Since its infancy in the early 1980s, Virginia’s wine industry has grown tremendously. This is mainly due to the efforts of Gabriel Rausse, who has been called the father of viticulture in Virginia. Fortunately for me, around the same time Mr. Rausse had established vineyards and wineries in Virginia. The chicken industry held a popular weekend wine tasting festival to promote wines. These have been quite successful, and now Virginia is home to 157 wineries! VirginiaWine.org helps support Virginia wineries, with a directory, descriptions of the wines produced by each winery, and links to wineries. With so many vineyards and wines in the country it is difficult to choose the best! Listed below are the wineries whose wines we buy most often.
Breaux Vineyards
http://www.breauxvineyyards.com/
36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane
Purcellville, Virginia 20132
Breaux Vineyards is a great stop on a day trip from the DC area to Harper’s Ferry, WV or a destination all by itself. Lovely thing! In its 12 years of operation, it has established a reputation for excellent wines, and was voted Best Winery in VA for 2008 and 2009. Breaux produces a variety of wines, more white than red, from 18 grape varieties planted in the vineyards. I first liked the Breaux from their Vigon, but the reds are very good. The white Tibulli are worth pubescent and upwards; reds starts in twenty. The winery is open for tasting every day and can be reserved for weddings and special events.
Horton Vineyards
http://www.hvwine.com/
(VI) 399 Spotswood Trail
Gordonsville, VA 22942
Horton produces several award-winning wines, most notably Vigonier. Over the years there have also been accolades for wines made from Norton’s native grapes. Horton’s Cabernet Franc is the first wine we love from the vineyard, and it remains a family favorite. Horton’s wines are reasonably priced, with many available for $10.00 per bottle. The winery is located in an impressive Tudor-style stone building surrounded by vineyards, with mountains in the background. Horton hosts special events throughout the year. Enjoy a weekend getaway, stay in one of the Charlottesville-area bed and breakfasts listed on Horton’s Place and attend the event!
Tarara Winery
http://www.tarara.com/
13648 Tara Lane
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Once upon a time I was not particularly pleased with the wines of Tarari. I saw them at the 2008 tasting, and I was amazed at how they had changed! I like the merit and impression of the Chardonnay. These wines are priced at $30 and up. Wild River Red is a fun table wine that is usually stocked on our wine rack, priced at $10.00 per bottle. Tarara is located in Loudoun County and was voted the 2009 Best Winery in Northern Virginia. The winery is open daily for tasting and hosts many special events throughout the year. Tarara also has bushes and bad spikes; the summer bush festival is fun for all ages!
chrysalis vineyard
http://www.chrysaliswine.com/begin.htm
23876 Champ Ford Road
Middleburg, Virginia 20117
The Chrysalis vineyard has only been producing wine for 12 years, but a lot has come in that time! Chrysalis grows 20 varieties of grapes and produces varietals and blends, with pubescent prices around thirty. The Nortons have won international awards. The patio White wine is usually lined up. A very drinkable Vidal Blanc priced at $13.00 per bottle. Located in the heart of Virginia’s horse country, a visit to Chrysalis can be combined with sightseeing and shopping in historic Middleburg. He can also hire wine for weddings and private parties.
Pearmund Cellars
6190 Georgetown Rd.
Broad Run, VA 20137
Pearmund Winery won the Virginia Library’s Choice Winery award in 2007. We were previously known as Meriwether Vineyards, which closed several years ago. We happened upon Pearmund on a fall day last year, and were delighted to see how the winery had developed under new ownership. The winery has a casual, rustic atmosphere. Pearmund Cellar’s offerings include a variety of whites, reds and blends, priced at over thirty. I enjoy Amerita and Vigon very well! Pearmund Wine Wine Cellar dinners, special tastings, and private parties; Check their website for special events.
Maybe your favorite didn’t make my list – if so, please comment. I have my eyes on several other promising Virginia wineries, but with so many in the state it’s hard to keep track!
Report:
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/2272445/hiems_holiday_brunch_menu.html< /a>< /li>
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/2089505/pick_your_own_apples_in_northern_virginia.h< /a>< /li>
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/1696258/unique_coffee_shops_near_centreville.html< /a>< /li>
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/2089505/pick_your_own_apples_in_northern_virginia.h< /a>< /li>
