Afton Mountain Vineyards
September 26, 2024. We worked long and hard to arrange a short trip to the Charlottesville area so as to avoid the crush of football weekends at the University. But we did not reckon on a persistent pattern of dampness or outright deluge. When we arrived at Afton Mountain Vineyards in Nelson County, low gray clouds glowered close along the hillsides of the Blue Ridge. I’m sure twisty Mountain Road is a pretty drive in decent weather. Afton Mountain has been in operation as a winery since 1978 when it was called “Bacchanal Vineyards.” It is one of the oldest wineries in a region now full of them. After several changes in ownership, the latest taking place in May of 2024, Afton Mountain finds itself with Brad and Yelena Dickerson in charge. Brad was the CFO of Under Armour and Blue Apron among other businesses. We understand that the Dickerson’s are not planning too many changes from the solid operation Tony and Elizabeth Smith built. They are keeping Damien Blanch