Prince Michel Winery Celebrates Opening of New Barrel Room Experience Space

LEON, Va. – The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce and Madison County Chamber of Commerce recently joined Prince Michel Winery & Tap 29 to celebrate the opening of its newly transformed barrel room, a space designed to offer guests immersive wine experiences, educational programs, pairing dinners, private events, and specialty tastings.

Located in Madison County, Prince Michel Winery has long been a destination for residents and visitors alike, known for its award-winning wines, scenic setting, and commitment to showcasing the best of Virginia wine country.

During the celebration, representatives from both Chambers recognized Prince Michel Winery as an important regional business, tourism destination, and community partner.

“Prince Michel has been an incredible partner and an invaluable asset to our region,” said Amy Frazier, President & CEO of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. “Their award-winning wines, amazing staff, and beautiful venue have made Prince Michel a destination where people come together and experience the very best of our community.”

Tracey Gardner, Executive Director of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce, joined the celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony in recognition of Prince Michel Winery's longstanding contributions to Madison County's business community, tourism industry, and economic vitality.

Owner Kristin Easter, who has led the winery for more than two decades, reflected on the winery's growth and evolution.

“Twenty-one years ago, I became the owner here, and it's come a long way since then,” Easter said. “This place has evolved over the years, and I am so fortunate for our staff, our winemaking team, and our loyal customers who have helped make that growth possible.”

Easter credited Head Winemaker Bryan Jones for bringing the vision for the new space to life.

“Brian has turned our barrel room into this fantastic tasting room,” she said. “It's all his vision, and I was blown away when I saw what he had created.”

Jones explained that while the room continues to house the winery's barrels, its greater purpose is education and connection.

“This room is really a classroom more than it is a barrel room,” Jones said. “We're going to utilize the space to teach people about how wine moves from the vineyard to the barrel and ultimately into the bottle, and how to truly appreciate the process.”

Built largely by Prince Michel's own production team, the renovation reflects the winery's commitment to creating memorable experiences while helping visitors better understand the agricultural roots of winemaking.

“We designed this place so that people could feel connected to the process of winemaking and appreciate what wine really is,” Jones said. “Experience is a big part of what we do, and this room is a big step in the right direction.”

Following remarks from winery leadership, Amy Frazier of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce and Tracey Gardner of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce joined Easter and Jones for the ceremonial ribbon cutting, officially marking the opening of the renovated space.

The new barrel room will serve as a venue for exclusive tastings, wine education programs, pairing dinners, and other special events, further enhancing Prince Michel Winery's role as a premier destination in Virginia wine country.

For more information about Prince Michel Winery & Tap 29 and upcoming events, visit www.princemichel.com.