Our Story
“We are certainly not pioneers. Rather we can build upon the experience that other Virginia vintners have had and refine the particular varietals for which Virginia can produce world class wines. Viognier and Cabernet Franc show particular promise.”
~ David Pollak
Pollak Vineyards was founded in 2003 by David and Margo Pollak, inspired by a belief that Virginia had the potential to produce wines of exception character and distinction. ​
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David's wine journey began in California decades early in the Russian River Valley and Carneros area. When the Pollaks discovered this property at the foot of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, they recognized something special here as well.
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What began as a vision has grown into a family-owned estate winery dedicated to creating wines that reflect both the character of the land and the traditions that inspire us.
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More than twenty years later, Pollak Vineyards remains rooted in the same principles that guided its founding: stewardship of the lang, a commitment to quality, and a belief in the future of Virginia wine.
Estate-Grown Wines
From vineyard to bottle, every step of our winemaking process is guided by a commitment to quality and attention to detail.
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All fruit is estate-grown, hand-harvested, and carefully sorted before fermentations. Our vinification process allows us to highlight the individuality of each vineyard block and vintage, while thoughtful blending creates wines of balance, structure, and elegance.
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Our winery was designed to allow gentle handling of the fruit and wine throughout the process, preserving character and expression from harvest through aging. The result is a collection of wines that reflect both our vineyard and the unique growing conditions of each season.
A French Perspective
Our Head Winemaker Benoit Pineau brings a lifelong connection to winegrowing and a philosophy shaped by generations of French viticulture.
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Raised near Tours of the Loire Valley, in the appellation of
Jasnières, his love for wine began while working alongside his grandfather. He studied enology in Bordeau and Burgundy, then followed the harvest across the world, working in France, Australia, and the US. After time in Napa, Virginia called him back and it is where he chose to build his life's work. ​​
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Together, the Pollak family and Benoit, share a commitment to producing wines that honor European traditions while embracing the unique opportunities of Virginia's wine country.
Life in the Vineyard
Throughout the year, our vineyard team tends each vine by hand, adapting to the rhythms of the seasons and challenges each vintage may present. From winter pruning and spring frost protection to canopy management and harvest, every decision is made with the health of the vineyard and quality of the fruit in mind.
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This ongoing stewardship reflects a belief that great wine is not created solely in the winery, but begins in the vineyard. The care invested throughout the growing season shapes every bottle we produce and every experience we share with our guests.
David sees the same spirit in Virginia that he witnessed in the early days of the California wine industry, and he foresees similar success here.