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WineEastNews harlottesville, Va.—Patricia Kluge, who founded and lost one of Virginia's largest, most prestigious wineries, has endured some rough times. The bank fore- closed on Kluge Vineyards in December 2010 and sold off the wine at bargain-bin prices. Last year, she and husband, attorney William Moses, declared bankruptcy. Their palatial home and furnishings hit the auction block. Donald Trump purchased the winery from the bank for $6.2 million, which included 776 acres (200-plus planted to vinifera vines) and a winery equipped with high-end gear specified by consultant Michel Rolland. Kluge and Moses accepted a contract to help during the transition to Trump Vineyard Estate, moving into a rental home on the property. The contract expired this summer. The New York socialite once dubbed "the world's richest divorcée" appeared with Patricia Kluge Breaks Silence C Former winery owner speaks frankly about what led to demise of estate winery Trump and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell at the winery relaunch in October 2011, when she was quoted in The New York Times saying, "No one should feel sorry for us. I have a great family, a wonderful marriage and loving children and friends. We are winesandvines.com Learn more: Search keywords "Patricia Kluge." GreenHoe_NewAd_1/4_9/22.qxp 9/28/09 9:30 AM Page 1 not looking at this bankruptcy as if our life has ended. We see this as an opportunity to recreate ourselves." Contacted by Wines & Vines in August, from the vineyard home in Albermarle County, Va., Kluge spoke about her wine- growing past and future plans. Kluge Vineyard Estate was initially planted in the typical Virginia density of 600 to 900 vines per acre. Preparing to release her first vin- tage in 2001, Kluge retained Rolland, the globetrotting consultant. As we reported in March 2007, Kluge began replanting the vineyards with the high-density, low-yield designs favored by Rolland. Kluge wines began to achieve international recognition. The winery is now among the largest of 211 in Virginia, producing some 15,000 cases annually that retail for an average $28 per bottle. Kluge staunchly defended Rolland, who, in addition to replanting vineyards, recom- mended expensive winemaking upgrades. "We weren't building a backyard winery," Kluge said. "Our intention was to build a world-class winery." She pointed out that sophisticated wine labs were not available in Virginia, and that Rolland wanted barrels from seven cooper- ages. "You don't work with Michel Rolland and an investment banker like Rothschild and not do it right. It was a large endeavor GREEN GRAPE HOE Specialized Tools For Vineyards Weed Control and In-Row cultivation Basic Hoe comes with a Hillup and a Takeaway Blade. Additional attach- ments include .3 Tooth Cultivator, Undercutter Blade, Green Hoe with Rotary Head Attachment Rotary head, "NEW" Rolling Cultivator and "New" Brush Rake for removing trimmings out from under the trellis. Mention this code: WV12BG to receive 10% OFF entire order! 6645 West Main Road Portland, NY 14769 PHONE (716) 792-9433 FAX (716) 792-9434 WWW.GREENHOECOMPANY.COM 58 WINES & VINES OCTOBER 2012