A careful examination of Gulay Berryman’s painting “Dancing Under the Stars” reveals Williamsburg Winery founder Patrick Duffeler and his wife, Francoise, reveling in a courtyard. The original work by the Williamsburg Art Gallery director hangs in the lobby of Wedmore Place, the luxury hotel with a European flair that’s part of the Wessex Hundred farm. Patrick is smartly dressed in his boxy gray Janker, while Francoise wears a strapless, backless blue gown. They’re dancing un

Appreciating the essence of Wessex Hall starts with an understanding of open-hearth fireplaces. The Williamsburg Winery’s largest event venue houses two at opposite ends of the 48 x 96-feet space. The Williamsburg Winery’s Founder Patrick Duffeler discovered both fireplaces in from destroyed 18th-century houses in the Bordeaux area and had a mason salvage them. Prior to shipping them to this country, he assured each of the fragile white stones was marked in chalk with a numbe

Intimate. Charming. Picturesque. Westbury Hall at The Williamsburg Winery shares those qualities with its namesake, the village of Westbury in southwest England. The three-level converted warehouse opens into a multipurpose space on the main floor perfect for hosting a wedding. Upon entry, the eye easily finds the sweeping oak staircase, designed with a bride in mind. The landing with the shield of Westbury as a backdrop makes for a marvelous moment to pause and snap a keepsa

The wine world lost a legend and The Williamsburg Winery founder Patrick Duffeler lost a friend with the passing of Steven Spurrier on March 9. The British wine expert’s legacy includes organizing “The Judgment in Paris,” a blind tasting event in 1976 that elevated the profile of California wines when they beat out French wines. Spurrier was an educator, writer, taster, judge, merchant and winemaker with his own vineyard in England. Duffeler first crossed paths with Spurrier

Fresh air, a vineyard view, relaxed seating. The 1619 Pavilion at The Williamsburg Winery offers another setting for what founder Patrick Duffeler calls “the casual enjoyment of wine.” The two-level, 2,600 square-foot deck that opened in spring 2019 overlooks a pair of vineyards. The upstairs and downstairs offer ample seating, and if it’s chilly, request your own personal heater for a little extra toastiness. A dog- and kid-friendly terrace and a fire pit are more amenities.

The 2017 Petit Verdot Reserve was awarded a gold medal from the Virginia Wineries Association Governor’s Cup Wine Competition on Tuesday.