Venue Information
Public🏡 Key Venue Details
About the owners
Founded in 1997 by Jennifer “Jenny” McCloud, Chrysalis Vineyards was built on a vision to revive Norton—America’s native grape—and showcase its potential in Virginia wine. Originally from Florida, Jenny was a serial entrepreneur before turning her passion toward viticulture, bringing her bold, innovative spirit into every aspect of the winery’s growth. Today, Chrysalis is part of The Ag District in Middleburg, blending winemaking, farming, and artisanal food production.
History of the venue
Norton had been a cornerstone of early American winemaking throughout the 19th century before nearly disappearing after Prohibition. After decades of decline, founder Jennifer McCloud sought to bring it back to prominence in its native Virginia soil, making Chrysalis a leader in the grape’s modern revival and a symbol of Virginia’s renewed winemaking heritage. Today, the winery is home to the largest planting of Norton in the world, with over 70 acres dedicated to this historic American varietal.
Winemaking philosophy
Chrysalis embraces a French-inspired, low-intervention approach in the cellar—what the team fondly calls “lazy winemaking.” This philosophy focuses on letting the grapes express their natural character with minimal manipulation, gentle handling, and limited additives. The result is authentic, expressive wines that reflect both the land and the unique personality of each vintage.
