When I first began my quest into the Central and Southern part of Virginia, Sweely Estate was on my radar of places to visit. The reason was not because I heard the wines were outstanding or that the property was beautiful, but because I needed to visit it in my goal to visit all Virginia...
The first time I visited Mountfair Vineyards, I was relatively new to the wine scene. Needless to say, it has been a while. In fact, what brought Mountfair back to my attention was their social media outreach as we were touring the area on this particular day. The winery itself is located on the...
For years, one of the larger growers in Crozet, Virginia was known by the name of Mount Juliet Farm. Winemakers throughout Virginia purchased grapes from Mount Juliet, who harvested close to 63 acres and over 14 varieties of grape. The estate sits nearly 550 acres of land - with 250 acres...
After a short couple of years, Moss Vineyards has really hit its stride in the heart of Central Virginia. I recall the first time I visited the winery shortly after it opened its doors. The views were some of the most spectacular in the area. Rolling hills, mountain skyline, and the steep slope...
The Place: Located on a high ridge in the Shenandoah Valley, tucked between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, is Barren Ridge Vineyards. This Shenandoah gem, formerly an apple orchard, is maintained by an unusual semi-arid climate that steers rain clouds away from the ridge with the help...
After browsing through the last couple editions of Wine Enthusiast, I came across multiple Virginia wineries posting 87+ point rated wines. I also noticed an unfamiliar name with several wines that ranged from 89 to 91 points, including a Pinotage. A Pinotage? In Virginia? In the United States,...
As you spot the new Wisdom Oak Winery sign, planted where the former Sugarleaf Vineyards sign stood, you will find yourself traveling up a gravel, single lane road that appears to be the road to nowhere. As the trees clear and the farm house converted to tasting room, outlined by the 4 acres of...
A few weeks back, my fiance and I headed down to meet her family and family friends at Smith Mountain Lake. The car was packed with our belongings and, of course, a case of local wine. As we made our way down Route 29, we noticed a few wineries that I had yet to visit, including a couple close...
While glancing at the Virginia Winery Guide map during our trip around the Shenandoah Valley, I noticed Ox-Eye Vineyards nearby; but we also noticed it is located in the center of downtown Staunton. Curious, I pulled up the Ox-Eye Vineyard's website to find out just what this winery is all...