Located just 10 miles south of I-64, First Colony Winery is both an established winery and a nimble new entrant in many wine festivals and competitions. This unique dichotomy is evident throughout the tasting room and the wine portfolio.
Owner Randy McElroy, Jr. can trace his family’s legacy back to George Washington’s Attorney General Edmond Randolph. After over twenty years in the construction business, where he built other people’s dreams, in 2000 he decided to chase his own dream, a Virginia winery. Even with this legacy and growing up on a farm in Goochland County, McElroy knew what he did not know. 
Colonization, as it was practiced in the 1700’s, was political equivalent of our ideas are better than yours on your land so we will come in and tell you what is best. First Colony Winery has taken this outdated concept and placed it squarely on its head in their part of growing of the Virginia Wine industry. Utilizing expertise from around the country and around the globe, McElroy and his team have put First Colony on the map for many wine aficionados. 
As a builder the foundation of any building determines the stability and strength of the structure. In wine, the foundation is clearly in the vineyard. After acquiring the property that would become First Colony Winery, the vineyard vision was determined. Some of the vineyard block regularly produced excellent fruit, while other blocks were either not as consistent or had succumb to vineyard diseases. The disease blocks were ripped out and allowed to remain fallow while the inconsistent blocks were placed on a new vineyard management plan.
A contractor’s eye was a true asset as McElroy talked refurbishing the production facility and the tasting room. Working with several professionals, he sealed the buildings exterior and developed a better work flow within the building. From examining the structural soundness of the concrete pad to the humidity in the barrel room, McElroy immersed himself in the myriad of construction decisions that impact the taste in the glass.
The once dark tasting room was expanded to include separate unique loft space for private meetings and parties. The sunny side English garden patio was expanded to include warm weather seating on the veranda. The back deck, which had deteriorated, was rebuilt to provide visitors a cool spot to enjoy a glass of wine.
While the vineyard assessment and building refurbishment were underway, McElroy began hiring a team of experienced winemakers, management and hospitality staff. Looking for variety of backgrounds, he selected individuals with excellent technical skill and complementary personalities. The diversity of backgrounds and the esprit de corps involved in launching a new winery created great energy and focus as the first vintage (2001) was released. The 2001 vintage received over 20 awards at State, National and international competitions.
Insert: Vintner’s spotlight: Randy McElroy [photo]
Hometown: Crozier, Virginia
Item that is always in your fridge: Wild Game
Most challenging wine pairing: asparagus – if you use a butter sauce, serve with a well oaked Chardonnay
Best thing about the Virginia Wine Industry: The camaraderie – everyone has a focus on improving the industry.
Worst thing about the Virginia Wine Industry: The razor thin profit margins
Favorite Bumper Sticker (or saying): “The lights are on but no one’s home”
Comfort Food: Steak and Mashed Potatoes
Most embarrassing moment: Being the 25th winery to speak at the Trellis dinner. After 25 tastings of great wines, my elocution was somewhat challenged.
Most overrated virtue: Temperance
Favorite Wine: Summer First Colony Chardonnay
Winter First Colony Cabernet Franc Reserve
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