Fifty-Third Two Springs 2023 - Two Springs, One Great Wine

Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard, located in Louisa County, Virginia, is owned by David and Susan Drillock. They purchased the property, formerly known as Cooper Vineyards, in 2015 and have since rebranded and invested in the vineyard and production facilities. The winery features a LEED Platinum-certified tasting room. At the Eastern Winery Exposition 2026, I got to taste their Bordeaux-styled red blend made by winemaker Chelsey Blevins. They are located in the Monticello AVA. 

Virginia Native, Chelsey Blevins became the winemaker at Fifty-Third in July of 2019. She apprenticed under the previous winemaker Graham Bell. Her passion for the industry started back in 2014; she was a fresh graduate of James Madison University, and happened upon a Harvest position with Horton Vineyards. 

Chelsey commented, “...I was hooked, I caught the wine bug. I wanted to know everything I could about the process of winemaking, I asked a lot of questions, probably too many questions at times, but I caught on quickly and haven’t stopped learning since.”

After the harvest at Horton, she took a position at Barboursville’s Wine Library to continue her career. 

Chelsey added, “As I worked at Barboursville, I started taking the Viticulture classes being offered at PVCC. That’s where I met Dave, the owner of Fifty-third Winery. Luckily enough he happened to be looking for an Assistant Winemaker at the time so I eagerly applied for the position with my fingers crossed.” 

Chelsey commented further, “I want to capture Virginia’s rolling hills covered in clover, the mineral driven granite mountain sides, the soft summer rain and transform them into a tangible form for everyone to enjoy. I truly believe that world renowned wines can be crafted here in Virginia, and I am devoted to proving it true.”

She is among the most talented young winemakers on the east coast. I have loved her wines as soon as I started tasting them. She if affable, bright, cheery, collegial, and knowledgeable. 

Fifty-Third Winery Two Springs 2023 gets its name from the two springs that border the vineyard at a lower elevation which provides a cold air sink. It also has excellent water drainage and subject to frequent morning and late afternoon winds. Two Spring 2023 the wine is a blend of mostly Cabernet Franc, with additions of Merlot, Petit Verdot, and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon made from grapes sourced from Simmon’s Gap Vineyard. This is a medium bodied wine with solid notes of ripe cherry, black cherry, red raspberry, and plum. There's also notes of vanilla, black tea and white pepper, and some spice, as well as a hint of earthiness. There's a lovely note of acidity which helps the fruit linger - making the wine mouthwatering. A lovely wine with real presence and solid backbone. Great structure and nice balance. A great food wine for sure!

Fifty-Third Winery Two Springs 2023 - Two Springs, One Great Wine!