https://virgilsvineyard.com/home daily 1.0 2026-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1620087385355-8RTBR10J2YM1ALG0KSZO/Virgils+Logo+Hi+Res.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/6cfa0ee0-22f2-4555-a9d7-c60350f8db6c/IMG_3613.jpeg HARVEST 2024 Enjoy 2017 The Smuggler's Son (91 points) & 2020 Estate Pinot Noir (91 Points) Enjoy with family and friends… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/b8ede5db-10e7-4a91-86fb-6a21db02b0f0/IMG_3618.jpeg HARVEST 2024 Enjoy 2017 The Smuggler's Son (91 points) & 2020 Estate Pinot Noir (91 Points) - Estate Grown Rosé of Pinot Noir Enjoy with family and friends… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/0094fa8a-c0e9-4174-9505-3483a571ed11/2017+SS.jpeg HARVEST 2024 Enjoy 2017 The Smuggler's Son (91 points) & 2020 Estate Pinot Noir (91 Points) Enjoy with family and friends… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/31ad0369-1a8b-4144-ac44-db7c0c0fea63/Rose%CC%81+Xmas.jpeg HARVEST 2024 Enjoy 2017 The Smuggler's Son (91 points) & 2020 Estate Pinot Noir (91 Points) Enjoy with family and friends… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/5c9888de-536f-483e-8839-9d4d326a08a2/PN21+bottle+1.5.jpeg HARVEST 2024 Enjoy 2017 The Smuggler's Son (91 points) & 2020 Estate Pinot Noir (91 Points) Enjoy with family and friends… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/269b7055-56ff-41ad-b737-b7e6221b688b/Christmas+Champagne.jpg HARVEST 2024 Enjoy 2017 The Smuggler's Son (91 points) & 2020 Estate Pinot Noir (91 Points) Enjoy with family and friends… https://virgilsvineyard.com/the-smuggler daily 0.75 2025-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1586553323646-GQOFGHK29XAHXP37J5HF/Virgils+Car+-+Copy.jpg THE SMUGGLER - IT ALL STARTED WITH VIRGIL Virgil Kipper was born and raised on the family farm in North Vernon, Indiana, and moved to Detroit, Michigan in the late 1920s during Prohibition to work for his uncle, Peter Holdreith, who owned a prominent Detroit restaurant called the Holdreith Chop House. Virgil worked as a waiter by day and smuggled booze from across the river in Canada by night supplying the restaurant during Prohibition. Virgil also was a family winemaker who made wine all his life for family and friends to enjoy. The Smuggler’s Son commemorates the family winemaking and bootlegging heritage of the winery’s namesake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588372247594-Q76E8Y9WAXTSIZPVSRAS/IMG_2835963FBFA9-1.jpeg THE SMUGGLER Virgil Kipper marries Dorothy Reichle 1945. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588369976142-CHM7DTPFLUZILWKE9R1R/IMG_DFBC89AF890D-1.jpg THE SMUGGLER May, 1959. at home in their Redford Township backyard vineyard. Virgil and Dorothy Kipper here with their 6 children: Patricia, George, Robert, Margaret and twin boys, Michael and Matthew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1587771984877-0TVUS9V121JHURA4ZLY1/Virgil+Army.jpg THE SMUGGLER Virgil Kipper Army WWII https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588372365897-BT975V56G4412ABDLTXE/Virgil+wine2.jpg THE SMUGGLER Patricia, the oldest, making wine with her dad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588372441208-8BX6G6J7Z1LSUY1OXFCE/Virgil+making+wine.jpg THE SMUGGLER Winemaking was always a family affair. Here Pat and George help their dad during crush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588902327221-9G7USAJS9T3N73S7L7LX/IMG_0099%2B3.jpg THE SMUGGLER - THE LEGACY LIVES ON Matthew, the youngest son of Virgil and Dorothy Kipper, was born in Detroit Michigan in 1959. As a boy, Matthew and his twin brother Mike were by the side of their dad Virgil making wine in the basement from the grapes grown in their backyard in Redford Township, Michigan. Virgil retired when Matthew and his brother were 10 years old. Matthew and Mike moved with their parents back to their hometown of North Vernon, Indiana, where they lived on a small farm. Virgil’s winemaking continued in Indiana with almost any fruit that was available at the time. Matthew and his family enjoyed the wine at family meals and special occasions. Matthew went on to earn his degree in Biology/Chemistry from Indiana University. Matthew spent most of his professional career at Genentech. While working at Genentech as a Senior Director of Field Sales, Matthew spent a great deal of time in the Napa and Sonoma wine growing regions developing a love for their wines and rekindling an interest to make wine as his father had done all his life. Matthew began making wine as an amateur winemaker in Michigan using California fruit that was shipped into Detroit. Over 10 years, Matthew’s wines earned over 28 medals in amateur wine competitions throughout the U.S. Every fall the basement of his Farmington Hills home was transformed into a busy winemaking extravaganza. Friends and family would help with the production and were paid in wine and food. Matthew retired after 19 years with Genentech. Upon retirement, the family purchased a second home in Napa and in 2007 produced their first amateur wine using fresh Napa fruit and the winemaking skills Matthew had perfected over the last 10 years. The quality of this first vintage made in the garage in Napa was outstanding and was assisted and encouraged by connections and friends in the wine industry. The decision to go commercial was made. Matthew and his friend John Hanhauser founded Virgil’s Vineyard in Napa, California as a commercial winery in 2008. The goal of the winery was to make the best possible red blend of their favorite varietals on a micro-production basis and honor the bootlegging legacy of Virgil Kipper in Prohibition Detroit. Thus was born, the wine: The Smuggler’s Son. Matthew spends most of his time in Napa and Detroit with his wife of 40 years, Jennifer. Their children are still part of the tradition and enjoy the fruits of his labor and have been instrumental in the e-Commerce and Direct-to-Consumer part of the business. Matthew is THE SMUGGLER’S SON. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1587249236205-0IO53AO70QHPC7EMJS6A/Jennifer%2B%2526%2BMatt%2Bmay-18.jpg THE SMUGGLER - A WINE FOR OUR TIMES Through our micro-production winery we focus on developing wine best enjoyed as Virgil did… with his family and friends. We uncork our wine and raise our glasses to you. Cheers! Matthew & Jennifer Kipper https://virgilsvineyard.com/awards daily 0.75 2025-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/bb69cce2-2153-4864-8fa7-4ebd1b357a0b/state+fair.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/b72ab1f3-7054-411f-b9d8-4c29e1b4d77d/21PN+glass+1.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/bb69cce2-2153-4864-8fa7-4ebd1b357a0b/state+fair.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/0094fa8a-c0e9-4174-9505-3483a571ed11/2017+SS.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/c09563fb-4109-4a37-b8a9-20bd01074e83/LAIC-logo-home.png RATINGS & AWARDS - 91 Points “This potent, full-bodied fruit bomb of a wine is nicely supported by firm tannins and good acidity that balance it out pretty well. It bursts with effusive blackberry and dried cherry flavors and a hint of sweetness but the structure meets those blow for blow.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588476222526-TY3IPFQO9VWY0B93YN0Y/Wine+Enthusiast+logo.jpg RATINGS & AWARDS - 89 Points “This potent, full-bodied fruit bomb of a wine is nicely supported by firm tannins and good acidity that balance it out pretty well. It bursts with effusive blackberry and dried cherry flavors and a hint of sweetness but the structure meets those blow for blow.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588472378007-HC7ISH2HI7NUOXQ7NBAD/Wine+Spectator+Logo+2.jpg RATINGS & AWARDS - 88 Points “Snappy, with appealing pepper, cherry, and grilled herb flavors. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petite Sirah. Drink now through 2023. 500 cases made.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588476222526-TY3IPFQO9VWY0B93YN0Y/Wine+Enthusiast+logo.jpg RATINGS & AWARDS - 87 Points “The Smuggler's Son 2015 Red (California) This full-bodied wine is based on Zinfandel and tastes ripe and smooth, fills the mouth with blackberry and cherry flavors, and has enough richness to fill out its lightly tannic frame.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1604166383685-RND1T8PG3WZBC0Y8ND66/Wine+Spectator+Logo+2.jpg RATINGS & AWARDS - 86 Points “An eccentric red blend that mixes zesty, ripe black cherry flavors with contrasting accents of bell pepper and spiced cinnamon. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petite Sirah. Drink now. 500 cases made.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1586563509932-C4CNQVGYLI9B8XT82QJM/Wine+Enthusiast.jpg RATINGS & AWARDS - 2014 The Smuggler’s Son 92 Rating & Editor’s Choice from Wine Enthusiast Gold Medal from the Indy International Wine Competition Bronze Medal from the California State Fair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1586563187226-BJ6Q7S0G8CSZLFO1M8WJ/Cal+95+Graphic.png RATINGS & AWARDS - 2013 The Smuggler’s Son 95 Point Rating, Best of Class for Region, & Gold Medal from the California State Fair Best of Class Zinfandel & Gold Medal from the Indy International Wine Competition https://virgilsvineyard.com/vineyard-pups daily 0.75 2025-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1586573611413-HUTFIL8V6VTIA5LFZJU5/IMG_2963.jpeg VINEYARD PUPS CHARLEY “CHUCK” NAPA, CA & LOS ANGELES, CA @chuck_dogg1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/b2e0730f-460f-486e-82f3-482f26b71273/Corgis+2025.jpg VINEYARD PUPS PEPA & BARKLEY SAN FRANCISCO, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1587335530029-1RSSVZ6P8U01DMNX3LQ3/Cooper_Virgils%2BBottle.jpg VINEYARD PUPS COOPER WRIGLEY “COOP” AUSTIN, TX & DENVER, CO @cooperwrigleythecorgi https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1621524790480-D03WCQ2Q18XXFX1UXUKM/Pups+of+the+Vineyard_Tate.jpg VINEYARD PUPS - Make it stand out TATE DELMAR, NY & EDGARTOWN, MA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/4ebd8b04-6af1-410e-a569-80b13426cc59/Ned+Virgils+Pic.jpg VINEYARD PUPS NED ”RIC LAMAR” LOS ANGELES, CA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/c806e6b1-27c1-4d5a-88d9-3cd62731d97c/Vineyard+Pups_Alex+pups.jpg VINEYARD PUPS - Make it stand out GUS, RORY, & ROW DENVER, CO (Foster Location) @afriendofjack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/53a9a992-9f42-4e6e-afe5-7938a98a0cae/Charley+.jpeg VINEYARD PUPS CHARLIE OAKLAND, CA https://virgilsvineyard.com/contact-info daily 0.75 2025-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1585605039078-XU91PQ9RRP86HRDZ5FL9/IMG_1485.jpg CONTACT INFO - VIRGIL’S VINEYARD 3311 David Drive Napa, CA 94558 virgilsvineyard@me.com 248-719-2808 https://virgilsvineyard.com/retail-restaurants daily 0.75 2025-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/fec5d011-8dd2-4ac9-9fb9-e5a0b7f7e844/Carroll+Wine.jpg RETAIL & RESTAURANTS - Carroll Wine & Spirits 9880 E 121st St. Fishers, IN 46037 (317) 578-7300 carrollwineandspirits.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/d8e00714-d5e5-425d-8c9b-6c505e88ca6b/download.png RETAIL & RESTAURANTS - Reserve Wine Company 1260 Rankin Drive - Suite D Troy, MI 48083 (313) 632-7995 https://virgilsvineyard.com/tasting-notes daily 0.75 2026-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/da01f4c0-a451-410f-b118-5f83557d8f9d/Rose%CC%81+Xmas.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/9b22c49c-ce9a-4d0a-96b8-a20518bff845/IMG_3613.jpeg TASTING NOTES - 2022 ESTATE PINOT NOIR Beautiful light garnet hue with aromas of cola berry and black cherry, complemented by a faint hint of spearmint. Classic Carneros Pinot Noir with cool-climate freshness with red fruit and soft texture. Delicious flavors of black cherry and raspberry with a silky-smooth rounded texture and bright balanced acidity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/b8ede5db-10e7-4a91-86fb-6a21db02b0f0/IMG_3618.jpeg TASTING NOTES - 2024 THE SMUGGLER’S DAUGHTER ROSÉ OF PINOT NOIR Radiant in the glass with colors of fresh watermelon juice and sun-ripened strawberries. Enticing bouquet of juicy peach and alpine strawberry on the nose. Flavors of watermelon and ripe strawberry with subtle peach notes on the finish. Bright, crisp acidity balanced by a rich, silky mouthfeel that adds depth and elegance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/c7d208c3-6cfe-407f-8d15-4ddcc32969ee/IMG_3252.jpg TASTING NOTES - 2017 THE SMUGGLER’S SON 2017 The Smuggler’s Son is brilliant crimson in color with scents of pomegranate, bing cherry, and toasted marshmallow on the nose. A sophisticated well balanced red blend with bright flavors of dark chocolate covered black cherry, dark plum, wild blackberry, vanilla, and fine cocoa powder. The finish is juicy and refined with raspberry, leather, tobacco and subtle spices. Eighteen months in French Oak. Bottle aged, ready to enjoy now and will continue to age gracefully. Rated: 91 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/a8cbb8b0-9196-493a-b331-617aa671f2e1/21PN+glass+3.jpeg TASTING NOTES - 2021 ESTATE PINOT NOIR Virgil’s Vineyard 2021 Estate Pinot Noir delivers complex aromas of dried black cherry, toasted marshmallow, and orange peel. A silky, well-balanced, medium to full-body estate-grown Pinot Noir with concentrated mouthwatering flavors of raspberry, Alpine strawberry, and vanilla. Soft and appealing finish of bright red fruit. An award-winning Estate Pinot Noir with fruit grown exclusively at the Kipper Family Vineyard in the stunning Los Carneros region in Napa. Ready to enjoy now and will continue to age gracefully. Aged 12 months in French Oak. Smuggler’s Selection limited two-barrel production of only 50 cases. Rated: 91 California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition https://virgilsvineyard.com/our-team daily 0.75 2025-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/e779c8a4-0368-4048-b52d-e58944cc32b2/matt+barrel.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/bca6fb6e-8c94-4fbf-8f7c-d025ed550d61/Headshot+1_02042025.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588119854713-GT0UISTPWBBJK6A18BAH/0.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/922bb85d-112e-484b-af43-474c4eb79644/IMG_9A00FAFF3C29-1.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1588119965844-B57PWTIQFKQMQM79ERTG/0+%281%29.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/8b245801-a02f-4274-b54d-1f91677f0561/IMG_1361.JPG https://virgilsvineyard.com/olive-oil daily 0.75 2025-11-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/86072ebd-a8d3-42e4-acba-87585b415d77/olive+oil+2024+-2.jpeg OLIVE OIL - 2024 Virgil’s Vineyard Estate Extra-Virgil Olive Oil The third vintage of Kipper Family Vineyard Estate grown extra-virgin olive oil was produced on Monday, October 14, 2024. The mature olive trees on our Napa vineyard were hand-picked and produced a bumper crop of 475 pounds of primarily Mission olives. Our vineyard manager, Oscar Reyes-Lopez, heavily influenced the abundant olive crop through several years of effective fertilizer, nutrients, and tree pruning. The olive oil pressing took place at Olive Press in Sonoma, California. Within three hours our olives were milled into 8.5 gallons of extra-virgin olive oil. Tasting notes: A clear and vibrant sunflower yellow in color, with flavors of fresh herbs, and fruit with a buttery and complex cracked black pepper finish. Available only at Virgil’s Vineyard in Napa, a tasty winery exclusive. https://virgilsvineyard.com/order daily 0.75 2026-04-12 https://virgilsvineyard.com/order/p/smugglers-selection-sparkling-wine-bottle monthly 0.5 2026-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/71f1c739-8eb6-42a8-ace5-db272b604aa4/Sparking+Wine_2016_Bottle+.png ORDER - Sparkling Wine https://virgilsvineyard.com/order/p/smugglers-selection-2018-pinot-noir-bottle-lzc6d-8mzkw-687ds monthly 0.5 2026-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/9ceabfe3-ec55-4b52-b06f-bf08beb71ee1/Pinot+Noir_2021_Bottle.png ORDER - 2021 Estate Pinot Noir - Pinot Noir_2021_Bottle.png https://virgilsvineyard.com/order/p/smugglers-selection-sparkling-wine-bottle-z46e5 monthly 0.5 2026-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/3c26e0af-2d6d-4811-8332-200645357f8a/Sparkling+Rose_2023_Bottle.png ORDER - Rosé Sparkling Wine - Sparkling Rose_2023_Bottle.png https://virgilsvineyard.com/order/p/smugglers-selection-2018-pinot-noir-bottle-lzc6d-8mzkw-pphdk-dkzs7-9slts monthly 0.5 2026-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/c5271d04-2135-4656-ab5e-a26b110be067/VV_web_Rose_v001.png ORDER - 2024 The Smuggler's Daughter Rosé - VV_web_Rose_v001.png https://virgilsvineyard.com/order/p/smugglers-selection-2018-pinot-noir-bottle-lzc6d-8mzkw-687ds-nzh26 monthly 0.5 2026-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/efc0ec97-28e1-46bf-b557-5cf66a231e42/VV_web_PinotNoir_v001.png ORDER - 2022 Estate Pinot Noir - VV_web_PinotNoir_v001.png https://virgilsvineyard.com/order/p/2016-the-smugglers-son-bottle-bhal5 monthly 0.5 2026-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e824960b01f212ca438c8fd/1699909931412-PB2TG1G7Q02EOFY6BEDQ/SS_2017_Bottle.png ORDER - 2017 The Smuggler's Son