Tucked in the mountains of Pickens, West Virginia, Heavenly Heritage Winery offers visitors more than just great wine—it provides a deep connection to the area’s rich history and culture.

We sat down with the owners of Heavenly Heritage Winery to explore what inspired the creation of the winery, its unique offerings, and how it continues to strengthen community ties in Randolph County. 

Keep reading to learn more about this new attraction in Elkins-Randolph County:

Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What inspired the creation of Heavenly Heritage Winery? Heavenly Heritage Winery:
At Heavenly Heritage, we began by making wine as a hobby, starting with a single Concord grapevine located beside what is now our winery. We shared these bottles with locals and family, who praised them highly. This encouraged us to establish a winery in our small town, where we have deep roots.

Our lineage traces back to some of the earliest settlers in the area, making it a fitting tribute. With industries leaving Pickens and even our public education system in decline, we chose the name Heavenly Heritage to honor the town’s history and those who have passed on, leaving behind memories, history, and stories passed down through generations.

Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What makes the winery unique in Randolph County?
Heavenly Heritage Winery:
What makes our winery unique is that we combine modern winemaking techniques with historic methods passed down through both our own family and the local community. As a community-built winery, our practices are deeply rooted in the traditions and history of the region.

We are part of the German families that settled here, and this heritage influences everything we do. Sharing in the historical significance of these early settlers, we often collaborate with local communities to preserve and celebrate the legacy and traditions of the area through our winemaking.

Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What varieties of wines are offered, and are any of them locally sourced?
Heavenly Heritage Winery:
Our wine varieties are mostly sweet, made from a range of fruits.

We also offer semi-dry to dry selections, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, we produce wines from our German heritage, such as Gewürztraminer and Riesling, when available. We also craft exotic fruit wines, such as mango, dragonfruit, and passionfruit, though some are seasonal and available only at certain times of the year.

Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What is the visitor experience like at Heavenly Heritage Winery?
Heavenly Heritage Winery :
The visitor experience at our winery has received a lot of praise for our exceptional customer service. One of our three owners, who is highly knowledgeable about the town’s history, typically handles customer interactions, ensuring a personal touch. We’ve built close relationships with many of our customers, with many returning again and again. One of our primary goals is to make you feel at home rather than in a business setting. We treat every customer—whether new or returning—like an old family friend, offering a warm touch of small-town hospitality.

Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: How does the winery connect to the heritage and culture of the region?
Heavenly Heritage Winery:
Our winery is deeply rooted in the local history of Pickens and Helvetia, as we are connected to the early German settlers of the region. Throughout the winery, we have historical memorabilia, including a slideshow of old pictures showcasing the area’s rich past. Along with offering wine varieties that reflect our German heritage, we actively participate in local festivities and restoration projects. Our philosophy is that a strong business is built not only on customer relationships but also on the ability to uplift the community. Like our close connection with Helvetia, we strive to preserve the shared history of the area. While we view Helvetia as representing the Swiss agricultural side and Pickens as embodying the German industrial spirit, the towns have grown more intertwined over the years.

Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: Are there any seasonal events or offerings that attract visitors?
Heavenly Heritage Winery:
Our seasonal events are currently in the planning stages, but we have some exciting promotions happening now. For the 2024-2025 season, we’re running a special promotion: every month in 2025, we’ll select a winner from our Google review list to receive a 10% off discount card valid for the entire year, applicable to all our products. We also offer seasonal flavors, such as exotic tropical fruits in the summer, and this winter, we’re featuring plum and pear wines. Soon, we’ll be introducing wines that pair with local holidays and events that attract tourists to our historically rich region. As we continue to grow, we’re even discussing hosting a festival in the future. We have many plans for upcoming events, so stay tuned by following us on Facebook to ensure you don’t miss out!

Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: What should visitors expect during a tour of the winery?
Heavenly Heritage Winery:
Our winery tours are currently limited, as we are still expanding our vineyard, which is located about a mile or two up the mountain. However, what you can expect is a fascinating presentation of our history and an insightful look into the region. Many visitors from surrounding counties have shared their own family stories with us, and being such a small town, we often know exactly who they’re talking about or at least recognize the family name. This makes for a close and personal experience for locals. For those visiting from farther away, you’ll dive into an experience filled with heavenly wines and heritage so rich, it will make you want to return. We only begin to scratch the surface of what makes our region so unique. Above all, you can expect to be treated like family.

Elkins-Randolph County Tourism: Does Heavenly Heritage Winery collaborate with other local businesses or farms?
Heavenly Heritage Winery:
We collaborate closely with local businesses like The Hütte, the Swiss Roots Store/Inn, Swiss Mountain Creations (whose cheeses we carry at our winery), and Hilltop Honey, also located in Helvetia. We firmly believe that by working together, we all benefit, and in a region like ours, our businesses go hand in hand, not only for business success but also to preserve our shared historical significance. As for sourcing, we are continually exploring ways to source more from West Virginia, beyond what we produce ourselves. Many locals grow grapes and fruits, and we are working with them to offer a true Randolph County wine selection. Our owners are deeply involved in researching grape and fruit varieties that thrive in the Appalachian climate, particularly with its harsh winters. This ongoing research allows us to discover and cultivate unique varieties you won’t find anywhere else in the state. Like our region and fellow business owners, we strive to offer that one-of-a-kind experience.

A Taste of History and Community

Heavenly Heritage Winery is more than just a place to enjoy a glass of wine—it’s a place to connect with the rich history and traditions of Randolph County. With their deep community ties, unique wine offerings, and commitment to preserving the heritage of the region, Heavenly Heritage Winery is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the true flavor of West Virginia.

Be sure to follow Heavenly Heritage Winery on Facebook for updates on seasonal offerings, events, and more!