Virginia Wineries
Virginia has cultivated grapes for more than 400 years. According to virginiawine.org, Virginia has a rich wine history. In fact, Thomas Jefferson was the first champion of the Virginia grape; however, early efforts to produce wine from the local grapes met with lackluster results. The wine from the local grape was of poor quality and French grapes proved too fragile for the climate of Virginia. However, ever persistent, Virginia wine growers stayed the course and began to experiment with more resistant, hybrid grapes. Beginning in the 1960’s and continuing through the 1980’s, culminating with the passage of legislation favorable to wine producers, Virginia wine began to prosper.
Today, there are more than 100 wineries in the state. These wineries grow a number of familiar grapes such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and Riesling, as well as a number of unique varietals such as seyval blanc, chambourcin and cabernet franc. While the wineries of Virginia are spread out across the state, there are many within driving distance of the Washington, D.C. area and the two major airports that serve the region. If you head out of D.C. on Interstate 66, within an hour’s drive, you will find 30 wineries that offer a great snapshot of the wines Virginia has to offer. Within these wineries, you will find some of the larger producers of wine in the area as well as some of the smaller and some of the newer wineries. All offer tasting on their grounds and some offer tours of their facilities.
Heading east on I-66, take Highway 50 towards Middleburg. Just outside of Middleburg, you will find Chrysalis Winery. (23876 Champe Ford Road, Middleburg, Virginia – 540-687-8222). The winery offers several different Spanish and French varietals which are available for tasting on the winery’s crushing pad. Surrounded by vineyards, the winery offers bread, cheese and other light snacks, or, if you prefer, you can purchase a bottle and relax under one of the apple trees while you enjoy your wine. While the winery is located down a narrow road, (as is the case with many of
Virginia ‘s wineries) the trip is worth it. The staff is knowledgeable about the history of not only their vineyard and winery, but Virginia wine as a whole and the winery itself is a beautiful and relaxing place. As with most of the area wineries, Chrysalis frequently has wine festivals or live entertainment on the weekends.
As you leave Chrysalis, continue down Highway 50 through the village of Middleburg to Highway 17 where you will turn left, then after a few miles, turn right onto State Road 688. State Road 688 is just the kind of pastoral country road that comes to mind when you think about lazy drives with the top down on the convertible. After a few miles, you will come to Naked Mountain Winery (2747 Leeds Manor Road, Markham, Virginia- 540-364-1609).
Naked Mountain is nestled at the foot of the mountain from which it takes its name. From the winery, you have sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and mountain landscape. Naked Mountain does a wonderful job with Chardonnay, so spend some time and taste a few of their offerings. In the chalet inspired tasting room, in addition to their wines, you will find a variety of gifts that pay tribute to the winery’s motto – “Drink Naked.” The winery doesn’t charge a tasting fee and offers light fare and the occasional specialty lunch.
Just down the road from Naked Mountain you will find Rappahannock Cellars (14437 Hume Road, Huntly, Virginia- 540-635-9398). The winery offers several different whites and reds including a Seyval Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Claret, and the occasional unique specialty offering such as dessert wines. The winery hosts frequent parties for new releases and have their wines available for tasting in their tasting room. In addition to their wines, they frequently will offer a specialty tasting such as wine and chocolate pairing.
In addition to these wineries by driving around the area, you’ll find numerous other vineyards and wineries all offering a host of wines for your enjoyment. Part of the fun of a wine tasting weekend is exploring and stumbling across the hidden gems. Available at any of the
Virginia wineries is a brochure put out by the Virginia Wine Association with directions to, descriptions of and maps to all of the wineries located throughout the state. As you drive around the area, you’ll also find that there are signs directing you to a majority of the wineries across the state. Spread out in a ten mile radius of the individual wineries, there are signs showing a cluster of grapes directing you to the individual wineries. Many of these signs also have mileage information displayed. It’s a good idea to call ahead to any of the locations you are visiting to ensure that they are not hosting a special event on the day of your visit. You will also want to call if you plan on arriving with more than eight guests so the winery can be prepared which will allow you to make the most of your visit.
In the event that you do not want to do all the driving, there are a number of limousine services operating in the Washington, D.C. area that offer wine tasting packages allowing you to enjoy an afternoon in the wine country without the responsibility of driving. Try Reston Limousine (www.restonlimousine.com – 703-478-0500) for a variety of options.
While it is quite possible to see and sample the Virginia wine country leaving from Washington, D.C. in a day, you may want to consider making you temporary base of operation one of the many quaint towns or villages located throughout the region. For instance, Middleburg, Virginia offers excellent options for lodging, a variety of dining choices and excellent shopping and other diversions for the weekend traveler. As well, there are nearly 20 wineries within easy driving distance. Located on Highway 50, in the heart of the village you will find the Red Fox Inn (2 East Washington Street, Middleburg, Virginia – 800-223-1728). Established in 1728, the inn offers guests 20 different rooms, excellent amenities, a continental breakfast and ample parking. Rates vary from $150-$350 per night. Call ahead as the inn fills up fast.
One of the best restaurants in Northern Virginia calls Middleburg home. The Aster (101 South Madison, Middleburg, Virginia
– 540-687-4080) is a culinary delight. Pristine service, a unique menu and spectacular attention to detail make for a dining experience not soon forgotten. While the Aster is not for the budget minded diner, the cuisine, service and setting are among the best in the area, as evidenced by the glowing reviews the restaurant has received. If you want to lessen the burden on the wallet, check out Tirami Su (3 West Washington Street, Middleburg, Virginia- 540-687-8711). This charming Italian bistro offers a pleasing selection of entrees, salads, soups and sandwiches. It also has a nice wine list with a good choice of Italian reds and whites. They are open for lunch and dinner.
If you do decide to stay in Middleburg, do yourself a favor and roam around town. You’ll find a delightful selection of specialty shops offering designer clothing, antiques, horse paraphernalia (It is Virginia horse country as well as Virginia wine country after all!!), book shops and a quaint wine cellar. The Wine Cellar (15 South Madison Street, Middleburg, Virginia- 540-687-3230) offers a surprising selection of wines, some hard to find, most quite affordable. As well as other gourmet delights, including an exceptional cheese selection, the Wine Cellar has weekend wine tasting. While you may have been out in the vineyards all day, stop in for a look, you won’t be disappointed. There are also several friendly pubs in town if you prefer a beer after your day in the vineyards.
Overall, Virginia wines have come a long way in just a few decades. The winemakers take their craft very seriously and have created a number of excellent wines for your enjoyment. Many of the wineries offer wine clubs and are available for private functions. The region continues to grow and expand with new wineries opening all the time as the existing ones continue to improve and refine excellent traditions. It won’t be surprising if you soon begin to hear Loudoun and Rappahannock along with Napa and Sonoma.
