Jay and Steph Rostow transform Virginia wine and beer into a line of varietal, fruit, and malt vinegars, called Virginia Vinegar Works. The slow, old-world process they use is similar to brewing beer or making wine – a living bacteria is introduced to the liquid and begins transforming alcohol into acetic acid, or vinegar. The vinegar is aged in oak barrels and is the last leg of a process that typically takes up to six months from start to finish.
In addition to producing the vinegar, Jay and Steph also handle all of the ingredient sourcing, bottling, delivery, and retail sales. They are a familiar and favorite sight at the Nelson County Farmers Market, as well as area harvest festivals and other farmers markets. Jay and Steph enjoy chatting with customers and encouraging them to try any of their six to ten vinegar varieties, each with a unique palate and aroma. Even young children step up to the challenge, and enjoy smelling and tasting everything from the classic Red and White Heritage Vinegar blends to the seasonal and very special batches of fruit vinegar, which draw from Nelson County’s tree fruit production and history.
