Video Clip: Rockbridge Vineyard

Rockbridge Vineyard is located north of Lexington, VA, about two minutes from Interstate 81 (the vineyards are well marked on the Interstate). But it feels like a hundred miles away. You hear no traffic noise and no cars are in sight.

A quick drive through the village of Raphine takes you to Rockbridge, named after the county and the famous Natural Bridge about 30 miles south of here (the bridge adorns the bottle labels).

Rockbridge is one of the oldest wineries in the state - and they have plenty of good to excellent options for every taste, including a few unique options for the Commonwealth: Regular Pinot Noir, Vignoles, and an off-dry "Blanc" (white) Pinot Noir. Their "Jeremiah's Blush" is probably their most popular wine; 4% residual sugar, perfect for wine newbies as well as those looking for affordable wine to go with their spicy Thai meals or barbecue ribs. A bullfrog is featured on the label (babyboomers will get the reference).

The tasting room is located inside a barn, and there is a real "settled" feel to this location. Plenty of outdoor seating options, as well as a party room in the barn for indoor imbibing.

Watch our short video clip taken in October 2012 at Rockbridge Vineyard:

Slick Vs. Intimate: A Virginia Winery Study (Part 1)

A cursory glance at the Yelp reviews of several Virginia wineries is revealing. You can discover so much about not only the wineries, but about the people who write the reviews.

Four star points to one reviewer, such as the lack of a live band or the rustic interior of a tasting room, may be one star points to another. Some people are totally turned off by corporate slickness, while others embrace it.

The blogmasters like to compare the winery experience to the personalities of a dog and a cat: Sometimes we want to be noticed in the middle of a big party (dog), and other times we want a quieter, more intimate experience (cat). Most humans have both dog and cat traits to their personalities (although devout cat haters will deny this), and there are plenty of Virginia wineries that satisfy both personality traits.

We will focus on the wineries in the Charlottesville (aka Virginia’s Napa) area for this study. Read the descriptions, visit the wineries, and tell us if you agree with the analysis. We’ll start with the slick spots, move to the other side of the spectrum and review some intimate spots, and then offer a few suggestions that combine slickness with intimacy (which is harder than it sounds).

SLICK:

Barboursville Vineyards
We call it "the Smithsonian of Virginia wineries." Barboursville put this tiny village north of Charlottesville on the map, along with its famed ruins. They've been making wine since 1976 (third oldest winery in Virginia), and Luca Paschina is a VA Vino star - consistently voted one of the best winemakers in the state, and the East Coast. One sip of their famed Octagon red, and you'll be a fan. But the place is touristy - the crowds at the multiple tasting bars tend to be three rows deep on weekend days. And the restaurant on the premises, as good as it is, doesn't quell the slickness factor that much. Visit during the week, if you can. Or try their wines at numerous restaurants in the state (they also sell them at numerous supermarkets in the state, as well as the stray gas station).

Veritas Vineyards
A favorite in the Monticello AVA, Veritas adds a slightly rustic touch, but driving up the impressive driveway to this winery is proof positive that they move wine here. (Slick is not necessarily a five letter word to the blogmasters, despite the tone of this entry). The tasting room has a library quality to it, complete with books and sofas. The wines are rock solid, particularly their Viognier and Claret (red blend). Ample places to sit outside, and the tasting room is always buzzing.

King Family Vineyards
Most Virginia wineries don't boast about their polo field and helicopter used to keep bonfire heat circulating during early spring nights (to prevent freezing). King Family is an institution in the Monticello AVA, and they have the medals to show for it. Rosé may be an unusual choice but our favorite wine here is just that: Crosé (a combinations of the words 'rosé' and the nearby town of Crozet). This is a fantastic dry Merlot-based rosé that is probably the best of its kind in the state. Napa-esque wine in a Southern gentleman-like setting. Definitely worth a visit.

DelFosse Vineyards
A drive to this spot off U.S. highway 29 is deceiving: The gravel road is long, narrow and twisty. Skunks, chipmunks and box turtles will move out of your way. Expecting to see a small cabin amidst rolling meadows and foothills, you come across a scene that seems more fitting for southern France (it's no coincidence that the owner is French). Their vineyards are terraced, one of the few vineyards in the Commonwealth employing this technique. Mountain trails surround the property, and there's a 100 year old log cabin, fully furnished, that you can reserve for the night (or week). As for the wines, Chardonnay and "Cuvée Laurent," a blend of Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin, are the stand outs here.

You really can't go wrong with any winery in the Monticello AVA (Charlottesville/Waynesboro). If big and eye-catching is not your thing, Part 2 of this series will provide some quaint, rustic alternatives.

Fauquier County Winery Spotlight: Delaplane Cellars

Our continuing coverage of wineries in that most winery-unfriendly county in Northern Virginia......

Delaplane Cellars, perched up on a hill with an irresistable view of the mountains on the western horizon, is another winner in the Delaplane/Marshall/The Plains section of the county (also known as "Crooked Run Valley," named after a creek many visitors will cross at least four times in this part of the county).

This is where wineries share the landscape with cattle ranchers, "old money" grumps, and antique stores. Employing sustainable practices similar to Cooper Vineyards and North Gate Vineyard, the airy interior of the tasting room meets expectations created while driving (and then walking) up the steep hillside. And the wines are stellar. This Fauquier location reminded the blogmasters of spots in Sonoma County.

The long tasting bar guarantees a tasting nearly as soon as you walk in, despite how busy they are. Viognier is the winner here; yet another Virginia winery working wonders with the official white grape. Maggie's Viognier is aged in French oak, versus American oak (which is the norm for many other Virginia wineries). The resulting wine is smooth with notes of butter rum and tangerine. Delaplane also ages its Chardonnay in French oak, resulting in a pleasing, dry white that pairs beautifully with trout or perch.

Of the reds, Delaplane is now working with Tannat, which some predict could be Virginia's new unique red, alongside Petit Verdot and Norton. Delaplane offers a 100% Tannat, as well as a blend (blended with Syrah, Petit Verdot and Cab Franc). Both make great cold weather reds, for pairing with stew or chili.

For warmer days, Delaplane Cellars has several picnic tables along the sloping hillside, looking down on the tasting room, as well as a patio offering a view that is one of the finest in Northern Virginia. The tasting room is encased by windows that boast these views for the colder months ahead.

You could make a day at Delaplane Cellars, or move on to other spots a stone's throw away in the Crooked Run Valley:
Three Fox Vineyards, Barrel Oak, and Vintage Ridge Vineyards, to name just three others.

URL:
Delaplane Cellars

Virginia Wine Lover: Best Of Voting (2013)

Don't let the Notebook sway your votes, but here's what we selected:

Best Virginia Wine:
Statewide--Virginia Wine--Winery: Fabbioli Cellars
Statewide--Virginia Wine--Wine Name: Chambourcin
Vintage: 2010

Best Chardonnay:
Statewide: Chatham Vineyards
Wine Name: Church Creek Steel Fermented
Vintage: 2010

Best Viognier:
Statewide: Blenheim Vineyards
Wine Name: Viognier
Vintage: 2010

Best Norton:
Statewide: Barrel Oak Winery
Wine Name: Norton
Vintage: 2009

Best Meritage (or Meritage-style):
Statewide: Glen Manor
Wine Name: Hodder Hill
Vintage: 2009

Best Fruit Wine (non-grape):
Statewide: North Gate Vineyard
Wine Name: Apple Wine
Vintage: 2011

Best Wine Bottle Artwork:
Statewide: Flying Fox Vineyards
Wine Name: Fox White
Description of artwork: A cartoon fox in a variety of methods of flight; label changed each year. Past years: Biplane, hot air balloon, shot out of a cannon.

Best Overall Winery:
Old House Vineyards

Best Winemaker:
Nate Walsh (Sunset Hills)

Best Outdoor Space:
Sharp Rock Vineyards

Best Indoor Space:
Pollak Vineyards

Best View:
Stone Mountain Vineyards

Best Winery Dog:
Franc from Unicorn Winery

Best Winery Cat:
Warren from Fabbioli Cellars

Best Tasting Room layout:
Saude Creek Winery

Best Food Offerings:
Fox Meadow Vineyards

Best Special Events:
Breaux Vineyards

Best for Picnics:
Sharp Rock Vineyards

Best "Green" (Sustainable) Winery:
Cooper Vineyards

Best Winery for Weddings:
Notaviva Vineyards

Best Wine Tour:
Philip Carter Winery

Best Mass Producing Winery:
Horton Vineyards

Most Romantic Winery:
Zephaniah Farm Vineyard

Best Virginia Wine List Restaurant:
Magnolia's at the Mill (Purcellville)

Best Gourmet Shop (not a winery) for Virginia Wine:
Olde Dominion Wine Shoppe (Occoquan)

Best Mass Retailer Virginia Wine Selection:
Total Wine

Best Weekend Wine-Themed Getaway Spot:
Charlottesville

Best Wine Festival:
Richmond (late February)

Best Wineries by Virginia Region:

Central--Pollak Vineyards
Eastern (Northern Neck)--Ingleside Vineyards
Eastern (Eastern Shore)--Holly Grove Vineyards
Northern--Hiddencroft Vineyards
Shenandoah Valley--North Mountain Vineyard
Southern--LeoGrande Vineyard
Western--West Wind Farm Winery

Virginia’s Signature Varietals

As Virginia's reputation as a world-class wine region continues to skyrocket, it's worth spotlighting five varietals distinct to the Commonwealth. Other (Old World and New World) winemaking countries offer these varietals, as well as several U.S. states. But Virginia's offerings are standing above and beyond the others: Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Norton, Petit Verdot and Chambourcin. It's interesting to note that although Virginia may be better known (and respected by more discerning wine fans) for its whites, only one white earns a spot on signature list: Viognier.

CABERNET FRANC If you've been to any winery in Virginia, chances are high you've tried Cabernet Franc. One of the major Bordeaux varieties (others include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, another spotlighted varietal), Cab Franc traditionally has been used for blending, especially in California, which has been working with Cab Franc for decades. Paul Giamatti's character Miles from Sideways may not have been a fan of Cab Franc (although he didn't detest it as much as Merlot....), but Virginia has embraced it (the state and probably Giamatti's co-star from the movie, Virginia Madsen). The climate and soil throughout the Commonwealth has proved to be ideal for the grape; if you want to capture the state in a bottle for a relative in another state, Cab Franc would be your best bet for a red. Cab Franc tends to have a peppery, earthy or "mineraly" quality that could be off-putting to those more used to smooth and bold New World style reds from California, Oregon and Washington state. Depending on growing region and style of wine, additional aromas can include tobacco, raspberry, black cherry, and sometimes even violets. Where to try it: Nearly every Virginia winery has one. The blogmaster's favorites include Stinson Vineyards, Rockbridge Vineyard, and Rappahannock Cellars.

VIOGNIER Recently named the official state grape of Virginia, the reputation of Viognier is spreading to California - one of the blogmasters entertained a group of scientists not long ago, one of whom owns a vineyard in Napa, and who ordered a Virginia Viognier from the menu during dinner. The Rhone region of France has been crafting wines from Viognier for years, and several higher elevation California wineries offer Viognier. Admittedly, it's not a wine many people love on first taste. It took the blogmasters about a year to get accustomed to the wine. Now we actively seek it out. Viognier can be a difficult grape to grow because it is prone to mildew. Many states have attempted to create a viognier, only to be invaded by humid and rainy weather that spoil the grapes. In Virginia, despite the humid summers, the grape thrives, probably due to the state's latitude and soil. In fact, some winemakers claim it grows like a weed in the state--several wineries have shunned the wine, mainly due to the fact that the winemaker loathes the taste of the wine, which can run the gamut from butterscotch to almonds to grapefruit to honeysuckle. Where to try it: Our favorite viogniers can be found at Chester Gap Cellars near Front Royal, Delaplane Cellars, and Barboursville Vineyards.

NORTON Born in Virginia (Richmond, to be exact) in the early 19th Century and later perfected in Missouri (where it's the official state grape), Norton is similar to Viognier in its introduction to wineheads familiar with New World offerings from the west coast. A bit of a shock is more like it--it's one of those wines you love, tolerate only once or twice a year (like the blogmasters), or hate. Norton is typically dry, and has an inky appearance, and a bold taste that has been likened to tar and leather. But don't let the description and the blogmaster's hesitation with Norton turn you off. Everyone should try it once. You may find that you adore it. We prefer some of the wineries in the state that blend Norton, such as Lexington Valley Vineyard, which has a stand-alone Norton as well as a rosé Norton. Horton Norton (say it three times) is available at some supermarkets, if you don't get a chance to visit Horton's Gordonsville location; it is our favorite Norton in Virginia. Finally, the king of Norton has to be Chrysalis Vineyards near Middleburg, which has the most acreage of Norton in the world.

PETIT VERDOT Another Bordeaux variety, Petit Verdot is well on its way to further root Virginia as a serious red growing state. Petit Verdot is normally used for blending, especially in Meritage, a blend of five Bordeaux varietals (others are Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot and Malbec). In order to be classified a Meritage, the winery must subscribe to the Meritage Association; some Virginia locations not wanting the additional expense have become creative, adding an "A" in front of the word Meritage. On its own, Petit Verdot is rich and hearty; a real red meat wine, good for aging on the rack for up to 15 years, and especially good in the cold months. Some Virginia wineries have won numerous awards for their stand-along Petit Verdot. The best in the state have to be from Glen Manor Vineyards near Front Royal; Ingleside Vineyards; and Flying Fox Vineyard south of Waynesboro.

CHAMBOURCIN From extremely bold, to a varietal called "the red wine for white wine drinkers." Chambourcin is slowly making a name for itself in the Commonwealth, especially in Northern Virginia, where the terrain and climate must be perfect for the hybrid. The grape has only been available since 1963, and has its origins in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Unlike Viognier, Chambourcin has a good resistance to fungal disease, which makes it well-suited for Virginia's muggy summers. The wine is light and can even be served chilled; many have compared the wine to a Chianti, with its soft notes of strawberry and black olives. Chambourcin contains acidity that is higher than the norm for reds; another white varietal characteristic. The blogmasters have become huge fans of chambourcin. Most of the favorites are in Northern Virginia locations; for some reason, the hybrid has not caught on in the Monticello or Northern Neck sections of the state. Scaling our favorites down to three was not easy, but they are Fabbioli Cellars, Zephaniah Farm Vineyard, and Hiddencroft Vineyards, all in Loudoun County.

Fauquier County Winery Spotlight: Mountains to Valley

In our ongoing coverage of vineyards and wineries in that "winery unfriendly" county of Fauquier, we turn the spotlight to Cobbler Mountain Cellars and Miracle Valley Vineyards--two wineries about 15 minutes from each other, located off state highway 55 near Delaplane. Cobbler Mountain Cellars, the younger of the two vineyards, gets its name from Cobbler Mountain (actually, mountains--the vineyards are located in the shadows of Big Cobbler Mountain and Little Cobbler Mountain, two foothills of the Blue Ridge). The blogmasters expect big things for this spot - they do nearly everything right. The owners are generous and hospitable. The wines are good to great. The tasting room is located in the cellar of their home. You truly feel that you're part of their family when you visit Cobbler Mountain Cellars. It may sound like a cliché, but there is something magical about this location. The owners are aware of this too, and the theme here is Irish folklore. On one visit, a group of teenagers performed haunting Irish folk songs with ukuleles and mandolins, adding to the "magic in the air" vibe. The home/tasting room lies on a hillside, and benches, chairs and tables adorn the sloping lawn. Or, you can grab a table under one of the apple trees. Which leads us to their offerings. This is a wine blog, but we have to call it like it is. The winner at Cobbler Mountain Cellars is their hard apple cider. This is not to be confused with apple wine. Apple wine is typically made incorporating grapes in the process. Hard apple cider is 100% apple. There is nothing better for a cool fall afternoon in October than hard apple cider. Cobbler Mountain's is incredible - like biting into a juicy golden delicious apple. Try it with brats or burgers. As for the wine, not a sub-par one on the list, and their varietals are impressive, considering how young the winery is: Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot, Meritage. They have more reds than whites (their sole white grape wine is a very good chardonnay, with notes of buttercream). Of the reds, our favorite was the merlot--peppery but smooth. Cobbler Mountain Cellars is an oasis from civilization - only about 45 minutes from Washington DC, but another world. From the mountains/foothills to the valley....Miracle Valley Vineyard, similar to Cobbler Mountain Cellars in size (that is, not a slick commercial operation). The tasting room is housed in charming old farm house overlooking a pond. The tasting is slow and leisurely paced. Several of their wines are award winners: Their Cab Franc and Cab Sauv are Virginia Gold Medal winners. Their Meritage is a Silver Medal winner at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. They've been making wine here longer than Cobbler Cellars, and have more options on the white side of the scale. Of the whites, the viognier and reserve Chardonnay stood out. The viognier is steel-aged and introduced to Hungarian oak for 30 days, resulting in a dry, spritzer-like wine with notes of grapefruit and pineapple. The reserve chardonnay begins in stainless steel and then is introduced to Hungarian oak for a year. The result is an incredibly complex chardonnay that works perfectly with poultry dishes. As for the reds, our favorite was the award-winning Cab Sauv, with soft tannins and the right amount of spice notes. From the mountains to the valley - visit these fine spots this weekend. Support Fauquier County wineries! Winery URLs: Cobbler Mountain Cellars; Miracle Valley Vineyard

Video Clip: Villa Appalaccia Vineyards

Located near the Hokie Wine Trail, directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway....a perfect fall getaway!