Meet the TEAM
Julie Linker
Founder and Owner
Julie grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, balancing suburban life with time on her grandparents’ farm, which sparked her appreciation for agriculture. Graduate school brought her to Virginia, where vineyard visits deepened her interest in viticulture.
In 2021, after a 25-year psychology career and the COVID lockdown, Julie decided to pursue her dream of vineyard ownership. One day of volunteering in the vines convinced her. Within months, she found the ideal site in Lovingston, Virginia, and her dream quickly became reality.
Today, Julie splits her time as a psychologist in private practice in Richmond, and overseeing Delve Wines and Colombe Vineyard in Nelson County. Her best days are spent tending the vines, with her trusty helper, Ollie, at her side.
Jake busching
Winemaker
Jake Busching brings over 26 years of experience in Virginia’s wine industry, having played a key role in planting, growing, and establishing acclaimed wineries such as Keswick Vineyards, Pollak Vineyards, Grace Estate Vineyards, and Hark Vineyards. He honed his winemaking skills alongside Michael Shaps and developed his expertise in viticulture under the guidance of Chris Hill.
As head winemaker at the Virginia Wine Collective, Jake oversees the production of Delve Wines. He was instrumental in the founding of Colombe Vineyard and continues to support its success as a viticulture consultant.
STUART BELL
Farm Manager
Stuart is a Nelson County native with deep roots in the land, including having worked on the Colombe Vineyard property when it was still an orchard. With extensive experience in farming and equipment, Stuart brings invaluable knowledge and dedication to cultivating our grapes. His commitment and problem-solving skills are essential to the vineyard’s success.
Stuart finds great satisfaction in watching “something come from nothing,” and takes pride in every stage of the growing cycle.
Oliver, “Ollie”
Delve Mascot
Oliver is a "foster fail" German Shepherd who has found the life of his dreams as a vineyard dog!
His greatest loves are supervising Julie, sniffing out any intruders in the vines, and welcoming visitors to his vineyard.