Southwest Mountains Vineyards

Nestled in the Monticello AVA near Keswick, Virginia, our vineyards benefit from elevation, mountain breezes, and diverse soils that create natural balance in the vines. Warm days encourage ripeness and concentration, while cool evenings preserve acidity and structure.

​Every block is farmed with meticulous care. Vineyard practices are deliberate and measured, focused on producing fruit of clarity and character rather than volume. The goal is simple: allow the terroir — the singular combination of soil, climate, and topography — to speak with authenticity in every vintage.

Featured wines:

2023 Petit Manseng

  • 100% Petit Manseng

  • Alcohol: 14.3%

    RS: 0.9 g/L

    Total bottle production: 3,240

2023 Viognier

  • 100% Viognier

  • Alcohol: 14.2%

    RS: 0.2 g/L

    Total bottle production: 3,300

2023 Merlot

  • 90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc

  • Alcohol: 14.3%

    Total bottle production: 9,600

2023 Cabernet Franc

  • 90% Cabernet Franc, 10% Merlot

  • Alcohol: 14.1%

    Total case production: 13,200

Meet the winemaker:

Boela Gerber

Boela Gerber is an internationally recognized winemaker whose career has spanned continents and decades, earning him a reputation for craft, curiosity, and restraint. A graduate of Stellenbosch University with a BSc in Agriculture focused on oenology and viticulture, Boela went on to lead winemaking at Groot Constantia — South Africa’s oldest and most historic winery — for more than two decades, where his minimalist philosophy and deep respect for terroir helped shape wines celebrated around the world. Over the years he also expanded his craft through international harvests in Bordeaux, Tuscany, Rioja, and California, bringing a global perspective to every vintage.

In 2023, Boela embraced a new chapter by joining Southwest Mountains Vineyards as head winemaker in Virginia’s Monticello AVA. Drawn by the region’s complexity and potential, he channels his experience into wines that mirror both his international journey and the nuanced character of the Commonwealth’s soil and climate. Known for his thoughtful approach, letting fruit and place guide his decisions, Boela continues to push boundaries, exploring varietals and bringing elevated balance and expression to the wines of Southwest Mountains.

CONTACT

Boela Gerber | bgerber@smvwines.com