DuCard vineyards was established in 2001 after Scott and Karen Elliff purchased property on the eastern slope of the Shenandoah National Park west of the historic town of Madison, Virginia.  The property, at an elevation of 1,000 feet  was once the site of a thriving Apple Orchard at a time when Virginia was the leading state for apple growing. Scott and his wife bought the property as a getaway from Washington, DC and after consulting with the Virginia Agricultural Extension Service were advised not to replant the orchard but to put in a vineyard instead.  Advice they heeded.   So, in 2001 they jumped all in and planted their 7 acre site to Viognier, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Chardonnay, and Norton the native American grape varietal which was breed and cultivated by Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton of Richmond , VA and became available commercially in 1830.  At first they sold their grapes to other wineries in the area but, after some of those wines continued to get  awards they decided to start their own brand and opened to public in 2010.  They haven't looked back since.  Among other distinctions DuCard Vineyards was voted Virginia's Greenest Winery because of their commitment to sustainable practices in both the vineyard and throughout their winery operation. 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE INCLUDE:

a). Scott shares the interesting story behind the origins of the brand name DuCard which has a long ago family connection.
b). He explains how he learned about the state agricultural extension service, (something he admittedly says he knew nothing about)  when he was making a decision about whether to replant his ancient apple orchard site.
c). Scott talks about the many philanthropic causes that DuCard supports and why he believes it is important.
d). we discuss his strategy and how he is able to sell over 95% of his wine either at the winery or direct to those consumers who have visited DuCard in the past.
e). Scott points out why he believes it is so important to grow his own grapes and why that allows him to maintain his quality first and foremost.

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