We did ask our friend Homer from Arizona to offer his take on wines offered by two more wineries in Loudon County: Hiddencroft Vineyards and Hillsborough Vineyards.  With no arm-twisting needed, Homer agreed!

Our return to Hiddencroft Vineyards was also part of our research for an upcoming article in Edible Chesapeake on fruit wines (stay tuned!).  Homer is from Michigan and recalls picking cherries there while he was a young boy, so he was anxious to join us in our tasting/research.  Homer did enjoy the Traminette with its fruity nose and flavors; however, it was indeed the cherry wine that earned his highest praise.  He appreciated the rich cherry flavor that seemed perfectly balanced—cherry character without cloying sweetness or mouth puckering sourness.  With a chocolate treat, it became almost decadent!  I was intrigued with the blackberry wine which was also offered intense flavor.  It was billed as being slightly sweet, but its impression in the mouth was certainly drier.  We gave new homes to a bottle of each berry wine, and we also got to chat with the Housels about the production of fruit wines as well as upcoming releases that will include a Tannat.

Last up was Hillsborough.  Homer’s award for favorite white was the Opal with its fuller mouth feel.  My own nod went to the bold Bloodstone which should do just fine on the wine rack for a couple years.  A mix of dark berries and plum in the mouth with aromas of leather and violet, a heavy meat dish should do just fine with this one.  Homer did check-mark the dessert wine, Moonstone and thought it was “yummy”. We were going to treat Homer to a glass of his favorite wine at Hillsborough, but we were informed that wines could only be enjoyed by the bottle.  We weren’t really in the mood to drink a whole bottle of wine, so we left and resolved to remember this rule the next time we visit Hillsborough.

So we thank Homer for his guest commentaries, and of course, we suggest that you place visits to Hiddencroft Vineyards and Hillsborough Vineyards on your agenda.  Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!