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Human Capital - Career Trends - Casanel Vineyards and Winery
Virginia Winery to visit
Ana Paula Montanha, Editor-in-Chief and Nelson DeSouza, Entrepreneur and Wine Maker
Virginia vineyards are home to several award-winning wines, and with more than 300 Virginia wineries to choose from, it is difficult to pick your preferred one. You’ll find beautiful winery locations, stunning tasting rooms, and plenty of unique winery experiences to ensure an unforgettable visit.
Nelson DeSouza, Casanel Vineywards
The Commonwealth's high-quality production, from familiar varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, to less widely known ones like Viognier, Norton raised the state to the upper echelons of American wine.
COMPANY PROFILE: CASANEL VINEYARDS AND WINERY IN VIRGINIA. FROM BRAZIL, WITH LOVE.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1942. Nelson DeSouza was the eldest of 12 children of Moyses and Dorcelina DeSouza. Nelson rose above his humble origins and found a way to come to America. His Father, Moyses, was an officer in the Brazilian navy and came to America to negotiate submarine purchases. Nelson visited him at age 15 and fell in love with the United States. Determined to return, he fulfilled his required military duty as a paratrooper in Brazil, obtained his visa, and in 1962 after many setbacks, arrived safely in the United States. He began his life here as a carpenter, worked in Washington, D.C., and made many friends throughout the years. Some have played major roles in his successes as an entrepreneur, father, and champion of the United States.
After retirement from the family's successful construction business, he embraced his desire to continue as an entrepreneur, founding the vineyard and winery with his beloved wife, Casey, who passed in 2021.
In 2006, Casey and Nelson DeSouza purchased land in Leesburg, Virginia, and immediately started planting vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay grapes, among others. A unique terroir located in the heart of the Middleburg AVA in Leesburg, Virginia, provides the perfect setting to achieve the exclusive winemaking style and flavors.
Casanel Vineyards and Winery
In September 2010, the family picked its very first harvest, and what began as Casanel Farm eventually became what's now known as the very successful Casanel Vineyards and Winery (Casanel being a blend of Casey and Nelson's names).
Casanel Vineyards and Winery remains a family-owned and operated business. "The main focus centers on our passion not only for grape-growing but also for winemaking, emphasized in the way we produce our small lot, craft wines," emphasized Nelson DeSouza during our interview.
Just as the U.S. wine industry continues to grow and create jobs, so has Casanel Vineyards and Winery over the years.
These days, the establishment employs winemakers, tasting room staffers, vineyard crews, and a hospitality manager, among others, and also works with many third-party vendors.
Numerous locals and tourists alike come and visit Casanel to enjoy some peace and tranquility not far from Washington, D.C. The winery hosts a fantastic tasting room in addition to selling wine memberships and making its wine available for purchase online.
Winemaker, Adam McTaggart has over 20 years of vineyard and winery experience at some of the finest wine producers in Ontario, Canada, Virginia, and Maryland. Adam’s completed his bachelor’s degree in biology and obtained a post-graduate certificate in oenology and viticulture from CCOVI Brock University.
2022 AWARDS - CELEBRATING THE HARVEST
The American Wine Society is the largest consumer based wine organization in the United States.The American Wine Society (AWS) 2022 Commercial Competition was conducted on October 25-27, 2022 in American Wine Society (AWS) 2022 Commercial Competition was conducted on October 25-27, 2022 in Bellevue, Washington Bellevue, Washington.
2022 BEST WINE BY VARIETAL CATEGORY:
BEST PINOT GRIGIO - 2021 ELLIANNA PINOT GRIS. GOLD
PINOT GRIGIO - 2021 PATRICIA MARIE PINOT GRIS - SILVER
ROSE - 2021 JOSE ROSE. GOLD
CHARDONNAY - 2021 CHARDONNAY - 2021 CHARDONNAY. SILVER
AWARDS LIST:
2021 Virginia Governor's Cup. Silver.
2021 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Gold.
Mark Squires. 2019 Black Spark (89 Points)
2020 Harvest Terroir Challenge. Gold.
2020 American Wine Society Competition.
2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition.
2020 Savor Wine Competition.
2020 Virginia Governor's Cup.
MEET THE WINNER
2021 Ellianna Pinot Gris is made from 100% estate grapes from Casanel Vineyards. After hand harvesting and sorting in the vineyard, the wine was aged entirely in stainless steel, and hand-bottled on the Estate in April 2021.
TASTING & FOOD PAIRING NOTES
Lovely floral noise of white blossoms; fruit forward featuring pineapple, pear, grapefruit, white nectarines and lime zest – hint of minerality – fresh and crispy
Vintage Year: 2021
Vineyard: 100% Casanel Vineyard –100%
Estate Composition: 100% Pinot Gris
Average Vine Age: 13 years
Harvest Date: 08/29/2021
Bottling Date: 04/08/2022
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
