Celebrating 31 Years! 1994 - 2025
14706 Lee Highway, Amissville, VA 20106, US
News
Owners of Gray Ghost Receive Lifetime Achievement Award
April 3, 2025
Al and Cheryl Kellert, owners and winemakers at Gray Ghost Vineyards, were awarded the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Eastern Wineries Exposition held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on March 26, 2025, sponsored by WineBusiness Monthly Magazine!
Commercially growing grapes for 38 years and open for 31 years, the Kellerts were recognized for their long-standing commitment to both the Virginia Wine Industry and the Wine Industry as a whole. Garnering over 3,000 medals across the country in 30 years, Gray Ghost’s wines have brought attention to the high quality of wine produced in the Commonwealth. Not only do they feel blessed being in a business they love, but also having the 2nd and 3rdgenerations involved in the winery is a dream come true. The Kellerts are both humbled and excited to be one of the ten oldest wineries in Virginia operated by the same family and to be able to boast having the same winemaker, Al Kellert, for the entirety of the operation.
With the largest circulation in North America, WineBusiness Monthly is the trusted resource for wine industry news. Known for its comprehensive editorial, the magazine features the latest in winemaking, grape growing, sales and marketing, and business and technology. Winemaker trials, proprietary survey data, first looks at new products, Industry Roundtables and Varietal Focus are hallmarks of the monthly publication, available both in printed and digital versions.
Sponsored by WineBusiness Monthly, the Eastern Winery Exposition is the largest trade show and conference for winemaking and grape growing in the East. Held annually, EWE rotates locations between Syracuse, New York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania and will be coming to Richmond in 2026. EWE features Workshop & Conference sessions, an exhibit hall with over 200 exhibiting companies, co-location of the License to Steal Wine Marketing Conference.
San Francisco Chronicle Awards GOLD to Gray Ghost's 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
January 26, 2023
Gray Ghost’s 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon earned Gold medal honors at the 2023 San Francisco Chronicle wine competition! In a category dominated by West Coast wines, Gray Ghost’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was the only East Coast Cabernet to win Gold medal honors across 17 categories and over 800 entries. This is the 5th consecutive year Gray Ghost has earned Gold medal status at this prestigious competition. Gray Ghost’s 2021 Chardonnay and 2020 Reserve Chardonnay were both awarded Silver.
The San Francisco Chronicle wine competition is held annually in January. This year’s competition garnered over 5,800 entries from around the world! Gray Ghost’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon will be featured in a special awards publication on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
Grape Productivity Award Presented to Al and Cheryl Kellert of Gray Ghost Vineyards by the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association!
November 14, 2022
Located in Amissville, Virginia, on what was previously a horse farm, Al and Cheryl Kellert of Gray Ghost Vineyards planted their first vines in 1986.The Kellerts were early pioneers in the emerging Virginia wine scene that began in the late 1970’s. The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association is proud to acknowledge their work with the 2023 Wine Grape Productivity Award.
Appointed in the late 1990’s, Al Kellert served on the Virginia Winegrowers Advisory Board, a unit of the Department of Agriculture created to contract research to improve viticultural and enological practices in the Virginia wine industry, promote education about and appreciation for Virginia wine, and disseminate information on wine and viticultural topics.
Cheryl Kellert has served as Treasurer and Board Member of the Virginia Vineyards Association. The VVA is a nonprofit organization that brings together commercial grape growers, winemakers, researchers and educators to advance viticulture in Virginia. In 2011, Cheryl was presented a certificate “for her vast achievements, leadership in the community, and character and dedication as a Woman in Business in the Commonwealth of Virginia” at the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond celebrating women in business.
The Kellerts have worked with Virginia Tech, the Commonwealth’s leading source of grapegrowing education, research, and information, on studies of the grape berry moth and weed control systems seeking alternatives to herbicides. They are happy to open their vineyards to VA Tech extension courses.
Cheryl and Al Kellert are frequent speakers at trade conferences such as Wineries Unlimited. As featured presenters at national events sponsored by the American Wine Society, they have criss-crossed the country – Winston-Salem, Cincinnati, Sacramento and Concord, North Carolina – providing insights into grape growing and marketing the product.
The Kellert family is known for its steadfast support of the local community. Second and third generations are dedicated to following Al and Cheryl’s example at both the vineyard and winery, and in their philanthropic endeavors.
The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association’s Wine Grape Productivity Award is a Sheffield silver piece in the style of a classic champagne serving tray with a full border of bas-relief grape and vine patterns. The logo of the Vinifera Wine Growers Association, precursor to the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association, now incorporated into the ASWA’s logo, is engraved in the center of the tray. Past awardees include Anna Katharine Mansfield, Associate Professor of Enology at Cornell AgriTech; Thomas Costentino, Executive Director of the Garden State Winegrowers Association; Douglas P. Moorhead, Presque Isle Wine Cellars, Pennsylvania, and 30+ others since the award’s inception.
The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association promotes American wine produced in the seventeen eastern states: all those that touch the Atlantic Ocean plus West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Vermont. This trade organization was founded in 1973 as the Vinifera Wine Growers Association, and renamed in 2008 to reflect an expanded regional focus.
ASWA’s mission is to increase awareness of the fine wines of the Atlantic seaboard through trade and consumer education. Members liaise with national, state, and regional wine organizations to identify opportunities to highlight the wines and winemakers working here.
Gray Ghost Brings Home the California Gold
March 15, 2022
Gray Ghost’s 2019 Reserve Chardonnay won Gold medal honors at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition in January! In a competition dominated by California Chardonnay entries, this is extraordinary recognition for Virginia. This award came on the heels of another Gold for the Reserve Chardonnay at the Harvest Terroir competition in California. In addition to being recognized at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition, Gray Ghost’s 2020 Vidal Blanc won Gold at the San Diego International and the 2019 Ranger Reserve (Bordeaux blend) won Gold at the Santé International.
The largest competition of North American wines in the world, the San Francisco Chronicle received 5,816 entries from 1,000 wineries across the country.
Gray Ghost’s Cabernets Turn Heads on West Coast
February 15, 2020
Gray Ghost’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon earned Double Gold honors at the 20th Anniversary of the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in California. Gray Ghost’s Cabernet was the only East Coast Cabernet to take Double Gold honors across seventeen different Cabernet Sauvignon categories. “A double gold occurs when all judges vote the wine a gold. It has to be unanimous. A double gold is what all wineries hope for when judging a wine,” according to Cary Fraser, Wine Entry Coordinator.
In addition, Gray Ghost’s 2016 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon earned Gold medal honors in the ultra-premium Cabernet category at the 2020 East Meets West Wine Challenge also in California. Gray Ghost swept both wine competitions, earning a total of 11 medals for all wines entered.
“Winning Double Gold and Gold honors at back-to-back competitions in California are the highest reward to our winemaking efforts. California Cabernets are famous across the globe and to be recognized for producing that level of quality is the acknowledgement we work towards,” said Al Kellert, Gray Ghost owner and winemaker.
The largest competition of North American wines in the world, the San Francisco Chronicle received 6,700 entries from 1,000 wineries across the country. Over 800 of the entries were Cabernet Sauvignon.
Gray Ghost Earns Record Medals in 2019
January 24, 2020
Gray Ghost finished the 2019 competition season with a whopping 121 medals! This is the 17th consecutive year Gray Ghost wines have earned over 100 medals in International, National and Regional competitions. This medal count includes 24 Gold, three Platinum and five Double Gold awards.
In addition, Gray Ghost finished the season with Gold medal wins on the 2017 Petit Verdot in the prestigious American Wine Society competition and on the 2017 Reserve Chardonnay in the Atlantic Seaboard wine competition.
Gray Ghost’s Gold Recognized at Reception on Capital Hill
November 25, 2019
Gray Ghost’s 2017 Reserve Chardonnay won Gold at the Annual Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition in August. Gray Ghost’s Gold medal winner will be featured at the Atlantic Seaboard’s Annual Capital Hill awards presentation on Thursday, December 12 in Washington, D.C. This comes on the heels of another Gold medal win (2017 Petit Verdot) at the prestigious American Wine Society (AWS) wine competition held in Florida last month.
In addition to award recipients, Senate and House members of the U.S. Congressional Wine Caucus, other invited Congressional members, Chiefs of Staff, Legislative Assistants concerned with wine industry issues, wine industry representatives and other special guests attend this prestigious awards ceremony. The winning wines were selected by a panel of 16 distinguished judges from 423 entries from 87 wineries in 13 East Coast states.
Gray Ghost Scores Four Golds in California to Kick -Off the Season!
January 28, 2019
Gray Ghost’s 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Petit Verdot, 2017 Chardonnay and 2017 Adieu captured Gold medal honors at the 2019 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in California! Of note, Gray Ghost’s Reserve Cabernet was the only NON-California Cabernet to win Gold in the $50-$54.99 price range category! This is also the second time Gray Ghost’s Petit Verdot has won Gold in this competition. Gray Ghost took home more Golds than any other Virginia winery.
Hailed as the largest competition of American wines in the world, the San Francisco Chronicle Competition received over 6,800 entries from 1000 wineries.
“In the land of East Coast winemaking, nothing makes us prouder than to earn a Gold on a Cabernet Sauvignon in a California wine competition. It is no secret that Cabernet is King on the West Coast, so that Gold makes us especially happy,” comments Al Kellert, owner and winemaker with his wife Cheryl.
“The San Francisco Chronicle results were a great way to kick off our 25th Anniversary as a winery in Rappahannock County,” said Amy K Payette, Director of Marketing. “And this on the heels of completing the 2018 competition season with 128 medals including 5 Best of Class and 40 Platinum, Double Gold and Gold!”
Gray Ghost Awarded Two "Best of Category" at Reception on Capitol Hill
December 18, 2018
The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association presented Gray Ghost Vineyards and owners and winemakers Al and Cheryl Kellert with two “Best of Category” awards at its annual Capitol Hill awards presentation on Tuesday, December 11 in Washington, D.C. Gray Ghost’s winning wines were the 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon for “Best Cabernet Sauvignon” and 2016 Reserve Chardonnay for “Best Chardonnay”.
The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association promotes American wine produced in the seventeen eastern states: all those that touch the Atlantic Ocean plus West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Vermont. This trade organization was founded in 1973 as the Vinifera Wine Growers Association and renamed in 2008 to reflect an expanded regional focus.
ASWA’s mission is to increase awareness of the fine wines of the Atlantic seaboard through trade and consumer education.
Gray Ghost Awarded “Best of Class” topping West Coast wines in California!
July 5, 2018
Gray Ghost’s 2017 Gewurztraminer took “Best of Class” and Double Gold honors at the 2018 International Womens' Wine Competition held in Sonoma, California! Gray Ghost outperformed wines from Santa Barbara and Temecula Valley, California as well as Oregon and Washington State to take top honors. This is the fifth award Gray Ghost’s Gewurztraminer has won in California and its 8th since the wine’s release in May. Gray Ghost’s 2017 Adieu also took home Gold.
Owned and operated by Wine Competitions Management & Productions, the judging took place June 19-20, 2018 in Sonoma County, California. More than 1,190 wines were entered in the competition. Judges awarded a total of 9 Best of Show awards, 56 Best of Class designations, and 171 gold medals.
Gray Ghost Strikes Gold in California, Sweeps Three Competitions!
March 16, 2018
Gray Ghost’s 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won Gold in the ultra-premium Cabernet ($40.01-$75) category in the International Eastern wine competition held in California. Gray Ghost swept the first three California wine competitions of the year, taking home a total of 10 medals – one Gold, four Silver and five Bronze. In addition to the International Eastern Wine Competition, Gray Ghost medaled on four wines in the San Francisco Chronicle competition and three wines in the New World International Wine Competition. Gray Ghost’s 2014 Reserve Cabernet won in all three competitions and the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon snagged two silvers.
“In a region where Cabernet is King, it was quite an honor to take home six medals on Cabernet Sauvignons in California,” comments Al Kellert, owner and winemaker with his wife Cheryl.
The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of American Wines in the world, receiving almost 7,000 entries from 36 states. The International Eastern is one of the longest running competitions in the country, established in the 1970s.
Gray Ghost Finishes Year on Top!
January 17, 2018
Gray Ghost completed the 2017 competition season with its premier wines taking top honors on the last three competition announcements of the year! Gray Ghost won Platinum on the 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2016 Adieu at the Savor Virginia Magazine Wine Classic. Gray Ghost’s 2016 Adieu took “Best Dessert Wine” and Double Gold honors at the Wines of the South Competition in Tennessee while the 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won Gold at the Wine Lovers of Tasters Guild Consumer competition in Michigan. Gray Ghost’s 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016 Gewurztraminer and 2016 Seyval Blanc also won Gold in the Savor Virginia Magazine Wine Classic.
This is the 15th consecutive year Gray Ghost surpassed the 100 medal mark, making it the most awarded Virginia winery. Of the 107 medals earned in 2017, Gray Ghost took Best of Class honors, three Double Golds and Platinums and 11 Golds. Gray Ghost uses wine competitions to compare its wines to top producers around the world.
“While we are personally excited for Gray Ghost’s success, we are even more thrilled with the recognition Virginia is receiving for producing world class wines,” said Al Kellert, co-owner and winemaker at Gray Ghost.
Gray Ghost Captures Gold in California!
January 23, 2017
Gray Ghost’s 2014 Petit Verdot captured Gold medal honors at the 2017 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in California! Gray Ghost also won Silver honors for the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2015 Adieu and the Reserve Chardonnay won bronze.
Hailed as the largest competition of American wines in the world, the San Francisco Chronicle Competition received over 7,000 entries from 28 states.
“What we are particularly excited about with this announcement is the Gold and Silver wins on red wines in California. It is no secret that California prides itself on their red wine production, so to receive such high awards with Virginia red wine in California is quite an honor,” comments Al Kellert, owner and winemaker with his wife Cheryl.
Gray Ghost Finishes Year with Top Awards
December 28, 2016
Gray Ghost completed the 2016 competition season taking top honors on the last three competition announcements of the year! Gray Ghost's 2015 Vidal Blanc was named "Best Dry White Wine" at the Mid-Atlantic Southeast Wine Competition in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In addition, Gray Ghost won 3 Platinum and 6 Gold at the Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Wine Classic. The Petit Verdot, Gewurztraminer and Seyval Blanc were all Platinum medal winners.
In Texas, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay won Double Gold honors at the Tasters Guild Consumer Wine Competition. To earn a Double Gold medal, wines are first awarded Gold by an initial panel of judges. Then the wine is submitted to a larger panel of judges where every judge must rank it Gold in order to earn Double Gold status.
Gray Ghost uses wine competitions to compare its wines to top producers around the world. For the 14th consecutive year Gray Ghost surpassed the 100 medal mark, making it the most awarded Virginia winery. Of the 102 medals earned in 2016, Gray Ghost took "Best of Class" honors, three Double Golds, one Platinum and 22 Golds. Every Gray Ghost wine was awarded Gold or higher in 2016.
Gray Ghost Begins and Ends Year on Top!
Posted: January 26, 2016
For the first time ever, Gray Ghost began and ended the year with Double Gold medal wins! Gray Ghost kicked off the 2015 wine competition season with a Double Gold on the Reserve Chardonnay at the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition and finished the year with a Double Gold on the Adieu at the Grand Harvest Awards in California. To earn a Double Gold medal, wines are first awarded Gold by an initial panel of judges. Then the wine is submitted to a larger panel of judges where every judge must rank it Gold in order to earn Double Gold status.
In addition, for the 13th consecutive year Gray Ghost surpassed the 100 medal mark. The 2015 competition season represented Gray Ghost's highest achieving year of top awards. Of the 102 medals earned, there were three Best of Class awards, three Double Golds, one Platinum and 24 Golds.
WUSA Channel 9 News interviews Al and Cheryl Kellert of Gray Ghost Vineyards for an update on the 2015 growing season
2015 Growing Season
Gray Ghost Takes Top Awards from California to Florida!
Posted: May 3, 2015
Gray Ghost's new release 2014 Adieu earned Gold and was named "Best of the East Coast" at the Consumer Wine Awards in Lodi, California! A unique wine competition, the Consumer Wine Awards is judged solely by wine enthusiasts!
Closer to home, Gray Ghost's 2013 Reserve Chardonnay took top honors at the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition when it was awarded Double Gold status. For a wine to score Double Gold in a competition, it must receive a unanimous vote of Gold by every participating judge. This award marks the 12th for Gray Ghost's new release Reserve Chardonnay and it comes on the heels of four consecutive Silver medal wins in California.
Gray Ghost Takes "Best of Class" in California!
Posted: February 5, 2015
Gray Ghost Winery begins the 2015 competition season winning Best of Class and Gold for the 2013 Vidal Blanc at the San Diego International Wine Competition! Gray Ghost has medaled the 13 consecutive years it has entered this competition, a competition dominated by California wine entries. Gray Ghost's Reserve Chardonnay also took home Silvers in both the San Diego International and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competitions.
Found in 1983, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of American wines in the world. An elite panel of 63 judges representing trade, education, media, retail and restaurants judged a world-record breaking 6,417 wine entries, from more than 28 states. The San Diego International had over 1500 entries from 14 countries.
Gray Ghost Featured at National Conference!
Posted: November 3, 2014
Al and Cheryl Kellert, Gray Ghost owners and winemakers, will be making their fourth appearance as presenters at the American Wine Society's National Conference. Representing winemaking in Virginia, they will cover the history of winemaking in the Commonwealth, the current expansion of the industry and culminate with a tasting of Gray Ghost wines.
This year's conference will be held in Concord, North Carolina the first weekend of November. As industry veterans and one of Virginia's oldest wineries, the Kellerts are honored to be selected to again represent the wine industry in Virginia.
Gray Ghost Bringing Home the Gold!
Posted: October 6, 2014
Gray Ghost swept back-to-back competitions bringing home five gold medals! Gray Ghost earned four golds at the 2014 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Gold medal honors were bestowed on the 2013 Cabernet Franc, 2013 Gewurztraminer, 2013 Vidal Blanc and Victorian Red. This is the sixth Gold medal win for Gray Ghost's 2013 Gewurztraminer! Gray Ghost also brought home three silvers and one bronze.
On the heels of the Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition, Gray Ghost's 2013 Vidal Blanc took Gold at the 19th Annual Tasters Guild Consumers' Wine Judging held in Port Aransas, Texas. Gray Ghost brought home a total of 14 medals in these competitions, bringing its year-to-date total to 89 medals, including 13 Golds!
Gray Ghost Takes Gold and Sweeps Three Competitions!
Posted: May 21, 2014
Gray Ghost's 2013 Gewurztraminer continues to bring home top honors, winning Gold medals at three consecutive competitions, the Pacific Rim International in California, the Finger Lakes International in New York and the Tasters Guild International in Michigan! In addition to the Gold medals, Gray Ghost swept all three competitions, bringing home a total of seven Silver medals and four Bronze medals.
The Gewurztraminer grape found its origins in Germany and is grown extensively in New York, Oregon and Washington states. For a Virginia Gewurztraminer to be awarded Golds on both coasts, in wine regions known for producing internationally acclaimed Gewurztraminer, is a major accomplishment.
Gray Ghost produces its Estate-grown spicy white wine with a hint of sweetness on the finish. It pairs beautifully with Asian cuisine and turkey. Gray Ghost made 105 cases and released the wine Mother's Day weekend.
With these recent announcements, Gray Ghost wines have earned 32 medals since the beginning of the year!
Gray Ghost Strikes Gold in California!
Posted: April 3, 2014
For the fourth consecutive year, Gray Ghost struck Gold at the Monterey International Wine Competition held in Monterey, California! Gold honors were bestowed on the 2013 Gewurztraminer, the only "dry" Gewurztraminer to be awarded in the competition.
This announcement follows on the heels of a Silver medal win on the Reserve Chardonnay at the International Eastern Wine Competition, held in California. In addition, Gray Ghost swept the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition and the Virginia Governor's Cup competition earning Bronze medals on every wine entered.
With these recent California announcements, Gray Ghost wines have won 10 medals since the beginning of the year!
Gray Ghost Tops Multiple Competitions!
Posted: September 12, 2013
Gray Ghost received top honors at three consecutive competitions, taking home "Best in Class", Platinum and Gold awards. Gray Ghost's 2012 Gewurztraminer won "Best in Class" honors at the Indy International Wine Competition, with the highest rated Gewurztraminer in the competition. Gray Ghost's 2011 Reserve Chardonnay won Platinum at the 2013 Virginia Wine Lovers Wine Classic competition. In addition, Gray Ghost's seven Golds and two Silvers made the winery one of the highest rated Virginia wineries in the entire competition. Gray Ghost has swept the Virginia Wine Lovers Wine Classic competition every year it has entered!
Gray Ghost also received Gold on the 2011 Ranger Reserve, Silver on the Gewurztraminer and four Bronze medals at the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. The recent medal announcements brings Gray Ghost's 2013 total awards to 76.
Four Golds on Gray Ghost New Release!
Posted: June 20, 2013
Gray Ghost's 2012 Adieu has already medaled 11 times, including four Golds and eight California awards in advance of its June 29 and 30th scheduled release! Gray Ghost's Adieu has garnered more awards prior to its release than any other wine in Gray Ghost's 19 year history. Top awards include Gold medals at the San Diego International and Monterey International, both held in California as well as the Finger Lakes International in New York and the Lone International in Texas. Additional highlights include awards at the Los Angeles International and San Francisco International.
Gray Ghost Strikes Gold in California!
February 4, 2013
Gray Ghost Winery begins the 2013 competition season winning Gold for the 2011 Adieu (late harvest Vidal Blanc) at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition! This is the eighth consecutive year Gray Ghost has medaled in a competition dominated by California wine entries. Gray Ghost's Vidal Blanc and Reserve Chardonnay both took home bronze.
Founded in 1983, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition is the largest competition of American wines in the world. An elite panel of 63 judges representing trade, education, media, retail and restaurants judged a world-record breaking 5,500 wine entries, a number that maintains the competition's status as the largest competition of American wines in the world. The competition took place at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds in Sonoma County, California this January.
Gray Ghost "Best in Class" in California!
October 10, 2012
Gray Ghost's 2011 Adieu took "Best in Class" and Double Gold honors at the 2012 International Women's Wine Competition held in Sonoma, California September 18 and 19. In a competition dominated by California wine entries, Gray Ghost's dessert wine surpassed all other Late Harvest entries to capture top honors! To receive a "Double Gold" status, every judge must award the wine Gold.
The International Women's Wine Competition evaluated over 860 wines from around the world and awarded only 27 Double Gold, 73 Gold and 268 Silver medals. Gray Ghost also took silver honors for the 2011 Gewurztraminer.
The announcement brings Gray Ghost's Adieu to a total of 22 medals in 2012, those awards include "Best in Class", "Best Dessert Wine" and seven golds. Eleven of the awards were received in California wine competitions.
Gray Ghost Captures 11 Golds and "Best Dessert Wine" Honors
August 31, 2012
Gray Ghost swept four wine competitions in the past two weeks, earning 35 medals including "Best Dessert Wine" and 11 Golds! This recent announcement brings Gray Ghost's year-to-date total at 113 medals. This is the 10th consecutive year Gray Ghost has topped the 100 medal mark!
"Best Dessert Wine" honors were bestowed on the 2011 Adieu at the 2012 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The Gewurztraminer, 2010 and 2011 Reserve Chardonnays took home Gold.
Gray Ghost also earned five Golds at the 5th Annual Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Wine Classic held in Virginia Beach. Gold medal winning wines were the Reserve Chardonnay, Ranger Reserve, Adieu, Gewurztraminer and Cabernet Franc. Gray Ghost won five silver medals in this competition as well.
Gray Ghost's 2011 Adieu took Gold at the Indy International Wine Competition and the 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon took Gold at the Wine Lovers of Tasters Guild Consumer Judging in Washington, D.C. a competition judged solely by consumers.
"Our emphasis has always been on quality," stated Al Kellert, Gray Ghost owner and winemaker. "We feel that the medals reflect this and also helps to establish Virginia as a wine growing region which has finally come of age."
Gray Ghost Winery at the Head of the Class!
June 29, 2012
Gray Ghost Winery won "Best in Class" honors and gold on the 2011 Gewurztraminer, as well as gold on the 2010 Reserve Chardonnay in California's NextGen International Wine Competition held June 4-6! Wines were judged from a field of 750, with only 63 gold medals awarded. AS a result of these top awards, Gray Ghost's Gewurztraminer and Reserve Chardonnay will be featured in upcoming issues of Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine and 7X7 Magazine.
The Annual NextGen Wine Competition for Millennial Wine drinkers was designed specifically for the Millennial consumer group and is the only competition judged strictly by wine professionals in the 21-35 age group.
Gray Ghost Strikes Gold in California, Takes 10 Medals Total
April 3, 2012
Gray Ghost's 2011 Vidal Blanc captured gold at the 2012 Monterey Wine Competition held in King City, California making it a featured wine at the upcoming 19th Annual Monterey Wine Competition Grand Tasting in May! The Adieu was awarded silver at Monterey.
Gray Ghost's Adieu also took gold at the Consumer Wine Awards in Lodi, California, making it one of only 16 non-California wines to take gold! Gray Ghost's 2010 Reserve Chardonnay and 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon took silver while the Riesling won bronze. The Consumer Wine Awards at Lodi is unique in that it is the only California-based wine competition utilizing only consumers to evaluate entries. Only 8% of the winning wines were from wineries outside of California!
The San Diego International awarded the Adieu and Reserve Chardonnay silver medals, while the San Francisco Chronicle Competition awarded the Adieu silver and the Reserve Chardonnay bronze.
With these recent California announcements, Gray Ghost wines have won 24 medals since the beginning of the year, 10 were earned in California!
Gray Ghost Takes 6th Gold Medal in California, 18th Overall!
January 13, 2012
Gray Ghost was awarded a Gold medal on the 2010 Chardonnay in the National Women's Wine Competition held in California in November! In a competition dominated by California entries, Gray Ghost's Chardonnay was one of only two Chardonnays awarded Gold medal status! This is the sixth Gold medal awarded to Gray Ghost wine in California in 2011, 18 Golds awarded overall for the year. With this award and Gray Ghost's 2010 Adieu taking silver, Gray Ghost completed the 2011 competition season having garnered 128 medals in international national and regional wine competitions.
Gray Ghost Food Drive Nets 1,500 Pounds!
January 13, 2012
Thanks to the generosity of friends, neighbors and customers, Gray Ghost Winery is delighted to report that 1,500 pounds of food was collected in its annual December food drive! In addition to food, $500 of monetary donations also was made. This marks the fifth consecutive year of surpassing the 1,000 pound mark! All food was donated to the Culpeper Food Closet to help replenish shelves after the holiday season. Gray Ghost wishes to thank everyone who gave so selflessly this holiday season.
Gray Ghost Awards Top 100, 9th Consecutive Year
December 7, 2011
Gray Ghost Vineyards captured thirteen awards this fall to bring its year-end total awards to 126! This is the 9th consecutive year Gray Ghost has surpassed the 100 medal mark. Gray Ghost's fall awards include 8 medals at the 2011 Wines of the South Competition in Tennessee and 5 medals at the 2011 American Wine Society Competition in Rochester, New York. Gray Ghost's winning wines were the Reserve Chardonnay, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Adieu, Ranger Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gewurztraminer and Victorian White.
Gray Ghost Winery Breaks 100!
September 12, 2011
Gray Ghost Winery swept four recent competitions including collecting nine Double Gold and Gold medals to bring its total awards to 103 in 2011 to date! Recent announcements include a Double Gold for the Reserve Chardonnay in the Indy International Wine Competition held in July. Double Golds are only bestowed on those wines that receive a Gold ranking by every judge. Over 2,500 wines were entered in the Indy International, one of the country's largest wine competitions. Gray Ghost took silvers on the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Adieu and Seyval Blanc in the same competition.
Gray Ghost took five Golds at the 4th Annual Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Wine Classic held in early summer. Gold medal winning wines were the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Ranger Reserve, Adieu, Gewurztraminer and Vidal Blanc. Gray Ghost also received five silver medals and two bronze in that competition.
The Virginia State Fair will feature Gray Ghost's Gold-medal winning Reserve Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc in September. Gray Ghost won 10 medals including Gold on the Adieu at the 16th Annual Wine Lover of Tasters Guild Consumer Judging held in Washington, DC in August.
This milestone represents the 9th consecutive year Gray Ghost has surpassed the 100 medal mark!
Gray Ghost Featured at National Wine Blogger's Conference
July 21, 2011
Gray Ghost wine will be featured at the 4th Annual North American Wine Blogger's Conference in Charlottesville, July 22 - 24. Gray Ghost's 2011 Adieu was one of only 11 wines selected from the Commonwealth of Virginia to be served at the National Wine Blogger's Grand Finale Dinner on Saturday evening. Gray Ghost owners and winemakers, Al and Cheryl Kellert will be in attendance to present the Adieu.
The North American Wine Blogger's Conference is the premier conference for new media and the wine industry. In its fourth year, it is a three-day symposium bringing attendees a unique opportunity to learn about and discuss the intersection of wine with the world of new media including blogging, social media and more. Previous conferences have been held in Sonoma and Napa, California and Walla Walla, Washington.
Kellert Honored at Governor's Mansion
July 21, 2011
At the invitation of Governor and Mrs. Robert F. McDonnell, Cheryl Kellert, co-owner and co-winemaker at Gray Ghost, attended a reception honoring Women in Business held at the Executive Mansion on July 18. Mrs. Kellert was presented a certificate "For her vast achievements, leadership in the community, and character and dedication as a Woman in Business in the Commonwealth of Virginia."
Cheryl Kellert, along with her husband Al, established their vineyard in 1986 and converted an abandoned horse farm into one of Virginia's most recognized and awarded wineries. Gray Ghost Vineyards celebrated its 17th anniversary of opening on July 9.
Gray Ghost Takes Fifth California Gold!
June 30, 2011
For the fifth time this year, Gray Ghost has won Gold in California! Gray Ghost's 2010 Adieu was one of only 290 wines to win Gold at the 31st Annual San Francisco International Wine Competition held June 17-19th. The largest and most influential international wine competition in America, this year's competition garnered 4,184 entries from 1200 wineries representing 29 countries and 20 states. As a top medal winner, Gray Ghost's 2010 Adieu will be featured in the August issue of The Tasting Panel Magazine. Gray Ghost's 2009 Reserve Chardonnay and 2010 Gewurztraminer were also medal winners, resulting in a sweep in San Francisco.
This announcement comes on the heels of Gray Ghost taking five medals at the Lone Star International Wine Competition in Texas. The Adieu, Gewurztraminer and Ranger Reserve took silver, the Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc both won bronze.
California Awards Gray Ghost's Vidal Blanc Gold!
June 15, 2011
The 72nd Annual Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition awarded Gray Ghost's 2010 Vidal Blanc gold in May! Gray Ghost's Adieu, Riesling and Reserve Chardonnay were also recognized with silver and bronze awards. Dubbed the Granddaddy of wine competitions and one of the country's five largest competitions, this year's competition received 3,117 entries from 913 wineries representing 17 countries. Gray Ghost was one of only 432 wines to capture gold in this prestigious competition. This announcement totals 49 awards for Gray Ghost in 2011 to date, 19 of which have been awarded in California wine competitions.
Gray Ghost Takes Two Golds in California!
April 27, 2011
Gray Ghost's 2010 Adieu and 2010 Vidal Blanc won gold medals at the 26th Annual Pacific Rim International Wine Competition held in San Bernardino, California in April! This year's competition brought over 1400 entries from 300 wineries across ten countries. As gold medal winners, the Adieu and Vidal Blanc will be poured at the five-day National Orange Show Festival in May! This news comes on the heels of a silver medal win at the San Diego International Wine Competition also held in April. Gray Ghost has won a total of 13 medals to date in 2011, 11 in California and three of which are golds!
Gray Ghost Captures Gold, Sweeps 3 California Competitions!
April 1, 2011
Gray Ghost's 2010 Adieu captured Gold at the 2011 Monterey Wine Competition held in King City, California! As a result of this award, the Adieu will be featured at the 18th Annual Monterey Wine Competition Grand Tasting held in May!
In addition to these honors, Gray Ghost swept two additional California competitions. At the Grand Harvest Awards in Healdsburg, the 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Reserve Chardonnay all medaled. In a competition dominated by California wine entries, Gray Ghost's limited production 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($40) received the same ranking as blockbuster California Cabernet producer's ZD 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($125).
At the Consumer Wine Awards in Lodi, the 2009 Reserve Chardonnay took silver and the 2010 Riesling and 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignong took bronze. The Consumer Wine Awards at Lodi is unique in that it is the only California-based wine competition that only utilized consumers to evaluate entries.
Gray Ghost Gold at Governor's Cup
Posted: September 28, 2010
Gray Ghost's 2009 Adieu took Gold at the Virginia Governor's Cup wine competition! The Governor's Cup is Virginia's premier wine competition, receiving two hundred white wine entries from across the state (red wines are judged in the winter). Gray Ghost's Adieu was one of only 16 Gold medals awarded!
Governor and Mrs. Robert F. McDonnell invited Al and Cheryl Kellert, Gray Ghost owners and winemakers, to attend a reception in Honor of the Virginia Wine Industry at The Executive Mansion in Richmond, Virginia the beginning of October. This invitation was extended to Gray Ghost in honor of the Gold medal-winning Adieu.
Gray Ghost to Present at National Wine Conference
Posted: August 5, 2010
Al and Cheryl Kellert, owners and winemakers of Gray Ghost Vineyards and Winery in Amissville, Virginia will represent the Commonwealth of Virginia as speakers at the 43rd National Conference of the American Wine Society in Cincinnati, Ohio in November. This is the third year the Kellerts have represented Virginia in this national conference. This annual conference features prominent American and international speakers conducting seminars and lectures on all aspects of wine appreciation, wine production, grape growing and cuisine. Representing the most awarded winery in Virginia, the Kellerts will present the history of grape-growing and winemaking in the Commonwealth and then lead a tasting of Gray Ghost's internationally awarded wines.
The American Wine Society is a national, non-profit, consumer-oriented organization devoted to educating people on all aspects of wine. Its members include wine experts, novices, grape growers, amateur and professional winemakers, chefs, wine educators and restaurateurs. There are currently over 5,000 members from the United States, Canada and 11 other countries in more than 110 AWS chapters.
Gray Ghost Strikes Gold in San Francisco!
Posted: June 29, 2010
Gray Ghost's 2009 Adieu took Gold at the 30th Annual San Francisco International Wine Competition held June 18-20th. The largest and most influential international wine competition in America, this year's competition garnered over 3,500 entries. As a top medal winner, Gray Ghost's 2009 Adieu will be featured in the August issue of The Tasting Panel Magazine. Gray Ghost's 2008 Reserve Chardonnay took its fifteenth medal of the year by winning bronze at the San Francisco International.
This announcement comes on the heels of Gray Ghost sweeping both the Los Angeles Wine and Spirits Awards in California and the Lone Star International in Texas, taking a combined 12 medals on every wine entered in those competitions. Gray Ghost has won 52 medals to date in international wine competitions in 2010!
Gray Ghost Takes Gold, Coast to Coast!
Posted: June 1, 2010
Gray Ghost's 2009 Adieu took Double Gold at the Amenti del Vino International Wine Competition held in Groton, Connecticut May 15! Only 7 wines took Double Gold from the 346 entries. A Double Gold medal is only awarded when every judge ranks the wine Gold. This is the second competition this year where Gray Ghost has received Double Gold status. Gray Ghost's 2008 Reserve Chardonnay, 2008 Chardonnay, 2009 Riesling and 2009 Vidal also medaled in the Amenti del Vino.
On the West Coast, Gray Ghost's 2009 Riesling struck Gold at the 2010 Riverside International Wine Competition in Temecula, California, May 5-7! Silver medals went to Gray Ghost's 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Adieu, while the 2009 Vidal Blanc took Bronze. This is the seventeenth medal for Gray Ghost's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the second consecutive California competition that Gray Ghost rated above blockbuster California producer Cakebread, which scored a Bronze on its $56 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Gray Ghost was the only Virginia winery to medal in both the Riverside International and Amenti del Vino. These nine awards come on the heels of three additional medals at the National Women's Wine Competition in California, where every wine is judged solely by women in the wine industry.
Gray Ghost Strikes Double Gold!
Posted: May 14, 2010
Gray Ghost's 2009 Vidal Blanc struck Double Gold and the Merlot Gold at the 23rd Annual Tasters Guild International Wine Competition held April 28-May 1 in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Only 45 wines of 2,200 entries were designated "Double Gold" by the 30 member judging panel, meaning Gray Ghost's Vidal Blanc scored in the top 2% of entered wines. In order to receive double gold status, every judge had to rank the wine gold! The June edition of Tasters Guild Journal will include Gray Ghost's 2009 Vidal Blanc along with the judges' tasting notes.
The judging panel consisted of wine writers, retailers, winemakers, restaurateurs and experienced consumers. They evaluated wines from 10 countries and 32 states/provinces with 40% of the wines being randomly selected for reevaluation and verification of medal accuracy.
Gray Ghost's eight medals made it the most awarded Virginia winery in the competition. Additional Awards included silvers on the Adieu, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and Ranger Reserve and bronze awards for the Reserve Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Gewurztraminer.
Gray Ghost Wins More California Competitions!
Posted: March 30, 2010
On the heels of Gray Ghost's Silver medal win in San Francisco, Gray Ghost took five more medals in California wine competitions! Gray Ghost's limited production 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded Silver at the Grand Harvest Awards in Santa Rosa, California. In a competition dominated by California wineries, Gray Ghost's 2006 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($40) received the same ranking as blockbuster California producers: Cakebread 2006 Dancing Bear Ranch ($106), Trefethen 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($50) and Parallel Napa Valley Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon ($125).
"We are thrilled with these awards, as we use International competitions as the barometer for wine quality. To take a Silver in California with California judges for a 100% Virginia grown and produced Cabernet Sauvignon is a tremendous accomplishment and speaks volumes about the quality and value that can be found in Virginia," commented Al Kellert, owner and winemaker at Gray Ghost.
