VERONA, VA (Rocktown Now) — Located just south of Fort Defiance along U.S. Route 11, Noer Vineyards has quietly opened for limited sales after years of construction and planting. The vineyard is poised to become one of the largest family-owned operations in the Mid-Atlantic region once all 200 acres are under vine.

The 200-acre vineyard has the region’s only underground winemaking facility. Photo credit: Jeff Ishee.

Owner John Noer, who recently took us on a guided tour of the property, says the winery is currently offering online sales and “pick-up at the cave” purchases. A tasting room is in the planning stages and expected to open within 18 months atop a scenic ridge with sweeping views east toward the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Noer Vineyards has already made a name for itself, earning multiple medals at the 2025 Shenandoah Cup. Gold medals were awarded to their 2024 Chardonnay Lot #1, Chardonnay Lot #2, Semillon, and Riesling. A silver medal went to their 2024 Pinot Gris–Pinot Blanc blend.

Hundreds of oak barrels are used for aging wine. Photo credit: Jeff Ishee.

One of the property’s standout features is its underground wine cave, used for aging and bottling. Built with a 4½-foot-thick covering of soil over the roof, the cave maintains stable temperatures year-round without heating or cooling. Inside, tanks hold up to 50,000 gallons, with additional barrel storage for aging.

The vineyard currently has 13 wine grape varieties planted.

The unique facility is topped with 4 1/2 feet of soil to create a manmade “cave.” Photo credit: Jeff Ishee.

Owner John Noer is scheduled to be a future guest of Jeff Ishee’s “Valley Farm Forum” on WSVA, where he will explain in detail how the unique operation was inspired and built.

A full story about the family’s journey is featured at Farm Credit of the Virginias: https://www.farmcreditofvirginias.com/blog/vine-vision-how-john-noer-building-legacy-virginia-wine-country