I kicked off Virginia Wine Month last Friday with a wine tasting at Kindred Point II. I tasted wines from the Winery at Kindred Pointe located in the Shenandoah area, specifically in Mount Jackson, several years ago, and I was excited to learn that Kindred Pointe owners Amy and Bruce Helsley opened a second tasting room in Hume, Virginia. To us old-timers, the site is a familiar one—the former Oasis Winery owned by the Salahi family until it closed in 2013. Since its closure, the property and vineyards fell into decline, and I likened it to the decay of a once lively estate often described in 19th century Romantic novels. It’s a relief this property is being restored and put to its original purpose when Salahis opened Oasis Winery in 1977.
The familiar fire place that warmed the original tasting room of Oasis Winery is still intact, and the space itself has been updated to a more cozy atmosphere that invites guests to linger and mingle.
I was given a guided flight at the tasting bar, and I was pleased to see Seyval Blanc on the tasting menu. I do like this grape, and I regret that it seems to be disappearing from Virginia vineyards in favor of viniferous fruit. The 2022 Seyval Blanc was aged in stainless steel and presented zesty citrus notes on the nose and palate. It was surprisingly more medium-bodied given its vivacious nature, and its acidity provided a refreshing finish. The 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, also aged in stainless steel, offered notes of tropical fruit and soft lemon. A hint of wet stone on the nose provided a touch of complexity. Easy to sip on its own, but food friendly too, especially with shellfish.
I also sampled two medal-winning wines. The first was Picasso 2019, a 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup Gold Medal winner. A blend of Petit Verdot, Chambourcin, and Cabernet Sauvignon, this full-bodied red was quite smoky on the nose, and swirling teased out elements of black raspberry, red cherry, and spice. The Country 2020, a 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup Silver Medal winner, caught my attention. This blend includes Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, and Dornfelder. If Dornfelder doesn’t sound familiar, it’s because this variety is commonly grown in Germany but has found its own niche at the KP Vineyard site. Aged in 36 months in new American oak and new Hungarian oak, I appreciated the bright, ripe fruit characteristics that included juicy plum, dark currants, and black cherry. I also caught a violet undertone on the nose. Oak-aging adds spice to the mix, and the softer tannins provide a lingering finish.
While the Kindred Pointe II tasting room provides a satellite location for Kindred Pointe wines, there are plans to rejuvenate the long-forgotten vineyard to include plantings of Cabernet Franc. A distillery and cider will also be coming soon to the Hume location. In the meantime, wine tasters at the Hume tasting room can enjoy current releases of Kindred Pointe wines as well as older vintages that are available for purchase. I took advantage of a comfortably warm afternoon with a glass of the Country 2020. I nibbled on snacks, sipped wine, and looked out on the mountain landscape. I also recalled memories of a time gone by, and I am glad this site will be brought back to its intended purpose.
With fall in the air and Virginia Wine Month in full swing, plan to visit Kindred Pointe II in Hume, Virginia, or drive to their original location in Mount Jackson while taking in colorful fall leaves on the way there. Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.