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 ...
Viognier
Narmada Winery – Taste & Tour
Narmada Winery shot to the top of my "must visit" wineries list in 2017. At the end of every wine tasting I asked the wine educators to recommend where I should go next. Narmada started coming up with surprising frequency. "Have you been out to Narmada yet?" Once Wine Enthusiast awarded 88 points to their 2011 Mélange and 90 points to their 2011 Yash-Vir, I knew something good was going on--and I was missing out. Well, not anymore! Beyond the Gates of Glory While only an hour ...
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 ...
Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery – Taste & Tour
One of Virginia's top five wine producers, Prince Michel offers standout wine tastings and a self-guided tour of their operation, giving you more than just a peek into how they make their magic. Couple that with gorgeous countryside, abundant indoor and outdoor spaces, a must-visit gift shop, and you've just found a great way to spend a day enjoying (and learning about) Virginia wine. Where better to learn than one of Virginia's greatest success stories? The Facility . . . Zooming among ...
Barboursville Vineyards – Taste & Tour
One of Virginia's crown jewels of wine production, Barboursville Vineyards should not only be on your wine tour list, you should dedicate an entire day there. Famously known for its Octagon Bordeaux-style blend--served to Queen Elizabeth II upon her visit to the Commonwealth--there is greatness to be discovered. And tasted. Riding across the gentle hills of the Piedmont region, you'll be struck with not only vivid history, but an area that time has yet to disturb. And Barboursville ...
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 ...
Miracle Valley Vineyard – Taste & Tour
After my visit to Delaplane Cellars, I decided to make a stop at nearby Miracle Valley Vineyard, as well. The Delaplane region has evolved into one of my favorite spots for discovering great wineries. A jump from the interstate and a short country ride will bring you to some of Virginia's greatest wineries. And if you're looking to combine some great wines with outstanding country atmosphere, Miracle Valley Vineyard should be added to your tour. Located atop rolling land against Little Cobbler ...
Delaplane Cellars – Taste & Tour
If you are visiting Northern Virginia looking for a cluster of diverse wineries, Delaplane is the area for you. Home to more than a half-dozen wineries, you can easily compose a tour to fill a full day. Some of my favorite Virginia wineries live here, including Blue Valley, Three Fox, and Arterra. Among this group you will also find the hillside boutique winery Delaplane Cellars, majestically positioned against the side of Lost Mountain. But before you traverse the hill, make sure you ...
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 ...
