Our Story

About Michael Shaps Winery

Founded in 2007, Michael Shaps Wineworks is located just south of Charlottesville in the Monticello AVA. Led by winemaker Michael Shaps, the winery is known for producing expressive, terroir-driven Virginia wines with a philosophy rooted in both Old World tradition and the potential of Virginia vineyards. Michael’s experience making wine in Burgundy continues to influence the style of the portfolio, which ranges from Chardonnay, Viognier, and Cabernet Franc to distinctive small-production wines that showcase Virginia’s diverse growing sites.

Wineworks has also played an important role in the growth of Virginia wine. Shortly after opening, it established Virginia’s first contract winemaking operation and has since worked with wineries and growers throughout the region. As the business grew, Wineworks expanded to an additional facility on Avon Street in Charlottesville before acquiring the former Thatch Winery property on Harris Creek Road in 2022, just down the road from its original tasting room. The move allowed Wineworks to consolidate and expand its winemaking, custom crush, bottling, storage, and hospitality operations on one property.

Today, guests visiting Michael Shaps Wineworks can experience the wines in a relaxed setting surrounded by the landscape of the Monticello wine region. The Harris Creek Road property features a spacious tasting room, private event space, and expansive outdoor seating, while remaining an active working winery. From its estate and vineyard-designated Virginia wines to its longstanding custom winemaking program, Michael Shaps Wineworks continues to combine craftsmanship, collaboration, and a deep commitment to the evolution of Virginia wine.

Our Vineyards

All of our vineyard sites have been chosen with care and maintained with exceptional attention to detail to ensure quality wine that evokes the unique terroir of Virginia.

Click Here to learn more about our Vineyards

Meet the Team

The team at Michael Shaps Wineworks is dedicated to elite craftsmanship and producing high-quality wines for us and our custom crush clients.

Click Here to learn more about our Wine Making Team

Private Label, Shiners, Bulk

Michael Shaps Wineworks
Custom Winemaking Services Since 2007

Your partner for consistent sourcing of  high quality shiners and bulk wine

The team at Michael Shaps Wineworks consistently offers high-quality shiner and bulk wine options, including both Virginia and International appellation offerings.  We can also discuss bottling or sourcing something specific to your needs.

 

Private Label wines for your business or organization make a lasting impression for your clients and colleagues. Our team will work closely with you to create offerings that highlight the uniqueness of your establishment. We work extensively with restaurants, retail shops, universities, start-up brands as well as private businesses.

 

For more information or to receive samples of shiners or bulk wine, please contact our team at winemaking@michaelshapswineworks.com.

Custom Bottling Services

Precision Bottling with Quality and Consistency

Michael Shaps Wineworks
Custom Winemaking Services Since 2007

Package Your Wines for Market with Confidence

At our Charlottesville, Virginia facility, the team at Michael Shaps Wineworks offers comprehensive Custom Bottling Services designed to ensure your wines are finished and packaged to the highest standards. From final sulfur and gas adjustments to careful oxygen management, our team provides the expertise and attention to detail needed for a clean, stable, and professional bottling outcome.

Our Bottling Services Include

We provide a complete suite of pre-bottling and bottling support, including crossflow filtration for efficient and gentle clarification, final sterile filtration to ensure microbial stability and clarity, and precise final adjustments of FSO2, O2 and CO2 to meet your desired specifications. Throughout the process, we carefully monitor dissolved oxygen levels to minimize pickup during bottling and preserve freshness and longevity. We also offer both cork and screw cap closure options to align with your brand and wine style.

Bottle Sourcing Available

We can source standard bottle shapes at competitive pricing, ensuring you receive exactly the quantity needed—eliminating the risk of shortages or excess inventory.

We offer a variety of solutions from any stage of the process.  Please reach out to our winemaking team at winemaking@michaelshapswineworks.com for further information.

Custom Sparkling Production

Craft Exceptional Sparkling Wines with Confidence

Michael Shaps Wineworks
Custom Winemaking Services Since 2007

Bring Your Sparkling Program to Life

Sparkling wine continues to be one of the fastest-growing categories in the market. Whether you are launching a new label, expanding your portfolio, or meeting increasing demand, Michael Shaps Wineworks provides Custom Sparkling Production tailored to each of our clients’ goals.

Our Sparkling Production Capabilities

At Wineworks, we utilize both traditional and modern techniques:

Méthode Champenoise (Traditional Method)

Create premium sparkling wines with complexity, elegance, and aging potential. Wines are typically aged between 12 and 36 months before disgorging.

Force Carbonation (Similar to Prosecco)

Efficient, consistent, and cost-effective production for fresh, fruit-forward sparkling wines designed for immediate consumption and broad market appeal.  Wines are typically carbonated in the winter or spring following harvest.
We offer a variety of solutions from any stage of the process.  Please reach out to our winemaking team at winemaking@michaelshapswineworks.com for further information.