Ankida Ridge Vineyards

April 12, 2025.  Years ago I had a revelation in the form of a glass of Pinot Noir at a Virginia winery, and I have been seeking to relive that experience ever since.  What I know now is that revelatory wine was probably not from Virginia grapes because Pinot is a hard grape to grow, especially where the tropic and temperate zones clash in Virginia.

However, there is one Virginia winery known for growing and producing Pinot Noir – and that is Ankida Ridge Vineyards northwest from the town of Amherst in Amherst County.  Christine and Dennis Vrooman bought a wooded parcel as a retirement retreat in 1999.  When the builder cleared the wrong area for their cabin, they took advantage of the mistake by consulting with noted viticulturist Lucie Morton about growing grapes in that space.  The Vrooman's had been impressed with the Cabernet Franc at Veritas.  Instead of Cabernet Franc, however, Lucie advised them that their property at 1,800 feet on a south-facing high slope was the place for Pinot Noir.  It has granite and schist soils, good drainage, and is cool enough for the grape.  They get no morning dew up that high and consequently less fungus that plagues many Virginia farms.  This allows them to be more environmentally conscious with their sprays and sustainable farming.  Dennis Vrooman is a retired veterinarian who looks after the sheep (weed control) and chickens (insect control) on-site.  Unfortunately, having to control black rot keeps them from being fully organic. 

The Vrooman’s named this ridge “Ankida,” which is Sumerian for “where the earth and the sky meet.”.  They incorporated in 2008 and had their first vintage of Pinot Noir in 2011.  The reviews were encouraging, and Ankida Ridge’s Pinot Noir has won gold at the Virginia Governor’s Cup competition for the past two years. 

The winery feels like a long way off of Route 29, halfway between Charlottesville and Lynchburg.  You should have your directions in hand before going as cell service is spotty.  The county road gives way to a narrow gravel one-way drive that snakes through the trees as it rises eventually to the tasting room at 1,400 feet of elevation.  If you have passengers or elderly in your car, it is best to put them out at the tasting room when you pass it because parking is limited along the roadway and a steep climb back to the front door.   

 

The tasting room is on the smaller side inside with an expansive deck looking down the gorge to the mountains.  Like several Virginia wineries we have visited, it’s perched on the hill.  Dogwood and redbud light the hillside and brilliant pansies grow in their flower boxes. 

We’d advise making a reservation considering the limited space.  You may bring your own food or buy from their selection of cheeses or charcuterie.  Leashed dogs are welcome if they behave.  I suppose the same applies to children.  For weddings or special events, Ankida Ridge reaches capacity at about thirty people.  For a special treat or photo op, take a four-wheel drive high clearance vehicle, if you have one, up to the overlook.  

 

We had a chance to speak with Christine Vrooman about her winery. 

They have grown from the original two acres to six acres now and produce only around 1,000 cases annually altogether.  Besides Pinot Noir, they have Chardonnay and are experimenting with Gamay, that “dishonest” grape of Beaujolais.  Christine notes that their site is between Oregon and Bourgogne, the two loci of Pinot Noir.  From this place, she hopes to produce a new expression of Pinot Noir that is uniquely Virginian.  You may order on-line from Ankida Ridge.  Christine reports that Winebow is their distributor. Also the Virginia Winery Distribution Company.

 She commends the collegial spirit of Virginia’s vintners and winemakers without whom they could not have built the winery from scratch.  Christine is the driving force behind the winery.  Christine is also an artist who's influence is seen on each label with its own iconography.  At least two of her four children are in the wine trade including son, Nathan, who is the winemaker at Ankida Ridge.  Nathan’s wife is the winemaker at Stinson Vineyards. 

I had a set tasting while Kim had a glass of Chardonnay, thanks to our server, Melinda:

Ankida Ridge Vin Blanc.  This Chardonnay-Seyval Blanc blend has a slight sweetness with floral and peach notes.  Kim thought it was okay but weak.  C.

2024 Ankida Ridge Verday.  Chardonnay joins with Pinot Noir in this blend.  Bright acidity, light.  A good Summer wine.  Only 11% ABV.  We rate it a B-.

2024 Ankida Ridge Chardonnay.  We bought a bottle of the Ankida Ridge Chardonnay.  It is medium body with apple and pear notes.  Creamy mouthfeel.  It won a gold medal in the 2024 Virginia Governor’s Cup.  ABV of 13.5%.  Overall rating of B for the price.

Ankida Ridge Rosé of Pinot Noir.  We also bought a bottle of the Ankida Ridge rose.  A quick pressing of Pinot Noir delivery a little grip and a good rendering of Pinot Noir in this unusual form.  Good balance.  Looks like whiskey in the glass.  12.5% ABV.  A little finish.  B+.

Ankida Ridge Pinot Noir.  We also gave a B+ rating to the current Pinot Noir and a 2025 Governor’s Cup gold medal winner.  Blackberry and light tannin.  Garnet red in color.  14% ABV.  Can age up to 10 years.  With a $60.00 per bottle price we did not purchase the Pinot Noir, but it is a great quality and worth the trip, especially if you long to see how this grape does in Virginia when grown well. 

Thanks to Christine and her staff for putting up with us on a busy Saturday.