Tucked behind tree-lined Route 29 just south of Charlottesville, Brent Manor Vineyards offers one of the most unique and intimate wine experiences on the Nelson 29 Craft Beverage Trail. This boutique winery creates something truly special—a perfect fusion of Portuguese winemaking traditions with Virginia innovation that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the region.
A Personal Portuguese-Virginia Experience
Discover Nelson County’s best kept secret when you visit Brent Manor Vineyards. Here, Jorge and Tracie Raposo have created something extraordinary: a place where the New World meets the Old World. Originally from Portugal, Jorge brings authentic Portuguese winemaking traditions to Virginia soil, while Tracy crafts innovative “winetails” that transform wine into creative cocktails.
This winery was our favorite of the tour (4 total) it was very intimate and Jorge did a great job explaining all of the wines and their flavors. They specialize in a few Portuguese wines, which are delicious and unique, according to recent visitors. The husband-and-wife team personally pours your tastings, sharing their passion for both Virginia winemaking and Portuguese wine traditions.
The Art of Portuguese Winemaking in Virginia
Estate Virginia Wines with Portuguese Soul
Brent Manor produces exceptional Virginia wines using traditional Portuguese techniques combined with modern innovation. Their Touriga Nacional stands out as particularly special—a little bit of smoke, spice and wild berry flavors on this beautiful wine make it perfectly suited for meat dishes. Touriga Nacional is the most famous of the hundreds of Portuguese varietals and one of the few planted outside of Portugal.
Award-Winning Blends and Single Varietals
Current Wine Offerings Include:
White Wines:
- 2022 Chardonnay – A beautiful stainless steel aged Chardonnay with apple and pear notes on the nose and palate. The softness on the finish is the perfect complement to the fruit in this balanced, crisp and refreshing wine.
- 2024 Chenin Blanc – A dry, full bodied Chenin Blanc with lime and kiwi flavors dominating the palate. Great pairing for pasta dishes as well as heavier fish and chicken dishes.
- 2024 Sauvignon Blanc – A bright and fresh Sauvignon Blanc with a fruity nose and lemongrass and peach on the palate. Pairs beautifully with seafood, shellfish, light chicken dishes, and warm sunny days.
Rose:
- 2024 Touriga Nacional Rosé – This fruity and dry Touriga Nacional rosé has fresh red fruits on the nose and a raspberry finish. Easy drinking, refreshing and crisp, perfect for a warm summer day.
Red Wines:
- 2022 Touriga Nacional – A little bit of smoke, spice and wild berry flavors on this beautiful wine make it perfectly suited for meat dishes. Touriga Nacional is the most famous of the hundreds of Portuguese varietals and one of the few planted outside of Portugal.
- 2022 Vinho Tinto – This particular blend is primarily Chambourcin (33%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (39%) with Cabernet Franc (17%) and Touriga Nacional (11%) finishing it out. Blends allow you to create something that balances the various varietals’ characteristics in such interesting ways. Since everyone has a different palate, everyone experiences blends differently, even more so than with single varietal wines. Blends have always been some of my favorite wines.
- 2022 Chambourcin Reserve – This is a full bodied, very earthy and inky red wine with hints of tobacco and leather. It pairs great with mushrooms, smoked or cured meats, duck, lamb and goat.
- 2023 Malbec – A dark smooth finishing Malbec with hints of tobacco to round it out. Juicy and jammy without being heavy, this easy drinking wine will pair well with any meal, or without one.
- 2023 Merlot – A smooth and easy drinking wine that starts with dark fruit notes and ends with warm spices. Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or meats.
- 2023 Vinho Tinto – This particular blend is primarily Malbec (47%) and Touriga Nacional (33%) with Tinta Cão (10%), Cabernet Franc (6%), and Merlot (4%) finishing it out. Blends allow you to create something that balances the various varietals’ characteristics in such interesting ways. Since everyone has a different palate, everyone experiences blends differently, even more so than with single varietal wines. Blends have always been some of my favorite wines.
Portuguese Port-Style Wines
One of Brent Manor’s most distinctive offerings is their port-style wines, including:
- 2024 Vinho Abafado Rosé – A rosé Port style wine made with Chambourcin grapes. Stainless steel aged, it has red berry notes on the nose with red berry and butterscotch flavors on the palate. A beautiful fresh and fruity finish makes this a perfect summer dessert wine.
- 2022 Vinho Abafado Branco – Made from Petit Manseng grapes, this white Port style wine has aromas of orange and caramel. Tasting it you get a sweetness that is perfectly balanced with the acidity, with a finish revealing flavors of butterscotch and caramel.
- 2022 Vinho Abafado Tinto – A Ruby Port style wine made with Touriga Nacional. Hints of dried currants, raisins and cranberries on the palate with a finish highlighted by notes of cacao and coconut. A perfect dessert, it pairs remarkably well with chocolate ice cream.
Be sure to do the port tasting, and don’t scrunch your nose up when they tell you about their “white port”. It’s amazing! visitors consistently report.
Tracie’s Famous “Winetails” – Wine Cocktails Done Right
Innovative Wine Cocktails
Don’t miss Tracie’s special “Winetails”, a tasty and creative concoction of wine or port mixed with various ingredients to produce a delightful cocktail of deliciousness. These aren’t your typical wine cocktails—they’re carefully crafted creations that showcase wine in entirely new ways.
Popular Winetail Creations
White Port & Tonic – A surprisingly crisp and refreshing drink featuring:
- 4 ounces Vinho Abafado Branco
- 1.5 ounces Tonic Water
- 2 lime wedges
Lemon Crush – A refreshing summer drink combining:
- Fresh mint and basil
- Sliced lemon
- Vinho Branco
- Country Time Lemonade
& More! Brent Manor offers Winetails that change out seasonally and can be found on their website here: Enjoy one of our refreshing creations
The Intimate Brent Manor Experience
A Boutique Approach to Wine Tasting
For those looking for a quieter wine tasting experience, the tasting room limits groups to six people at the bar, creating an intimate atmosphere where Jorge and Tracy can personally guide your tasting. Tastings are $12 each and include a souvenir glass, with the fee waived when you purchase three bottles.
Portuguese Wine Selection
In addition to their Virginia wines, Brent Manor offers an ever-changing variety of authentic Portuguese wines. Jorge shares his favorites from his homeland, giving visitors the rare opportunity to taste exceptional Portuguese varietals alongside Virginia wines. Wine club members receive 15% off Portuguese wines, making it even more accessible to explore these unique offerings.
The Perfect Setting
Breathtaking Mountain Views
The view from the front and the grounds was breathtaking according to visitors. The property offers stunning valley and mountain views that create the perfect backdrop for wine tasting. Whether you’re enjoying a glass on the patio or exploring the grounds, the scenic beauty enhances every moment.
Outdoor Spaces and Fire Pit
The scenery with a fire pit and a “wine tail” overlooking the mountainside was lovely visitors report. The outdoor areas include:
- Covered patio perfect for group gatherings
- Fire pit area for evening tastings
- Butterfly garden with lavender and other butterfly-attracting plants
- Picnic grounds for relaxing with wine and light fare
Light Fare and Charcuterie
While outside food isn’t permitted, Brent Manor offers delicious options including:
- Charcuterie plates with variety of cheeses, meats, dried fruits, and crusty bread
- Light fare including crackers, cheese, and meats
- Food and wine pairings available by reservation
Planning Your Visit
Hours and Reservations
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Reservations are recommended, especially for groups larger than six. Walk-ins are welcome for smaller groups on a first-come, first-served basis.
What to Expect
- $12 tastings including souvenir glass (waived with 3-bottle purchase)
- Portuguese wine selection alongside Virginia wines
- Port-style wine tastings available for additional fee
- Creative winetails on the patio and grounds
- Personal service from Jorge and Tracy themselves
- Intimate atmosphere with limited group sizes
Family and Pet Policies
Pets on leash and children are welcome on the patio and outdoor areas, though the indoor tasting room is reserved for adults only to maintain the intimate tasting experience.
Why Brent Manor Is Essential on Your Nelson 29 Journey
Unique Portuguese-Virginia Fusion
This is the only place on the Nelson 29 trail where you can experience authentic Portuguese wines alongside Virginia varietals, creating a truly unique tasting experience.
Personal, Intimate Service
Unlike larger wineries, Jorge and Tracie personally pour tastings and share their stories, creating connections that make each visit memorable.
Innovation with Tradition
From traditional Portuguese port-style wines to creative winetails, Brent Manor bridges old-world traditions with new-world innovation.
Exceptional Value
With competitive tasting fees, wine club discounts, and the personal attention of the owners, Brent Manor offers exceptional value for a premium experience.
Picture-Perfect Setting
The combination of mountain views, butterfly gardens, fire pit areas, and intimate spaces creates the perfect atmosphere for romance, celebration, or simply unwinding.
A Hidden Gem Worth Discovering
Brent Manor Vineyard is a must stop on US 29. Be careful not to miss the driveway on the north bound side as recent visitors note. This hidden gem represents everything special about boutique winemaking—passion, authenticity, innovation, and personal connection.
Jorge’s Portuguese heritage combined with Tracie’s creative spirit and Virginia’s exceptional terroir creates an experience that’s both familiar and entirely unique. Whether you’re drawn by the rare Portuguese varietals, excited to try innovative winetails, or simply seeking an intimate wine experience with stunning views, Brent Manor delivers something truly special.
It’s a quiet, small place with excellent wine and views that captures the essence of what makes the Nelson 29 trail memorable—authentic experiences created by passionate people who love sharing their craft.
Ready to experience the Old World meeting the New World? Visit Brent Manor Vineyards on your Nelson 29 adventure and discover why this intimate Portuguese-Virginia fusion has captured the hearts of wine lovers seeking something truly unique.
