DuCard Vineyards

Scott Elliff is DuCard’s owner. He is joined by Tasting Room Manager Beth Wilson, who leads the tasting-room welcome, and Julien Durantie, DuCard’s winegrower and winemaker, whose experience dates back to his childhood on his family’s vineyard in Bordeaux, France.

Grape growing began in 2004. After initially supplying another winery and then bottling small quantities under its own label, DuCard opened its tasting room and boutique winery to the public in 2010.

DuCard’s focus is local, hands-on and personal. Every grape in its wines is Virginia-grown, and 90% comes from DuCard’s own estate vineyards across its three vineyard sites, with vineyard work and small-batch winemaking closely connected to the land. The team’s Educational Ambassadors bring that story to the table through wine education and warm hospitality. Solar power, complimentary EV charging and Sipping for Saplings put its environmental principles into practice.

DuCard’s whites span Viognier, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, with Vidal Blanc appearing in Gibson Hollow White and the Shenandoah blend. Its two vineyard-designated Chardonnays offer an interesting comparison: Whetstone Run is made in stainless steel, while TANA has time in French oak.

The red selection includes Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Norton, alongside blends such as Black Bear, combining Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Tannat. Rosé, sparkling wines and fortified Norton extend the range, and enCore offers a hard-apple-cider alternative. Releases change, so a particular wine isn’t guaranteed on any given visit. Award-winning wines marked sold out are part of DuCard’s story and are not current tasting selections.