October is Virginia Wine Month, and for us, it’s a time to reflect on where our story began — the land that shaped us, the family that built us, and the community that continues to make this place special.
When James Charles Winery & Vineyard opened in 2015, the goal wasn’t just to make wine. It was to create a place where people could gather and connect over something meaningful. Winchester has always felt right for that — the land has character, and the people have heart. There aren’t many wineries here, but that’s part of what makes it unique. It feels personal, authentic, and deeply rooted in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
The Beginning of a Family Legacy
The story of James Charles Winery began long before the first vines were planted. In the early 1990s, Della and James Bogaty purchased a quiet farm estate near Berryville, Virginia, seeking a slower pace of life surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by Jim’s Italian heritage — where grape growing was a family tradition — they planted a few vines without realizing it would soon become their life’s passion.
By 2000, the Bogatys opened Veramar Vineyard, their first winery. Their son, Justin Bogaty, joined as winemaker the following year, helping to shape the family’s reputation for crafting elegant, expressive wines. From the start, every decision was made with legacy in mind — building something sustainable that could be passed from one generation to the next.
The James Charles Legacy
Fifteen years later, the family opened James Charles Winery & Vineyard in Winchester — named for the family patriarch, James Charles Bogaty, whose love of community and commitment to excellence inspired generations.
The winery was founded on a vision to celebrate the art of winemaking while honoring the beauty and potential of Virginia’s terroir. Each bottle reflects a balance of Old-World tradition and the innovative energy of Virginia’s emerging wine culture.
A Place for Connection
Today, James Charles Winery stands as both a tribute to heritage and a place for gathering. Every visit and every bottle carries forward the family’s belief that wine is meant to connect people — to the land, to one another, and to the moments worth savoring.
This October, as we celebrate Virginia Wine Month, we raise a glass to the place that made it all possible — and to the community that continues to make it meaningful.