Description

Granite Heights Winery Overview

Located in Warrenton, Virginia, Granite Heights Winery boasts an impressive commitment to full-cycle wine production, evidenced by a steadfast approach to growing, making, and bottling all within the estate under the hands-on management of its dedicated owners. The winery offers a unique blend of rich history, meticulous vineyard practices, and a focus solely on premium wine production without the distractions of frequent events or external winemaking influences.

History and Background

Granite Heights began its journey when owners Luke and Toni Kilyk acquired the initial piece of land in 1997. In a significant move to preserve the land from developers, the vineyard’s current location was secured in 2007, with the first vines planted by 2009. Luke Kilyk, aside from co-managing the winery, is a full-time Intellectual Property Law Attorney, while Toni Kilyk works as a Family Practice Physician at the Fauquier Free Clinic, showcasing their deep personal investment and diverse skills brought to the winery operations.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

• Size and Cultivation: Granite Heights encompasses a 168-acre farm, with over 12 acres dedicated to vine cultivation employing high-density planting techniques. Each acre supports 2,000 vines, enhancing the complexity and quality of the produce.
• Varieties: The vines include a range of varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, and Lagrein, allowing for a diverse wine portfolio.
• Production Philosophy: Emphasizing estate-produced authenticity, all processes from vine growth, wine crafting to bottling happen on-site. The winery prides itself on withholding the use of custom crush facilities and transient winemaking practices which are becoming more common in the region.

Visitor Information and Experiences

• Tasting Room: One of the buildings, dating back to the early 1800s, serves as the tasting room providing a historic backdrop to the wine sampling experience.
• Wine Tastings and Flights: Visitors can enjoy guided tastings of 8 wines or opt for wine flights at their leisure, selecting any 4 wines from the day's tasting list.
• Additional Offerings: Wine by the glass and bottle sales are available, ensuring visitors can take home their preferred selections.

Notable Wines or Specialties

While Granite Heights produces a variety of wines, their meticulous vineyard management and autonomous production process create a notable lineup that deserves attention, especially given the diversity in planted varietals which is broader than many Virginia wineries.

Contact Information and Location

• Address: Granite Heights, Warrenton, Virginia.
• Contact Details: For further details on offerings, specials, and upcoming events, visitors are encouraged to engage directly with the winery.

Granite Heights operates with a profound commitment to wine quality, evident in their holistic approach to managing every aspect of the wine production process. This, coupled with the owners’ professional backgrounds and personal dedication, sets a distinguished standard within the Virginia winery scene.