About Us

Paul and Brenda (Humphrey) Hric moved home to the Southwest Virginia mountains in 2005 to Brenda’s family homeplace.  West Wind Farm is the current incarnation of what started as Mount Zephyr in the mid-19th century.  The Humphrey family came to own the farm in 1914 and Brenda and Paul were able to keep it in the family by establishing West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery.  (Just in case you’re wondering, Zephyr means “west wind”.)

The grapevines were planted in the spring of 2003 and the first wine made here was in the fall of 2005.  Currently there are five acres of grapes being cultivated on the farm.  This allows Paul to exercise the growing skills that were once showcased at Country Meadows Nursery and Greenhouses in Greensboro, North Carolina.  He and Brenda owned the successful garden center until 1999.

David Manley and Jason Manley, nephews, got on board from the beginning and helped bring about what is now West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery.

David lived in Charlottesville and in both Carolinas for ten years before returning to his roots.  He basks in the relaxed pace and wide open skies his native Wythe County features.  He’s involved in a little bit of everything here at the winery and during summer months, you’re liable to see him furiously chasing down Japanese beetles.  If you’re interested and have a license, David can even perform your wedding.  No kidding!

Jason returned to the mountains of Southwest Virginia after living in Charlottesville and in Greensboro, North Carolina. He makes your visit enjoyable whether he’s behind the bar, keeping the place looking great, or finding useful, tasty, and beautiful items to sell.  He makes our lives more pleasant with his hard work in the vineyard and all around the winery.

Our wine is truly family-crafted.

Accolades & Accomplishments

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved in the short amount of time we’ve been open. Here are a few of the highlights:

In the few years since our opening in 2006, our wines have been awarded over two dozen awards at a variety of competitions. Virtually every wine we’ve made has been recognized.

West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery was the second winery in Virginia to be certified Virginia Green by the Commonwealth’s Department of Environmental Quality. We subscribe to principals of sustainability and we try to minimize our impact on the environment when possible.

Our wine was also approved for participation in Virginia’s Finest a recognized quality assurance program sponsored by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

We plan to keep the tradition of excellence going!