r_becca's Wine Journal Entries
Unicorn Winery (written Aug 24, 2009)
Wine: 
Winery: 
Ambiance:
The first thing you see on driving in to Unicorn Winery is a banner that says "Welcome to Unicorn Winery - Available for Weddings!" Not generally a good sign for the quality of the wine... but I was pleasantly surprised. The wines were good, but not great. My favorites were the spicy Cab Franc and the buttery Viognier (unusual for the varietal -- it is aged in oak, which is a nice contrast to the tangier flavor of the grape). But I was unimpressed with several of their other offerings. Kind of hit or miss overall, for me.
Naked Mountain Vineyard (written May 18, 2009)
Wine: 
Winery: Ambiance:
One of my favorite wineries in VA... consistently good wines across the board, a beautiful location and a nice relaxed atmosphere where they don't take themselves too seriously. The winery is up for sale, though -- it will be interesting to see what changes in the next few years.
Linden Vineyards (written May 18, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance: 
We thought the wine was very good here, and the baristas were knowledgeable and friendly, although I agree that the deck policy is off-putting. (Although it's members-only on the weekend, it is open to all during the week.)
Pearmund Cellars (written May 18, 2009)
Wine: 
Winery: Ambiance:
The wines ranged from "meh" to "pretty good" with several in the "undrinkable" category. Our barista said that a couple of the whites had been bottled only 2 weeks before, and it told in the taste. However the tasting room was packed full with a couple of busloads of people so I guess they don't need to hold out for better quality. I don't plan to return.
Chester Gap Cellars (written May 18, 2009)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Every wine we tasted here was excellent -- we ended up buying a bottle of the viognier and one of the merlot. The winemaker poured for us personally. They have a small tasting room and a deck with a beautiful view. Also, they do not allow tour buses -- which from my point of view is a good thing.
