Winemaker's Dinner
February 11, 2012 - 6:30 PM
Enjoy a five course gourmet meal paired with First Colony wines.
$80.00/person includes food, wine, tax and gratuity. Reservations required.
Click here for full menu.

History In The Making

Winemaking in the United States has its historical roots in Virginia, where this now thriving industry began in 1607. As a descendant of George Washington's Attorney General, Edmund Randolph, Randolph McElroy, Jr. wanted to continue his family history within the wine business. Buying and opening a winery seemed like a natural fit for this Virginia native.

Growing up on a farm in Goochland, Randy always had an affinity for agriculture. After over twenty years in the construction business, Randy wanted to get back to his roots. His love for wine and the land led him to the wine business.

After establishing First Colony Winery in December of 2000, Randy began hiring a team of well-trained winemakers, viticulturists, and management staff. A strong foundation was laid with First Colony's first wines released in March, 2002. The 2001 vintage proved to be a promising one for the winery, winning over 20 awards at state, national, and international wine competitions.

Rolling fields, shaded patios, a spacious tasting room, award winning wines and a friendly staff are just a few of the offerings awaiting visitors to First Colony Winery. Located in southern Albemarle County, just 10 miles from Charlottesville, VA, First Colony's winemaking facilities and classically rustic event space have hosted wine novices and connoisseurs, as well as groups for weddings and parties of most any size. Take a tour and see wine-making in action, or relax with a glass of your favorite wine and a picnic. First Colony Winery is open every day for tours and tastings.

Staff

Randy McElroy Jr Owner	As a descendant of George Washington's Attorney General, Edmund Randolph, Randolph McElroy, Jr. wanted to continue his family history within the wine business. Buying and opening a winery seemed like a natural fit for this Virginia native. Growing up on a farm in Goochland, Randy always had an affinity for agriculture. After over twenty years in the construction business, Randy wanted to get back to his roots. His love for wine and the land led him to the wine business. After establishing First Colony Winery in December of 2000, Randy began hiring a team of well-trained winemakers, viticulturists, and management staff.

Martha Soden General Manager	Born and raised in Indiana, Martha came to Virginia in 2001 to attend James Madison University. During her time there, she studied abroad in Antwerp, Belgium earning a Concentration in European Business. After graduating with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management, she went on to become a manager in the award-winning dining services program at Virginia Tech. She moved to Charlottesville and joined the First Colony team as Tasting Room Manager in early April of 2007 and was promoted to General Manager in August of 2008.

Jason Hayman Winemaker	Jason grew up in Louisiana and moved to Virginia in 2003 to attend Virginia Tech for Mechanical Engineering. Jason's lifelong love of plants led him to seize an opportunity as the vineyard manager of First Colony in 2008 where he quickly fell in love with the vine to wine concept. While diligently working in the vineyard, Jason also started to help around the cellar. After apprenticing under Benoit Pineau, the previous winemaker, Jason assumed the additional role of winemaker beginning with the 2009 vintage. His hard work paid off when he was awarded a gold medal on his first vintage wine entered in competition, the 2009 Zephyr.

Fritz The Winery Cat	Fritz joined the First Colony family in 2006 when he appeared on the property as a stray kitten with two broken legs. Since that time, he has made a full recovery and adjusted well to the domesticated life. He is employed as the official Tasting Room greeter and does his job with great enthusiasm when he is not eating or sleeping. Fritz enjoys supervising wine tastings and sharing picnics with generous guests. He has aspirations of one day owning the winery.