Since its infancy in the early 1980’s, Virginia’s wine industry has grown tremendously. This is largely due to the efforts of Gabriele Rausse, who has been called the father of viticulture in Virginia. Luckily for me, I moved to Virginia right around the time Mr. Rausse had established some vineyards and wineries. The fledgling industry held popular weekend wine tasting festivals to promote the wines. These were quite successful, and Virginia is now home to 157 wineries! VirginiaWine.org is a helpful resource to Virginia wineries, with a directory, descriptions of the wines produced by each winery, and links to the winery websites. With so many vineyards and wineries in the state, it’s difficult to select the best ones! The wineries listed below are the ones whose wines we buy most often.
Breaux Vineyards
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 on its own. The property is lovely! In its 12 years of operation, it has established a reputation for fine wines, and was voted Best Winery in VA for 2008 and 2009. Breaux produces a variety of wines, more whites than reds, from the 18 grape varieties planted in its vineyards. I was first attracted to Breaux by its Vigonier, but the reds are very good. Whites are priced from the teens and up; reds start in the twenties. The winery is open daily for tastings and can be reserved for weddings and special events.
Horton Vineyards
http://www.hvwine.com/
6399 Spotswood Trail
Gordonsville, VA 22942
Horton produces several award-winning wines, and is especially known for its Vigonier. In recent years it has also received accolades for wines made from the native Norton grape. Horton’s Cabernet Franc is the first wine we loved from the vineyard, and remains a family favorite. Horton’s wines are very 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. For a pleasant weekend getaway, stay in one of the Charlottesville-area bed and breakfasts listed on Horton’s website and attend an event!
Tarara Winery
http://www.tarara.com/
13648 Tarara Lane
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
Once upon a time, I was not especially fond of Tarara’s wines. I encountered them at a tasting in 2008, and marveled at how they’d changed! I like the Meritage and was impressed by the Chardonnay. These are premium wines priced at $30 and up. The Wild River Red is a fun table wine that we usually have stocked in our wine rack, priced at $10.00 per bottle. Tarara has been voted Best Winery in Loudoun County and 2009 Best Winery in Northern Virginia. The winery is open daily for tastings and hosts many special events throughout the year. Tarara also has pick-your-own blackberries and apples; the summer blackberry festival is fun for all ages!
Chrysalis Vineyards
http://www.chrysaliswine.com/begin.htm
23876 Champe Ford Road
Middleburg, Virginia 20117
Chrysalis Vineyards has only been producing wines for 12 years, but has come a long way in that time! Chrysalis grows 20 varieties of grapes and produces varietals and blends, with prices ranging from the teens to the thirties. The Nortons have won international awards. Sarah’s Patio White is a wine that we usually have stocked. It’s a very drinkable Vidal Blanc priced at $13.00 per bottle. Located in the heart of Virginia horse country, a visit to Chrysalis can be combined with sightseeing and shopping in historic Middleburg. The winery can also be rented for weddings and private parties.
Pearmund Cellars
6190 Georgetown Rd.
Broad Run, VA 20137
Pearmund Cellars won the People’s Choice Virginia’s Favorite Winery award in 2007. We previously knew it as Meriwether Vineyards, which closed some years ago. We stumbled upon Pearmund on a meandering autumn day trip last year, and enjoyed seeing how the winery had developed under new ownership. The winery has a casual, rustic atmosphere. Pearmund Cellars’ offerings include a variety of whites, reds and blends, priced from the teens through the thirties. I enjoy the Ameritage and the Vigonier best! Pearmund Cellars hosts wine dinners, special tastings, and private parties; check their website for current special events.
Perhaps your favorite didn’t make my list – if so, please comment. I’m keeping an eye on several other promising Virginia wineries, but with so many in the state, it’s hard to keep up!
