Business has never been better at the Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton. Just try getting in on a Saturday afternoon.
"It's fantastic. The craft alcohol market has been such a trendy thing these days, and notoriety for Virginia wines has really taken off," said winery co-owner Kirk Wiles.
Wiles' goal for this year is to produce 10,000 cases of wine - the most to date (They made 8,900 cases last year). Approximately five percent of the grapes grown come from Paradise Springs in Clifton and the rest is grown off-site at vineyards in Shenandoah and Purcellville, Va.
The winery is located on 36 acres of property owned by Wiles' family since 1716 - part of a 1,000 acre land grant from Lord Fairfax. More than 300 acres remain in the family.
"It's a destination winery," said customer Kurt Wilkinson. "It's a fantastic place to come on Friday night."
But five years ago, as Wiles and his mother Jane Kincheloe Wiles were about to open the winery, Fairfax County stepped in and said that the business was not an agricultural use (since most of the grapes used for production are grown off-site) and would have to shut down. A legal battle ensued for over a year, culminating in the licensure of the business by the Virginia ABC Board.
"This is the new character of agriculture, and it's a little more fun than lurching cattle around," said Wiles.
Most of the small businesses in Clifton sell wine from Paradise Springs.
"We're all a big family in a small town," said Wiles. "Clifton has always been known as the best kept secret in Fairfax County. We don't want it to be a secret anymore."
Click here to learn more about the Paradise Springs Wine Club (special vintages included).
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