Our Story
Meet Andrea and Rob Nickels, the owners who are proud to officially introduce Hardware Hills Vineyard to Central Virginia!
After moving to the Hills from Davidsonville, Maryland in July of 2021, Rob and Andrea have been hard at work learning the many aspects of winery life: bottling, harvesting, and the art of winemaking. They are also proud empty-nesters with four children now living in New York, Texas, Indiana, and Tennessee.
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Please pay them a visit as Andrea and Rob can often be found in the tasting room enjoying the company of wonderful customers and friends.
On some days, GSP pup Sam or new puppy Lucy will come down to greet customers and soak up some love and attention.
Follow our journey on YouTube!
Hardware Hills wouldn't be possible without the hard work and dedication of it's original owners, George and Leslie Cushnie. When George and Leslie moved to Scottsville, this property was little more than a muddy tree farm. Years of devotion lead to the planting of the now over 4 acres of vines along the rolling hills by the Hardware River. Aptly named Thistle Gate after their Scottish heritage, the Cushnie's vineyard evolved into a full scale winery as George became the primary winemaker and business manager. Leslie, with her strong forestry background, lovingly tended the vines year around, including some frozen days of pruning in the snows of January!
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History
Their hard work and dedication paid off as they produced not only award winning wines, but also built a welcoming tasting room that became the first in Fluvanna County, VA. George also pushed diligently to have Thistle Gate added to the renown Monticello Wine Trail, of which we continue to proudly be an ongoing member. After over a decade of tireless labor-of-love, Leslie and George agreed it was time to retire and begin enjoying their growing family of grandchildren located outside of Virginia.
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Andrea and Rob became the new owners in early July 2021. Learning from scratch, they have taken on the wine-making world, vineyard management, tasting room hospitality, and overall property maintenance with the same eager excitement carried by Leslie and George before them.
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In addition to the love of this new adventure, Andrea and Rob love to fish, camp, and travel. Empty nesters, they have a combined family of four children living in New York, Texas, Indiana, and Tennessee. Their current children living at home include the canine four-legged variety -- their older rescue dog, Kali, GSP high-energy Sammie, and the newest family member, Vizsla puppy Ruby. All dogs are thriving and loving farm life.
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Do you have a wine club?Yes we do! Please CLICK HERE for more information on joining.
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Do you have lodging?We sure do! Our property includes a small charming one-bedroom cottage that overlooks the vineyard. Please click HERE to learn more about this Airbnb option.
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Are children allowed?We love children. We have 4 wonderful grown children of our own, but there are no elements of our tasting room and surrounding space that are suited to entertain children while parents and other guests enjoy the Virginia wine experience. For the enjoyment of all and so you can relax and enjoy a carefree experience, please make other arrangements for your children. We are a working farm, so for the safety of children and all of our guests, we must restrict access to our vines and work areas. Children brought to the winery must remain with their parents/guardians at all times. Please keep balls, frisbees, scooters, skateboards and bikes at home as these have proven to be disruptive to guests enjoying friendship and wine.
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Do you offer food? Can I bring in outside food?As a farm winery, we offer a light fare menu that is available for purchase. Our selections offer delicious compliments to our wines, but outside food is also welcome. We do, however, ask that you dispose of your larger food service items off premises.
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Is there a smoking/vaping area?We are a 100% smoke/vape free property. We are fresh air friendly and smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere on Hardware Hills property. Thank you.
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Are dogs allowed?We love four-legged family members! Well behaved, leashed dogs are allowed. Please note that you may briefly bring your dog into the tasting room while you place your order, but if you’re staying to visit, dogs must remain outside within their human companions. Please be responsible and respectful to others by ensuring that your dog is comfortable in a social setting and accustomed to being around other people and other dogs.
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May I bring in other beverages?Non-alcoholic beverages may be brought in. Due to ABC law, no outside alcoholic beverages may be opened or consumed on this property. You may leave any outside beverages in your car. All wine must be purchased through Hardware Hills Vineyard and served only to guests of legal age (21+). Hardware Hills Vineyard does not provide ice for outside drinks, etc.
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Do you take reservations?We offer table reservations for our wine club members for large events, special occasions, and regular hours. All other seating is on a first-come first-served basis. For more information about our wine club, click HERE.
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Are you available for private events?We do offer our tasting room space during off-business hours for private rental. Private space rentals during normal business hours are limited but possible. Please speak with us about your plans so that we can help you make the best decision for your special event.
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Do you allow large groups?We welcome large groups with prior notice. We have a limited number of staff members in our tasting room, so large unexpected groups can disrupt the customer experience for both the group and other patrons. Please call ahead to confirm we can accommodate your group.
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When is last call?You may purchase glasses of wine, bottles for on-site consumption, and food up to 30 minutes before closing time. Bottles-to-go may be purchased up until closing time.
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Do you offer tours of the winery/vineyard?We regularly offer winery and vineyard tours to our wine club members and cottage guests. If you would like to make arrangements for a tour, please contact us via email at admin@hardwarehills.com to discuss options and make plans.
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When do you have food trucks?We offer food trucks on occasion. Please check our Calendar page on this website or our Facebook page for our monthly schedule.
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When do you have live music? Is it free to attend?Live music is typically scheduled for every Friday evening and on occasional special Saturday/Sunday events. For a full lineup list and upcoming schedule, CLICK HERE. All musical performances are free to Winery patrons only with purchase of Hardware Hills products.
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Do you sell any other alcoholic drinks?Our license only allows us to sell our wine products as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Per Virginia ABC law, no alcoholic beverages from other producers are allowed on our site.
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May I bring outside chairs for sitting?Yes, lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome to be used in the outside spaces of our tasting room.
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Will you fill growlers from other businesses?We will honor Thistle Gate (previous winery name) and Hardware Hills growler refills only. Please do not bring growlers from other businesses to be filled. Please clean your growler before coming in for a refill. It is best to leave the lid OFF your growler during storage.
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Do you offer gift cards or certificates?Yes. You can purchase gift cards in any dollar amount in our tasting room.
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Do you require masks?We do not require masks to be worn anywhere on our property.
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Do you have any job opportunities?We are always looking to add great people to our incredible staff! If you are interested in joining the Hardware Hills team, please email us at admin@hardwarehills.com for information about our current hiring needs.
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I am a musician. How can I get booked at Hardware Hills?Please send us an email at admin@hardwarehills.com. In your email please include a description of your music, your rates to play, and a link to where we can listen. We review all artists extensively prior to booking to ensure the quality and style of music fit with our ambiance. Booking is often done months in advance and is based on rates and availability.
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Do you have a mailing list?Yes! Please sign up using the subscribe form at the bottom of this page to join. We send out regular emails with winery updates and events.