Exploring Virginia’s Vineyards
It may not be Napa, but Virginia is slowly gaining a reputation as prime east coast wine country. For the past 25 years or so, entrepreneurial winemakers have been learning to take advantage of the rich soil and temperate climate the area has to offer, resulting in some very nice wines to enjoy in a charming country setting. In Loudoun County, just a short drive from Washington D.C., two hidden gems await your discovery:
Breaux Vineyards, Hillsboro, VA
Step into the tasting room at this idyllic estate for a tour of wines like their light, crisp 2005 Madeleines Chardonnay or slightly chocolaty 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon. Breaux’s 2002 Meritage--a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc--was the Official Meritage of the America’s Cup of Polo 2007 invitational tournament.
Open daily May through November 11 am to 6 p.m. and December through April 11 am to 5 pm. Tours available.
Doukenie Winery, Hillsboro, VA
Bring a picnic lunch to the bucolic grounds of this winery, set on a family-owned 500-acre farm, where you may meet the friendly "winery dog" who wanders the grounds. Then head into the tasting room to try wines like their 2006 Riesling, a dry blend of 85 percent Riesling and 15 percent Vidal with a light, peachy aroma. The 2004 Vintner’s Reserve Bordeaux-style blend is complex—spicy and earthy, with notes of currents, black cherries and vanilla. The winery also offers an interesting local specialty—raspberry merlot. This slightly sweet blend of raspberry wine and Merlot tastes amazing with chocolate.
Open daily 12 pm to 6 pm. Tours available.
Others to try:
Hillsborough Vineyards, Hillsboro, VA
Fabbioli Cellars, Leesburg, VA
Tarara Vineyard and Winery, Leesburg, VA
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, Leesburg, VA
Hidden Brook Winery, Lucketts, VA
Lost Creek Vineyard & Winery, Lucketts, VA
Chrysalis Vineyards, Middleburg, VA
Swedenburg Estate Vineyard, Middleburg, VA
Notaviva Vineyards, Purcelville, VA
Loudoun Valley Vineyards & Winery, Waterford, VA
Village Winery, Waterford, VA
Want to drink without driving? Reston Limousine Service, based in Serling, VA, offers luxury VIP wine tours on weekends. -- J.L.
