Today we’d like to introduce you to Tessa Riley

Hi Tessa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

Forever a dreamer, Tessa could not imagine a world where the fairytale did not come to life. That foundational mindset drove her competitive side as a collegiate track athlete at Virginia Tech, inspired her to chase her dream of wrangling horses under the shadows of the Teton Mountain Range in Wyoming after college, and ultimately guided her back to Virginia, teaming up with her husband, mother, and father as entrepreneurs in the wine and wedding industry in 2021 – an industry she had no training or background in. Her story reminds all of us that anything is possible when passion and creativity collide.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The obstacles and challenges are numerous and relentless. But most importantly, they are integral parts of the journey. Tessa uprooted her life out west to move across the country with the belief that she could turn a sleepy, family-run winery into a premier and authentic wedding and events venue. The first year was full of organizational obstacles like website building, business transfer hurdles, marketing and social media build out, all the while learning how to farm an 11 acre vineyard into high quality estate grown wines. The second year brought on the daunting task of outlaying funds to design and build a 2500 sq ft. venue barn to let the world know “we are here to stay and bring your wedding dreams to life”. Now entering her third year, the challenges are evolving into those around enhancing the customer experience and elevating the on property experience even further.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lovingston Winery?

Lovingston Winery is a small, family-run farm winery and venue with a focus on 100% estate grown wines, elegant and authentic on-property experiences. The property features 11 acres of vineyard, a fully renovated 1906 Farmhouse and Log Cabin that are both available to rent and are included in venue packages, a brand new 2500 square foot tasting room and event barn named The Tupelo House that can be rented for a variety of private functions such as weddings, retirement parties, corporate, and more. The property also showcases the beauty of central Virginia’s rolling hillsides where every season offers new and beautiful views of surrounding foliage, mountain-scapes, and wildlife.

Long known for high quality wines, Lovingston has continued to produce Bordeaux and Burgundy style wines with a South African influence while expanding our reach into the wedding business. Tessa has created a “slow wedding” culture for couples looking to get the most out of their wedding weekend by offering TIME above all else. Time for set up, time for celebration, time spent with friends and family who came from near and far. A “slow wedding” at Lovingston Winery provides you property access from Friday at 3:00pm to Sunday morning, on-site lodging for 16 people in the Farmhouse and Cabin, and all the great amenities that come with their ceremony and reception spaces. No rush to set up, tear down, and get out – that’s not the way a wedding should be!

We could not be more proud of the culture and environment we’ve developed here. When you come visit Lovingston Winery, whether it be for a glass of wine or a long weekend getaway or a wedding with 100 of your closest family and friends, you feel a connection to the property and to Tessa and her family as they help bring your visit to life.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?

The chief lesson learned from any and all crises that have popped up over the years is that the moment a crisis arises is simply a moment to overcome it. All success stories are built on an endless list of crises. Overcoming Covid-19 was no different.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovingstonwinery.com
• Instagram: @lovingstonwinery
• Facebook: Lovingston Winery

Image Credits

Rohrback Studios