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Elizabeth Pelly on Merrie Mill & Virginia Wine Country
Episode 89
What happens when an art-loving couple trades London for Virginia Wine Country with a baby in tow and a wild idea to start a vineyard? You get Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard—one of the most visually stunning, community-focused, and creative wine experiences in the region.
In this episode, I’m joined by Elizabeth Pelly, co-owner of Merrie Mill and one of the women I’m most excited for our Wine Camp crew to meet this summer. She shares the story behind how Merrie Mill came to be, why their soil and wine are so special, and how she’s infused her artistic eye into every inch of their tasting room (yes, even the ceilings!).
We chat about:
- The leap from London to Keswick—and how a wedding changed everything
- Building a vineyard and community from the ground up
- What makes Virginia wine unique (and why it’s finally getting noticed)
- Designing a tasting room that feels more like a home
- Bringing art, ballet, books, and British vintage cars to the vineyard
- The magic of gathering over great wine
Whether you’re a wine lover, a design junkie, or someone dreaming of doing something wildly different with your life, this episode will lift your spirits and spark your imagination.
Connect with Elizabeth and Merrie Mill:
Website: https://www.merriemillfarm.com
Instagram: @merriemillfarmandvineyard
🍷 Want in on next year’s retreat?
Get on the list for Wine Camp 2025 here: https://pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp2025
When’s the last time you did something just for YOU? 🍷✨
Wine Camp 2026 is your chance to escape, sip fabulous local Rieslings, cruise at sunset, laugh around the fire pit, and soak up the magic of New York’s Finger Lakes.
📍 Dates: July 31–August 2, 2026
🏡 Spots are limited, so grab yours now: https://www.pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp
Wine Camp 2026 is calling. Are you in?
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Published on 6 months ago