An internationally known, award-winning local winery has a new owner.
Earlier this month, third-generation winemaker Luca Paschina announced the sale of Barboursville Vineyards to a new investor group. Paschina will remain at the helm as the CEO and president of the company.
“We remain wholly committed to the heritage of the land and to making exceptional wine,” Paschina said. “This ownership transition underscores a belief in the future of this great vineyard and ensures that this historic farm will remain vibrant for years to come.”
The investor group has not been identified, but Paschina noted that it has no other wine industry interests. He said the group fully supports the vineyard’s mission to “craft world class wines and provide outstanding hospitality while preserving the grounds of the historic vineyard estate and elevating the prestige of Virginia wines nationally and internationally.
Barboursville Vineyards will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. The winery began in 1976 when Gianni Zonin, heir to a family wine empire, settled in Barboursville. In 1984, the winery became part of the newly established Monticello American Viticultural Area. Paschina joined the business in 1990. Together, vineyard manager Fernando Franco, assistant winemaker Daniele Tessaro and Paschina have worked to experiment with new grape varieties suitable for Virginia’s climate. The winery is known for high-quality wines including its signature Octagon and produces nearly 500,000 bottles of wine annually including red, white, rosé, sparkling and dessert wine.
The 900-acre Orange County winery received the 2025 Governor’s Cup for its 2023 Vermentino. The wine was chosen for the top honor from among more than 600 wines from more than 140 Virginia wineries. The winery has won the cup, considered the top award in Virginia winemaking, six times. It’s currently in the running for the 2026 award with three wines receiving gold medals. The cup will be announced Thursday after presstime.
