Story and photos by Roxie LaFever (unless otherwise indicated)
Virginia is for “Wine” Lovers
While our grapes may not be as old as those in Europe, Virginia has the oldest in the United States. Everyone has heard about Napa and Sonoma Counties in California, but did you know that Virginia has been harvesting grapes since colonial days – as early as 1608? In fact, in the first representative assembly back in 1619, the burgesses passed legislation known as “Acte 12” requiring Virginia colonists to plant vineyards. By 2009, Virginia was home to 163 wineries and in 2020 we boast more than 250.
Most of these are small, family-owned wineries and vineyards and they enjoy hosting special events with music and food paired with a special bottle of wine or a flight (often of your customized selection) to sample. They are located across several subregions of the state including counties close to the DC Area like Loudoun (over 40), Fauquier (over 25), and Fairfax County as the newest with two vineyards.
In Virginia, there is a requirement that to be sold as a Virginia wine, most of the grapes need to be grown in Virginia. With 60 varieties (white to deep red) of grapes produced and blended, even the most educated palate should be able to find an award-winning wine in Virginia to meet or surpass their expectations.
This is Horse Country
Steeplechase races have run in Fauquier County since 1844 and more than 50,000 people attend the International Gold Cup (previously known as the Virginia Gold Cup) each year. The Virginia Fall Races are held at Glenwood Park in Middleburg, VA. Both races are held in October and will likely be affected this year by the pandemic. The Virginia Fall Races will be held, but without spectators, and the Gold Cup is still awaiting a final decision. But that should not stop race fans from coming out and enjoying the wine and a bit of friendly wagering for the potential winners of each race.
Award-Winning Wines
The Virginia Wine organization hosts a competition each year to determine the best Virginia wines. In 2020, there were 530 entries and only 12 wines received the coveted Governors Cup Gold level. Nineteen world-class judges rated the wines based on the 100-point Wine Spectator Scale and all individual judge tasting notes were assembled for each wine. You can research the various winners and all entries at https://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup/awards#Gold. Silver and bronze winners as well as prior years are also listed by the Wineries.
Visiting a Couple of Wineries
For this article, our adventure takes place just over an hour outside Washington, DC, down to the tip of the triangle known as Virginia. The drive was amazing as highways and highrises turned to green hills and shaded country roads; with each mile the daily stress slowly melts away. Visiting the wine country at any time of the year is wonderful. In the springtime, everything is “new” as plants are sprouting, and flowers burst into bloom. In the winter, visitors gather round both indoor and outdoor fires, for warm wine and ciders; and of course, the occasional smores. But my favorite time to visit is now towards the end of the summer season when the breeze starts to cool and autumnal smells begin as the leaves start to change with the peak being in October. This is the time of year to walk through the vineyards, explore the hiking trails, and reward yourself by being outdoors while the weather permits.
For a full list of wineries in Fauquier County, please check out www.VisitFauquier.com. The map at the right comes from their site, from which two were selected to visit.
Our First Winery: Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards
Named after the mountain which has recovered from fires, the first vines were planted at this vineyard in 1976. The original owners, Bob and Phoebe Harper, further developed the property by adding a winemaking facility and tasting room within a few years. In 2010, Randy and Megan Morgan continued operations and business has continued to flourish. Naked Mountain is known for its Barrel Fermented Chardonnay and Bordeaux style blend, Raptor Red. They boast that their Chardonnay has even been served to two Presidents in the White House. Their wall displays many award-winning ribbons and the ambiance and welcoming grin of Garrett from behind the bar will brighten anyone’s day.
Tables have been arranged – socially distanced – whether sitting in or around the gazebo vineyard side or on the overlook deck. Tables and comfy chairs around the fire are also inside making it even easier to chat with Garrett about the wide offering of wines. Feel free to custom create your flight of wines for tasting – after discussions with Garrett on the flavors and bouquet. And as their tag line goes….” Drink Naked” – wine that is!
More information is available at www.nakedmtnwinery.com.
Our Second Winery: Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn
Just the other side of the highway and down the road a bit, find Aspen Dale, where you can explore 50 acres of the most welcoming atmosphere available. And as Jean said from behind the bar, you’re welcome to walk anywhere within those 50 acres with your wine in hand. Whether sitting by the fire in the cool interior of their wood-toned and sofa-strewn interior, outside in their shaded garden area, sitting at tables socially distanced in the backyard and leading out to the 200-year old restored barns, it’s a rest area made in heaven.
And speaking of the barns, please explore to find friendly horses, miniature ponies, and goats galore. During my visit, I was completely enchanted by this shaggy maned pony that barely reached my waist. This old farm girl was laying in the grass, climbing fences, and performing all kinds of maneuvers trying to get the perfect photo of this little charmer. But alas, had to give up because all he wanted to do was nuzzle, graze, and hide behind that mane….so I nuzzled too!!
I could spend days here – sipping wine while reading by the fire, exploring the vineyards, playing with the goats, watching the horses run, and just exploring the barns. They also offer food – naturally paired with wine – so that no one goes hungry.
Plan an event or just spend the day….more details at www.aspendalewinery.com. They have been serving wine to happy customers since 2009.
Stopping by Middleburg – Before or After
On the way, coming or going to Fauquier County, stop in Loudoun County. Middleburg is especially welcoming for a step into the past and to be part of Horse and Hound country. Whether you want an easy meal or partake in a historical establishment, there are two places not to miss. The Red Horse Tavern has the normal wide selection of burgers, a full line of beer taps, and great outdoor seating. Being right on the main street of Middleburg, it’s great people watching as well. Check out their menu at www.redhorsetavern.net.
Now, Middleburg is halfway between Washington, DC and the frontier town of Winchester, VA, and is surrounded by Civil War Battlefields and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has been in existence since the early 1700s and right in the center of town is another historical place to sleep or eat known as the Red Fox Inn and Tavern. Established in 1728, it has been the focal point for this small town for celebrities like President John F. Kennedy, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who frequently spent the night during fall foxhunting season. Elizabeth Taylor, who was once married to Virginia’s U.S. Senator John Warner, also visited the Red Fox Inn. Call first to see if a reservation is needed. The Red Fox Inn is highly sought after and closes at times for private events. More information is available at www.redfox.com.
As you would expect, there are lots of bed and breakfasts to stay at as well. Or, since it’s only an hour from DC, options abound.
On your Next Trip…
Check out one of the other 70 wineries or vineyards in this area of Virginia, and take in a Cidery as well. Maybe stop by the farmer’s markets or produce farms that offer corn mazes, hayrides, fresh apples, and warm and gooey caramel apples to eat. This is an area of Virginia where the feeling of fall permeates the body, and most are inclined to stay for more than a day.
