Month: October 2008

Wine and Song at Bluemont Vineyards

/ Warren / Leave a comment

This past weekend, we took advantage of a lovely early autumn weekend to visit Bluemont Vineyard. Located in Loudon County and at an elevation of 1000 feet on an eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the winery offers one of the grandest views of mountains and sunny horizons. The facility itself is quite expansive and designed to optimize appreciation of these breathtaking landscapes. However, wine is why we decided to visit Bluemont Vineyard, and our discerning palates made their way to the tasting room for a sample of Bluemont’s current releases.


On tap for tasting were five wines including two white wines, two red wines, and one dessert wine. My immediate favorite was the 2007 Viognier dubbed, “the Goat”. (I’m not quite sure why these wines are given animal names.) This was a very nice dry wine fermented mostly in stainless steel with some time on oak. Crisp and clean, this Viognier would pair quite nicely with any seafood or poultry dishes. Paul favored the 2007 Merlot, (or The Ram) and he likened this one to a lighter-style Chianti destined for a pizza or pasta dish. However, our gold star was reserved for both the 2006 and 2007 Norton (the Pig). We were treated to a personal tasting of these releases by owner and winemaker, Bob Rupy. Like Jenni McCloud of Chrysalis, Bob is truly excited about Norton’s future as a flagship varietal for Virginia, and these offerings certainly support his cause. In particular, the 2006 Norton offered a fruity nose with lots of juicy berry fruit in the mouth. Fuller bodied than the Merlot, the 2006 Norton should pair quite well with Bambi or Lambchop. Though the 2007 offered similar characteristics, the 2006 had the benefit of an extra year in bottle and thus maturity.


After our tasting, we opted to sip a glass of the 2007 Viognier, and this we did as we enjoyed the sounds of a live band and panoramic mountain views. We also chatted further with Bob Rupy who is excited about Bluemont Vineyard’s future. Weekend entertainment, nice wine, and an eclectic offering of meats and cheeses bring in local crowds that fill the ample facility decorated in a cozy country motif. We look forward to a return to Bluemont Vineyard to sample upcoming releases. Consider a visit to Bluemont Vineyard during Virginia Wine Month, and mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

October Is Virginia Wine Month!

/ Warren / Leave a comment

As summer finally transitions to fall and harvests begin in earnest in the area, it’s time to celebrate Virginia Wine Month! In fact, this year is the 20th anniversary of Virginia Wine Month, and there is much to celebrate. Twenty years ago, it might have been almost impossible to imagine that over 130 wineries would one day call Virginia home. Virginia is now one of the top wine-producing regions in the country, and winemakers from such renowned areas as California and France have come to Virginia to contribute to this ongoing success story. It’s no wonder that Virginia wines continue to place well in national and international competitions.

Looking for ways to celebrate Virginia Wine Month? Consider visiting Virginia wineries this month. Find out if local wine shops are tasting Virginia wineries. Ask your favorite restaurants if they pour Virginia wines, and order them if they do. The Virginia Tourism Corporation can offer many other ideas—just click the links below:

Click here to learn more about state-wide festivals and events.

Click here to see a video about Luca Paschina, the general manager and winemaker of Barboursville Vineyards.

Click here to see 20 getaway ideas in celebration of Virginia Wine Month.

Make a point to celebrate Virginia Wine Month in October. And whether you’re tasting Virginia wines at a winery, wine shop, or restaurant mention that Virginia Wine Time suggested that you try Virginia wines!