Trump Winery – Luxury and Wine in the Heart of Virginia

Donald Trump, the 45th and 47th President of the United States, is a true polymath—or rather, a master of wealth. By his twenties, he was already a millionaire, and from there, the road to billionaire status was short. His fortune and assets were estimated at $3.7 billion as of October 2016, according to Forbes. His business empire spans nearly every sector—real estate, hotels, casinos, film, television, banking, and more. And like many of the world’s ultra-wealthy, he needed a winery bearing his name to complete his image—even in his own eyes. After all, a winery signifies prestige, status, and even nobility, following the French tradition. If not Rothschild, then at least like Rothschild.

Yes, Trump also owns a winery (with an emphasis on also), despite personally abstaining from alcohol, including wine. As one would expect from Trump, this isn’t just any winery—it’s grand, luxurious, and state-of-the-art, complete with an equally opulent hotel. Officially, however, the winery belongs to one of his sons, Eric—a gift from a loving father.

Trump Winery, said to be the largest in Virginia and certainly the most advanced, is strategically located—a decision driven by careful research and a keen eye for terroir. Trump acquired the estate only after being convinced that he had found the ideal land for growing vines and operating a winery. Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, along Virginia’s picturesque “Wine Trail,” the estate sits among some 30 wineries, making it a prime destination for wine lovers.

The winery is located near Monticello, the estate and vineyards of Thomas Jefferson—the man who first planted European grapevines in America. In wine history books, the region is referred to as “the birthplace of American viticulture”, a title earned thanks to Jefferson, who served as the third President of the United States (1801–1809) and was perhaps the first—and likely the last—U.S. president to truly understand wine. Jefferson gained his extensive knowledge of viticulture during his years as the American ambassador to France, before his presidency. And now, more than 220 years and 42 presidents later, another American president is once again involved in the region’s wine industry…

Jefferson’s Monticello estate remains a site of great interest for both wine connoisseurs and American history enthusiasts. Just eight kilometers away sits Trump Winery, along with Albemarle Mansion—an opulent and elegant estate featuring a super-luxurious 45-room hotel, where each room is uniquely styled. A mere step into the lobby, with its Chesterfield-style leather sofas and an extravagant bar stocked with premium Champagnes, is enough to grasp the sheer power of wealth.

Purchased from Bankruptcy

Two intriguing stories are tied to Trump Winery. The first—perhaps the more sensational one—concerns its acquisition, while the second relates to Thomas Jefferson’s European grapevines. Trump purchased the winery in April 2011, reopening it that October with a new team, but still using wines produced under its previous brand.

The estate was originally owned by Patricia Kluge, who inherited it from her second husband along with a billion-dollar fortune. A former nude model and actress, Kluge had no real expertise in winemaking—or hospitality, for that matter—and eventually decided to put the winery and hotel on the market for $65 million. However, in an unexpected turn of events, she went bankrupt (yes, even with a billion dollars, that can happen…), and Trump seized the opportunity. He acquired the entire estate directly from the bank for just $3.6 million. Not exactly business as usual, but Trump knows a thing or two about money and bankruptcies. Following the purchase, he transferred ownership to his son Eric, who now serves as the winery’s president. A family of presidents, indeed…

Jefferson’s European Vines

The second story, more technical in nature, revolves around Thomas Jefferson’s attempts to cultivate European grapevines—and their long journey to success. Despite Jefferson’s near-endless efforts to grow European varieties at Monticello, he failed for several consecutive harvests. At the time, the cause was unknown: phylloxera, a devastating vine disease, was quietly destroying his vineyards. His first, second, and third attempts all met the same fate. Jefferson eventually passed away without seeing his dream realized.

It wasn’t until decades later—after phylloxera was identified and managed—that the region, centered around Charlottesville, became a thriving hub for viticulture. The first real success came in 1835, when Dr. Norton produced a red wine reminiscent of Claret, the Bordeaux-style wines of that era.

Everything on a Grand Scale

As any wine aficionado knows, crafting fine wine starts with the vineyard’s location, continues with the choice of grape varieties and agricultural equipment, and culminates in the winemaking process itself—guided, of course, by the right winemaker. And all of this requires a significant investment. If you want to produce good or even exceptional wine, it costs a lot of money.

With the Trump family, everything is done on a grand scale. Spanning 3,250 dunams (approximately 800 acres), the estate includes 500 dunams (about 125 acres) of Vitis vinifera—the classic European grape varieties, resistant to disease. The winery itself is a state-of-the-art facility that blends innovative technology with traditional winemaking methods. Overseeing it all is seasoned winemaker Jonathan Wheeler, whose expertise extends across the international wine scene.

To make the winery truly profitable, the Trumps also operate the luxury hotel that came with the estate—a refined, romantic retreat covering 2,600 square meters (28,000 square feet), nestled among vineyards and bordering a lush forest. Beyond its 45 elegantly appointed rooms, the hotel offers everything needed for conferences, events, and, naturally, wine-centric experiences. The estate even includes a charming chapel, frequently used for weddings held on-site.

Trump: The Midas Touch in Business

Donald Trump is a businessman like no other—almost everything he touches turns to gold. Acquiring a winery and a luxurious hotel in a region rich with American history, near the first European vineyards in the United States, and just steps from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate—at a bargain price—adds yet another achievement to the 45th President of the United States.

Renowned among the elite not only for its fine wines but also for its lavish hospitality and endless entertainment, Trump Winery reflects Trump’s preferred way of life—grand, indulgent, and unmistakably opulent.

The President’s Wine

A first encounter with two wines from Trump Winery:

Trump New World Reserve Monticello Red Wine 2012

A true Bordeaux-style blend: 42% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot. The grapes were first cooled upon arrival at the winery, then underwent a slow, controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Once blended, the young wine was transferred to French oak barrels for 16 months, followed by further aging in bottles at the winery.

The result? A deep, opaque garnet-red wine bursting with aromas and flavors of ripe cherries and plums, wrapped in a delicate smoky veil. Well-structured, full-bodied, and complex, with pronounced yet balanced tannins that harmonize with its measured alcohol content. The long finish reveals subtle green notes and hints of toasted almonds.

A taste of Bordeaux—made in America.

Trump Meritage Monticello Red 2014

This complex blend consists of 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 14% Petit Verdot, and 11% Malbec, all grown in the vineyards at the foot of the Carter Mountains. After hand-picking and selective harvesting, the grapes were cooled before undergoing fermentation at a low temperature (25-23°C). After alcoholic fermentation, a malolactic fermentation took place, and the wine aged in French oak barrels, some of them new, for about a year and a half.

Though classified as a Bordeaux-style blend, this wine has its own unique character. It carries a rounded sweetness not typically found in Bordeaux wines. The wine displays an opaque ruby color, with aromas and flavors of plums, black cherries, and spices. It has a medium body and a gentle finish. Perfectly paired with any meat dishes.