When Elizabeth Pelly flew from London to Virginia for a friend’s wedding, she had no idea it would change the course of her life. She and her husband Guy were living abroad with their infant daughter, busy with careers and city life. But one look at the rolling hills of Keswick, Virginia—and a spontaneous detour to visit a farm for sale—sparked a dream that would become Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard.

Trading City Life for Vineyard Soil

Elizabeth is no stranger to reinvention. With a background in studio art and museum studies, she had been living in London to pursue her master’s degree when she met her future husband. What began as a three-month adventure turned into six years abroad, a new baby, and—eventually—a bold leap back to Virginia.

At first, she thought her husband was joking when he suggested they move to Virginia and plant a vineyard. But after a whirlwind series of events (including a lowball offer that was surprisingly accepted), they packed up their lives and moved to the countryside. Less than a year after that fateful wedding, Merrie Mill was theirs.

Building More Than a Vineyard

From the beginning, Elizabeth wanted Merrie Mill to be different.

She envisioned not just a vineyard, but a destination—an immersive experience that combines exceptional wine with creativity, community, and unexpected charm. The result? A tasting room that feels more like a curated museum or an eccentric family estate than a typical winery. From wallpapered bathrooms and personal artwork to a taxidermied Victorian sea lion named Chantal hanging from the ceiling (yes, really), every detail is intentional.

And then there’s the wine.

Merrie Mill’s wines are made by award-winning winemaker Emily Pelton, whose thoughtful approach reflects the vineyard’s unique terroir. The rocky, well-drained Manteo soil gives the vines just enough struggle to produce beautifully balanced grapes. In fact, Emily’s very first Cabernet Sauvignon made from Merrie Mill grapes won gold at the Virginia Governor’s Cup.

As Elizabeth puts it: “The harder the struggle, the stronger the vine and the better the fruit. It’s kind of a metaphor for life.”

Creating Space for Connection

More than anything, Merrie Mill is about hospitality and connection. Whether you’re sipping rosé on the terrace, shopping at a community art market, or attending an outdoor ballet on the vineyard grounds, the goal is always the same: to bring people together.

Elizabeth and her team host everything from vintage car shows and wine lunches to build-your-own-bouquet workshops and live performances. It’s about creating joy, not just for visitors—but for the community.

That same spirit of connection inspired her to purchase Feast, a gourmet café and grocery shop in nearby Charlottesville. Now, the locally made spreads and cheeses from Feast are featured on Merrie Mill’s tasting menu—another example of how Elizabeth weaves beauty and intention into everything she touches.

What We Can Learn From Elizabeth’s Story

Elizabeth’s Pelly and her husband didn’t just plant a vineyard in Virginia—they built one of the most artistic and community-centered wine destinations in Virginia Wine Country. Her journey is a reminder that reinvention doesn’t have to follow a perfect plan. Sometimes, the most transformative chapters begin with a spark of curiosity—or a wedding invitation.

Her story also highlights the importance of trusting your vision, even if it doesn’t look like anyone else’s. And whether it’s in the soil, the tasting room, or the art on the walls, meaning matters. People come for the wine, yes—but they stay for the experience.

So if you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of something different—whether it’s a new business, a creative project, or just a fresh season of life—this episode will inspire you to pour a glass, take the leap, and plant something new.

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🍷 Want to join us at Merrie Mill in person?

We’ll be visiting this incredible vineyard during Wine Camp 2025 in Virginia Wine Country!
Join the interest list for details and early access to Wine Camp 2026:
👉 https://pennyforyourshots.com/winecamp2025

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Connect with Elizabeth and Merrie Mill:

Website: https://www.merriemillfarm.com
Instagram: @merriemillfarmandvineyard