Creek’s Edge Winery Review
Address: 41255 Annas Lane Lovettsville,Virginia 21080.
Phone Number: 540-822-3994
Tasting Hours: Fri-Sat 12:00-8:00, Sun 12:00-7:00, Mon 12:00-6:00, Tues-Wed by appt.
Region: Virginia
Reviewer: Jill Barth
Review Date: 11/29/2016
Reviewer: Jill Barth
Rating: 5
The Review
I visited Creeks Edge Winery in late September, an excellent time to view this striking property under a hint of fall color. Creeks Edge is a day trip from Washington, DC in rural Loudon County, Virginia, an area with a growing winery presence (43 wineries at the time of my visit) and a natural welcoming atmosphere of gravel country roads and rustic barns and buildings.
Creeks Edge is located in the tiny hamlet of Taylorstown where a general store and a stone-foundation barn wear signs directing visitors to the winery. A gravel road winds to an impressive Amish-built facility that houses the winery, tasting room, and banquet facilities. A large deck frames the building, and an adjacent covered patio waits with ample seating. Vineyards surround the building on one side, and a wide open pasture stitched with an edging of woods makes for an expansive natural lawn.
Inside the building, I met Spencer, tasting room manager, who confirmed that all the open space is definitely for guests. The winery keeps an all-are-welcome atmosphere, where the whole family (pets too) are welcome to enjoy a picnic or play on the grass. The goal of the facility, which was started by Tedd Durden, is to be a part of the community, a friendly spot in the Loudon winery scene. Music events, private parties, and festivals are a main feature of the estate, anything where people gather with wine and music seems to fit their style. Durden, a family man from Fairfax with a background in construction, fell in love with the area years ago. First, he bought land and then he moved his family to the property. Eventually came vineyards and finally a winemaking and tasting facility. The original idea had been to sell grapes, but the picture emerged: Creeks Edge Winery, with its own label, was born.
While Spencer poured our tasting, we looked around the tasting room, which really cant be called a room. The meeting space features a generous fireplace, intricate belt fans, and handmade furniture. A builder from Lancaster applied Amish techniques and not a single nail was used in construction. In this new and well-made place, it is no surprise that brides from all around are begging to be married at Creeks Edge. Particularly gorgeous is the staircase, envisioned with the inspiration of a wine barrel, which winds up to the top floor.
We did a very robust tasting of nearly all of the current releases. Bottles range from $26-$45, including red, white and rosé and offer sweet and dry options. Their winemaker, Jeremy Ligon, is a Virginia native who has a sense of the local environment combined with a wider scope gained from at education at Fresno State. Visitors can choose from the Basic Tasting at $10 (five wines), the Deluxe Tasting at $11 (nine wines) or the Premium Tasting at $13, (12 wines, including the Hunting Hill Port Wine). The 2012 Merlot was the oldest wine on the tasting menu (at the time of my visit). The 2015 Vidal Blanc was a highlight, with balanced acid a food-friendly freshness. The 2014 Reserve Cabernet Franc was impressive, with subdued spice and friendly tannins. We took home a bottle of the 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which should drink well for the next few years. Sandwiches and light fare are usually available, picnics are welcome and special events with food and music are common. Check the website or call for whats on before arriving. Winter hours are limited.
Overall, this estate is founded on a sense of place. Spencer told me that local wood was used in construction and that they work with Taylorsville Historical Society when they can for consistency and consideration. The winery vinifies local grapes when possible, particularly Chambourcin. A sense of place, in rural Virginia, signifies a sense of history too, and historic barn on the property is pre-Civil war era. All of this makes a visit to Creeks Edge Winery a worthwhile stop, not only for a glass of wine and good conversation, but to gain a feeling for Loudon County and all it has to offer.