Lovingston Winery
Lovingston Winery opened in 2003 as a small batch 100% estate grown vineyard and winery located in the rolling countryside of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Originally built as a family residence in 1906 by the Stevens family, tobacco and cattle were primary business drivers – like much of Central Virginia – as the rolling hills and red clay and granite soil was prime and fertile for farming.
In 2003, the Lovingston Winery and Josie’s Knoll Vineyard came to fruition with the first planting of five acres of vines. Named after Josie Stevens, the original matriarch of the property, the vineyard focused on Bordeaux varietals of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, two staples in Virginia wine.
It was not long before the vineyard welcomed expansion with the addition of Petit Verdot, Chambourcin, and the South African varietal, Pinotage as well as three white varietals: Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, and Petit Manseng. Even through growth, the winery has stayed true to its belief that great wines come through cultivation and care in the vineyard above all else.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
