Stone Mountain’s Chris Breiner Dies; Praised by Colleagues and Customers
Feb 15
DYKE, VA – Chris Breiner, Winemaker and Managing Partner at Stone Mountain Vineyards, died on February 14th, 2012. In addition to his work at the winery, he also managed the family law practice in Alexandria. An innovative winemaker with a wry wit, his tireless promotion of quality Virginia Wine led his peers to elect him as Vice President of the Virginia Wineries Association and as past Chairman of the Jeffersonian Grape Growing Society/Monticello Wine Trail. Well respected throughout the wine community, in 2009 he was selected as a Knight in the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine.
Dennis Horton, founder of Horton Vineyards and a long time friend said, “Chris was one of the good guys in the Virginia Wine industry. You knew where you stood with Chris and he always, always, did exactly what he said he would do. I will miss him tremendously.”
In a statement the Breiner family said, “Stone Mountain Vineyards is truly a testament to the vision and hard work Chris, and our late father Al, put into their collective dream. Both men had an abundant love of agriculture and of the land. They saw the vineyards and winery as a perfect vehicle to keep the rural mountain land preserved in productive agricultural production. The family remains committed to this shared family vision. The tasting room will reopen, as scheduled, on March 2nd and regular winery operations will continue; Chris would have wanted it no other way”.
Services and interment will be private.
As evidenced in the reader comments below, Breiner made a lasting personal impact on those who remember him and his wines and the contribution he made to the Virginia wine industry.
I am so sorry to hear about Chris. My husband and I visit the vineyard as frequent as possible and he was a friend of ours. He will be missed.
Judy,
It was a shock to hear of it. I saw him last summer and interviewed him for my book to be published next month; Beyond Jefferson’s Vines. He’ll describe his vineyard and what newcomers have to expect from the challenges of nature. He’ll make a contribution even after he’s gone. I hope his winery passes into good hands; it’s a lovely site.
Cheers,
Richard
I was fortunate to have met Chris at a wine festival,since that time I continued to mingle with him at other festivals and events and was able to help him at one festival. Thanks to Horton Winery for introducing him to me. He was a very generous and kind person. I shall miss him, it will not be the same. My thoughts and prayers to his family and close friends.
Chris was a Renaissance man in the wine business. He was one of the first local Virginia wineries we partnered with to deliver Wine on Tap to our customers, and he really got it. He was a tireless supporter of our business and was always there when we needed him. He filled the kegs for us, he hosted our staff getaway last fall at the winery, he helped craft a special blend of his wine, AIDAtage, and he never failed to offer the ultimate in hospitality to his customers. We count him as a dear friend and business partner and will miss him. The world is a little poorer by his passing but the folks in heaven will love his Viognier!
May & Joe Barbera, Columbia, MD
Richard – we are so sorry to hear of Chris’s passing on Valentine’s Day, and our thoughts and hearts go out to his family. Rick and I visited Stone Mountain during our 150 winery tour in 2010 and think of it often. We went the wrong way, up the devilish Brokenback Mountain, and we had a great laugh over that with the winery staff. But mostly we’ll remember the view. Anyone who’s had the good forture to visit knows what I mean.
Stone Mountain is a highlight of Virginia wine country, and we look forward to a return visit, and to raising a toast to Chris.
We were very sad to learn of Chris’s passing and had looked forward to visiting with him in March. He was always gracious and very personable, knew the wine business and expecations of his customers. He often shared his insights as well and joined us on those special occassions when Chris hosted food and wine parings.
Our glass is raised in memory of Chris and we will truly miss him!
Bob & Karen Cizmadia
Herndon, VA.
I will always remember the always grinning, usually serious but quick with the playful banter, responsible, hard-working, energetic, spirit that was Chris.
I will miss him.
Janice Shattuck
My husband and I were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Chris’ passing, as we made our annual visit to Stone Mountain Winery this weekend for the 10th year in a row! We first met Chris when we rented his Old School House, and returned to the winery every year since! We enjoyed chatting with him each year…..it certainly wasn’t the same this year and not sure it will be, but we are very happy that the winery has stayed in the family! We enjoyed meeting his niece this time and will continue our pilgrimage to Stone Mountain Vineyard. We raised our glass to Chris on Saturday overlooking his vineyard! We’ll miss you Chris! Gone too soon…… Joy and Julio, Chevy Chase, MD