In 1996, budding vinters John and Susan Kiers purchased a 100-acre farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for the purpose of growing wine grapes. After selling their grapes to area wineries for over a decade, the Kiers family built their own facility in 2010 and named it after the common daisy that covers their land. They now bottle 100% Estate wines from fruit grown on their farm.
Completing apprenticeships in France and Oregon, their daughter Harriet now works beside her father in the winery, carrying the dream into the next generation.
Ox-Eye Vineyards is located in Augusta County, Virginia, outside the city of Staunton. It sits at an average elevation of 1830 ft. with slopes facing east-southeast.
The Kiers were drawn to the Shenandoah Valley for its relatively low rainfall, cool climate, and deep limestone soil. Of particular interest was the valley’s strong diurnal temperature shift. This stark shift between day and night temperatures helps the fruit ripen through late summer and fall, producing ripe fruit without the loss of acidity.
Ever since the first two acres were planted in 1999, the site has proven to be an excellent one. The limestone base provides vital nutrients for healthy vines and fruit, while deep soil allows the vines to thrive without irrigation, even through droughts. Constant breezes help control diseases and create good air drainage to combat frost. The Kiers family's 23 acres of vines continue to produce premium wines held in high esteem by the wine drinking community.
In order to make their wine tasting experience more accessible to visitors, the Kiers chose to locate their tasting room in downtown Staunton, a city that embodies the Shenandoah Valley's special mix of farm-to-table culture and historic charm. Preserving local heritage, they purchased and renovated a historic building (once a "scale house" for the nearby railroad) that was designed in 1904 by renowned local architect T.J. Collins.
Located in Staunton's historic Wharf District, the Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room is within walking distance to a range of independently run boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants and cultural activities. You'll surely be charmed when you visit. Be sure to stop by Saturday morning in the summer, when the local farmer's market operates across the street!
Still longing to experience the Ox-Eye farm? Club members have access to events hosted at the vineyard. Become a member today.
In 1996, budding vinters John and Susan Kiers purchased a 100-acre farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for the purpose of growing wine grapes. After selling their grapes to area wineries for over a decade, the Kiers family built their own facility in 2010 and named it after the common daisy that covers their land. They now bottle 100% Estate wines from fruit grown on their farm.
Completing apprenticeships in France and Oregon, their daughter Harriet now works beside her father in the winery, carrying the dream into the next generation.
Ox-Eye Vineyards is located in Augusta County, Virginia, outside the city of Staunton. It sits at an average elevation of 1830 ft. with slopes facing east-southeast.
The Kiers were drawn to the Shenandoah Valley for its relatively low rainfall, cool climate, and deep limestone soil. Of particular interest was the valley’s strong diurnal temperature shift. This stark shift between day and night temperatures helps the fruit ripen through late summer and fall, producing ripe fruit without the loss of acidity.
Ever since the first two acres were planted in 1999, the site has proven to be an excellent one. The limestone base provides vital nutrients for healthy vines and fruit, while deep soil allows the vines to thrive without irrigation, even through droughts. Constant breezes help control diseases and create good air drainage to combat frost. The Kiers family's 23 acres of vines continue to produce premium wines held in high esteem by the wine drinking community.
In order to make their wine tasting experience more accessible to visitors, the Kiers chose to locate their tasting room in downtown Staunton, a city that embodies the Shenandoah Valley's special mix of farm-to-table culture and historic charm. Preserving local heritage, they purchased and renovated a historic building (once a "scale house" for the nearby railroad) that was designed in 1904 by renowned local architect T.J. Collins.
Located in Staunton's historic Wharf District, the Ox-Eye Vineyards Tasting Room is within walking distance to a range of independently run boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants and cultural activities. You'll surely be charmed when you visit. Be sure to stop by Saturday morning in the summer, when the local farmer's market operates across the street!
Still longing to experience the Ox-Eye farm? Club members have access to events hosted at the vineyard. Become a member today.
