Weston’s Wild and Wonderful Winery

From one man’s hobby to one of Weston’s hidden treasures, Lambert’s Vintage Wines is a winery and vineyard with a diverse portfolio. They grow and ferment their own grapes in addition to their other bountiful offerings for visitors.

By Bobbie Spry

What was once a nine-hole golf course in the rolling hills of Weston, Lambert’s Vintage Wines has been serving the best of the best since 1992. With more than 20 different flavors of wine, Lambert’s features French hybrid and American grape varietals, including an assortment of red, white, blush and dessert wines. “We grow about 25 percent of our own grapes,” says Owner James Lambert.

James picked up wine making as a hobby after his retirement more than two decades ago. It all began at his home using a 10-gallon Crock-Pot. “I started off with one and just kept adding more,” he says. “We moved from the house to the root cellar and again ran out of room and moved into the garage.” Before outgrowing the garage, James and his family built their first building, which is now the winery’s main facility. “We kept growing and adding buildings, and after 23 years, we are still growing.”

L-R: James and Debbie Lambert, Tracey Willett, JB Lambert and Lucky.

James and his wife, Debbie; their son, JB, and two other employees produce nearly 100,000 bottles of wine within a year’s time. While James and JB oversee day-to-day operations, Debbie works with local artists Karen Drake and Ed Klimek to create the homemade pottery that’s for sale and lines the shelves around the fireplace in the tasting room. James’ daughter, Tracey Willett owns and operates the on-site catering company for the full-service banquet hall.

The doors at the entrance of the winery are fashioned from solid two-by-fours with rounded tops. The walls are constructed of pre-Civil War hand-cut stones gathered from all over West Virginia, some weighing as much as 3,000 pounds. Once inside, a lovely, furnished tasting room welcomes all who enter. Guests can expect to be served a delicious array of wines from behind the three-inch-thick Canadian bar top, cut in the 1950s. “We offer a unique experience with free wine tastings, guided tours, cheese plates and a relaxing atmosphere with two fireplaces for our guests to enjoy,” says James.

Jimmy Blake, manager of catering services at Lambert’s Vintage Wines, has been working for the family for nearly 10 years. “The best part about being here is meeting all the different types of people that come to visit the 50-acre farm,” he says.

While wine is the main focus at Lambert’s, it’s not the only thing that drives people to venture there. “We host roughly 30 weddings each year, starting the first weekend of May and running all the way through the end of October,” says Jimmy. Herbed Baked Tilapia, Pasta with Seyval Wine Red Sauce or Chardonnay Wine White Sauce, Blackberry Wine Meatballs and Chocolate Merlot Cake are just a sampling of the dishes couples can choose from in the packages offered for wedding parties.

Not only does Lambert’s offer couples delectable dishes and a wide selection of wine but the grounds are the perfect backdrop for any West Virginia wedding, featuring several gardens, a pond and a waterfall.

In order to celebrate their patrons and the community, Lambert’s provides year-round opportunities to wine, dine and attend several events on the grounds. From May-August, guests can enjoy a wood-fired pizza night every Wednesday. The winery also hosts a customer appreciation open house the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after Thanksgiving, featuring light appetizers and a buffet in the banquet hall. There, guests can sample top sellers like Niagara, Icebreaker or Blackberry Merlot.

Lambert’s offers more than just wine and events, too, with its diversification into other products. “One product we offer is resveratrol, an all-natural supplement made from red grape skins,” says James. Lambert’s Resveratrol helps protect and repair cellular DNA, positively impacting genetic regulators and helping slow the aging process. One fluid ounce of Lambert’s Resveratrol is equal to the amount found in 156 glasses of red wine. Studies suggest resveratrol delays age-related deterioration.

According to James, the driving force behind the success of Lambert’s Vintage Wines is hard work, great employees and faithful, loyal customers. Tours and tastings are offered daily for anyone interested in exploring all the wonders the vineyard has to offer. For those who are too busy to pay a visit, a virtual tour is available at www.lambertsvintagewine.com.