Chatham Vineyards
Chatham Vineyards, owned and operated by the Wehner family, is located on the historic Chatham Farm, a working farm for over four centuries on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Jon Wehner, a second-generation winegrower, brings his expertise from his family’s Great Falls Vineyard to Chatham, which he runs with his wife, Mills, and their three children. Since 1999, the vineyard has been dedicated to growing high-density French vinifera varietals, including Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. With meticulous care in the vineyard and hand-harvesting techniques, Chatham Vineyards produces exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Virginia’s Eastern Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA).
Chatham Farm
Chatham Farm, overlooking Church Creek, has a rich history dating back to 1640 when the land was first patented. The Federal-period brick house, built in 1818 by Major Scarborough Pitts, was named after William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, a supporter of the American Revolution. Over the years, the historic outbuildings, barns, and early 1900s homes on the property have been carefully renovated. For over four centuries, Chatham Farm has remained a working farm, preserving its heritage while embracing modern agricultural practices.
The Winery
Constructed in 2005, the Chatham Vineyards winery has a production capacity of 3,000 to 5,000 cases annually. The state-of-the-art facility features advanced winemaking equipment, including a computerized Europress, a Zickler-Rauch destemmer/crusher, French and Virginia oak barrels, and custom-made, stainless-steel fermenters. The winery is kept at a constant 50 degrees year-round to ensure optimal conditions for winemaking.
Rooted in History, Shaped by Stories
IT ALL STARTED WITH A BANG! 35 MILLION YEARS OF HISTORY IN A BOTTLE
One of the key difference makers that distinguishes Chatham dates back 35.5 million years when a bolide, or what we might call a comet or meteor, slammed into the Atlantic Ocean, disrupting every form of life. Water, sediment and shattered rock were cast into the atmosphere from the impact. A mega tsunami was triggered and rushed out across what is now Virginia, obliterating everything in its path.
THE ROOTS FOR CHATHAM PLANTED IN A FAMILY VINEYARD IN GREAT FALLS MORE THAN 50 YEARS AGO
The slow, subtle journey to Chatham Vineyards at Church Creek started some 220 miles away, 55 years ago on a family farm in Great Falls, Virginia.
MILLS AND JOAN WEHNER AND THE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT MOTHERS WEAR
Six weeks before becoming a mother, Mills Wehner was aboard a tractor, preparing the vineyard for harvest. Mills isn’t technically the vintner at Chatham Vineyards — that’s her husband, Jon — but her worker-bee mentality about every aspect of the operation is the reason family-owned Chatham Vineyards thrives well into its third decade as the only winery on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
CHATHAM VINEYARDS REFLECTS THE FOOTPRINTS OF VITICULTURE ROCK STAR LUCIE MORTON
Lucie Morton, internationally recognized as a viticulturist, ampelographer, consultant, research collaborator, author, lecturer and film producer, is a trailblazer with nearly 50 years of experience. She’s also a treasure to Chatham Vineyards at Church Creek, where her expertise sought out before the first vine was planted laid the groundwork for vintners Jon and Mills Wehner to grow a sustainable business for this generation and the next.
CHATHAM HOUSE: A FAMILY LEGACY WORTH PRESERVING
Harrison and Joan Wehner shared an affinity for fixing up historic properties, something their three sons didn’t necessarily love as youngsters.
CHATHAM VINEYARDS GETTING BETTER WITH AGE
A 25th anniversary and champagne pair well together, though at Chatham Vineyards, commemorating that milestone with a glass of Steel Chardonnay feels more fitting!
A CHERISHED FRIENDSHIP THAT’S STOOD THE TEST OF TIME
Chatham’s wines benefit from that slow, calculated growth, and vineyard manager José Macias has been integral to that consistency. Back in 1999, Jon and his father were putting the first line posts in the vineyard when they met José, who started as a vineyard worker 23 year ago.
CHEERS TO CHATHAM, WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS HER NAME
If you’re at Chatham Vineyards, the answer is often yes, Janice Korleski is in the tasting room eager to welcome you back or greet first timers ready to soak up a unique experience on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.