Tom Kelly - Long Time Vineyard Manager

for Rappahannock Cellars

Tom Kelly came to Rappahannock Cellars on March 1st of 2004, just in time to help finish up pruning. Born in Virginia but raised in the Cleveland area of Ohio, Tom began his viticulture career in his early twenties at Sandcastle Winery in Upper Bucks County, Pennsylvania. “I was between jobs and looking for something different. I came across an ad for ‘vineyard help wanted’ and thought, well that sounds different enough.” His new employer handed him a hoe and put him in the fields where he’s been ever since. “I knew nothing about grapes or wine at the time, but I fell in love with the whole process.”

During his three year stay at Sandcastle, he learned the basics of viticulture such as pruning, harvesting, and tractor work and was exposed to many of the procedures in the cellar.

From there, Tom moved back to Virginia where he worked at Oasis Vineyards as a production assistant. At Oasis, he gained two years experience in all aspects of grape and wine production including their award winning sparkling wines. He then moved on to Totier Creek Vineyards in Charlottesville. There he spent four years as Cellar Master and Assistant Winemaker. “My time at Totier Creek was invaluable.” he says, “As the only employee I had the opportunity to get intimate with every aspect of production in the vineyard and winery. That sort of hands on training is something you just can’t get in a classroom.” The 1995 vintage saw many awards including “Best of Show” at InterVin International for their Cabernet Franc.

After leaving Totier Creek in 1996, Tom took a six year hiatus from the wine industry to help run his families business but his heart and mind were never far from wine growing.