Crafting quality wines and memorable experiences since 2010
Gauthier Vineyard is a woman-owned and veteran-owned working farm, equestrian center, vineyard, and winery located in scenic New Kent County, Virginia near the intersection of the Lafayette and Washington-Rochambeau trails to Yorktown. Owned by retired Navy Captains Mo and Sandi Gauthier, the farm, rich in history and established in 2010, features a state-of-the-art equestrian center built in 2011, offering boarding, training, lessons, clinics, and competitive events. The vineyard, with vines planted in 2011 and a tasting room and winemaking facility constructed in 2012-2013, produces quality wines overseen by award-winning winemaker Matthew Meyer and produced in collaboration with our partner vineyard, Cave Ridge Vineyard, located in the Shenandoah Valley.
2016
In 2016, we expanded our offerings with a pizza pavilion featuring a wood-fired pizza oven, and later added roasted oysters. The pavilion also includes a large firepit for guests to enjoy. Additionally, we began construction of an underground winemaking and storage facility in early 2016, which was expanded in 2017 to include an above-ground event center for hosting corporate events, parties, and weddings.
2019
In May 2019, we acquired an adjacent 12.5-acre property with a 5,000 sq. ft. home, which we converted into a whole house rental, opening for reservations in September 2021.
Today
Today, led by Sandi, Mo, and Matthew, the future has never been brighter and the wines never better. We hope you will visit and savor this special slice of paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the every day.
Our Vineyards
Quality from New Kent to the Shenandoah.
After years of sampling Virginia’s excellent wines, Mo and Sandi Gauthier were inspired and enamored by their extraordinary tasting experience at Cave Ridge Vineyard located in the historic Shenandoah Valley in Mount Jackson, VA. When approached, Cave Ridge’s founder and vintner, Randy Phillips, graciously accepted the Gauthiers’ request for his mentorship in realizing their dream of starting and operating a winery. Under Randy’s tutelage, the Gauthiers and their friends planted the first 3,200 vines on their “Fair Winds Farm” in Barhamsville in April of 2012. In 2013, the Gauthiers completed construction of their winery, purchased select grapes grown in Shenandoah Valley vineyards and have leased mature vines in the Shenandoah Valley for future grape production.
Gauthier Vineyard’s first estate-grown grapes were harvested in the late summer and the early fall of 2014. Production of their estate wines were performed on the premises under Randy’s guidance. Gauthier Vineyard’s estate wines are made exclusively from their Norton grapes.
Why the Shenandoah Valley?
The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is well-suited for growing grapes due to its unique combination of climate, soil, and topography. The Valley benefits from a temperate climate with warm days and cool nights, which helps to develop the complex flavors and balanced acidity in the grapes. Additionally, the well-drained limestone and shale soils provide ideal conditions for vine growth, while the natural elevation and slopes enhance sun exposure and air circulation, reducing the risk of frost and disease. These factors together create an optimal environment for producing high-quality grapes that contribute to the distinctive character of our Virginia wines. Our specifically chosen sites offer exceptional elegance and balance. From these grapes, we endeavor to create wines honoring the Old-World styles with a New World address.
Our Farm
Mo and Sandi Gauthier purchased their “Fair Winds” farm in 2010. Like most ground in the county, the farm is rich in history. Local relic hunters have validated its service as a Civil War encampment for both Union and Confederate forces during the lengthy Peninsula Campaign.
Visionaries of Hospitality and Winemaking Excellence
Sandi and Mo Gauthier
Sandi Gauthier, Owner and CEO
Mo Gauthier, Owner and President
Sandi and Mo Gauthier, your hosts, are retired Navy veterans, having served over five decades of active duty, combined. Since the 1980s, they had the great fortune to serve mostly in Virginia from Hampton Roads to Northern Virginia. Mo was raised on the North Shore of Boston, MA, entering the Naval Academy in the summer of 1965. Sandi grew up as farm girl in Missouri, graduated from Stephens College in Columbia, MO, and entered the Navy in 1975.
Upon their retirements in the late 1990s, they chose Virginia as their home, and in 2002, they purchased their home on the York River in Barhamsville, VA. In 2010, they purchased their Fair Winds Farm on Farmers Drive and began building their vision.
Matthew Meyer
Winemaker and COO
Over the course of a storied winemaking career in Napa Valley Virginia and beyond, Meyer has established a reputation for excellence, earning numerous accolades including several 90+ point wines and winning the Virginia Governor’s Cup for the state’s highest scoring wine.
In his role at Gauthier Vineyard, Matthew oversees all aspects of winemaking and winery operations, including grape cultivation from Gauthier’s onsite vineyard in Barhamsville and at its satellite vineyard at Cave Ridge Vineyard in the Shenandoah Valley. His commitment to quality and attention to detail align perfectly with Gauthier Vineyard’s mission to create outstanding wines that honor the rich heritage and the natural beauty of Virginia’s wine country.
Brenda Howell
Tasting Room Manager
Brenda has been a part of the Gauthier Vineyard family since 2018, starting as a volunteer and growing into a key team member and leader. With a background in business ownership and a love for meeting new people, Brenda enjoys sharing Gauthier’s wines with long-time customers and newcomers alike. Now retired from owning her own business, she considers Gauthier Vineyard, its customers, and staff her extended family. Brenda looks forward to the continued growth and success of Gauthier Vineyard.
Beverly Guill
Tasting Room Manager
After nearly two years at Gauthier Vineyard, Beverly considers this her “fun” retirement job following a 35-year career as a teacher and principal. Having recently moved to Williamsburg with her husband, she really enjoys the vibrant local community, and all that this area has to offer. At Gauthier, she manages the Loyalty Rewards Program and finds great fulfillment in working with all of the wonderful customers, members, and dedicated staff.
Mike Reed
Cellarmaster
Before transitioning to the wine industry, Mike spent 35 years in the automotive sector and plumbing supply wholesale. He gained his first wine industry experience at a local winery, where he took on various roles, sparking his passion for winemaking. Mike has been with Gauthier Vineyard since its inception in 2014, contributing across all areas of the winery—from cellar operations to pizza-making, and everything in between. His deep knowledge of Gauthier Vineyard is unmatched and greatly valued.