egoodell's Wine Journal Entries
Veritas Winery (written Feb 03, 2009)
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Arcady Vineyard loves to bring guests to Veritas. They have a very informative Sommelier there who gives wonderful tours! Try their Sauvignon Blanc - very difficult to grow in Central Virginia, but this winery has it figured out! They have a Reserve Sauvignon Blanc to be released this year that is predicted to be fantastic! Beautiful location with outdoor tables for lunching. During the warmer weather on the second Saturday of the month they have "Starry Nights" - live music and dancing - bring a blanket or a chair and dinner and have some fun!
Trump Winery (formerly Kluge Estate Winery) (written Feb 03, 2009)
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Arcady likes to visit Kluge Estate near the end of a tour. They have large tastings, and we often have couples so advise one to order the sparkling tasting and one the regular and share them. It's best to visit when it's not a busy season time as there are not a large number of tables and the tastings are designed to be portable and enjoyed while sitting and relaxing. We love the big cheese counter, and the way the lunches are displayed so no matter what language you speak you can see what's available! They offer beautiful plants and topiaries, herb baskets as well which are very fairly priced. We love their wines but they are priced generally higher than others we love. But some are very affordable such as their dry rose which is super!
Keswick Vineyards (written Feb 03, 2009)
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Arcady Tours loves coming to Keswick! Great wines, and they also have a delicious wine infused chocolate sauce and truffles! Their wine club does lots of great activities as well, like a wine blending competition for the menmbers.
Jefferson Vineyards (written Feb 03, 2009)
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Arcady enjoys touring guests to Jefferson. They can get swamped during tourist season because they are so close to Monticello. We have found that it's a great idea to check the tasting room often in the winter during slower times as they'll often have a library wine open! Some of their Estate Reserve bordeaux blends are wonderful!
Blenheim Vineyards (written Feb 03, 2009)
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Blenheim, located near Kluge Estate just minutes from downtown Charlottesville, is one of the prettiest tasting rooms in town. They have just changed winemakers so we are waiting to see what they will release next! Their previous wines were great! They have a beautiful view off the back deck for tasting and picnicing!
Barboursville Vineyards (written Feb 03, 2009)
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We enjoy visiting Barboursville. The design for tasting has the guest moving down the wine bar which works well when not too crowded. The wines are nice, but there is lots of competition now as we have so many wonderful wineries in the area! Tasting fee includes the glass, and the restuarant is excellent.
Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery (written Dec 08, 2008)
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Favorite Wine: A6, Reserve Franc, Reisling, Quattro, .....
I totally agree with Jennifer. This is a favorite stop for our guests. A family-run winery that does not bring any of the commercialism or snobbiness that some do, this winery has wonderful wines, and did get adopted by the friendliest kitty on earth. But if the winemaker Tim is around, kitty only has eyes for him and will ignore you! If you have anyone who cannot do stairs well, not to worry, you can drive around the winery to a flat spot to park and walk in stairs-free. This was also the first winery in our area to put up a great 15 minutes film in the barrel room showing how their wine is made - it takes you through a year at the winery. This is much more informative than someone pointing to a hunk of machine and telling you what it does, as you can see the whole process. They have a great lineup - in particular we love the A6 - Viognier/Chardonnay blend, the Reserve Cabernet Franc, and their semi-sweet wines are very fine - super with spicy Thai foods. Excellent Reisling! And for those who enjoy a fine sweeter wine the Quattro is wonderful. Keep an eye out for music events here. What we love is that they are usually fundraisers for great local causes.
Pollak Vineyards (written Dec 08, 2008)
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Favorite Wine: White: Estate Chardonnay, Red: I can't make a decision
Pollak Vineyards is one of our absolute favorites stops on the wine trail in Charlottesville. The wines are fantastic, and the service in the tasting room unparalleled. You can tell all the staff enjoy what they do and the industry! While they don't sell anything but wine here, there are plenty of tables inside and out and you are allowed to bring a picnic or cheese plate, but please do clean up after yourself! We love both their Estate whites and reds, so don't ask me which wines are best there - you'll just have to go and taste them yourselves!!! Located just 15 minutes west of Charlottesville, they are easy to locate, and on the way you can stop at Greenwood Grocery and pick up your picnic or cheese plate to enjoy there!
Mountfair Vineyards (written Dec 08, 2008)
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Favorite Wine: Belated (a Bordeaux blend)
Mountfair is one of Charlottesville's newer wineries, and lots of fun to visit! They specialize in Bordeaux Blends which are super popular. This is a very small and uncommercial winery which makes it super popular with our guests. One of the owners/winermakers are almost always there pouring the wine, and they have a little spot overlooking the vineyard and pond where you can sit and enjoy a picnic. Their winery building is not completely finished, but they welcome tasting visitors all the same!
King Family Vineyards (written Dec 04, 2008)
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Favorite Wine: That's hard - I guess the Viognier/Chardonnay blend or Merlot
We love bringing guests to this winery. The view is superb and the service excellent. Call ahead if you have a group of 10 or more so they can be ready for your group! Tastings are $5 at this time and you also keep the glass which is a nicely sized red wine glass. Great location for souvenir shopping or that gift for the baby sitter! In season (around May to September) they have polo games every Sunday which are free and you can tailgate, get a picnic, buy a bottle of wine, and enjoy the action! This winery has been written up by major wine magazines as "the best new winery on the East Coast!"
Afton Mountain Vineyards (written Dec 04, 2008)
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Favorite Wine: Pinot Noir
We enjoy visiting Afton Mtn and are suprised that there is a comment below that they don't have sweet wines! We have often tasted a sweet white and red and wonderful faux icewein at Afton. The others must have visited inbetween releases of wine. Beautiful view, and just a short drive west of Charlottesville. No tasting fee unless you are a group of 10 or more.
