Our Story
In 1996 Oliver Bray and Robin Bray established Bray Vineyards on 50 acres of prime Shenandoah Valley vine land. By 2001, Bray Vineyards was supplying Zinfandel and Sangiovese grapes to well known local wineries like Vino Noceto and Montevina and making a name for themselves and their grapes as well as plans for opening their own winery. In 2004, they brought in John Hoddy as their winemaker and by April of that year Bray Vineyards opened its doors to the public for the first time.
With the introduction of the Iberian grapes to the vineyard, Bray Vineyards has fully embraced a future that features the uncommon flavors of Iberian grapes and wines. Expanding the market for wines made from these grapes is important to Bray because they want to share the joy of a new and different wine experience with their buyers and visitors.
We currently grow 23 varietals planted on almost 30 acres of our 50 acre property. Why so many? We believe that interesting grapes make interesting wines. Our white varietals include Albarino, Verdelho, Viognier and we just couldn't live without Semillon. We grow and produce red wines from Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Grosso (Brunello Clone), Syrah, Tempranillo and Zinfandel. You can bet harvest is hard-work as everything is harvested by hand, but our winemaker adores having so many choices in his blending. We hope you will, too.
The most recent addition to the Bray's line is a natural companion to both the wine and the land itself. Bray Vineyard's extra virgin estate grown olive oil is made from over a dozen varieties of olives grown on the property and are milled to extract only the best portion of the oil. Our custom blend of olives presses into liquid gold - aromatic, with just a hint of fruit, creating a balanced, harmonious flavor.
The Brays are proud of their winery, their wines, and their olive oil. Oliver and Robin invite you to visit them, whether you come to the tasting room, to their website, or to the many events in northern California and Nevada where they pour wine. Welcome to Bray Vineyards in the Heart of California's Shenandoah Valley!