Press & News

What’s in a Name?

Acorn Hill Winery now Sweely Estate Winery

There's a lot of activity going on at the winery just off Route 29 on Wolftown Hood Road in Madison County.  In this second year of production, bottling is expected to reach 9,500 cases; in late summer the beautiful hospitality center/tasting room will open; and there will be a new name on the sign out front, as well as on the bottles’ labels.

“In short, we had to do it, “ said owner Jess Sweely.  “There’s a winery on the west coast with a similar name to Acorn Hill and they filed legal action.  We didn’t think we were doing anything wrong.  But we’re now in the process of making it right.” 

And right for both entities, it turns out.  The name Acorn Hill Winery is out.  The name Sweely Estate Winery takes its place.  And even though changing the name might cause a few logistical challenges, in the long run, Sweely is glad it all happened.

“I’m proud of the wines we’re making here, so I’m proud to have my family name on each and every bottle.  It’s a legacy my wife, Sharon, and I can pass along to my children and grandchildren.” 

Sweely Estate was actually one of the original names considered when the winery was established.  Acorn Hill was chosen because that’s the name of the equestrian training facility the Sweely family owns and operates on their farm in Madison County.  The wine’s label will retain the signature horse image, thus keeping the connection to the equestrian community.   

The name change will take effect immediately. 

Sweely Estate Winery features Pinot Gris, Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and the “1867” Bordeaux Style Blend. 

Our website address will change to www.sweelyestatewiinery.com, but you can still access the website at www.acornhillwinery.com.

June 21, 2007

Climbing Up on Acorn Hill

Daily Progress, Inc., Charlottesville VA.

They were supposed to just plant some grapes.

After all, the Sweelys were retired. They had sold the Medicaid service provider company they'd built, and enjoying the fruits of their labor in fruit form sounded like a lovely, relaxing activity. But Sharon Sweely should have known that letting someone else do the heavy lifting and merely enjoying a glass of wine now and then wasn't her husband's style.

"He never does anything in a small way," Sweely said of her husband, Jess Sweely.

And now here they are in Madison with 300 acres, 40 acres of vines and a plan to produce 25,000 cases of wine a year in the next several years at Acorn Hill Winery

by L.E. Andres / Sept, 26, 2007 / Full Article and Slideshow

From the Grape to the Glass

Star Exponent, Culpeper VA

MADISON — For Jess Sweely, it was a retirement adventure that blossomed from a love of wine and a dream to grow vines. Starting a vineyard and opening a new winery, however, requires money, hard work and a desire to produce quality — but top-of-the-line equipment doesn’t hurt either.

When the Sweelys approached Gabriele Rausse about starting a new winery, he had one question for them: Quality or quantity? Rausse, one of the founders of the modern Virginia grape industry, served as a consultant to Jess and Sharon Sweely who are opening Acorn Hill Winery in Madison County next summer.

“I said quality,” Jess Sweely said, “and he said, ‘Then, I’ll help you.’”

by Liz Mitchell / September 20, 2007 / Full Story

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