Farming with Heritage and innovation

A Celebration of Farming Heritage

At the Heart of the Virginia Gold Heritage Farms is the farm itself, The Virginia Gold Orchard.

Nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, just outside Natural Bridge, Virginia—where the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains meet fertile valley soil. For decades, these hills have nurtured our orchard, a place rooted in tradition and sustained by the rhythms of nature.

The region’s unique blend of warm days, cool nights, and steady mountain breezes creates an ideal microclimate for fruit and pasture alike, allowing trees and grasses to thrive side by side. The mineral-rich soils, abundant spring water, and gentle slopes make it one of the most naturally balanced environments for regenerative farming anywhere in the country.

Here, deep roots run both in the ground and in heritage—we continue the legacy of the orchard by integrating fruit trees, pastures, and livestock into one living system. Every tree, every blade of grass, and every animal plays a role in restoring the land’s fertility, proving that the Shenandoah Valley is more than just beautiful—it’s a place where good soil, clean water, and thoughtful stewardship come together to create something enduring.

Regenerative Farming, Rooted in Respect

At Virginia Gold, our farming practices are rooted in the rhythm of nature—designed to nourish the land as much as the animals, trees, and people it sustains. We farm through a regenerative lens, rotating our livestock across open pastures, orchards, and forested paddocks in tune with the seasons. Each rotation breathes new life into the soil, spreading fertility, building organic matter, and giving every area the essential rest it needs before being grazed again.

Our animals are born on this land and raised entirely on pasture—never on concrete. They are free to root, graze, and live as nature intended. They are farrowed, birthed, and weaned naturally, allowing sows and cows to raise their young with calm, instinctive care. We never use vaccines, antibiotics, growth hormones, corn, or soy. Instead, our herds thrive on a natural diet of diverse forages, local minerals, and clean spring water, resulting in stronger immune systems, calmer temperaments, and deeply nourishing, richly flavored meat.

We take the same approach in our orchard. We never use pesticides or plant hormone thinners; instead, we let nature do what it has done best for millennia—turning warm sunlight, crisp air, clean water, and fertile soil into sweet, perfectly ripened fruit.

Farming this way takes more time, more care, and more cost than industrial systems. It means slower growth, smaller batches, and truly hands-on stewardship. Our products will never compete with grocery store prices—because they are not grocery store products. They are the result of heritage, of real farming—of patience, purpose, and respect for life at every stage.

When you buy from us, you’re not just purchasing meat or balm; you’re investing in healthier land, healthier animals, and a food system that places integrity before efficiency. It costs more to do it right—but it’s worth every bite, every jar, and every acre left better than we found it.

Visit the Farm

At Virginia Gold, we love welcoming people to our farm and sharing the beauty, flavor, and heritage of our land with every visitor who stops by. Conveniently located just off exit 180 on interstate 81, near Natural Bridge, our farm is easy to reach yet feels like a world away—surrounded by mountain views, charming towns, scenic lodges, and some of Virginia’s most beloved attractions. It’s the perfect place to slow down, stretch your legs, and experience authentic southern hospitality in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.

Guests can explore our bustling on-site farm shop filled with our pasture-raised meats, whipped tallow balms, and orchard-grown fruits, or visit our on site winery to taste our estate-grown wines and enjoy handmade brick-oven pizzas.

The farm’s picnic pavilion, gentle grassy hills, and seasonal U-pick flower fields offer the perfect backdrop for families to relax and reconnect, while kids can run and play under the open sky.

Guided farm tours invite guests to learn more about our regenerative practices and rare heritage breeds, offering a firsthand look at what it means to farm with respect for the land.

At Virginia Gold, every visit is a genuine experience—where good food, good farming, and good company come together with the timeless warmth of true Virginia hospitality.