Byrd Cellars Sustains Goochland Agritourism, Boosts Local Weekend Economy
Byrd Cellars, a family owned winery established in the mid 2000s, continues to draw residents and visitors to Goochland with on site wine sales, a tasting room, outdoor seating and frequent weekend live music and vendor events. The vineyard farms roughly seven to nine acres of grapes on a 72 acre property, supporting local small business activity and contributing to the county economy through agritourism and direct retail revenue.
Byrd Cellars stands as a long running agritourism anchor in Goochland County, operating a tasting room and outdoor hospitality area on a 72 acre property while farming roughly seven to nine acres of grapes. Since its establishment in the mid 2000s the family owned operation has built a varied portfolio of wines sold primarily on site, and it has become known for family friendly weekend events that include live music and vendor pop ups.
The winery’s combination of production and retail activity concentrates revenue locally. On site sales allow the business to capture margins that would otherwise be absorbed by wholesale distribution, keeping a higher share of each dollar spent in Goochland. Frequent weekend programming also increases foot traffic for nearby enterprises, from food vendors to service providers, creating spillover spending in the local hospitality and retail sectors.
For county residents the significance is tangible. Byrd Cellars offers a rural gathering place for families and small businesses, and its vendor events provide a low cost market opportunity for artisans and food sellers. The operation’s 72 acre footprint preserves open land while the seven to nine acres under vine reflect a productive agricultural use that complements residential and conservation priorities in the county.
From a policy perspective agritourism businesses like Byrd Cellars highlight opportunities and trade offs for local officials. Supporting rural businesses through clear permitting, sensible parking and signage policies, and targeted tourism promotion can amplify economic benefits without compromising quality of life for nearby neighbors. As Goochland considers land use and rural economic strategies, maintaining a balance between preservation and active agricultural enterprises will be central.
Over the long term small wineries that combine direct retail, events and farmland stewardship can help diversify county tax bases and sustain working landscapes. Byrd Cellars’ decades long presence underscores how modest acreage under cultivation can anchor local tourism and provide a steady community benefit.
