Winemaker: Stephen Barnard

Stephen hails from Cape Town, South Africa. He began his winery career while a student, working at the oldest winery in South Africa, in the tasting room. Later, armed with a four-year degree from the University of South Africa and a three year stint at Elsenburg Agricultural College, Stephen took a winemaking job at Flagstone winery in South Africa. He scrubbed tanks, drove forklifts, and learned the importance of sanitation and the value of hard work. He was exposed to native fermentations, cold soaking, blending and tasting.

Realizing that wine is a world-wide phenomenon, Stephen decided to explore the wine industry in Virginia and began here at Keswick Vineyards as an intern. Two years later he took the head winemaker’s position at Rappahannock Cellars in Northern Virginia. While there, Stephen had the opportunity to work with hybrids such as Seyval and Vidal and really experiment in the cellar. We are extremely proud that he won the Governor's Cup last year for Rappahannock.

Fortunately, Keswick is where Stephen's heart is, so we were able to woo him back home last year, as head winemaker. Now he is part of our amazing and talented team and is committed to producing world-class wines for Keswick Vineyards.

Annual Production: 3,000 cases

Grape Varieties Planted

• Cabernet Franc
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chambourcin
• Chardonnay
• Norton / Cynthiana
• Petit Verdot
• Syrah / Shiraz
• Tannat
• Touriga Nacional
• Traminette
• Verdelho
• Viognier