamb.

Democracy Vineyards Declaration Reserve 2008 is a Rhone style blend featuring Chardonnay, Traminette and Seyval Blanc.  The Seyval Blanc addition is relatively unique in Virginia generates a more expansive midpalate followed by a crisp memorable finish.  An excellent summer deck wine, Declaration has been a big hit at many of the festivals this year.

Democracy Vineyards wines are available at many wine festivals and online at www.democracyvineyards.com. The Birth of Democracy event will be held at their Nelson County vineyard on Saturday August 29th.  See the website for details.

Neil Williamson is the President of The Trellis Group, a marketing consultancy focused on Virginia wineries.  He can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Eight U.S. Presidents born in Virginia:
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, Zachary Taylor & Woodrow Wilson

Vintner’s spotlight:

Susan Prokop, Owner
Jim Turpin, General Manager

Hometown: Arlington, VA (Susan);  Chattanooga, TN (Jim)

Item that is always in your fridge: Garlic

Most challenging wine pairing: Salads

Best thing about the Virginia Wine Industry: Its diversity and collegiality

Worst thing about the Virginia Wine Industry: Lack of recognition and respect from the marketplace.

Favorite Bumper Sticker (or saying):

Susan -- NAPA is for auto parts, Virginia is for wine.
Jim - "I'll be for you or against you, whichever helps."

Comfort Food:

Susan - chocolate in just about any form.
Jim -- macaroni and cheese

Most embarrassing moment: There have been so many. We're sure our friends could choose any number.  I guess one that pops to mind is the time Jim put dishwashing detergent in the dishwasher creating a cascade of bubbles all over the kitchen floor.

Most overrated virtue: Excessive informality which ignores the little courtesies of life.

Favorite Wine: Ours of course!  But seriously, we do favor blends of wine.