When Al and Cindy Schornberg moved from Michigan to the historic four hundred-acre Edgewood Estate in Keswick, they took a step back into history. Considered to be the “western frontier” during the colonial period, the rolling hills and rich lands of the Keswick area were sought after for their rich soil, temperate climate, and accessible location. The area was a primary route between the growing city of Charlottesville and the capitals in the East – first Williamsburg and later Richmond. In 1999, Al and Cindy left the high-tech corporate world for the pastoral lifestyle where Al had always dreamed of indulging his love of viticulture. “I just wanted to be able to enjoy a really good wine that I made. There’s something very natural and satisfying about that.” Keswick Vineyards was born from this desire.

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The present Edgewood Estate on which Keswick Vineyards sits was originally part of an 18,000-acre royal grant to Nicholas Meriwether in 1727. Today, much of that has been parceled into smaller estates like Edgewood Farm.  George Barclay Rives constructed the farm’s elegant home. Mr. Rives was a direct descendent of Meriwether, and to pay homage to their estate’s history, Keswick Vineyards produces a Rives-labeled wine each year.

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Neighboring Barboursville Vineyards & Horton Vineyards had, over the years, shown which grapes produced well in the region, and their experiments guided the Schornberg’s in their initial decision to plant a broad variety of grapes, including viognier, chardonnay, verdejo, merlot, touriga, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, chambourcin, syrah, petite verdot and Norton.

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Their first vintage, the 2002 Viognier Reserve, received national recognition at the Atlantic Seaboard Competition as the Best White wine.  Since then, Keswick Vineyards has won the Virginia Governor’s Cup twice with their red wines.  In 2023, Keswick Vineyards' Chardonnay was named among Wine Enthusiast magazine's Top 100 Wines of the Year.  

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While visiting, be sure to enjoy the 9-hole miniature golf course, fenced in dog area, and new “4 season” building to be completed in 2024.  Keswick Vineyards offers wine by the glass, flight, or traditional tasting, wine slushies, beer and can beverages.  Keswick Vineyards also offers food from their Barrel and Boards food truck.  Check the web site for hours and days of operation.  During the months of April – October you can typically enjoy some live music on Saturdays and events like Wine Down Wednesday or Karaoke on select Wednesday evenings. 

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Keswick Vineyards is also one of Charlottesville’s top wedding venues. A dramatic grove of 300-year-old oak trees is the perfect ceremony spot, and a spacious tent with artificial turf floor preserves the outdoor feel while providing a protected space for elegant dining and dancing.