Virginia’s RdV Vineyards has been purchased by the owners of Bordeaux’s esteemed Château Montrose, according to a Tuesday press release. The deal, which is the first major acquisition by a major Bordeaux estate in the eastern U.S., suggests Virginia wine is being taken more seriously on the world stage.
Founded by Rutger de Vink in 2006, RdV Vineyards broke ground as a pioneer in Virginia wine. The new ownership plans to change the brand’s name to Lost Mountain as a tribute to the terroir of the region in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. De Vink will stay on through the 2024 harvest as a consultant, while the rest of the RdV team will continue to work at the estate including winemaker and master of wine Joshua Gainer. The purchase included 93 acres of vineyards, 18 of which are under vine with grapes including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot — the same varieties that can be found in Bordeaux. The financial terms of the sale were not disclosed.
