About Shenandoah Vineyards

Shenandoah Vineyards is the second oldest active winery in Virginia, and the oldest winery in the Shenandoah Valley, founded in 1976 by Jim and Emma Randel. The Randels were two visionaries, who recognized the viticultural potential of their site. Located in Edinburg on land that had been in Emma’s family since the mid-1800s, Jim and Emma planted their first 5,000 vines in 1976 and went on to enjoy over 4 decades of success.

Michael Shaps purchased Shenandoah Vineyards in the fall of 2018 after working as a winemaking consultant for Emma for several years. Michael recognized the viticultural potential of the limestone soils and drier growing conditions.

    “Shenandoah is the driest county in Virginia and one of the driest east of the Mississippi River with ideal soil composition and optimal elevation.” - Michael Shaps

Michael is excited about the viticultural potential and the opportunity to revitalize the vineyards with varieties that grow especially well in the valley, and adding Alsatian varietals like pinot gris and pinot blanc to the existing old vine riesling.