By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
Behind many successful homegrown businesses is a personal story of passion, persistence, and purpose. In Fluvanna County, Red Rocker Candy and Herbert’s Wine Jelly stand out as thriving women-owned companies built on those very foundations.
Red Rocker Candy
Red Rocker Candy, founded by Sue Charney in 2002, grew from a home-based operation into a nationally distributed brand. Charney began by making toffee and gourmet chocolates in her basement, traveling across Virginia to sell her products at farmers markets, fairs, and craft shows.
As demand grew, Charney outgrew her home kitchen and, after six years, moved production to an outside facility in Troy. In 2008, she experimented with coating pretzels in a silky white confectionery coating, a process that led to the creation of Red Rocker’s signature product: Rocking Chair Mix, packaged in the company’s now-iconic red-and-white can.
In 2015, Charney expanded the line to fill what she saw as a gap in the gourmet snack mix market, adding a variety of new flavors. Today, offerings include Naked Turtle, Caramel Brownie, Espresso Jolt, Lemon Burst, Peanut Crunch, and Peppermint Blast.
In early 2024, Red Rocker Candy — now operating as Red Rocker Foods — became part of the Virginia Diner family. Charney continues to oversee the quality of the product line, which is sold in markets and gourmet stores across the United States.
Herbert’s Wine Jelly
Another Fluvanna-based success story began in a home kitchen in 2016, when Carolyn Herbert created a wine jelly as a gift for her 92-year-old mother. That experiment led to the founding of Herbert’s Wine Jelly, a business rooted not only in flavor but in social purpose.
In a 2017 interview, Herbert said her goal was never just to create another specialty food product, but to build a business that made a difference.
“What began as a small kitchen project quickly grew into what I call a purpose-driven brand rooted in quality, flavor, and care for the community,” Herbert said.
A defining feature of Herbert’s business model is its commitment to hiring and training adults who face employment barriers. The company focuses on providing meaningful work, job skills, and a supportive environment, with an emphasis on mental health awareness. Herbert’s Wine Jelly supports Horizons of Hope and its self-determination program for autistic adults through employment opportunities and community involvement.
More information about Herbert’s Wine Jelly is available at herbertswinejelly.com, and products are also sold through Amazon.
