The Winery
About
You may have noticed, we do wine a little differently here at Brambly Park. There is no vineyard on site. Instead of growing our own grapes, we partner with vineyards and source grapes, juice, and wine from some of the best growing regions in the world. Depending on the varietal, our winemaker then engages in fermentation, blending, barrel aging, and bottling for you to enjoy.
We aren’t farmers and wouldn’t pretend to know the first thing about the extensive art of growing amazing grapes. We’ll stay in our lane and keep bringing to you delicious wines that showcase the hard work of some of the most incredible people in the wine industry.
We offer six flagship Brambly Park wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Rosé, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These bottles, as well as additional limited release products, can be purchased to drink in our restaurant and park or to take home and enjoy.
In addition to our Brambly Park wines, we have curated an award-winning list of delicious wines from around the globe, providing you with a vast array of options to delight your tastebuds.
Ben the Alchemist
Meet Ben Nicholas, husband, father, rockstar and winemaker.
Ben is a Fredericksburg native who moved to Richmond to attend VCU but ended up heading north to Red Hook Winery in New York where he jumped into the deep end of the wine world and honed his craft.
After years with Red Hook, Ben returned to Richmond and continued to work in the wine industry. In 2020, a mutual friend introduced Ben to Brambly Park and the rest is history.
Since then, Ben has harvested grapes with our vineyard partners and taught many of us the art of stomping, fermenting, barreling and bottling wine. He also trains our staff on the nuances of the wine varieties we offer, curates the outsourced brands we carry and heads up our Wine Club and writes our weekly newsletter.
What does Ben love about Brambly Park?
“You get it all here; bring your dog, play outdoor games, live music, drink delicious impressively curated wines and feast on spectacular food.”
Fun Fact:
Before winemaking, Ben devoted himself to being in a rock band.
WINE WITH CHARACTER
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RVA ROSÉ - Lady Brambleberry
The heroine of many Brambly Park adventures, look closely and you may spot the Lady looking back at you from a tangle of bramble-berry bushes. A swift protector, she stands watch, ready to signal the residents of Brambly with a warning shot from her bow should mischief be afoot. Equal parts guardian and greeter, Lady Brambleberry is thrilled to welcome all well-meaning guests to the Manor at the end of Belleville St. Just make sure to treat the denizens of Brambly Park with respect, 'fore you see the wrathful side of the Lady.
Wine Notes:
Color: Clear, pale salmon
Structure: Dry, medium-plus acidity
Aromatics: Flint, with candied red fruit of wild strawberry, raspberry, red cherry
Flavor Profile: Strawberry, berry jam, slate stone
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CABERNET SAUVIGNON - Lord Sneyd Kynnersly
Firstborn son to the founder of the Seaborne Syndicate, Lord Sneyd Kynnersly is a relic of the old ways, when the area around Brambly was a rough and tumble collection of warehouses and railyards. Long-lived and rarely seen, he moves in the shadows and blurs the lines between myth and reality. If there is illicit activity rippling under the surface, one can be certain Sneyd has a tentacle in it. Spend any time around the evening bonfire and you'll hear a tale or two told in hushed tones by the good folk of Brambly Park.
Wine Notes:
Color: Opaque, Deep Ruby
Structure: Dry, medium acid, high tannin
Aromatics: Black currants, blackberry jam, plum, dried dates, subtle menthol, and graphite
Flavor profile: Black cherry, strawberry, vanilla, oak
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PINOT NOIR - Sergeant Steven Tumblebottom
Rarely seen but always welcomed by the residents of Brambly, Sergeant Steven Tumblebottom patrols far and wide, carrying Brambly in his heart. Despite having the facade of a fighter, he brings his companions to ease with a tune on his trumpet and a flash of his toothy grin. Hearkening Wordsworth, he pushes forward boldly, steeled by the words; “To begin, begin,” serving as a waypoint and ambassador, bidding all travelers in search of respite to gather at the end of Belleville St.
Wine Notes:
Color: Moderately Opaque, burgandy
Structure: Lighter bodied, elegant
Aromatics: Sour cherry, raspberry, mushroom, forest floor
Flavor profile: Sour cherry, balsamic, graphite, clove
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RIESLING - Ripley of the Rooftops
Often seen peering down on the other residents of Brambly, Mrs. Ripley of the Rooftops is known for her perceptive gaze and her aloof tendencies. She is nothing if not the very definition of aristocracy, with a lineage that traces back long before the existence of Brambly Park. She rarely lowers herself to interact with the common folk, preferring to consort with the few she sees as fitting her station. Visit on a sunny spring day and you may see her soaring above, an example (or warning) for all who aspire to her lofty station.
Wine Notes:
Color: Clear, pale yellow with medium viscosity
Aromatics: Orange peel, Pear, lychee, honeysuckle
Structure: Off-dry sweetness with high acidity and phenolic texture
Flavors profile: Lime, green apple, and pear
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SAUVIGNON BLANC - Robert Dogwood
A former train conductor down on his luck and now in the employ of Lord Sneyd, Sir Robert Dogwood visits Brambly at the behest of his employer. Always in search of juicy tidbits, you don't have to look for him, he'll find you. He'll trade a drink or some food for a little conversation. Seemingly well-meaning and engaging, you should think twice before giving this dog a bone. For what he learns, he takes back to his cold-hearted master, whose vice-like clutches should be summarily avoided.
Wine Notes:
Color: Clear, pale yellow with medium viscosity
Aromatics: Green apple, white peach, kiwi, basil, lemongrass, chalk
Structure: Dry with medium-plus acidity
Flavors profile: Fresh Green apple, subtle lime peel, and decent minerality
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CALIFORNIA CHARDONNAY - Madame Mistflower
Far-traveled and worldly, Madame Mistflower has made the stage at Brambly Park her home. Whether through song, dance, or tales of her travels, she has a way of enthralling the guests of Brambly Park. No one is more susceptible to her wiles than her famously obstinate and unyielding partner, Andrés. When not on stage, Madame Mistflower entertains guests of Bari Trattoria with a tipple in hand and one on the way.
Wine Notes:
Color: Clear, pale gold
Structure: Dry with medium-plus acidity, and slight phenolic texture
Aromatics: Honeydew melon, melon rind, yellow apple, lime peel
Flavor profile: Lemon and orange citrus pith and citrus blossom floral components with moderate saline qualities
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VIRGINIA CHARDONNAY - Gilbert Stringwing
One day, Gilbert Wingstring, musician of mystery, just turned up, and tuned up, in the woods outside the manor and he never left. Regularly providing backing music for Madame Mistflower's performances and then treating the Brambly denizens to campfire tunes long into the night, all Gilbert really needs is his fiddle, a cold drink, and a warm audience. As the moon creeps high into the sky and Brambly starts it's slumber, Gilbert is known to play his favorite lullabye, a tale of true love, a home long lost, and a new family found.
Wine Notes:
Color: Clear, pale gold
Structure: Dry, medium-plus acidity, and slight phenolic texture
Aromatics: Crab apple, Pineapple, apricot, star fruit, pie crust
Flavor profile: Yellow apple, Starfruit, saline minerality, lime peel, overripe cantaloupe
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VIOGNIER - Miss Strig
Classically educated, Miss Strig left for school in the far East before returning to Brambly Park with knowledge of faraway languages, history, winemaking, and medicine. Tasked with keeping an eye on all the wandering pups, chicks, cubs, kittens, and kits of Brambly Park, being able to keep her head on a 360 degree swivel comes in handy. Minding children is hard work and early work. When school's not in session, Miss Strig cuts loose, finally able to act like the nocturnal animal she was born to be, with a glass of wine on the wing and a not a hoot in her heart.
Wine Notes:
Color: Clear, medium yellow
Structure: Dry, medium-plus acid, and medium phenolic texture
Aromatics: Peach, Tangerine, apricot, apple, pear, honeysuckle
Flavor profile: Tangerine, White Peach, jasmine, honey
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RED BLEND - Jack Ninetails
Rather large for a fox and a bit of a loner (for good reason) Jack tends to the forest southwest of the manor with his trusty axe and keen eye for sylvan things. He knows better than most that thinning the thicket is a necessary part of woodland life. As the informal steward of the forest, he interacts mostly with Brambleberry and Tumblebottom when they seek information on movements through the weald. As the supplier of barrels for Brambly and lumber for Lord Sneyd, Jack prefers the role of impartial observer, preferring not to get too worked up.
Wine Notes:
Color: Pale, rusted salmon
Structure: Dry, medium acidity, and light-bodied
Aromatics: Subtle notes of raspberry.
Flavor profile: Very delicate red fruit like raspberry and strawberry with a touch of minerality.
Brambly Experiences
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Outdoor Space & Music Venue
Most people who visit Brambly Park are surprised and delighted to see our lush, relaxing, and spacious green space nestled in the woods that border Scott’s Addition.
Guests can order food and cocktails delivered right to their table while they take in live music on our outdoor stage. It’s a rare experience that sets us apart.
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Bari Trattoria
What goes better with wine than some delicious Italian cuisine? Our full-service restaurant, Bari Trattoria will satisfy your craving for Neapolitan Pizza, house made pasta, and traditional Italian entree’s.
Our Chef takes it a step further with weekly specials and wonderful desserts that will delight your palate and leave you dreaming of your next visit.
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The Lounge
Are you looking for a spot to host a private party, corporate event or reception? Our Lounge is the perfect space for you. Located upstairs above Bari, the Lounge is 1,600sf of eclectic, relaxing, sophisticated space.
It’s ready to go as is, or can be dressed up even more to make your event fit your needs.