Wine in Virginia? You Bet!
Jul 19 '00
The Shenandoah Valley Wineries
When you mention the word winery, most people automatically think of Napa Valley. But there is another valley some 3,000 miles east of Napa that has been producing wines since the early days of this country. It’s the Shenandoah Valley. Located in the northwest part of the state of Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley is home to five of Virginia’s 59 wineries. This review will take you on a quick tour of the five and give a little history and tips about wineries in Virginia. So sit back. Grab that glass, and let’s pour!
A Brief History
It all started in Jamestown in 1609. Early settlers there produced the first Virginia wines. In 1624 England passed a law requiring that 20 grapevines be planted for each male over the age of 20. The early settlers followed the law, planting native vines. For 200 years, Virginians struggled to produce a palatable wine with these native grapes. It wasn’t until Thomas Jefferson, who is credited as being the father of American wines, encouraged people to drink wine with meals, that the Virginia wines began to flourish. He made several trips to France to study the winemaking process.
In the early 1800, wineries in Virginia began to thrive, but numerous battles of the Civil War caused the destruction of the state’s wineries. By 1950, there were only 50 acres of land being used to grow grapes.
In the 1960, American hybrids were replaced with French hybrids, and the wine industry revival of Virginia had begun. Today there are 59 wineries in the state that offer world-class wines. The first to make its home in the Shenandoah Valley was founded in 1976. We’ll start there!
Shenandoah Vineyards
The Valley’s oldest winery is found in the shadows of the beautiful Massanutten Mountain and houses picnic areas and a gift shop. The winery offers guided tours and a chance to taste their award winning wines. They offer Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Chambourcin. The winery is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Dec-Feb 10 a.m.-5 p.m.) and there is no fee for tasting their wine. They serve no food in their tasting sessions and there is a gift shop on the 40-acre winery. Their website can be found at www.shentel.net/shenvine.
North Mountain Vineyards and Winery
North of the Shenandoah Vineyards off I-81 can be found the North Mountain Vineyards and Winery. They boast of beautiful views of the Shenandoah Mountains and award winning wines. The North Mountain Vineyards and Winery offers a lovely place for picnics or private parties. They have no fees to sample their wide variety of wines that includes Chardonnay, Vidal-Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Blush and Spiced Apple. They do offer light fare (cheese and crackers) with in their tastings. The winery is open 11-5 Wednesday thru Sunday between March and November, and 11-5 Saturday and Sunday between December and February. The North Mountain Vineyards and Winery ask that group tours call for an appointment. Their website can be found at www.northmountainvineyard.com.
Deer Meadow Vineyard
Just north of the North Mountain Vineyards and Winery, the Deer Meadow Vineyards maintains 7 acres of wine grapes on a 120-acre farm. The tiny rustic winery is hidden in the heart of the Shenandoah Mountains. They offer four labels for tasters: Chardonnay, Afternoon of the Fawn, Chambourcin, and Golden Blush. Deer Meadow has no tasting fee and offers no food with the wine tasting sessions. The winery is open March to December. Tours are available Wednesday thru Sunday 11-5, but it is advised to call ahead for an appointment. The Deer Meadow Vineyard has no website, but their phone number is 1-800-653-6632.
Guilford Ridge Vineyard
South right off US 340 near Luray, Virginia, can be found the Guilford Ridge Vineyard. They offer their stage and picnic grounds for private parties and suggest you call in advance for al-fresco group tasting. They also suggest you call in advance for directions to the vineyard. Guilford, which has four acres of grape vines, makes several different labels, and pride themselves on “Virginia wine with a difference: Blue Ridge soil, Bordelaise method, Rhone aromas, and Page Valley bred!” They offer Red Page Valley, et Delilah, Caboose, Pinnacles, and Bel Canto and are open for tasting on Federal Holiday weekends between May and November. From 2-3 p.m. Reservations are required and there is a limit to eight people in a group. They have a $3/person tasting fee and offer light fare with their wines. The Guilford Ridge Vineyard can be contacted at 540-778-3853.
Landwirt Vineyard, L.C.C.
Outside of Harrisonburg, Virginia, off I-81 can be found a small family owned winery that specializes in estate-bottled wines. The Landwirt Vineyards was founded in 1994 and offers Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc.
Their tastings and tours are by appointment only during the months of January, February, and March. Between April and December, the winery is open Saturdays and Sundays 1-5 p.m. Landwirt has no tasting fees and offers no food during the sessions. To make an appointment or to learn more, see their website at www.valleyva.com/landwirt.html.
A Few Tips
It is always good to call ahead before visiting any winery, especially if you are planning a tour with any groups of six or more.
If driving in Virginia, look for grape cluster road signs. They point the way to a winery (usually within 10 miles) and most of the new grape cluster signs have the mileage to the winery posted. Wineries can also give you shortcuts directions to other wineries near them if you ask!
Have fun, pack a picnic lunch, and enjoy the wines. But, be sure to spit out the wines after you’ve tasted them. That will help you keep your senses, particularly if you are driving.
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