Celebrate Our Story, Build A Legacy
” Building a legacy for the next generation.”
Our Story
At James Charles Winery & Vineyard, we are committed to offering an unparalleled wine experience that celebrates the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. Our story is one of dedication to crafting elegant wines that honor tradition while embracing innovation. From our picturesque vineyard views to our thoughtfully created wines, we invite you to join us at James Charles, where every visit is an opportunity to savor exceptional flavors and create cherished moments.
The Beginning
When Della & Jim Bogaty bought a farm estate near the town of Berryville, Virginia, in the early 1990’s, they had no greater plans than to escape the hectic corporate world into the serenity of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Since some of Jim’s extended family in Italy had traditionally grown grapevines, they thought it might be interesting to plant some on their new farm. Little did they know that, twenty years later, this hobby would grow into a family obsession!
A Family Endeavor
Veramar Vineyard, the Bogaty family’s first winery, opened to the public in 2000, and Justin Bogaty came on as winemaker the next year. From the earliest days of the business, each decision and each project has been done with the goal of creating a sustainable family business that can be passed down from generation to generation. The family believe strongly in investing in the future of their family’s passion and avoiding trends and fads that can distract from their mission of creating world-class, enduring wines.
The James Charles Legacy
James Charles Winery & Vineyard opened in 2015, nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. This winery was born from a vision to celebrate the art of fine winemaking while honoring the beauty and potential of Virginia’s terroir. Named for the family patriarch, James Charles, whose love of community and commitment to excellence inspired generations, the winery reflects a legacy of passion and perseverance. Our wines are a tribute to the timeless traditions of Old-World winemaking, skillfully blended with the innovation and energy of Virginia’s emerging wine culture. At James Charles, we take pride in crafting exceptional wines that bring people together and showcase the elegance and complexity of our region. Each bottle tells a story—one of heritage, dedication, and the boundless possibilities of Virginia wine
Our Wonderful Team
Jim & Della Bogaty
FOunders
When Della and Jim Bogaty purchased a farm estate near Berryville, Virginia, in the early 1990s, they sought a retreat from the fast-paced corporate world into the peaceful beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. With Jim’s extended family in Italy growing grapevines for generations, they decided to plant vines on their new property, thinking it would be an interesting hobby. Little did they know this small project would ignite a family passion, turning into a successful vineyard and a lifelong dedication to winemaking.
Justin Bogaty
Chief Wine maker
Justin Bogaty, son of Jim and Della, left his career in the corporate world to earn a certification in oenology from UC Davis and take on the role of winemaker for the Bogaty family winery. Since then, Justin has led the winery to remarkable new heights with his dedication and skill. His wines have gained international attention and won numerous prestigious awards, with over 97 ratings of 85 points or higher from Wine Enthusiast Magazine—showcasing the Bogaty family’s unwavering commitment to excellence in Virginia winemaking.
Eric Hamilton
assistant WIne Maker
Eric works closely alongside our chief winemaker, Justin, dedicating himself to every step of the winemaking process to ensure that each bottle of our wine embodies the highest standards of quality, flavor, and craftsmanship that our customers expect. His hard work, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him an invaluable part of our team, and his contributions are essential to bringing our passion for winemaking to life in every sip, creating memorable experiences that reflect the heart and dedication of our winery.
Tiffany Bogaty
Event planner
Tiffany is your go-to expert for creating unforgettable events at James Charles Winery & Vineyard. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for transforming visions into reality, she excels at planning everything from selecting the perfect date to orchestrating every moment of your walk down the aisle. Tiffany’s dedication and passion ensure that each wedding she plans is as unique and beautiful as the love it celebrates.