The celebration of all things Virginia wine has been going strong every October since 1988. With more than 250 wineries to visit from the Eastern Shore to the Blue Ridge Mountains to Appalachia, there is literally something for everyone. Annette is sharing some great events to take in across the Commonwealth throughout the month of October. She also shares her love of wine and how she got into the wine business. Plus, we talk about the evolution of Virginia wine and what she hopes to see for the industry moving forward. Annette was recently named the Virginia Wine Person of Year for 2016 for her many contributions to the industry. She is ecnouraging everyone to share their Virginia wine experiences this month on social media by using #octvawinemonth. So whether you visit one of the many picturesque wineries, buy a bottle of Virginia vino from your local wine shop or enjoy a great dinner paired with Virginia wine at your favorite restaurant, share your photo on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Chris Pearmund, owner of Pearmund Cellars, joins me on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. Chris has been a fixture in the Virginia wine scene for nearly three decades.
Pearmund is located in Broad Run, Virginia, about an hour drive southwest of Washington D.C., It is home to Meriwether Vineyard, the oldest operational vineyard in Virginia. In addition to Pearmund Cellars, Chris has opened more than a dozen wineries throughout the Commonwealth. He has served on many wine boards over the years and is one of the staunchest advocates for the Virginia wine industry. Chris is a self-acclaimed wine geek and wine educator. He has amassed a pretty impressive selection of wine books on practically every topic you can think of. You can visit the wine library on your next visit to Pearmund Cellars. Pearmund Cellars has received many accolades over the years including Best Winery in Virginia and Best Tasting Room in Virginia.
On the show, Chris shares his journey in the wine industry, his passion for Virginia and his latest business venture, Effingham Manor Winery. Enjoy the show! Each Saturday, you can stream a new show live on WCHV at 8:30.
Visit Pearmund Cellars:
6190 Georgetown Rd.
Broad Run, VA 20137
540.347.3475
Tasting Room Hours:
The Pearmund Cellars tasting room is open daily from 10am-6pm. Pearmund offers the following five wine tasting experiences for you and your guests.
Jon and Mills Wehner of Chatham Vineyards join me on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country on WCHV to talk about the unique wine growing region of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
The Eastern Shore is probably best known for its vibrant fishing and crabbing communities. While the briny, delectable and various oyster offerings and sweet Chesapeake crab get the lion’s share of attention, there is something quite unique about the terroir here that is garnering interest across Virginia and beyond.
Jon, a second-generation Virginia wine grower, talks about the evolution of Virginia wine since the late 70’s. Jon also discusses his minimalistic winemaking philosophy and talks about his success with planting not only Chatham’s award-winning Chardonnay, but bordelais varietals on the sandy, loam soils surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Jon’s wife Mills also joins us on the program to tell us about Virginia’s Wine and Brine month that celebrates one of the most classic wine and food pairings in the world, plus she gets personal and shares what its like to raise their three children on the farm. You can catch a new episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country every Saturday at 8:30 on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV. Enjoy the show! You can also watch my mini-documentary on Chatham Vineyards below.
Visit Chatham Vineyards:
232 Chatham Road
Machipongo, VA 23405
757.678.5588
Tasting Room Hours
Open Daily 10 am – 5 pm Apr – Dec.
Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jan – Mar.
Closed for major holidays.
Rachel Stinson Vrooman with Stinson Vineyards is in Crystal Palate’s Wine Country this week. Stinson Vineyards located in Crozet, Virginia, is a family-owned operation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Father-daughter duo Scott Stinson and Rachel Stinson Vrooman take their wine-making inspiration from the “garagiste” style wineries in France.
On the show, Rachel talks about making wine with her husband Nate Vrooman of Ankida Ridge Vineyards and her father Scott, wine philosophy and working with some interesting grape varietals that you haven’t seen very much of in Virginia including Tannat and Mourvedre. Rachel is using Mourvedre to make a delicious, fruit-forward, dry, crisp and mineral-driven rosé that is garneringrave reviews from many critics. Tune in to hear more from Rachel. You can catch a brand new show every Saturday morning on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV. Enjoy the show. Cheers!
Cabernet Sauvignon is revered as one of the most sought after wines in the world. Look no further than Bordeaux and Napa Valley and you will find a cult following for prestigious bottles produced in those regions. Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Other regions like Washington State and Australia are gaining momentum in the production of this classic grape, but what about Virginia?
Yes, you heard that right. Not only is Virginia coming into its own as a premiere wine destination, the winemakers here are discovering that red wines, particularly Bordelais varietals are doing exceptionally well in the Commonwealth, specifically in certain regions and microclimates.
For many years Virginia was gaining a reputation for crisp white wines and sweeter dessert style wines made most notably from Petit Manseng and Vidal Blanc, but pioneers like Jim Law with Linden Vineyards and Rutger de Vink with RdV Vineyards in Northern Virginia have really pushed the envelope with Cabernet Sauvignon and their efforts and risk are paying big dividends for the entire industry.
While the clay-based soils in much of Central Virginia are more suitable for other red varietals and whites, it seems that Cabernet Sauvignon can succeed quite well when grown in rocky, shale and schist soils that are found in pockets throughout Central Virginia.
Keswick winemaker Stephen Barnard sporting his Pokeman shirt for his daughter at the WCHV studios.
Enter Keswick Vineyards and winemaker Stephen Barnard. I had an opportunity to sit down with Stephen this week for my latest episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country which airs on Saturday mornings at 8:30am on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV in the Charlottesville area. We tasted the newly bottled 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon made from 100% Cabernet from two blocks of grapes with the highest elevation planted 550 feet above sea level.
I wish I had the opportunity to blind-test this gem, because quite frankly I don’t know if I would have guessed Virginia. For far too long, many wine consumers, even locals have had a rather negative perception of red wines grown in Virginia. My, oh my, have things changed! Investments in viticulture, technology, better management of disease pressures and older vines are finally bearing fruit for the modern Virginia wine scene. And wine critics around the world are taking notice.
The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon will be released to Keswick’s wine club just in time for the holidays. Even though it’s quite impressive right now, a little patience will be rewarded. This wine will undoubtedly improve with 5-7 years of bottle age.
Tasting Notes
“Inky crimson hues indicate youth, but once you raise the glass and take in the multitude of complex and inviting aromas, you immediately understand that this is a serious and thought- provoking wine yearning to share its story. Vibrant fruit aromas of summer ripe blackberries, currants and damson plum are woven together with floral notes of dusty violet, Herbs de Provence, sweet baking spices, Tahitian vanilla bean, chocolate-covered espresso beans and a hint of cedar and cigar box.
On the palate, cassis and plum take center stage followed by a crescendo of sweet spice, vanilla and toasty oak mid-palate. This full-bodied, robust Cabernet has mouthwatering acidity, chewy tannins and a long lingering finish.”
A pleasant 14% ABV provides wonderful balance. The wine is aged in cask for nearly two years and sees 50% new oak and a hybrid aging regimen of French and American oak. It’s clear that this wine truly represents the Keswick family motto, “Born from the soil and soul of Virginia.”
Barnard only produces the Estate Cabernet Sauvignon in exceptional vintages. The first bottling dates back to 2007.
There is little use of commercial yeasts at Keswick, they believe that 95% of winemaking takes place in the vineyards. They rely on native yeasts for the fermentation process and take more of a hands-off Old World approach in the winery to truly allow the unique terroir to speak for itself.
While the 2014 won’t be available to the general public for a few more months, Keswick has the 2013 vintage available at the winery. You can also sample it in the tasting room. It retails for $74.95. Wine club members receive a 20% discount.
In addition to this stunning example of Cabernet Sauvignon, Keswick was awarded top billing in this year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup for Barnard’s 2014 Cabernet Franc Reserve.
If you were one to write off Virginia reds years ago, I encourage you to come back and give it another try, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. There’s no doubt Thomas Jefferson is smiling down upon his beloved Virginia and raising his glass to a job well done.
On today’s show, I will introduce you Luca Paschina, the winemaker and general manager at Barboursville Vineyards. Luca has been at the forefront of the modern Virginia wine scene. He is a pioneer, a visionary and a true leader in helping establish Virginia as a premiere wine destination. He also been named by the James Beard Foundation as one of the top 25 most significant wine professionals in North America. On the show, we discuss the evolution of Virginia wines, an exciting new varietal to the Barboursville portfolio and some of Luca’s perfect pairings!
What started out as a passionate experiment in 1999 has evolved into countless accolades and a thriving business for the Hodson family. Simply put, Veritas is producing world-class wines in the heart of Virginia’s Wine Country.
This week, I am talking with award-winning winemaker Emily Pelton. She is also the daughter of Veritas owners Andrew and Patricia Hodson. We are discussing the Veritas portfolio, some of Emily’s latest projects and an exciting research grant. Plus we’re doing a speed round in our perfect pairings segment with some of Emily’s favorite food & wine pairings. Enjoy the show!
By now, many of you know that I absolutely adore a great rosé. Hands down, it’s my go-to summer wine. I always have a chilled bottle ready to go in my refrigerator. Why? It’s incredibly versatile. Contrary to popular belief, many rosés are actually dry and make a great companion for many foods including salads, sandwiches, charcuterie, grilled meats and fried chicken. You get the picture. Think about all of the impromptu potluck parties you get invited to this time of year. A rosé would be the perfect companion to just about every summertime side dish you can think of. Rosés are the very definition of summer! They are easy-going, fun, light, fruit-forward with refreshing acidity that make it perfect for a summer sipper that works with many types of cuisine. They are also very affordable, many roses at your local wine shop range in the $15-$20 price point.
Rosés range from bone dry to sweet, so there is something for everyone’s palate. Some of my favorite dry rosés come from Provence, France, but I am absolutely loving some of the local options we have right here in Virginia.
Here’s my top 10 list of must-try Virginia rosés this summer (in alphabetical order).
Barboursville Vintage Rosé – An elegant dry rosé made from a blend of Cabernet Franc, Barbera and Nebbiolo with aromas of summer ripe stone fruit. Pair with a charcuterie board. SRP: $14.95
Breaux Rosé – A blend of three grapes are used in this dry rose. Tantalizing aromas of red berries, cherry and citrus zest dance in your glass. Pair with baked brie and fresh berries. SRP: $18
Chatham Vineyards Rosé – An off-dry wine made from Cabernet Franc and Merlot has notes of juicy red berries and white peach and a kiss of residual sugar for those of you that like a hint of sweetness in your rosé. Pair with succulent sweet crab cakes from the Chesapeake Bay. SRP: $18
Chrysalis Vineyards Sarah’s Patio Red – The semi-sweet rosé made from the Norton grape (America’s forgotten grape), boasts juicy aromas of ripe berry and tart cherry. It’s perfection paired with a strawberry, rhubarb pie. SRP: $17
CrossKeys Vineyards Fiore Rosé – The off-dry 2015 vintage is made from Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc. The lusciously sweet berry and vibrant graperfruit notes are perfection with a fennel, feta and citrus salad. SRP: $19.50
Early Mountain Vineyards Rosé – This dry fruit-forward Merlot based rosé boasts aromas of strawberry, melon, peach and a hint of sweet anise. It’s perfection with goat cheese rolled in Herbs de Provence. SRP: $24
King Family Vineyards Croset Rosé– A dry Merlot based rosé with citrus notes of ruby red grapefruit, cherry, watermelon and lime.Refreshing on its own or enjoy with watermelon and feta salad. SRP: $19.95
Stinson Vineyards Rosé – A complex and graceful dry rosé made in the southern France tradition using the Mourvedre grape. Juicy summer ripe watermelon and strawberries are followed by a hint of herbaceousness and smoke. Pair with smoked salmon. SRP: $20.99
Trump Vineyards Sparkling Rosé – Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, all of our palates can agree on a delicious sparkling rosé when we taste it! This is such a delightful, crisp and refreshing sparkling wine made from 100% estate grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This is the perfect brunch wine, think lemon-ricotta pancakes with fresh berries or a delicious frittata. SRP: $32
Veritas Vineyards Rosé –A juicy, fruit-forward, dry rosé made from Cabernet Franc and Merlot grapes. Pack a bottle of this for your next picnic to serve with a great cheese & charcuterie board. SRP: $18
For more sips, tips and perfect pairings, join my exclusive membership to my online learning community for only$7.95/month.
The day long conference on April 5 brought together some of the country’s leading wine experts, writers and critics with some of the best winemakers in the Commonwealth to celebrate the Virginia wine industry.
The morning kicked off with a Grand Tasting, featuring the Art of Whites. Five Virginia whites went head to head with its global counterparts in a blind tasting. The panel discussion was lead by Master of Wine Jay Youmans, who also serves at the helm of the Virginia Governor’s Cup.
We tasted through Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Petit Manseng and Viognier. Virginia did extremely well in all the blinds, but the big take away for me was the Barboursville Vermentino and the King Family Viognier. The Michael Shaps Petit Manseng never disappoints, nor does the Veritas Sauvignon Blanc, but the elegant, bright and mineral driven Vermentino from Barboursville was a real showstopper. It was tasted up against the La Spinetta Vermentino from Tuscany and was the crowd favorite for that match-up.
The Viognier fooled many in the room including myself and several of the panelists. Many of us thought the Virginia Viognier was from Condrieu, a world renowned area that produces Viognier in the Rhone Valley of France. Viognier was coined the signature grape of Virginia a few years back, but it’s been challenging for many winemakers to produce a consistent style and many have removed their vines and planted more reliable grapes. Viognier can also pose a challenge due to its lack of acidity in comparison with many other whites, making it a bit more challenging to pair with food.
However, when the perfect growing season culminates with the perfect terroir and a kiss of TLC in the cellar, Viognier can be an exquisite wine, as King Family and a handful of other Virginia producers like Jefferson, Chrysalis, Michael Shaps, Horton and Barboursville have demonstrated time and time again. Fox Meadow also deserves a mention for producing a Chardonnay that many mistook for a Sonoma Chardonnay. While Virginia is finally succeeding in establishing its own identity for the special place that it is, it’s certainly a great compliment to have your wine compared to some of the best wine regions in the world.
While the focus for many American winemakers has been on French varietals over the years, it’s really exciting to see what Virginia is doing with Italian grapes. While Luca Paschina, winemaker at Barboursville, has led this charge, a few other properties are taking notice and producing some exceptional wine with Italian flare. One of the most memorable wines of the day for me was the 2010 Nebbiolo from Breaux Vineyards. Nebbiolo hails from Piedmont, Italy and produces the powerhouse wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. Breaux has been working with this grape for more than 15 years.
The nose had the immediate telltale signs of Nebbiolo with it’s soft dried rose petals and rugged hints of tar. These aromas danced in my glass and mingled with notes of dried cherry, rhubarb, sweet spice, oolong tea, a touch of anise and orange zest. The velvety tannins and piercing, yet balanced acidity, had me longing for a big bowl of pasta carbonara or hearty bolognese, a hunk of bread and a bottle of this beautiful red. Can you say delicious! The 2010 vintage will be released to the public later this year.
Crystal with Keynote Speaker and Author Jon Bonne at the 2016 Va Wine Summit
Author of The New California Wine,Jon Bonné,served as the keynote speaker and talked about the incredible progress that Virginia has made over the past decade. He said Virginia is nearing an inflection point and that an important decision needs to be made on what Virginia wants its wine identity to be. He encouraged everyone in the room to stop comparing Virginia to Napa or Oregon or France and to celebrate Virginia for all it has to offer.
Diversity was a common thread throughout many of the panel discussions. It really is the diversity of not only varietals, but the diversity in microclimates and terroir that really make Virginia a special place to grow wine.
Matthier Finot of King Family Vineyards talking terroir with Benoit Pineau of Pollak Vineyards and Luca Paschina of Barboursville VineyardsFrom impressive Petit Manseng (both dry and dessert styles) to exciting Italian and Bordelais varietals, he applauded the experimental fringe and diversity of varietals being produced across the Commonwealth. Bonné closed with the following remark, “I hope 10 years from now, I see Virginia wine on wine lists across NYC and L.A. and if I don’t see it there, it would be an omission not to have it on those lists. When you reach that point Virginia, you have won.”
From learning about the different terroir and soil types of Northern and Central from six winemakers to a panel discussion on Uncommon varietals grown in the Commonwealth, the 4th Annual Wine Summit was a day packed with interesting dialogue and discussion about the depth of its wine portfolio. From light, crisp Albarino and Vermentino to Petit Manseng for the whites and the Bordelais varietals for the reds, Virginia is coming in to its own as a world class wine destination. Not to mention the beautiful landscapes surrounding our vines from the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s easy to see why Virginia is for Wine Lovers.
Governor Terry McAuliffe joined Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore for the closing reception. Governor McAuliffe applauded the success of the Virginia wine industry and had the audience laughing when he said, “think about it, Virginia really is for lovers, we have great oysters, we have great wine… I’ll let you put the rest together.”
There’s no doubt Thomas Jefferson would be incredibly proud of the success of the industry he so passionately pioneered more than 200 years ago.
A second generation winemaker is turning historic land into world class wine along Virginia’s beautiful Eastern Shore. Sommelier Crystal Cameron, owner of Crystal Palate introduces you to the Wehner family and invites you to take a detour off Highway 13 and experience this hidden gem for yourself. Watch video below and read Crystal’s recent article on Chatham Vineyards on hrscene.com.
In search of the perfect dessert wine to pair perfectly with your cheese plate, pumpkin pecan pie, apple cobbler or pineapple upside down cake? Look no further than the Barboursville Malvaxia Passito out of Virginia.
For all of you wine connoisseurs out there, this wine is a bit reminiscent of a Tokaji from Hungary. Luca Paschina, winemaker for Barboursville Vineyards, best known for the “Octagon,” an award winning Bordeaux style blend, hit another grand slam with this exquisite dessert wine.
The 2008 Malvaxia is a blend of Vidal Blanc and Moscato Ottonel varietals. The grapes are dried out like raisins in the traditional Passito method in an effort to concentrate the flavors and sugars.
Tasting Notes: 2008 Barboursville Malvaxia Passito, Orange County, Virginia
This is a rich and opulent wine with a beautiful honey amber hue. Aromas of juicy stone fruit of peach and apricot followed by candied pineapple, candied lemon peel, sweet anjou pear, orange blossom and a hint of sweet baking spice swirl in your glass. The palate is rich and balanced with intense fruit flavors of candied pineapple, dried apricot and pumpkin pie spice that lead to a long lingering and decadent finish with good acidity.
This lusciously sweet dessert wine is a perfect pairing with savory foods like foie gras or an aged cheese plate (Stilton w/Fig Jam) and absolutely delicious with an array of sweet desserts including this pecan square recipe from Ina Garten. I modified this recipe and added a 1/4 teaspoon of clove and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in the topping to play off the spice notes in the wine.
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 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.
Horton Vineyards in Gordonsville, Virginia has an impressive portfolio of varietals. While they specialize in Rhone varietals like Viognier, the Horton Vintage Port really got my attention. The 2008 Vintage Port is a wonderful dessert wine. Horton was the first winery in Virginia to make a Port after prohibition – beginning with the 1995 vintage. It’s also a great value at $20 for a standard 750ml bottle.
Tasting Notes:
The color is vibrant ruby with a slight garnet rim. This is a bold, rich, full bodied, sweet dessert wine with aromas of cassis, cherry and plum. The palate echoes the aromas and adds a nice touch of raisin, fig, toffee, burnt caramel and sweet spice.
Perfect Pairings:
The Horton Port is wonderful on its own or paired with a dessert like pecan pie. I also love this wine with a savory option like a cheese plate featuring stilton and figs.
Serve this wine at 60 degrees to achieve an optimal drinking experience.
a href=”http://foryourloveofwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/JeffersonBottles.jpg”>The American Wine Revolution began in the heart of Virginia wine country. Thomas Jefferson had a vision of producing world class wines in the new colony that would rival its old world counterparts. Jefferson’s love of the European Vinifera began a 3o year old pursuit that didn’t end very well in his lifetime.
Fast forward two hundred years and Virginia is now being recognized as a top 10 wine destination in the world. Jefferson would be proud!
We continue our celebration of Virginia wine month with a stop in Charlottesville for a sip of Jefferson’s Viognier. Viognier is an aromatic white grape that’s indigenous to the Rhone Valley of France and it’s now become Virginia’s signature grape!
Depending on the vintage, the winemaker at Jefferson Vineyards typically blends in small amount of other varietals to create the perfect balance. Other varietals often include Riesling, Traminette, Petit Manseng and Pinot Gris. Keep in mind there will always be a minimum of 75% Viognier in the blend to adhere to American wine laws.
Tasting Notes
This is an exotic wine with aromas of sweet jasmine, honeysuckle, nectarine, candied lemon, tangerine zest and tropical fruit. The palate echoes the aromatic profile and finishes with hints of cardamom, ginger and white pepper. This medium bodied wine has a round mouthfeel, good balance and a soft lingering finish. It’s a real crowd pleaser!
Perfect Pairings
Try switching up your traditional Thanksgiving wine and feature a Viognier for your feast. It’s also delicious with grilled swordfish and tropical salsa, fried oysters, roast duck with orange sauce and triple cream brie cheese with quince paste or fig spread.
Jon and Mills Wehner of 
in Crozet, Virginia, is a family-owned operation in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Father-daughter duo Scott Stinson and Rachel Stinson Vrooman take their wine-making inspiration from the “garagiste” style wineries in France.
Cabernet Sauvignon
balance. The wine is aged in cask for nearly two years and sees 50% new oak and a hybrid aging regimen of French and American oak. It’s clear that this wine truly represents the Keswick family motto, “Born from the soil and soul of Virginia.”
On today’s show, I will introduce you Luca Paschina, the winemaker and general manager at 
What started out as a passionate experiment in 1999 has evolved into countless accolades and a thriving business for the Hodson family. Simply put, 
the blinds, but the big take away for me was the 
While the focus for many American winemakers has been on French varietals over the years, it’s really exciting to see what Virginia is doing with Italian grapes. While Luca Paschina, winemaker at Barboursville, has led this charge, a few other properties are taking notice and producing some exceptional wine with Italian flare. One of the most memorable wines of the day for me was the 2010 Nebbiolo from 
The American Wine Revolution began in the heart of Virginia wine country. Thomas Jefferson had a vision of producing world class wines in the new colony that would rival its old world counterparts. Jefferson’s love of the European Vinifera began a 3o year old pursuit that didn’t end very well in his lifetime.