Northern Virginia Wineries (Hillsboro: prices, vs., horses)

[normie]

If you're a civil war history buff, most of the wineries have a booklet they'll give you that tells you all the civil war events that happened near each winery. It puts a fun twist on taking a wine tour (and it gives you something to toast at each stop--first a toast to the present company, then a toast to various moments in history).

[Caladium]

We went to Vintage Ridge Winery. Thanks to Hokie for a great suggestion. We really enjoyed the winery, and the drive there was spectacular. There's still plenty of fall color out there. Sometimes I think it's even prettier at this stage, when the leaves are blowing around and you begin to see the architecture of the tree branches.

[HEATHER72]

We've been to 3 wineries in the area - LaGrange, Pearmund and Marterella. We try to get to the wineries right as they open because most have tiny parking lots. I think I liked the wines from LaGrange/Pearmund (same owner) better, but Marterella has some quite scenic views. LaGrange is perfect for a picnic and they highly encourage that. Even their premade food there is good.

We went to Marterella for the first time yesterday and now wished we had brought a book to just sit outside all afternoon. We got one of their pepperoni pizzas - previously frozen, microwaved and finished in the wood burning oven.

Here is just one view from Marterella's patio.

[Nhilar]

Virginia wines are just okay. I finally figured out what was missing after talking to a local vintner. WATER. Virginia has too much moisture to make a truly world class wine; too much rain fall, too much humidity just too much water period. A lot of local popularity is just that, local, it’s local so a lot of people overlook the flaws and rave about it. Not trying to write a diatribe about Virginia wines, but just talking the facts. Virginia produces a lot of wine, yet they are not widely distributed in the US and Worldwide. This would go against some of the general gushing reviews in this threat.

BTW: Nortons are not the only native grape: The Concord grape was developed in 1849 by Ephraim Wales Bull in Concord, Massachusetts.
-Nhilar

[GoHokiesGo]

Originally Posted by Caladium

We went to Vintage Ridge Winery. Thanks to Hokie for a great suggestion. We really enjoyed the winery, and the drive there was spectacular. There's still plenty of fall color out there. Sometimes I think it's even prettier at this stage, when the leaves are blowing around and you begin to see the architecture of the tree branches.

I'm glad you enjoyed it there They're one of the few vineyards that we joined the wine club for. I like their approach better than most, and it doesn't have that feel that they're trying to rush you through the tasting like some of the other wineries; the small bites of food that they pair with the wine just makes it a better experience. I need to go back! We haven't been in awhile.

I haven't been to nearly as many wineries this year as in the past, but they're still tons of fun and some of my favorite pictures are from the vineyards since they have such great scenery.

I don't know which vineyards do it in Virginia, but it's fun to try a vertical tasting if you have the chance. I've done it at some of the vineyards in Pennsylvania and New York, when things are a little slow in the tasting room and the owners are there. They will pour you the exact same wine blend, but from different years (ie- 2005 Merlot vs 2007 Merlot). Then the wine maker will try to explain how the different weather and degree-day summations have affected the flavors of the wine with grapes from the exact same vines. I find wine-making to be fun to learn about, so I like when they give you random tid-bits about the process.

[normie]

Originally Posted by HEATHER72

Here is just one view from Marterella's patio.

What a stunning view! I may have to stop by there when we get back to Virginia. Do wineries have tasting all year 'round?

[citybuff]

You may want to check out Veramar @ [url=http://www.veramar.com]. Great selection of wines and and very friendly staff. I enjoyed the weekend wine tour. My friend had a wedding there and says one of the most romantic places in Northern Virginia.

[gingerbreadgirl]

I'm so glad to find this thread. I have lived in Northern Virginia for years and have never visited one of the local wineries. I didn't know how much I was missing. Now I want to go visit all the wineries! Are they open year round? I imagine spring/fall would be the best visiting times, but I want to go NOW!

Thanks everyone for all the information...I cant wait to try some of them!

[Denton56]

Yes, the vineyards are open year round, although sometimes different hours in winter and summer. Check their websites.

[normie]

Originally Posted by gingerbreadgirl

I'm so glad to find this thread. I have lived in Northern Virginia for years and have never visited one of the local wineries. I didn't know how much I was missing. Now I want to go visit all the wineries! Are they open year round? I imagine spring/fall would be the best visiting times, but I want to go NOW!

Thanks everyone for all the information...I cant wait to try some of them!

I love going to the wineries. But, do be aware that it's more about the experience of going to the winery, and less about the quality of the wine. The poster who said "Virginia wines are just ok" was right. Cab Francs tend to do well here, and there are a few excellent wines. But this is not Napa--most of the Virginia wines are good, not great. (Which is just fine by me. A good bottle of wine and a gorgeous winery add up to a very pleasant afternoon. )