Reserve Tasting Room and Lounge

June 21, 2026.  The Reserve Tasting Room and Lounge marks the first time we have visited a tasting room that began life as a computer app.  In 2014, Mike Barefoot and Mike Lawler started the VinoWineApp as a place where you can buy wines on-line, scan labels for ratings and do other things.  The funds from the app allowed them to start a farm winery in 2018 and open the Reserve Tasting Room and Lounge six years ago in downtown Lynchburg. 

The Reserve Tasting Room is framed on three sides by the old brick walls of an former store or factory in the Central Business District between Diamond Hill and Daniels Hill.  The fourth wall is a window looking out at the new Riverfront Park across the street and the James River beyond the park.  Kids were beating the heat kicking back in the park’s Splash Pad.  The Lounge has soft leather sofas and unique wine barrel lamps hanging from the ceiling.  Even with the windows, the lounge is cool and dark which is good since they have recently had air conditioning problems.  They also re-purposed what was probably the old loading dock as their outdoor patio.  We’re told they can accommodate 30 people inside and 45 on the patio, but at capacity either space would be awfully dense.  Considering the size, you are advised to make a reservation to ensure a seat.

We had a nice visit with Wally Kemppainen, a childhood friend of Mike Lawler who was tasting room manager that afternoon.  Wally normally manages the kitchen and has led an international life.  If you want to know anything about the history of Lynchburg or where to eat in town – Wally is your man!  Not only is he a native of Lynchburg, but he is a chef and he has the happy look of someone who knows their way around the joys of cooking and eating.   

 

He told us about a recent Batteau Festival where recreated river barges set off from Lynchburg heading for Richmond – just as they did in the old days when Lynchburg was a center for crops and – oddly enough – shoes.  The amphitheater in the park just opened in April with a series of concerts throughout the Summer. 

Wally filled us in on Mike’s plans for a second location at the Trivium Estate in Forest, making it the second winery out there (after Burnbrae).  Trivium will be Mike Lawler’s wedding and special large events venue.  It has a tentative opening scheduled for this August.  Wally has been out there and says that they are waiting for licenses and permits.  Mike plans to keep the downtown location and use it for rehearsal space as needed. 

The Reserve serves some of its own wine – labeled as from “Broad Run, VA” along with a rotating selection of other Virginia wines including Barboursville, Hazy Mountain, and Gabriele Rausse.  Wally told us the “Broad Run” wines are made with grapes bought from Chris Pearmund.  That is also who makes the wine.  The Reserve carries a large selection of such Pearmund-originated wines with the Reserve label.  (I’m not sure if any of the wines on the tasting menu were made from grapes from the Lawler-Barefoot vineyard itself.)

Since this is a fairly small lounge, I’m thinking it’s not particularly kid-friendly; maybe keep the kiddos outside or in the park.  The menu is lite – cheeses, breads, and salami.  We had the cellar bread.  I think you have more food options in neighboring restaurants. 

It costs $20.00 to taste four wines at the Reserve, which is somewhat high for Virginia.  We got the “Reserve Flight” of wines under the Reserve label, except that the Reserve Meritage sold out the previous night.  Wally advised on a couple of substitutions.

2024 Reserve Chardonnay.  Stainless steel aging.  Feels like some sur lie aging.  Pulled-back; not too bright or exuberant.  Ripe apple.  B.

2025 Barboursville Sauvignon Blanc.  Kim says this is too weak.  Would be well-priced at $20.00 instead of nearly $40.  She rated it a C+.

2024 Reserve Rosé.  This is a rosé blend of 75% Chambourcin and 25% Grenache.  The .4% residual sugar gives it a little sweetness.  I think the Grenache keeps it from being flabby.  B.

2024 Reserve Jefferson Street White.  The winemaker threw a bunch of varietals into this blend, and I’m not sure they all work together: Vidal Blanc, Traminette, Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.  The result is an off-dry slightly floral wine.  Might be less appreciated on a hot and humid day.  We rated it a C.

2023 Barboursville Cabernet Franc.  Well turned-out wine.  Garnet red.  More robust than many Cab Franc’s.  Good tannins.  B.

You may find it worth poking you head into the Reserve Tasting Room and Lounge if you are shopping or picnicking on the riverfront.  You may find it better to buy your food to-go at the Water Dog and bring it to the Reserve patio to compliment whatever wines Mike Lawler is featuring in his curated Virginia wine selection.