Waverly Farms: Latest News
We have Bees!
In order to improve pollination across our orchard and the overall Batesville community, we finished installation of six beehives as well as several wildflower meadows. Our Italian and hybrid bee colonies are already growing nicely. Grapevines are self-pollinating, but some believe that the bees can help improve yields. The bees certainly help our blueberry and other fruit trees.
Our Journey
Beginning the Journey
With the goal of becoming a wholesale supplier of high-quality wine grapes, Waverly Farms began developing a vineyard on a 26-acre site near Batesville, Virginia in April 2023. Located just six miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the site was previously used as a horse pasture and, earlier, as part of a 160-acre apple orchard dating back to the 19th century.
This location is ideal for grape growing within Central Virginia’s renowned Monticello American Viticulture Area. The soil is a rich, crumbly mix of rock, sand, and clay, and the vineyard benefits from southern sun exposure on a gently sloping site with an elevation of 740 feet along Batesville Road.
Under the guidance of Tinder Cattle & Vineyard, the vineyard has now undergone several phases of expansion, and cultivated with love and dedication.
- In May 2023, we planted the initial five acres of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc vines.
- In Spring 2024, an additional six acres of Merlot, Vermentino, and Cabernet Franc were planted.
- In Spring 2025 we cleared and planted just over five acres of Grüner Veltliner and Albariño on the property to the north of Batesville Road.
Many capital improvements have been made along the way including the construction of our barn/workshop and an apiary for pollinators currently with six hives. Our 'blueberry block' now hosts seven varietals of plants. 'Smart' drip irrigation systems were installed in both the blueberry and orchard blocks this year.
Stay tuned for updates by joining our mailing list at the bottom of the webpage.
The Vineyard Today
Our Vineyards
Our vineyard and orchard now consist of 15 acres of vines, fruit trees, and blueberry bushes. Approximately two acres of wild flowers support our bee hives.
New Blocks Completed Spring 2025
Consistent with changing palates favoring white wines, we just completed two new blocks to the north of Batesville Road planted with Grüner Veltliner and Albariño vines. Additionally, we added to our block of Vermentino.
About Us / Contact Us
Message us on WhatsApp
Waverly Farm LLC (dba Waverly Farms)
7085 Batesville Road, Afton, Virginia 22920, United States
