Skip and Cindi Causey: Cultivating Community and Wine in Widewater
Photo by Karen Presecan
In the heart of Stafford County's Widewater community, Skip and Cindi Causey have built more than just a successful winery—they've created a gathering place that brings neighbors together while crafting award-winning wines that reflect their deep European inspirations and four-decade commitment to their Virginia home.
The Causeys' story began in 1984 when Skip met Cindi in Stafford County, where she was living with her uncle in Aquia Harbor. "We chose to stay in Stafford County when we were married in 1985 and never left!" Skip recalls. "Our roots are now very deep in Stafford."
What started as a young couple's decision to plant their lives in Stafford grew into a multigenerational family enterprise when they planted grapevines. Today, they're proud owners of Potomac Point Winery, where their passion for winemaking is complemented by a sense of community spirit and a commitment to charity.
"With our winery being in our Widewater home, we sponsor and provide many events throughout the year for all of our neighbors and friends," Skip explains. This integration of home and business creates a unique dynamic where the winery serves as a community gathering place, hosting events that bring residents together and make a local impact.
Cindi's volunteer spirit exemplifies the family's dedication to service. She's currently working with Ellie's Elves, an organization that helps families in crisis. "Cindi has always been involved in volunteer organizations and is always looking for a way to give back," Skip notes, highlighting how her commitment to helping others extends beyond their business success. A few others that are "close to our hearts" are Aquia's Table, Fredericksburg Food Bank, HomeAide, S.E.R.V.E., and Mary Washington Hospice, whose "Grapes in the Garden" fundraiser is a favorite annual event of the entire Causey family.
Their daughter, Chelsea Sparaco, serves as Director of Marketing for the business and enjoys working alongside her parents while raising her own family. Chelsea is married to Nick Sparaco, and together they're raising two boys—Grayson, 11, and Coen, 9—adding another generation to the Causey legacy in Stafford County.
Chelsea's favorite philanthropy events occur around Christmas, as her mom "tends to donate even more of her time during the holiday season," in particular the "Adopt a Family" endeavor, which encourages those in the community to buy Christmas presents for a local family in need.
"This is something we have done as a family since I was little," Chelsea says. "Now [Cindi] helps on a much larger scale to organize it for the whole area."
The Causeys' passion for helping others is matched only by their passion for winemaking, which is deeply influenced by their extensive travels to wine regions around the world.
"Cindi and I love to travel, especially to other wine regions around the world," Skip explains. These journeys aren't just vacations— they're research missions that inform their winemaking philosophy. With each trip, they return with new techniques and flavors that infuse their wines— some of which have won gold medals at the Virginia Governor's Cup competition— imbuing them with an authentic European character.
This international influence is evident throughout Potomac Point Winery's 23-acre property.
"Some [people] may not know that we are not only a winery that offers wine tastings, but we have a full bistro [restaurant] on-site and we do so many fun events throughout the year: outdoor movies, festivals, dueling pianos, holiday brunches, etc.," Chelsea explains. "We also host many private events, from weddings to birthdays and everything in between."
The Causeys have created what Skip describes as "a taste of Tuscany and beyond" right in Stafford County. Their attention to authentic details includes building a regulation bocce court, complete with "crushed oyster shells, just like the Italians do" at the winery, which Skip believes is the only regulation bocce court in Stafford County.
Beyond the bocce court, the couple enjoys the benefits of living on the water and has taken full advantage of the region's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. "We also live on the water in Stafford County and love boating and sailing," Skip shares. Their favorite spots include Wade's Bay and Tim's Rivershore, where they enjoy any downtime they have.
The Causeys appreciate Stafford County's unique position as a place that maintains its rural character while providing access to urban amenities. "Stafford County is still mostly a rural community, but close enough to the big city for wonderful dinners, theater, concerts, and more," Skip says. This balance allows them to enjoy the best of both worlds— the peace of rural living and the cultural opportunities of nearby metropolitan areas.
Their local dining preferences reflect their appreciation for quality and a sense of community. Umi and Robiolinas are their favorite restaurants, choices that align with their sophisticated palate developed through years of wine and food pairing.
"We mostly enjoy time with family and friends," Skip emphasizes. At home, the Causeys maintain a content but straightforward lifestyle with their cat named "Kitty."
The Causeys' travel schedule reflects their commitment to both personal enrichment and professional development. "We try to visit a Caribbean Island in the winter and a fun European or Western US vacation in the Summer," Skip explains. These carefully planned trips allow them to experience different climates and wine regions while maintaining their responsibilities at Potomac Point Winery.
The Causeys' story represents more than business success— it's a testament to the power of community, family, and commitment to place. Over the course of four decades in Stafford County, they've created a legacy that spans generations, contributing to the community's character and vitality. Their winery serves as both a business and a gathering place, embodying the values of hospitality, quality, and connection that define the best of rural Virginia living.
