Welcome to Ankida Ridge Vineyards
"Where Heaven and Earth Join…"
ALL HOURS ARE 12-5PM
(Except 12-6 on Saturdays in May-Aug)
JANUARY: CLOSED
FEBRUARY: OPEN Saturday Only
MARCH & APRIL: Saturday and Sunday
MAY-NOVEMBER: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
DECEMBER: Saturday & Sunday
We Are A Dog Friendly Winery. Bring Your Own Picnic or Enjoy Our Famous Charcuterie Board.
Serendipity. We knew the meaning of the word, but we never thought we would live a story spun by its beautiful, magical web, weaving us into this pastoral place and unexpected life in the mountains of Virginia, crafting a fine Pinot Noir wine—an impossible feat in hot, humid Virginia. How in Bacchus’ name did this all happen?
We purchased this untamed mountain land with the intention of one day turning it into a retirement retreat after leaving our veterinary practice in Virginia Beach, where Dennis was a veterinarian and Christine, a former nurse, was the practice manager. We never anticipated we’d be growing grapes and making wine! When a small spot of land was accidentally cleared on our forested mountain, we faced a decision on what to do with it. After much discussion within the family, conversations with future wine industry colleagues, bringing in renowned ampelographer and vineyard consultant, Lucie Morton, and paying attention to many subtle nudges, we decided to undertake the challenge and plant a small vineyard on this cooler, rocky, steep-sloped site. But, what to plant?
With Lucie’s guidance, we decided on pinot noir, the Burgundian grape that does well in cooler climates and well-drained soils. We were met with dire warnings from fellow growers who had planted pinot noir in the past. "Pinot Noir does not grow in Virginia," they said, "not well enough to craft a fine wine, at least." Back then, the Virginia wine industry had not fully recognized the importance of matching grape variety to place. Ankida Ridge has since played a role in elevating this discussion. Our first vintage, the 2010 Pinot Noir was received with high accolades, much to our delight! The rest is history.
This story is best shared over bottles of wine, around a fire, on the beach, or relaxing on a mountaintop under the stars. Here we are, living a vineyard life and running another family business—this time with our son Nathan as winemaker—high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Amherst County, Virginia. From the beginning, we affirmed that family is most important. Let the business fall into place behind the love, respect, and importance of family. We embrace that to this day.
Cheers to serendipity, paying attention, perseverance, and family! We welcome all of you to visit and become a member of our extended family… our Ankida Ridge Wine Family.
Christine, Dennis and Nathan Vrooman
Experience the essence of Ankida Ridge with every sip. Step into Virginia wine country with an amazing tasting experience at Ankida Ridge. Discover our diverse wine portfolio, featuring the finest Reds, Whites, refreshing Rosés, vibrant Sparkling’s, and complex Blends. Each tasting session is a journey through the unique terroir and meticulous craftsmanship that define our vineyard. As you sip on our carefully crafted wines, enjoy breathtaking views that our mountainous location can provide. Embrace the essence of Ankida Ridge with every taste.
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.
Schedule Of Events
Ankida Ridge Experiences
Discover an array of unforgettable experiences awaiting you at Ankida Ridge Vineyards. From enchanting events nestled in the heart of the mountains to vibrant celebrations within the local community and beyond, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery with us.
Explore our curated list of events
Gift Card
Treat yourself to the tranquility and taste of Anikda Ridge. From our vineyard to your glass, discover a world of refined wines crafted at the peal of perfection.
DISCOVER
The Ankida Ridge Wine Club
The Ankida Insiders
Join the inner circle of fine wine connoisseurs.
Become Part of Our Extended Family
At Ankida Ridge Vineyards, joining our Wine Club means more than just exclusive wines; it means becoming part of a family. There is no charge to join. As a member, you'll gain privileged access to some of Virginia's most esteemed wines and become an integral part of a community that cherishes the art of winemaking. Here's what awaits you as a member of our extended family:
- Exclusive Discounts in the Tasting Room
- First Access to Limited Productions
- Members-Only Pricing
- First Access to Limited Productions
- Insider Updates
- Members-Only Events
- International Wine Tours
View Wine Club Membership Pricing And More By Clicking Below.
A Bedrock of Brilliance
Our Labels' Stories
“Beauty begets beauty” at Ankida, both in the ground and above it. Soil plays a predominant role in the structure of grapes, their vines and ultimately the wines. This slide is a microscopic slice of our vineyard soil that feeds the vines. Formed for over 600,000 years as part of the Appalachian Mountains, the second oldest mountain chain on the planet, this soil is a testament to nature's enduring power and the impact it has on the wines we craft. This ancient, weathered igneous rock of charnockite granite contains a complexity of quartz, pyroxene, feldspar converting to clay and other minerals too numerous to mention here.
COMING SPRING 2025
Authored By Ankida Ridge Vineyards' Founder Christine Wells Vrooman
Book Title: "Terroir Of A Dream - Vines of Vision, Cultivating Passion and Purpose in Virginia"
Sign up for release notice.
Sip, Click, Explore!
Journey through our vineyard's bounty with a simple click. Delve into our collection of Pinot Noirs, Chardonnay and Chardonnay Blends, our Rosé, Sparklings, and unique Blends. Each is a portal to a world of flavors, crafted with care from the heart of Virginia's wine country in panoramic Amherst County, where High Elevation equals High Quality. Cheers to our beautiful site and our Wines of Distinction!
Pinot Noir
Experience the depth and intensity of our elegant Pinot Noirs.
Chardonnay
Refresh your palate with our elegant, versatile Chardonnays.
Blanc de Noir
Bursting with effervescence and a fine bouquet, our sparkling wines are for celebrating.
Rosé of Pinot Noir
Delight in the delicate balance of our Rosé wines thhat are crafted with a softer, more nuanced profile.
Verday
Explore the artistry of our blended Verday, a "Vinho Verde style wine."
Patiné
A golden-colored dessert wine made from 100% Chardonnay, aged and weathered in neutral-oak barrels.