In late 2,000, Rusty Cox, a life-long Virginia resident, began planting vineyards across the hillsides surrounding his planned winery location. Later, the spacious Winery building was constructed, grapes were harvested and Rusty, along with his wife Ruth Rhea, began making wines. Many of their wines, including a revered Davis Valley Cab Franc, became award winners. Visitors can sample and purchase Davis Valley wines in the Winery’s tasting room.

From the early days, Rusty had also planned to establish a distillery to make legal moonshines, vodka, bourbon and brandy. In 2013, he began converting one side of his large winery for that purpose. Now, he is producing Appalachian Moon™ moonshine and Virginia Frost™ vodka. His first bourbon is gracefully ageing in the barrels.

Recently, Rusty opened a tasting room and store just next to the distillery operation. Visitors can watch Davis Valley’s Appalachian Moon™ moonshine, Virginia Frost™ vodka and other spirits in production. And they can sample and purchase Appalachian Moon and Virginia Frost in the Distillery store.

Rusty says, “When you visit our beautiful mountains, come see us. If you’re just passing by on Interstate 81, be sure to look for Exit #54 (Groseclose Exit) and drop in. And if you plan to sample our spirits and wines, be sure you bring a designated driver!”

You’re invited to visit us in beautiful Davis Valley in the heart of Southwestern Virginia. For points of reference, we’re about 80 miles southwest of Roanoke, Virginia and about 65 miles northwest of the Virginia/Tennessee Tri-Cities of Bristol, Kingsport and Johnson City. We’re 1.5 miles (about four minutes) from Interstate 81’s Exit #54 (Groseclose Exit), so we’re easy to find.

Davis Valley Distillery uses locally-grown agricultural products and is proud to be a value-added agriculture producer.