Harvest Time is Mother
Nature's Celebration
A tasty trip to Virginia’s wineries that blanket
every region is best in the fall and the energy is contagious.
Imagine driving through a vineyard on a sunny autumn
day with the windows rolled down as the lush aromas
of grapes caress your nose. Visualize neat rows laden
with green and purple fruit evoking a way of life that
is simple yet sophisticated. Listen to the harvest season’s
frantic dance between the rows as wine lovers and curious
individuals flock to the vineyards to sample forthcoming
vintages. Experience the winery’s magic in progress
of turning Mother Nature’s fruit into an elixir
of the gods. Everyone who works in the vineyards throughout
the growing season will not warrant rest until every
worthy bunch has been crushed and converted to tanks
full of fermenting juice.
September, October and November are perfect months
to see vintners pick ripe fruit or share in the excitement
with the many festivals that celebrate this time of year.
Either way, the urge to consume nature’s bounty
will overcome you with a craving for the rich earthly
flavors of the autumn harvest. It’s the time to
take a vineyard or cellar tour where, at many small family-owned
wineries, you can learn the heritage and processes right
from the source.
-Jackie Amrhein-Sells
Jefferson Vineyards
Jefferson Vineyards was one of only two wineries to win two gold
medals in this year’s Governor’s Cup Competition,
with both the 2004 Meritage and 2005 Viognier taking top honors.
Both are available for tasting at Jefferson’s tasting
room.For the first time, a small quantity of Viognier was
allocated to their distributor, which has placed it in
a number of fine restaurants and wine shops throughout
the Mid-Atlantic. “We’re thrilled with the
attention the wine has received,” says General
Manager Chad Zakaib, “I
just wish we had more of it!”Like Jefferson’s
Chardonnay Reserve and Meritage, their Viognier is made
in very limited quantities in order to achieve the highest
quality.
Keswick Vineyards
It’s finally here! Keswick Vineyards is thrilled
to announce the opening of their tasting room this fall.
It’s on site adjacent to the winery - tours and
events will also be available soon so please call or
email info@keswickvineyards.com for information. They’ll
have some new releases and tasting room exclusives too.
Look forward to trying their new dessert style Norton
called Royale, and some Keswick Vineyards firsts, the
2005 Dry Rosé, and 2005 Chambourcin. They’d
also like to welcome back Stephen Barnard as head winemaker/general
manager. They’re looking
forward to some wonderful vintages under Stephen’s
excellent care. Directions are online so come and visit
us soon.
Kluge Estate Winery
According to trend reports and the press, the year of
Viognier is upon us. After being a best-kept Virginia
secret, this varietal is poised to explode.Kluge Estate
Winery and Vineyard’s timing is
perfect with the August release of Albemarle Viognier
2005. Made in the Condrieu style, Albemarle Viognier
is 100% viognier and was aged for eight months in 100%
French oak barrels of varying ages. The result is
a sphere of complex aromas and flavors: floral and mature
exotic fruits on the nose and palate; a balance of ripe
and dried apricots, notes of guava, lychee, and spicy
flower perfumes blend with light smokiness, vanilla,
and fresh tobacco from the French oak.Only 300 cases
were made, so pop open a bottle and try it soon!
Oakencroft& Winery
Why is Oakencroft unique? When you visit, you’ll
find that they’re the closest winery to Charlottesville
and The University of Virginia. This is their 23rd year
of producing medal winning wines and 2006 is no exception.
The 2005 Seyval Blanc won a gold medal in The Critics
Challenge Wine Competition in San Diego and a silver
in The San Francisco International Wine Competition.
The 2003 Petit Verdot won a silver in The Virginia Governor’s
Cup Competition. They produce fine wines that are unique
to Oakencroft and you can find many of them under the
new label in their tasting room. Countryside White, Countryside
Red, Sweet Virginia, Encore and Jefferson Claret were
crafted by their winemaker, Riaan Roussow, to give pleasure
to many varied palates. Visit their website for the full
selection.
White Hall Vineyards
White Hall Vineyards is pleased to announce the following recent
awards: the 2005 Viognier won double gold at the International
Eastern Wine Competition, gold at the Finger Lakes International
Wine Competition and Tasters Guild Wine Judging, and silver
at the Grand Harvest Awards. The 2004 Touriga won gold at the
Dallas Morning News Wine Competition. The 2004 Cuvee des Champs
won silver at the International Eastern Wine Competition. The
2003 Soliterre won silver at the Grand Harvest Awards and
the 2004 Chardonnay won silver at the San Diego International
Wine Competition. They’re also hosting a special
tasting to release the 2005 vintage Chardonnay, 2004
Reserve Chardonnay and their first ever vintage of 100%
stainless steel Chardonnay on Sept. 2 and 3. Their annual
Art in the Vineyard weekend will be Oct. 14 and 15 with
local artists and special tasting discounts both days.
Lastly, they’re having a special tasting
to celebrate the conclusion of another harvest season
on Nov. 4 and 5 with a few different flights of the newly
barreled wine various fermentation stages.
Wintergreen Winery
Wintergreen’s 2005 Black Rock Chardonnay Reserve
was awarded a gold medal at the 2006 Governor’s
Cup Wine Competition. Try each of their handcrafted wines
during Labor Day weekend’s popular “Romp,
Stomp and Chomp” Harvest
Celebration. Join them each October weekend to celebrate
Virginia Wine Month with a sampling of selected food
items in addition to wine tasting and specials. Be sure
to check out Wintergreen’s striking new winery
logo and wine label series! Visitors have thoroughly
enjoyed the winery’s
restored section of the Rockfish River. Pair Wintergreen’s
wine with a selection of delicious picnic foods sold
onsite and picnic by the river amidst the views of the
Blue Ridge bedecked in autumn colors. Thanksgiving weekend
is Wintergreen’s Holiday
Open House. Get in the festive spirit with mulled wine,
complimentary refreshments, warm hospitality, and great
gift shopping. Cheers! |
