Our Story

 With three generations of Virginia vintners and a diverse and creative staff, Grayhaven has a unique perspective and approach to winemaking as well as crafting a magical and immersive experience for people who visit the winery.

Our Wines 

          Reflect a dedication to expressing the unique terroir of the Piedmont region of

           central Virginia and the magical microcosm of our estate vineyards 

The Winery

          Is a haven for good humor, great conversations & relaxation - where    

          friends meet and families find time to connect

Our Culture

          Embraces our Virginia and South African heritages and welcomes guests from near

          and far, with joy and curiosity for every story of every person we meet

History

Founded in 1978, Grayhaven is one of the oldest commercial vineyards in the state of Virginia. In 1994, the winery was granted the 22nd Farm Winery license in Virginia, a state with almost 400 wineries in 2022. We are three generations of vintners who's experience spans the entire length of the Virginia wine industry, beginning with the Virginia Farm Wineries Act of 1976.

Charles (Chuck) and Evelyn (Lyn) Peple, with daughters Mallory and Max, moved to the old Isbell Estate in Gum Spring, VA in 1978 - with the intention of establishing a vineyard and eventually launching a winery.

Today, the winery remains family owned and operated.  While our beloved founder Lyn Peple passed away in 2019, 86 year old Chuck is still involved in the winery and vineyards - dispensing his immense wisdom, forever poking holes in the Kawasaki upholstery with his vine pruners and pitching up every day for his afternoon glass of wine with visitors. 

Since 2001, Max Peple-Abrams and her South African husband Deon Abrams have run the day to day at the winery.  You can find them anywhere from the vineyard, to the cellar and also serving customers. Their son, 16 year old Azra Abrams, can be found bottling wine, meeting, greeting and seating customers, and bussing tables.

Grayhaven's amazing staff and volunteers can be found in the vineyard, tasting room, at events and farmers markets, or bottling wine. We are immensely proud of our team, whose hard work, intelligence, good humor and kindness are a gift to Grayhaven and all of our visitors.