Pressing Matters

Michael Shaps Chardonnay

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Our celebration of Virginia wine month continues with a classic varietal from Michael Shaps Wineworks. Michael Shaps has been making wine in Virginia for nearly 20 years.  He spent time working for two legendary vineyards (Jefferson Vineyards and King Family Vineyards) prior to opening his own operation in 2007.  Shaps has a love for old world wines and is using that passion to create fine wines in Virginia with an old-world flare, including a spectacular Chardonnay.

Tasting Notes:
The Russian River Valley collides with Mersault in the 2010 Wild Meadow Vineyard Chardonnay. This wine is everything a Chardonnay should be and more.  Aromas of sweet meyer lemon, baked apple, pear skin, hazelnut and kettle corn dance in your glass. The palate echoes the aromas and adds a touch of sweet spice and toffee. The wine has a creamy mouthfeel, refreshing acidity and a long lingering finish. (SRP: $26)

Perfect Pairings: 
I paired this with the Barefoot Contessa’s Engagement Roast Chicken, it was a match made in heaven.  It’s also perfect with lobster, crab cakes, swordfish with tropical salsa and nutty gruyere cheese.

 

Barboursville Sangiovese

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Barboursville Vineyards has a long tradition of making exceptional wine in Virginia.  While they are best known for the bordeaux style blend “Octagon,” there are many other exciting wines in their portfolio.  I am a big fan of the Barboursville Cabernet Franc Reserve and the Vermentino Reserve. Tonight, I opted for a bottle of the 2013 Sangiovese Reserve to pair with a hearty plate of bolognese.

Sangiovese is a grape varietal indigenous to Tuscany, Italy. It’s responsible for producing world class wines including Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti & Vino Nobile.

Unlike many of its Italian counterparts, the 2013 Barboursville Sangiovese Reserve is very approachable in its youth.  The Sangiovese is blended with a couple of Bordelais varietals (80% Sangiovese. 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot).  The wine retails for $22.

Tasting Notes: Bright cherry, ripe red berries, plum, dusty earth and floral notes of violet give way to a hint of anise and spice. The palate is medium-bodied, balanced and structured with refreshing acidity and velvety tannins. Drink now or hold for up to 3 years.

Perfect Pairings: Food will bring out the best in this wine. Think about pairing with just about anything Italian! Sausage & mushroom pizza, bolognese, chicken marsala and hearty stews will all be a perfect match with this vino.

 

 

 

2008 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz

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The Penfolds name is synonymous with winemaking in Australia. This year, Penfolds celebrates 170 years as a pioneer in the industry.  Penfolds wines run the spectrum from affordable every day wine all the way to the iconic Penfolds Grange. This wine exemplifies the true terroir of South Australia.  Grange generally retails for roughly $800 upon release and the value only goes up from there.

Another label in the “luxury” collection from Penfolds includes the St. Henri Shiraz also know as Penfolds “other” Shiraz.

I recently opened a bottle of the 2008 and was blown away by the complexity and true aging potential of this wine.  The St. Henri Shiraz retails for a fraction of the Grange at $99, but exemplifies all that is truly wonderful about Australian wine. While most Shiraz coming out of Australia tends to rely on new oak to develop tannins, structure and flavor, the St. Henri is aged in neutral oak vats.

The wine is beautiful deep ruby to purple in color. On the nose, aromas of sweet blueberry pie, baked plum and black cherry abound. There are also notes of dusty earth, leather, cedar chest, applewood smoked bacon, anise, mint, a  hint of black pepper, asian five spice and mocha.

The palate bursts with flavors of blueberry and plum followed by spice box and chocolate covered espresso beans. While this wine was decanted 2 hours before drinking, the tannins were still very chewy and rugged.  The finish was long and lingering. This is a truly complex wine that will only improve with long term cellaring. In fact, I would recommend holding this bottler for at least another 3 years before opening. If you are impatient, I would recommend decanting at least 6 hours before your meal and make sure to pair it with something fatty like a ribeye. Keep in mind, patience is often rewarded when it comes to wine.

This wine can age every bit as long as Grange.  According to Penfolds the peak dates are 2012-2038. A small percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon is added to improve structure. The breakdown for this vintage is is 91% Shiraz, 9% Cabernet.

The 2008 St. Henri was rated 95 points by Wine Spectator.

Labor Day Wine Pairings

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As we bid a fond farewell to yet another summer season, let’s celebrate with a true labor of love – a great glass of wine paired with our favorite summertime treat! Whether you are firing up the grill this holiday weekend or having a picnic on the beach, we have you covered with an array of wine that will pair perfectly with your feast.

When it comes to pairing, keep in mind that meat is often a blank canvas and finding the perfect wine has everything to do with sauces, spices and other toppings. Here’s a rundown of wine pairing recommendations for some of your favorite summer dishes.

White Wines:

Chicago Style Hot DogSauvignon Blanc – Whether it’s a mineral driven Sancerre, a refined Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc or a bold ruby red grapefruit driven Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, these dry, crisp, acidic wines with layers of citrus and fresh cut grass pairs perfectly with an array of summertime fare including:

  • Salads
  • Shellfish
  • Grilled Salmon
  • Hot Dogs w/ Relish or “Chicago Style”
  • Lemon Chicken
  • Goat Cheese & Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta

Riesling – A touch of residual sugar and piercing acidity make Riesling an exquisite pairing with many dishes including:

  • Sushi w/wasabi
  • Assorted Shellfish (Clams, Oysters, Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, Crab)
  • Salads
  • BBQ (vinegar based)
  • Fried Chicken
  • Chesapeake Baja Burger 
  • Grilled Peach wrapped in Prosciutto w/Balsamic Glaze

Albarino – This refreshing white wine from Rias Biaxas, Spain offers exotic floral notes & bright citrus with a touch of salinity due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Pairs well with:

  • Assorted Shellfish (Clams, Oysters, Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, Crab)
  • Grilled & Fried Chicken
  • Salads

Muscadet – An inexpensive varietal (most under $12) with citrus, mineral notes & a touch of salinity from the Loire Valley of France, that pairs perfectly with:

  • Assorted Shellfish (Clams, Oysters, Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, Crab)

Vouvray – Another great wine from the Loire Valley of France, made from the Chenin Blanc grape. Vouvray tends to have a touch of sweetness that makes for an excellent pairing with seafood and foods with a touch of spice. o

  • Assorted Shellfish (Clams, Oysters, Mussels, Shrimp, Scallops, Crab Legs)
  • Crabacado “Shrimp” Rolls
  • Grilled Chicken

Red Wines:

Beaujolais – Similar to a Pinot Noir, this dry fruity red made from the Gamay grape from southern France is a perfect light-medium bodied summer red. Serve slightly chilled with:

  • BBQ Chicken
  • Mushroom Swiss Burgers
  • Grilled Salmon
  • Italian Sandwiches

Pinot Noir  – A classic & elegant medium bodied wine with red fruit notes, a hint of spice & moderate tannins pairs  well with:

  • Mushroom Swiss Burger
  • Cedar Plank Salmon o BBQ Chicken
  • Brie & Raspberry Phyllo Cups

Syrah/Shiraz – The French style from the Rhone Valley boasts more meaty characteristics like bacon, while the Australian and American style are more fruit driven. A young Syrah from northern Rhone tends to have moderate tannins and a little smokiness that goes great with: 

Zinfandel – The high acidity, tannic structure,  jammy notes and hint of spice make Zinfandel a perfect match for:

  • Steaks
  • Bacon Blue Cheeseburgers
  • Baby Back Ribs
  • Chili Cheese Dogs

Tempranillo – Look for Rioja or Tempranillo on the label. Rioja is a region in Spain that makes a full bodied red wine from the Tempranillo grape. This is a versatile, great value red that works with many dishes including:

  • Steak Chimichurri
  • Steak Fajitas
  • Baby Back Ribs
  • Steaks
  • Aged Cheddar Burgers

Rosé Wines: 

This is not your grandmother’s White Zinfandel! A dry rosé is a great bridge wine that pairs well with everything from shrimp salad to cheeseburgers. Rosé is made from an array of red varietals. The common ones are Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault & Tempranillo. Some winemakers blend in a little white wine to bring out citrus notes in the final product. It’s the best of both worlds, a chilled wine with notes and flavors of red wine that make a great addition to your picnic & barbecue fare

  • Sandwiches
  • Salads
  • Pasta Salad
  • Seafood/Shellfish
  • Fried Chicken
  • Grilled Veggies w/Balsamic Glaze

PAIRING NOTE: If your favorite dish has some spice, stick with a demi-sec sparkling, Riesling with a touch of residual sugar or a fruit forward red with low tannins and lower alcohol. Alcohol exacerbates the heat in your food. Also when it comes to salads, a high acid white wine without oak works well because it mirrors the acidity in most salad dressings. However watch the endive, radichhio & arugula – the spice can leave a bitter taste on your back palate.

Cheers!

 

 

Photo Credits:

Chicago Style Hot Dog: <a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnjoh/6080654091/”>star5112</a> via <a href=”http://photopin.com”>photopin</a> <a href=”http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/”>cc</a>

2012 Stag’s Leap Chardonnay

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Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (SLWC) became one of the premiere California wineries after its 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon took home top honors at the 1976 Judgement of Paris in its respective category. This prestigious recognition put America on the international wine map. For nearly two decades Stag’s Leap enjoyed a tremendous following and accolades from critics and consumers alike.

In the early 2000’s SLWC faced quality issues in the cellar that left a bitter taste on many palates.  After a challenging few years, cellar upgrades and new ownership in 2007, Stag’s Leap is making quite a come back. Wine Spectator’s James Laub profiles the evolution of Stag’s Leap in this article from 2012 and discusses how an unflattering yeast spoiled many past vintages.

Long Renowned for its robust and elegant Cabs, SLWC also produces cool climate Chardonnays worthy of a place at your next dinner party. After an austere vintage in 2011, the 2012 vintage was deemed outstanding by the Wine Institute.

The 2012 Stag’s Leap Chardonnay has robust notes of lemon curd, granny smith apple, crisp pear, white peach and a touch of pineapple with a hint of salinity on the nose. The vibrant citrus flavors coupled with the bright acidity provide a beautiful foil for luscious lobster or decadent crab meat. The mouthful has a medium weight with a medium long finish thanks to the lees aging and subtle oak aging.

Pairs perfectly with crab cakes, lobster rolls, swordfish and roast chicken.

 

Getting to Know Your Palate

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Getting to know your palate can be a big key to understanding your love of wine. Do you ever wonder why you select the same wine time and time again? Do you love sweet Moscato and can’t bear the thought of ingesting a heavy dry red or do you love a big bold Cabernet Sauvignon and simply refuse to sip on a Riesling?

There are many things that contribute to your personal palate preferences. Understanding a few things about your palate will make that next wine choice a little less daunting and it may even expand your love of wine.  With more than 5,000 varietals to explore, life’s too short to drink the same wine all the time.

Getting to Know Your Palate?

First of all, keep in mind there is no universal palate. The average person has 10,000 taste buds.  Our sense of taste is actually our weakest sense.  Much of the enjoyment we experience with a glass of wine is actually derived from our sense of smell. Researchers estimate that 80-85% of our sense of taste comes directly from our sense of smell.

This chart shows where our specific taste buds are located. We taste sweet with the tip of our tongue. Many people confuse sweet with fruity. Don’t be fooled. Think of a Chardonnay from Australia or Chile for example. You will most likely experience a lot of fruit like apples, lemon and pineapple, but this wine will have a dry finish.

To determine what style of wine you might like, think about your preference when it comes to tea and coffee. Do you drink oolong tea or espresso straight up? If so, you probably enjoy the tactical sensation of tannins that tend to be more pronounced in red wines.  Reach for a red like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barolo and Brunello.

 

If you like your tea or coffee with a little cream, you probably like your tannins more on the smoother side with a silkier feel, so reach for a Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier or Grenache.

If you reach for the sugar and cream, you just might like a Riesling, Moscato, Vouvray, Sauternes or Port.

So what are tannins?

Think triple”T”. Tannins, tongue & teeth.

Tannins come from the grape’s skin, seeds and stems and can also come from oak aging. You feel tannins on your tongue and teeth. It can sometimes feels like sandpaper or it can have more of a silky texture. In the wine world, you will hear everything from chewy tannins, grippy tannins, rugged tannins to smooth tannins.

Think about a cup of tea. If you leave a tea bag in too long, you wind up with bitter tannins. The only way to counteract that sensation is to add milk or cream.  Lemon will only make it the tea seem more bitter and sugar will leave you with a bitter sweet taste in your mouth.  This is why you often see cheese paired with tannic wines. It cuts down on the rugged texture and smooths out the tannins.  You can try this exercise at home. Purchase a youthful Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 or 2011 in the $15-$20 range and drink a sip and let it linger on your palate. Think about how that sensation feels. Then take a piece of cheese (aged cheddar, gouda or blue cheese) and try the wine again. You will notice a big difference on your tongue.

Check out Master of Wine Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan’s The One Minute Wine Master, for a fun read to learn more about your palate preferences in 60 seconds or less.

Understanding why we taste what we taste is a great way start to appreciating different types of wines. Always let your palate be your guide, but don’t be afraid to drink “outside the box”!

 

 

 

Sparkling & Rosés for Mother’s Day

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Still searching for a great gift for Mom? Why not a beautiful bottle of bubbly for Mother’s Day brunch?  Or how about a sparkling rosé instead of that same bouquet of roses year after year!

After all flowers die, but sharing a great bottle with mom is an experience you’ll both remember. Here’s my top 5 sparkling wine suggestions for Mother’s Day. Another tip, buy a metallic sharpie and sign the bottle to create a keepsake for your mom to treasure.

Premium ($50-$75) 

Moet & Chandon Rosé Imperial

Veuve Cliquot Rosé

Something Special ($30-$50) 

Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut

2010 Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé

2010 Schramsberg Brut Rosé

Sail, Sip & Savor

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Join Sommelier Crystal Cameron, owner of Crystal Palate on this unique and elegant cruise on a Viking Long Ship through the south of France the week of October 4, 2015. Arrive in Marseille and be transported to your ship.  Cruise from historic Avignon on the scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers to Chalon-sur-Saône.  The 8 day cruise will take you through the regions of Burgundy and Provence.  You will enjoy regional wine and cuisine prepared by expert staff aboard the Viking Buri.  Sommelier Crystal Cameron will be your consummate host, working closely with the ship staff to help you “drink outside the box” while you cruise in classic comfort.

Crystal has partnered with Cruise Planners, Dial Family Travel, in order to provide full service travel support.  Booking information for this October 2015 cruise has just been released and is open for your deposit to guarantee your stateroom.  A $500 deposit is required to hold your room. Pre and post cruise packages to Paris and air are also available.

Book Now

Your cruise will take you to the heart of seven cities along the Rhône River will you will enjoy 6 guided tours and visit 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites.  You will sample the cuisine and wine of the region including varieties of French cheeses and region wines.  Your itinerary will include opportunities to make your own fondant au chocolate; enjoy lively French accordion tunes; attend lectures on current affairs and painters of Provence.  You will have ample time to find local herb de Provence to bring home to continue to savor after your trip.

Crystal hopes to inspire you by exploring new varietals, regions, cultures and pairings in the heart of the French wine regions.

C’est magnifique!

Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer. During your 8-day journey, explore the famed region of Burgundy and the colorful fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles to see how it inspired Vincent van Gogh. And visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon, “City of Popes.” Learn about the region’s time-honored winemaking traditions, sample Burgundy varietals and try the world-famous regional cuisine in Lyon.

Day 1  Avignon

Fly to Marseille. Transfer from the airport to your ship docked in Avignon.* After boarding, take free time to explore this quaint town on the scenic Rhône River—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

 

Day 2  Arles

Arrive during breakfast and take a walking tour of Arles with its diverse architectural highlights. Experience the city’s vibrant colors and striking quality of light that have inspired artists. Arles is also the site of some impressive Roman ruins, including Les Arènes, an arena that seats 20,000 and is still in use, as well as Romanesque monuments such as the Church of Saint-Trôphime, completed in the 15th century. Return aboard for lunch followed by an afternoon on your own to explore or shop for handcrafted gifts—as always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dinner is served as you depart. (B, L, D)

Day 3  Avignon & Viviers

This morning, set out on a guided walk of Avignon, nicknamed “City of Popes” because it was home to seven popes from 1309 to 1377. Stroll through the historic center, stop at the picturesque Pont d’Avignon and walk the Place de l’Horloge. Continue to the renowned Palace of the Popes for a guided tour through this rambling maze of Gothic architecture, which served as papal residence, fortress, church, and palace. After the tour, enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring Avignon. You can join the optional tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, visiting the vineyards and tasting the famous wine. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. Arrive after dinner in Viviers, a quaint town in a mountainous setting. Join your Program Director for an evening stroll through the Old Town with its medieval and Renaissance buildings. Enjoy free time before retiring for the evening.

Day 4  Tournon

After a scenic morning cruise and lunch aboard, take a tour through Tournon to Tain l’Hermitage, a region known for its wine and gourmet chocolate. During a guided tour of the area, learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and taste some famous regional red wines. Then visit the Musée de Tain l’Hermitage, located in the oldest house in the region. Dine aboard and cruise through the evening.

 Day 5  Vienne & Lyon

 

This morning, take a walking tour of Vienne, a beautiful town with an ancient Roman past. Visit the Temple of Augustus & Livia, the Roman amphitheater, and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Maurice; then spend some time discovering more of this charming riverside town on your own. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. Later, this afternoon, arrive in Lyon. Enjoy free time to explore this remarkable 2,000-year-old city in the heart of France. Dinner is served aboard and your ship remains docked overnight, so you may choose to take an evening stroll.

 

Day 6  Lyon

After breakfast, tour Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin with a drive to the top of Fourvière Hill for amazing views of the city. Continue with a guided visit to the Basilica of Notre Dame and drive through town past the magnificent St. Jean Cathedral and the Palace of Justice. Then take a walking tour through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon (Old Town), with free time to shop for souvenirs or sample some of the fine French cuisine for which Lyon is world-famous. Return to your ship for an afternoon departure.

Day 7  Burgundy Wine Tour & Beaune  

Early this morning, sail toward Tournus, arriving over breakfast. Take a short walk through this quaint medieval town before sailing on to Chalon, or take an optional excursion to the picturesque Burgundy town of Cluny. Rejoin your ship in Chalon for lunch, then ride along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. Arrive in Beaune, wine capital of Burgundy, for a guided tour of beautiful Hôtel Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Learn about local viticulture and indulge in a wine-tasting at one of Beaune’s famous cellars. Dine aboard; this evening, relax aboard or take a walk by the scenic Saône River.

Day 8  Chalon-sur-Saône

 

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the Lyon airport for your return flight.*
Or, extend your time in France with 3 delightful nights in Paris, one of the world’s most romantic cities. (B)

Book Now

For more information, contact Crystal at [email protected]

 

2011 Faust Cabernet Sauvignon

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Looking for a top tier Napa Cabernet without the hefty price tag? Try reaching for a second label of one of the most esteemed Napa Valley producers.

Faust is the second label of the sought after Quintessa.  Over the years, many winemakers have realized that there is a big market for the juice that simply falls short of their highly esteemed premier label.

While this wine tends to be outstanding in its own right, it just misses the mark to be worthy of the top label.  This is actually great news for you and me! We get a lot of the beautiful nuances and sought after Napa fruit of the premiere label at a much lower price point. While the Quintessa Cabernet tends to fetch roughly $150 per bottle, you can get your hands on the Faust for about a third of the price.  Many wine makers have established second labels that are attracting their own cult calling. Opus One is just another example. They recently launched a second label called Overture.

I have had many vintages of the Faust and have always been pleased. I was anxious to try the 2011 vintage because it was an exceptionally challenging year in Napa.  In fact, it was the most challenging season in decades with spring frosts and plentiful rainfull throughout spring & summer. The vintage was essentially saved by a warm September and a long Indian Summer. While many critics have completely written off the juice of this season, there are others that are intrigued by the elegant balance many of these wines have been able to accomplish despite a miserable lashing from Mother Nature.

I fall into the latter category. I tend to like my wine a little more restrained with more balance and layers upon layers of subtle nuances. I love Old World wines and coming from that frame of reference, this wine did not disappoint. This is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% each of Malbex and Cabernet Franc. The wine is vibrant ruby red in color with aromas of dark cherry, cassis, spice box, anise, dark chocolate and the lingering notes of that earthy Rutherford dust with silky smooth tannins on the palate. This wine is more reminiscent of a Left Bank Bordeaux. There was a hint of green bell pepper indicating a touch of underripeness, but overall this is an excellent wine considering all of the obstacles of the season. The wine improved throughout the evening. Decant for atleast 30 minutes before drinking.

 

Autumn Getaway in the Heart of Virginia Wine Country

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I love the crisp, refreshing burst of  autumn air  on a cool October morning.  In my humble opinion, there is no better way to celebrate fall than by taking a drive along the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains and looking out at the rolling hills that span the heart of Virginia Wine Country. This time of year conjures up images of ripe, plump grapes, a bountiful harvest and vibrant colors bursting from the trees that paint a magnificent landscape throughout Central Virginia.  For those of us lucky enough to call Virginia home, this is simply a way of life.

Pumpkin Patch at Carter’s Mountain, Charlottesville.

I had the privilege of living in Charlottesville for a few years and the lifestyle simply can’t be beat.  Virginia boasts more than 200 wineries with nearly half of them located in the Monticello AVA (American Viticultural Area).  I would highly recommend you visit the Charlottesville area to experience firsthand why Virginia has become the East Coast destination of choice for wine lovers.  President Thomas Jefferson, America’s first wine connoisseur saw tremendous promise in this fertile land and his lifelong dream of making Virginia a world class wine destination is finally being realized two centuries later.  Come experience all of the beauty and serenity this region has to offer.  Crystal Palate has you covered with recommendations on some of our  favorite wineries, Inns and restaurants.   Swirl & sip your way through the regions wine tasting rooms, savor sumptuous truffles at Gearharts Chocolates, dine at some of the area’s finest restaurants, relax in luxury at some of the most beautiful Inns in the country and perhaps take in a football game at UVA.  Round out your visit with a trip to Carter’s Mountain for a little apple picking. There is a little something for everyone here.  So what are you waiting for? Thomas Jefferson’s homeland is calling your name.

 Vineyards to Visit:

Charlottesville Area (Monticello AVA) 

Barboursville Vineyards – Founded in 1976, the Zonin family has played a formidable role in establishing Virginia as a world class wine destination.

Cardinal Point Winery – Nestled in the heart of Virginia Wine Country you will find this cozy & quaint tasting room.  The A6 is a must try.

Jefferson Vineyards – Jefferson may have never produced a bottle of wine in his 30 year effort. Two centuries later, the vines at his estate are flourishing.

Keswick Vineyards – Breathtaking scenery. The 2002 Viognier Reserve won best white wine in America.

King Family Vineyards – King Family has become synonymous with Polo and the family is known for their philanthropy efforts. They also make great wine and were awarded the Best Winery in 2013 in the C-Ville’s, Best of C-ville edition.

Moss Vineyards – A newcomer to the Virginia wine scene. Barry Moss is producing some beautifully balanced Bordeaux style blends.

Trump Winery (formerly Kluge Estate) – Produces some of the finest sparkling wines on the East Coast. The Blanc de blanc is sensational.

Veritas Vineyards & Winery – You will fall in love with the ambiance. Bring your sweetie and snuggle up by the fire with a nice flight of wine.

Places to Sip & Savor: 

Fleurie French Restaurant

Petit Pois

Bang!

Hamilton’s

Tastings of Charlottesville

Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar 

Inn at Meander Plantation

Places to Stay:

Boards Head Inn 

Keswick Hall at Monticello 

Inn at Meander Plantation

Inn at Court Square 

Other Resources:

Virginia Wine