Where Heaven and Earth Join…
“Ankida” is an ancient Sumerian word describing the place “where Heaven and Earth join,” and we feel this place is about as close as one can get. Ankida Ridge offers a unique vantage point from its perch on Chestnut Ridge in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. We welcome visitors to enjoy not only the views and the wines, but the peacefulness as well. Come explore our farm and taste our unique wines in the comfort of our Tasting Room or from the panoramic vista at our Overlook where you will experience the serenity of the natural world and a sense of calm, here where heaven and earth join.
Distinctly Virginia
We wanted to grow something unique for Virginia. Our vineyard would be small, under two acres, a manageable size for the two of us. Our site is different from most Virginia vineyards. We are a much higher elevation at 1800 ft, our soils rockier, the movement of air more pronounced as it wafts back and forth down to the valleys on either side of us. We are cooler during the day and we have great air movement. It might work! “Little Burgundy” she offered. This could be Virginia’s Little Burgundy!
Working with nature.
We emphasize biodiversity by planting cover crops and perimeter flowers, fruit trees and a small vegetable garden in the vineyard grounds, all providing habitat for beneficial insects (and healthy snacks for the workers). We use our sheep at designated times to graze the vineyard floor, thus weeding and fertilizing our low-nitrogen soils. We have bee hives for pollination and keep chickens and guinea hens to feast on the insect pests. Bluebird houses and Martin houses are there to help with the bugs as well. Proper canopy management is essential to keep the air moving around the leaves and grapes, thus lessening the fungal disease pressures.
