Our Story
At Bogati Winery, we’re dedicated to providing an exceptional wine experience rooted in the unique character of Virginia’s terroir. Our story is one of passion for quality wines crafted with care, bringing together flavors that reflect both tradition and creativity. We invite you to join us at Bogati, where every visit offers a chance to enjoy fine wines and create lasting memories.
The Beginning
When Della & Jim Bogaty bought a farm estate near the town of Berryville, Virginia, in the early 1990’s, they had no greater plans than to escape the hectic corporate world into the serenity of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Since some of Jim’s extended family in Italy had traditionally grown grapevines, they thought it might be interesting to plant some on their new farm. Little did they know that, twenty years later, this hobby would grow into a family obsession!
A Family Endeavor
Veramar Vineyard, the Bogaty family’s first winery, opened to the public in 2000, and Justin Bogaty came on as winemaker the next year. From the earliest days of the business, each decision and each project has been done with the goal of creating a sustainable family business that can be passed down from generation to generation. The family believe strongly in investing in the future of their family’s passion and avoiding trends and fads that can distract from their mission of creating world-class, enduring wines.
The Bogati Inspiration
Bogati Winery was opened in 2010 at the Hill High Marketplace in western Loudoun County, just over the mountain from the Bogaty family’s farm estate. The immediate inspiration for this winery came from a family trip to Argentina, where they were so inspired by the wine, the culture and the energy of the country that the family resolved to create a label and open a winery to reflect this same kind of character and passion. The “i” at the end of “Bogati” is a nod to the Latin influence in new-world winemaking, as well as our own family’s roots in the “Old Country” of Italy, whose traditions have sustained, improved and driven forward the art of the perfect bottle of wine for centuries before us. We strive to continue those traditions right here in our beautiful part of Virginia, a winemaking region of world-class potential. By drawing on this heritage, we seek to elevate Virginian wine to its rightful place on the world stage.
Our Wonderful Team
Jim & Della Bogaty
FOunders
When Della and Jim Bogaty purchased a farm estate near Berryville, Virginia, in the early 1990s, they sought a retreat from the fast-paced corporate world into the peaceful beauty of the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains. With Jim’s extended family in Italy growing grapevines for generations, they decided to plant vines on their new property, thinking it would be an interesting hobby. Little did they know this small project would ignite a family passion, turning into a successful vineyard and a lifelong dedication to winemaking.
Justin Bogaty
Chief Wine maker
Justin Bogaty, son of Jim and Della, left his career in the corporate world to earn a certification in oenology from UC Davis and take on the role of winemaker for the Bogaty family winery. Since then, Justin has led the winery to remarkable new heights with his dedication and skill. His wines have gained international attention and won numerous prestigious awards, with over 97 ratings of 85 points or higher from Wine Enthusiast Magazine—showcasing the Bogaty family’s unwavering commitment to excellence in Virginia winemaking.
Eric Hamilton
assistant WIne Maker
Eric works closely alongside our chief winemaker, Justin, dedicating himself to every step of the winemaking process to ensure that each bottle of our wine embodies the highest standards of quality, flavor, and craftsmanship that our customers expect. His hard work, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to excellence make him an invaluable part of our team, and his contributions are essential to bringing our passion for winemaking to life in every sip, creating memorable experiences that reflect the heart and dedication of our winery.
Drew Dennis
Head of Digital Marketing and opertaions Support
Drew graduated from Blue Ridge College in 2023 with a degree in Computer Information Systems, specializing in Computer Graphics. With a strong foundation in technology and a creative eye for design, Drew brings a unique blend of skills to our team and genuinely enjoys working here, contributing to our mission with enthusiasm and expertise.
Vanessa Couture
Wine Server
Vanessa is a valued member of our team who consistently demonstrates hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude. She takes pride in her role, approaching each task with care and attention to detail. Vanessa genuinely enjoys being part of our team, finding fulfillment in contributing to our shared goals and helping to create memorable experiences for our guests. Her commitment and enthusiasm make her an asset to our organization every day.