Amy Griffin’s Oakencroft Farm

In 2008, Amy Griffin and her husband purchased Oakencroft Winery, which had been one of central Virginia’s wine-making

pioneers. They quickly switched from producing wines to making alcohol-free

artisan grape juice. The change allowed the company, now called Oakencroft Farm, to get

in early on a developing market while reducing its negative impact on the

environment.

The company now produces three types of grape juice: Seyval Blanc, Traminette, and

Chambourcin. Made from white grapes, Seyval Blanc features a bright, crisp flavor. Traminette, also made from white grapes, offers a more pear-like taste and a floral

aroma, and Chambourcin, a red grape juice, presents a rich berry taste. The juices come

in bottles resembling those used for wine and can be utilized in a variety of recipes or drunk

straight.

As a result of its early entrance into the artisan grape juice market, Oakencroft has been able to collaborate with other pioneers around the world as well. “New Zealand,” the

company has said, “has been particularly helpful to us.”