Wine Amongst Friends: Tim Gorman of Cardinal Point Winery

Although time spent living abroad in France and Germany during his formative years certainly influenced his deep appreciation of fine wines and food, Tim Gorman proudly claims his spot as one of the few Virginia-born and educated winemakers in our area. Tim started tending the family vineyard in 1986, shortly after graduating from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. In 1991, he moved to Blacksburg, enrolling at Virginia Tech to learn more about the science of growing grapes used for winemaking. He received a bachelor’s degree in horticulture, cum laude, in 1993.

After his time at Tech, Tim returned to the vineyard and began experimenting with trellising systems, as well as adding acreage and more grape varieties to the farm at Cardinal Point. Over years, Tim has earned a reputation as an expert and innovator in his field. He served as President of the Virginia Vineyards Association from 2000 to 2002 and was also appointed to the Governor’s Wine Study Commission.

In 2002, the Gorman family decided to open their own winery. Tim’s years in the vineyard as a respected grape producer have served him well as Winemaker at Cardinal Point. The quality of the grapes has everything to do with the quality of the wine, and his award-winning vintages are evidence of his skill both as a grower and as a vintner. He looks forward to sharing his wines, talking about life on the family farm, and answering your questions when you visit.

Tim will be pouring 4 of his current releases at Rootstock, and can tell you all about his farm, his winery and what he’s seen in the industry over the last 36 years. $10