A few weeks ago I wrote a blog about some of the wineries I visited in the Tidewater of Virginia. Wineries like Dog and Oyster claim they have a similar climate as the Bordeaux region in France and that they should therefore be able to rival them. We'll see it that happens in my life time.
Today I want to deal with the wineries I visited in northern Virginia, and
rank them as well. Rappahannock Cellars was the first of the wineries I visited
in Virginia (2003). While I already was
a wine enthusiast and had tasted in Missouri, this was a fun first experience,
and my very first impression with Virginia red wine, which I found very below
par at that time. Things have changed in
the past few years, and I can tell you the reds made by Chester Gap Cellars
just a few miles up the road are among some of the best Virginia reds I’ve
tasted lately (2013 and 2014).
Here is my review of the wineries I visited in the northern area (the date in parentheses is the year I visited the wineries):
Old House Vineyards (2013) - 4
stars - Interesting place with some
interesting grape varieties (barberra).
Inexpensive to taste. Great place
for weddings.
Rappahannock Cellers - (2003) - 3 stars (this rating is probably out-dated) - My first tasting in Virginia. It was fun, but I remember a very touristy
tasting room. I still own their tasting
glass and drink wine from it every day.
Chester Gap Cellars - (2013 and 2014) - 5 stars - A great secluded winery with the produces some outstanding reds. Try their Merlot.
Fox Meadow Winery- (2013) - 5 star - Location, location, location. Love the place, good wine, I was impressed by
their Riesling.
Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn (2013) 3 stars
A very charming place, wine was so, so.
Live music was too loud to really understand the host. This winery was the first that served wine
paired with food.
Glen Manor Vineyards (2013) 2 stars
Great location and very scenic looking towards the National Park. Wine was mediocre
Breaux Vineyards (2014) 1 star Rude staff, crowded and expensive. See
my review of last month.
The picture below was taking at Chester Gap late April of tis year.
I am a trainer with the State of Virginia. I travel throughout the state to teach Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management. I try to take the back roads and I like taking photographs. I am a naturalist, trained in biology and ecology with a very deep rooted love for nature. In this blog I like to share my photography hobby, other hobbies of mine, including my passion for sailing, biking, hiking and nature. I will also share my philosophical outlook on life and some of experience.
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