Jeanette Smith began working in Virginia vineyards in 1981 while studying Horticulture at Virginia Tech. Since receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1983, she has been involved in the planning, management and maintenance of wine grape vineyards in New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia.
Jeanette has worked as a vineyard laborer, manager, agricultural extension agent and consultant. She founded VineSmith Vineyard Services in 1998. She operates her own farm in Shenandoah County, Virginia.
EXPERIENCE
VineSmith Vineyard Services, 1998 to Present: President and Viticultural Consultant serving Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania
Cabin Hill Farm, 2004 to Present: Owner and Manager of 100-acre working farm Mount Jackson, Virginia
Chateau Morrisette Winery, 2002-2009: Grower Liaison for 65,000-case winery and the 27 independent vineyard operations across Virginia that supply the winery’s fruit needs each year
North Carolina Cooperative Extension, 1997-1998: Extension Associate serving the North Carolina wine industry
The Williamsburg Winery, 1986-1989: Vineyard manager in charge of developing and managing 50-acre commercial vineyard in Virginia
Cornell Cooperative Extension, 1984-1986: Extension Associate serving the Long Island wine industry
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science, Horticulture, Virginia Tech, 1983
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- Founder, Loudoun Winegrowers Association
- Vice President, Virginia Vineyards Association
- Member, Virginia Farm Bureau
- Member, Shenandoah Winegrowers Association