Having grown up on a farm in the Midwest, Sharon Horton of Horton Vineyards finds the outdoors to be her oasis. What began for her and her husband, Dennis, as a small at-home vineyard in the 1980s has bloomed into a successful family-run contributor to the Virginia wine industry. Identified as having greatly influenced the wine landscape of Jefferson’s Virginia, the Hortons helped jumpstart the area’s direction by planting the first Viognier and Norton grapes.
What experiences led you to start Horton Vineyards?
It all started from my husband’s [Dennis] dream to grow grapes. After moving to Virginia, he saw the potential in the area to grow certain kinds of vinifera varietals. It was in our front yard that he planted our first vines. A trip to the Rhône Valley in Southern France lead to learning more about grape varietals that would do well here.
Why winemaking/growing? What got you into it, and how long have you been doing it?
We [Dennis & Sharon] wanted to start a winery and knew that we had to have the right kinds of grapes to do so—ones that would give us consistent quality year-after-year, which led to having our own vineyard as well. We have been established since 1989, so for 28 years, we have loved what we are doing and what we share with the community.
Research and Experimentation at Horton Vineyards
Where or from whom did you learn the techniques used at Horton Vineyards?
The learning came from many different experiences. The techniques for setting up the vineyard came from our time in California, where we learned a lot. For instance, the open lyre system was a practice we took away because of the rainfall and wetness that Virginia is known to have. With this system, the air can flow through the vines with ease. We also went to seminars at Virginia Tech. But the bulk of information, like what grapes to plant, was self-taught through reading, research and a lot of trial and error.
You mentioned you also do projects with Virginia Tech. What types of research has Horton Vineyards done with the university?
We have had students in their Ph.D. program come out to conduct research. One project was about the brown marmalade stinkbug and how they might affect the wine with their scent. They learned that it would eventually filter out before the wine was bottled. We also worked with them on influences of fruit flies.
Since, we first started the vineyard, we’ve wanted to share both the good things and the bad things, to educate one another on the climate and to help strengthen the local wine industry as a whole.
Viognier at Horton Vineyards
What is one tradition you feel strongly about continuing at Horton Vineyards that has played into its success?
Growing grapes that grow well in our state. Or in other words, doing what is best in the Virginia climate. We also believe that thinking outside the box is good and to then try something if you think it might be successful.
Of all the wines you have made, which is your favorite and why?
I would have to say out of our 42 wines (some being blends) my favorite to grow is the Viognier. It’s not only easy to grow but also constant and versatile in winemaking. It is constant because even when it rains the sugars will stay the same. We also have a Sparkling Viognier, one of few, if not the only one, that we are aware of in the state.
Horton Vineyards is identified as bringing the Viognier grape to Virginia. Where did you first learn about the grape?
During our travels to California, we learned about the grape’s success and the climate it does well in. We planted our first vine of Viognier in 1991 and saw our first bottle in 1992. Currently, we have 17 acres of this grape, which shows that it has done well for us since that very first planting.
…My favorite to grow is the Viognier. It’s not only easy to grow but also constant and versatile in winemaking.
~ Viticulturist Sharon Horton
Which grapes did extremely well at Horton this past year?
The Touriga Nacional and Cabernet Franc did extremely well this year. The sugars went up nicely because of the warmer weather and cooler evenings.
Do you have a new wine coming out or is a new one on the horizon?
We do! We are very excited about our new Pinotage Rosé. I believe there are only around 68 acres of this varietal in the U.S., and it’s a grape that comes from South Africa. It has a smoky taste and is a cross between a Pinot Noir and a Cinsaut. It has proved to do well for us in Virginia so far and is most often picked early.
Final Thoughts from Viticulturist Sharon Horton
What are your goals and aspirations for the Virginia wine industry?
It’s simple—to keep planting the right varietals at the right sites and making good wine.
Do you see winemaking as a science or an art form?
A science, because it doesn’t always come out perfect. You have to know what you are doing in the lab in order to balance everything when necessary.
What bottle of wine is open in your kitchen right now?
Not surprising, it’s a bottle of Norton. This has always been my favorite wine to drink, ever since living in Missouri. With it being from the Midwest, the Norton is a hybrid, not a vinifera. It has a nice soft tannin taste and does great with spicy foods.
In closing, what would you like to share with wine consumers?
I ask that they remember the grower and the crop that they bring in, because that is the starting point for the wine you continue to love. ~
SARAH PASTOREK SHORT is an editor and writer whose work can be seen in many publications on topics like food, wine, home decor, sporting life, travel and more.
R. L. JOHNSON is our Co-Publisher and Creative Director. Johnson studied at the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design and began her career as a professional photographer in Los Angeles. She moved into graphic design and art direction when she relocated to Charlottesville in 1994. As our company’s co-founder and visionary, she enjoys all aspects of storytelling.
