At Michael Shaps Winery, our vineyard sites are thoughtfully selected and carefully cultivated with both current and future vintages in mind. We believe that exceptional wines begin in the vineyard—without outstanding fruit, great wine simply isn’t possible.
We source from three distinctive Virginia sites that reflect this commitment to quality: 40 acres at Honah Lee Vineyard, 12 acres at Shenandoah Vineyards, and 7 acres here at Harris Creek. Each site offers unique soils and microclimates that allow us to craft wines with depth, balance, and a true sense of place.
Located in Gordonsville, Virginia, Honah Lee Vineyard serves as our primary vineyard site and a cornerstone of our Virginia wine program. Spanning 40 acres, this meticulously managed vineyard provides a diverse range of varietals, including Viognier, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Its elevation, southern exposure, and well-drained soils contribute to optimal ripening and balance in the fruit, allowing us to craft wines that reflect both varietal character and a true sense of place. The consistency and quality of Honah Lee’s fruit make it an essential part of the Michael Shaps portfolio year after year.
Nestled in the rolling foothills of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, this vineyard site reflects the quiet strength and character of its surroundings. With elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 feet, the vineyard benefits from cooler temperatures, steady air flow, and limestone-rich soils that mirror the mineral composition of classic Old World terroirs.
The valley’s diurnal temperature swings preserve acidity and freshness, allowing for longer hang times and more balanced ripening—ideal for varietals like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Chardonnay. The result is fruit that delivers both structure and finesse.
Our Shenandoah vineyard is a true expression of Virginia’s potential—a site where meticulous viticulture meets natural elegance, and where each vintage offers a new perspective on place.
The Harris Creek Road property has been home to vineyard plantings since the early 1990s and now serves as our estate vineyard. With 7 acres under vine, this site produces Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot—varietals well-suited to the vineyard’s rolling terrain, clay-loam soils, and moderate elevation. Its close proximity to the winery allows for daily hands-on vineyard management and optimal harvest timing, ensuring fruit arrives at peak condition. The Harris Creek estate vineyard embodies our commitment to producing expressive, site-driven wines just steps from where they’re made.