I have over 100 bottles of wine on my wine racks. Probably 80% of it is red wine. And probably 98% of it is Virginia wine. There are always lots of choices when it comes to picking out a red dinner wine. Recently we decided to have sirloin steaks and wild rice for dinner. But what red wine would we select? We settled on the 2008 Lomax Reserve Red from Granite Heights Vineyard.
The 2008 Lomax Reserve Red is a blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet franc. It’s aged in American oak for eleven months. It’s named after a neighbor of Granite Heights Vineyard. Once we poured a glass and paired it with our meal, we realized it was the perfect selection. We noted the bright fruit, the smooth ending and that it was very approachable. It reminded me of the smooth 2008 reds that I have come to enjoy. I probably could have kept this on the rack a little longer but I do so enjoy my smooth 2008 reds that I couldn’t let this one sit any longer. If you haven’t made it out to Granite Heights yet, plan a trip soon. And tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Month: July 2012
Think Local For A Summer Getaway
“We view ourselves as a wine country destination.”
Neal Wavra, Innkeeper and sommelier at Ashby Inn and Restaurant
Summer usually means vacation time for most of us; however, gas prices may have thrown a wrench into summer travel plans. Why not consider a trip to more local destinations? The Piedmont area has much to offer including historical sites, postcard-perfect landscapes, and award winning wineries. Plan to stay at a local inn to complete the getaway experience.
Ashby Inn and Restaurant
Vacationers who wish to focus on the museums, monuments, and other historic sites of the nation’s capital yet retreat to a more peaceful rural setting in the evenings may want to consider The Ashby Inn and Restaurant. The Ashby Inn and Restaurant is located in Paris, Virginia and about an hour from Washington DC. It includes ten guest accommodations and offers a view of Paris Mountain, Ashby Gap and Sky Meadow State Park. The building itself was established in 1829, and the inn’s rooms are furnished with period furnishings and antiques. Innkeepers Neal and Star Wavra also operate a restaurant on the property with Neal serving not only as the innkeeper but also the sommelier. While chef Tarver King serves up such delectable fare as popcorn sweetbreads, rockfish seviche and smoked beef rib loin, Neal stocks the wine cellar with an impressive international collection that includes Virginia wines. In fact, a sample dinner menu included a pairing of crab cakes with a viognier from Chester Gap Cellars, the rockfish seviche with a sauvignon blanc from Linden Vineyards, the smoked beef rib loin with a meritage from Glen Manor Vineyards, and a cheese plate partnered with a pear wine from Fabbioli Cellars.
Neal and Star Wavra opt to include local wines on the wine list because they are “distinctive and delicious. Why would any Virginia restaurant not have at least some wine selections from here?” Neal describes Virginia wines as “approachable” with a fruit expression similar to California’s but with more moderate alcohol levels and brighter acidity. Therefore, he finds Virginia wines to be food friendly.
The Ashby Inn and Restaurant is also located near award winning wineries, and museum-weary travelers may wish to take a break from the touristy mayhem and relax with a favorite bottle of Virginia wine. Nearby wineries include Delaplane Cellars, Linden Vineyards, Chester Gap Cellars, and Barrel Oak Winery.
Inn at Meander Plantation
The Monticello area also offers historic landmarks such as Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, as well as the homes of other early presidents such as James Madison and James Monroe. Monticello was also the site of Jefferson’s failed experiments with winemaking. However, Jefferson would be quite pleased with the quality of wines now being produced in this area. Therefore, summer travelers who wish to explore these more distant colonial landmarks may want to factor in a tour of Monticello’s acclaimed wineries. Where to stay? Try the historic Inn at Meander Plantation.
A member of Virginia’s House of Burgesses established plantation in 1726, but at the time it was named Elim. In fact, Thomas Jefferson, winemaker and future president, was a guest at the home. The plantation was later renamed after an adjacent river, the Meander. Meander eventually fell into disrepair and was even slated for demolition; however, current owners Suzie Blanchard and Suzanne Thomas bought the Meander property in 1991 and restored it with a renewed purpose—to operate a country inn that captured the charm and history of colonial and post-colonial America.
In addition to their duties as innkeepers, Suzie and Suzanne also don chef’s hats to prepare a multi-course dining experience with a Virginia wine accompanying each course. Hoping for a bottle of California chardonnay instead? Not at the Inn at Meander Plantation. Suzanne explained that a decision to support the local wine industry was made at the beginning because “it was the right thing to do.” She and Suzie saw the potential of Virginia wine early on and have marveled at the industry’s growth in size and quality over the past two decades. Suzie and Suzanne also conduct a semi-monthly Virginia Wine Academy at the Inn.
The Monticello area is also home to some of the best wineries and winemaking talent in the state. These include (but by no means limited to) Barboursville Vineyards, Blenheim Vineyards, Jefferson Vineyards, Keswick Vineyards, King Family Estate, and Pollak Vineyards.
Sharp Rock Inn
Work-weary vacationers may simply want to get away from it all and not be concerned with mobs of tourists at museums or monuments. Virginia wine country can come to the rescue! This kind of vacationer may want to consider a stay at Sharp Rock Inn bed and breakfast; as an added bonus, the Inn also functions as a working vineyard and winery. Sharp Rock Inn is situated adjacent to the ever-babbling Hughes River and offers a stunning view of Old Rag Mountain. The Inn once functioned as a farm in the late 1700s, and owners Jimm and Kathy East renovated the property and its structures to offer charming accommodations as well as a quaint tasting room.
Jimm opened the Sharp Rock winery in 1998 with a commitment to produce small quantities of quality wines. All Sharp Rock wines are produced from grapes grown on his 25-acre property, and these include sauvignon blanc and chardonnay as well as the red Bordeaux varieties such as cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, and petit verdot. Jimm East’s wines earn numerous national and international awards; however, the most prized accolades come from guests who give the Sharp Rock Inn and its wines rave reviews.
Nature lovers may want to pack a pair of hiking boots for scenic walks on nearby nature trails. Hoping to avoid exercise? Plan to unwind with a favorite book and a glass of Sharp Rock wine to enjoy besides the soothing rush of the Hughes River. Hoping to extend the wine tasting experience? Several other heralded wineries are close by and include Gadino Cellars, Rappahanock Cellars, and Gray Ghost Vineyards.
Historical sites, mountain landscapes, and award-winning wineries are only a short trip away. Use these recommendations to plan a nearby (and affordable) summer getaway that is certain to provide memorable moments.
This article appeared in the Summer 2012 edition of the Piedmont Virginian magazine.
Inevitable Lawsuits
As readers may know, Fauquier County held hearings to debate the merits of passing an ordinance that would restrict certain business practices at Fauquier County wineries. These include limiting the number of events held by wineries and curtailing hours of operation during certain days of the week. According to the details that I gleaned from Swirl, Sip, Snark and other sources, county citizens who demanded the ordinance did so out of frustration over the less than neighborly behavior of Martarella, Oasis, and Pearmund wineries. (Oddly, Marterella is open again, Oasis is defunct, and Pearmund is currently for sale.) However, numerous Fauquier residents actually spoke against the ordinance citing the positive relationships between themselves and other county wineries. Unfortunately for the Fauquier wineries, though, the ordinance passed by a vote of 4-1.
The most shocking development, though, had to be Linden winemaker Jim Law’s decision to speak in favor of the ordinance. We appreciate Law’s decision to forego events, and we do enjoy the quiet, Zen-like atmosphere at his winery. However, we also understand the decision of other winemakers to host events in order to promote their wines; in an industry that may require at least ten years to break even, holding the occasional music event or wedding helps to keep the doors open.
Lawsuits over the matter seem inevitable; however, strained relationships between the highly respected Law and his colleagues may be the other tragic consequence. We will be certain to keep track of these developments to see how thing progress.
In the meantime, enjoy a glass of wine from a favorite Fauquier County winery. Here is a list of Fauquier County wineries to visit:
Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn
Boxwood Winery
Barrel Oak
Capitol Vineyards
Chateau O’Brien
Cobbler Mountain Cellars
Delaplane Cellars
Desert Rose Ranch and Winery
Fox Meadow Winery
Granite Heights Winery
Hume Vineyards
Marterella Winery
Mediterranean Cellars
Miracle Valley Vineyard
Molon Lave Vineyards
Morais Vineyards
Naked Mountain Vineyard
Philip Carter Winery
Piedmont Vineyards and Winery
Rogers Ford Farm Winery
Vintage Ridge Vineyards
Three Fox Vineyards
Visit these Fauquier County wineries and tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!
Unique Tasting Experience
Over the weekend, Warren and I had the chance to participate in the first John Marshall Tasting Experience at Oak Hill: unique pairings of extraordinary wines with savory snacks designed to bring out the very best in each wine. Oak Hill Estate is the property that used to belong to Chief Justice John Marshall. John Marshall was born in Fauquier County in 1755 and his parents bought the property and built the house in 1773. Brian and Sharon Roeder (owners of Barrel Oak next door) purchased the property in 2010 with the idea of opening the house to the public for the unique tasting experience.
This weekend the John Marshall Tasting Experience will begin for the public at Oak Hill Estate. Tasters can select one of the five flight options available on the menu. From the Oak Hill Estate website:
“The John Marshall Tasting Experience offers our guests the unique opportunity to try rare wines in a historic country setting. Our wine list not only includes our signature label, Chief Justice Cellars, but a sampling from the best wines that Virginia –and indeed the entire world – has to offer.
Each select wine will be paired with an entirely unique food item designed to bring out the extraordinary impact of each vintage. This curated collection of wines juxtaposes, compares and contrasts New World winemaking styles with those of the Old World.
Your tasting choices will range from $25 to $75 and includes a diverse variety of wines and food pairings. All wines sampled will be available for sale in the John Marshall Tasting Experience shop.
Upon completion of the tasting, participants can continue their experience with a picnic on the grounds on Oak Hill. A selection of gourmet meats, cheeses, and crackers will be available for purchase.
Wines will be paired with fine cheeses, charcuterie and fresh fruits; all locally sourced, when in season. In honor of the Great Chief Justice, our wine tastings are named after components of the American judicial structure.
Circuit: Enjoy the local flavor with off-dry and semi-sweet wines of the Virginia Piedmont.
Superior: Savor the unique terroir of dryer reds and whites from the Virginia Piedmont region.
Appellate: Taste the best of Virginia with the most noteworthy award winners.
Supreme Reds: Virginia’s best red wines compared and contrasted with the best examples of world class wines. Bordeaux and Napa will need a good defense.
Supreme Whites: Virginia’s best white wines take the stand as the star witness against New Zealand, Burgundy and the Rhinelands.
All flights will begin with a refreshing sparkling wine, and close with a sampling of fine Madeira.”
I selected the Superior flight and Warren selected the Appellate flight. The last two flights weren’t available during our visit but will be available when they open to the public this weekend.
The Superior flight included the 2010 Desert Rose Hitch Hollow Chardonnay, the 2008 Naked Mountain Raptor Red, the 2010 Philip Carter Meritage, and the 2010 Rappahannock Cellars Cabernet Franc. The Appellate flight consisted of the 2011 Rappahannock Cellars Viognier, the 2010 Jefferson Vineyards Cabernet Franc, the 2008 White Hall Vineyards Cuvee Des Champs, and the 2009 Barrel Oak Petit Verdot. We have tasted and mentioned many of these wines in the past, so we will won’t be including detailed tasting notes at this time. Our tasting took place in what looked to be one of the parlors in the main house. Tastings were being conducted in almost every room of the original home. Each of our tastings included tasting nibbles paired with each wine. They were delicious and paired nicely with each wine. During our tasting we were able to speak with Brian Roeder about the experience and the history of the property. One of the rooms is set up as a purchasing area. Tasters can purchase the wines they enjoyed during the tasting. In the future, wines will be produced under the Chief Justice Cellars label and be offered as part of the tasting experience.
The John Marshall Tasting Experience is definitely unique. Not only will tasters get to taste several Virginia wines in one place, tasters can also enjoy wines from all over the world along side outstanding Virginia wines. When you add in the historic house and the history of John Marshall, the experience becomes even more special. If you are looking for a tasting experience different from the tasting experience you enjoy at most Virginia wineries, consider checking out the John Marshall Tasting Experience at Oak Hill. We’re sure you’ll find as unique as we did. And tell the Virginia Wine Time sent you!