A New Chapter in Our Winemaking Journey
Every great wine has a story.
It begins long before the grapes reach the press. It starts in the vineyard, shaped by changing seasons, careful hands, and the quiet rhythm of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each vintage becomes another chapter, building on the ones that came before while leaving room for something new.
At Bluemont Vineyard, our story began in 2005, when the first vines were planted on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge across from our family farm. Since then, every harvest has reflected the dedication of our family, our team, and the land we are privileged to steward.
As we look ahead to the 2026 harvest, we're excited to turn the page and introduce the next chapter in our winemaking journey with our new Winemaker, James Lovasz.
Where the Story Began
"I caught the winemaking bug during my first harvest at Bluemont Vineyard in 2016," James recalls. "Once I experienced harvest from the cellar, I knew that's where I wanted to be."
At the time, James had already entered Virginia wine through hospitality. Beginning in 2014, he managed the tasting room at Sunset Hills Vineyard before helping open 50 West Vineyards the following year. While welcoming guests introduced him to the industry, it was harvest that revealed his true calling of winemaking.
Learning the Craft
Determined to learn every aspect of winemaking, James joined a winery consulting company, where he spent the next several years working harvests and cellar operations throughout Virginia. From Loudoun County to Charlottesville and Virginia's Northern Neck, he worked alongside respected wineries including Doukenie Winery, Greenhill Vineyards, Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, and Septenary Winery. Every vineyard, every cellar, and every vintage added another layer to his understanding of Virginia's diverse growing regions and winemaking styles.
His journey continued with Europress, where he partnered with wineries across the eastern United States to install and commission presses, tanks, pumps, destemmers, and complete cellar systems. The experience offered a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on the design and operation of successful wineries. It strengthened both his technical expertise and his relationships throughout the industry.
Coming Full Circle
From his first harvest at Bluemont Vineyard to becoming our winemaker, his journey has come full circle.
With more than a decade of experience and a passion rooted in Virginia wine, James brings both technical expertise and a deep appreciation for the craft behind every bottle.
"My goal is to share my passion and love for wine, not just through what's in the glass or the blends I create, but through every experience our guests have here," James says. "Great wine starts in the vineyard and ends in the cellar. I'm honored to work alongside the Zurschmeide family as we continue building the future legacy of Loudoun wine."
For the Zurschmeide family, James' new position represents more than a new title. It reflects Bluemont Vineyard's continued commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship, exceptional hospitality, and investing in the future of Virginia wine.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 harvest approaches, you'll see James around the vineyard, in the cellar, and in the tasting room. Along the way, he'll be sharing more of the winemaking journey, from harvest updates and blending sessions to educational experiences and new releases, offering a closer look at the care that transforms grapes into every glass of Bluemont wine.
Every vintage adds another chapter to our story.
This next chapter is rooted in the same values that have guided us from the beginning: respect for the land, a passion for hospitality, and a commitment to crafting wines that reflect the beauty of our mountain home.
We're excited to write this next chapter together, and we can't wait to raise a glass with you!
Here's to the future of Bluemont Vineyard! Congratulations, James!