Chris and Debbie Ziolkowski

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Our farm winery, River Dog Winery, was started in 2017.  Our vision began from our love of nature, wine, and dogs.  With those three things in mind, our small family owned and operated winery grew.  We built the vineyard from the ground up doing everything by hand.  Yes, that includes digging all the holes for the plants, posts, and spinning all the wire for the trellises.  Five years of commitment and dedication to the vines, often overcoming the natural challenges that come with all agricultural endeavors, has resulted in bountiful harvests and a variety of wines to uncork and share with our guests.

 

In 2019 while visiting a local winery in Tappahannock VA, we met a local winemaker and vineyard manager.  With his guidance we were able to modify the vineyard and choose varietals that would thrive in Virginia’s hot, humid climate.  In 2021 we had our first harvest, though small, it was a big milestone in the vineyard's development.  In 2022 we added a production building to process our future harvests on site and create small batch hand-crafted Virginia wines. 

 

As a small farm vineyard with only 5 acres under vine, we hope to delight our guests by providing a relaxing and welcoming setting to enjoy good wine and good company. Cheers!

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A word from our Winemaker: Commonly heard phrase at wineries is "Great wine is made in the vineyard." Floyd W. Oslin has been growing grapes, making wine over 40 years!! He grew up watching, learning art of winemaking from his Sicilian Grandfather, his Father. He made his first vintage at age 16 years old!! His roots run deep in the Virginia wine industry. His wines have been awarded both nationally and internationally. He's known throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. He studied under the guidance of his friend/mentor the late James Livingston (one of the early pioneers in the Virginia wine industry). Floyd has also started/mentored many growers and wineries in Virginia. "I make wine that people can enjoy with food!" - Floyd W. Oslin

 

We hope to see you soon!

Chris and Debbie