October is Virginia Wine Month. What better way to celebrate than visiting Virginia's newest winery? Effingham Manor Winery, located in Nokesville (Northern Virginia), had been on my radar long before their opening. Their wines were available for purchase--and were winning awards--before their tasting room and historic manor were open to the public. As tempted as I was to give their vinos a try, I was determined to wait for their opening to gain the full experience. Definitely worth the ...
Chambourcin
The Winery at Bull Run – Taste & Tour
Did you ever think that if Grant and Lee could have sat down and shared a nice bottle of Cabernet Franc by a roaring fire that the Civil War might have wrapped much sooner? Okay, maybe not. They would've enjoyed that wine, though. Yet it's a nice alternate reality to play out--especially if you use the Winery at Bull Run as the backdrop. One of the closest wineries to downtown Washington--only 28 miles from the White House!--you can experience a piece of history and cap it (or cork it) with a ...
Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn – Taste & Tour
Building on the diverse lineup of wineries clustered among the hills of Delaplane, Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn stands solidly among its peers. One of the few wineries to actually merge Virginia's horse and wine country into a one-stop experience, Aspen Dale will be a hit from excited toddlers to sophisticated wine connoisseurs. You'd be hard pressed to find a member of your group who won't find something endearing about this winery. The Winery . . . As soon as you turn down the gravel ...
Paradise Springs Winery – Taste & Tour
If you've ever visited Fairfax County in Virginia, what might stick in your mind is the sprawling Tysons skyline or the unbearable traffic you suffered circumnavigating the west side of Washington. Starting right now what you should remember is this: Paradise Springs Winery. Fairfax County's first (and as far as I can tell, only) winery. And while it's the closest winery to the District, proximity should not be the reason you visit. Read on to find out why. Paradise Springs Winery is ...
Molon Lave Vineyards – Taste & Tour
Molon Lave Vineyards, with fifty acres of park-like land and vines, invites you for not merely a tasting, but an entire afternoon. Located in Warrenton, Virginia, the winery is easily accessible from the DC area, while offering a full dose of Fauquier County's crisp air to refresh your soul. Molon Lave is Greek for "come and get them" and it is advice you should well consider. There are so many wonderful and unique features of this estate winery; let's begin the journey. I love ...
Breaux Vineyards – Taste & Tour
In the far northern corner of Virginia, just a few miles from both Maryland and West Virginia, resides one of Virginia's most glorious winemaking regions. Loudoun County boasts dozens of wonderful wineries. And if they were laid across the rolling hills like some spectacular constellation, Breaux Vineyards could arguably be its Polaris. As grand as it is delightful, Breaux understands not only winemaking, but the overall wine experience. Located in one of Virginia's most densely populated ...
Three Fox Vineyards – Taste & Tour
Located among the gently rolling hills of northern Fauquier County, Virginia, Three Fox Vineyards has something--and space--for everyone, right down to your kids and your dogs. Blending well-crafted wines, park-like serenity, and vast spaces that will satisfy your craving for freedom, Three Fox gets it all right. The hills are alive with . . . well, Pinot Grigio! And Viognier, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Fifteen acres of Three Fox Vineyards' sprawling 50-acre ...
Vint Hill Craft Winery – Taste & Tour
Vint Hill Craft Winery: You were never here. Got it? Even if you visit on a glorious summer day, sitting under a shady maple, sipping one of their tasty little Petit Verdots . . . you were never here. This delightful winery has a deep history based on secrets, but once having visited this place, it will be a secret you just can't keep. Vint Hill Craft Winery Vint Hill is located almost directly on the Prince William and Fauquier County lines, making it a very accessible winery for DC ...
