Pollak Vineyards

About Us

Having a passion for both vineyards and winemaking and taking pleasure in what wine brings to meals with family and friends, Margo and David Pollak were inspired to create this venture. For David, this drew upon his experience in the late 1970s with vineyards along the Russian River in Sonoma and then his establishment of one of the first wineries in the now famous Carneros region of the Napa Valley. In Virginia, the Pollaks saw the potential to create great wines from well-sited and meticulously maintained vineyards. They sought the experience of other vintners and growers to seek an ideal site and then applied the best agricultural and winemaking practices.

Jake Busching, General Manager, shares their vision of producing exceptional wines. He oversees vineyard management in consultation with Chris Hill, a longtime Virginia viticulturist. Together, they planted 25 acres of French vinifera vines. Varieties include Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. In 2005, they harvested their first vintage, 320 cases of a Meritage blend. Winemaking is done in consultation with Michael Shaps, an accomplished winemaker with ventures locally and in France where he learned his trade.

David sees the same pioneering spirit in Virginia that he witnessed in the early days of California, and he foresees similar success here. "We are certainly not pioneers. Rather we can build upon the experience that other Virginia vintners have had and refine the particular varietals for which Virginia can produce world class wines. Viognier and Cabernet Franc show particular promise."