The Norton Wine Traveler's Wine Journal
| Wineries Visited: 257Journal Entries:  257Photos Uploaded:  0 |  |
| About: Former military pilot and retired educator enjoying life with rhododendrons, magnolias, travels, and Norton wine explorations. Recommended reading of Norton wines is Todd Kliman's The Wild Vine. | ||
Favorite States
| State | Your Reviews | Wineries in State | Percent | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Wineries | 42 | 131 | 32% |  |
| Arkansas Wineries | 6 | 20 | 30% |  |
| Alabama Wineries | 4 | 16 | 25% |  |
| Louisiana Wineries | 2 | 8 | 25% | |
| Georgia Wineries | 15 | 70 | 21% |  |
| South Carolina Wineries | 5 | 25 | 20% |  |
| Virginia Wineries | 50 | 284 | 17% |  |
| Tennessee Wineries | 9 | 53 | 16% |  |
| North Carolina Wineries | 21 | 133 | 15% |  |
| West Virginia Wineries | 2 | 15 | 13% |  |
| Kentucky Wineries | 9 | 73 | 12% |  |
| Illinois Wineries | 9 | 104 | 8% |  |
| Rhode Island Wineries | 1 | 13 | 7% |  |
| Massachusetts Wineries | 2 | 42 | 4% |  |
| Kansas Wineries | 2 | 46 | 4% | |
| New Hampshire Wineries | 1 | 24 | 4% | |
| Minnesota Wineries | 2 | 59 | 3% |  |
| Maryland Wineries | 2 | 72 | 2% |  |
| Idaho Wineries | 1 | 43 | 2% | |
| Wisconsin Wineries | 2 | 99 | 2% | |
| New Mexico Wineries | 1 | 57 | 1% |  |
| New Jersey Wineries | 1 | 61 | 1% | |
| Pennsylvania Wineries | 4 | 265 | 1% | |
| Iowa Wineries | 1 | 77 | 1% | |
| Texas Wineries | 3 | 246 | 1% | |
| California Wineries | 16 | 2369 | 1% | |
| New York Wineries | 1 | 310 | 1% | |
Latest Winery Visits
Lake Anna Winery (added Oct 19, 2020)
Cave Ridge Vineyard (added Oct 19, 2020)
Burntshirt Vineyards (added Oct 11, 2020)
Saint Pauls Mountain Vineyards (added Oct 11, 2020)
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Latest Wine Journal Entries
Effingham Manor & Winery (written Feb 10, 2021)
Wine: 
Winery: Ambiance:
Norton Wine Review: High enthusiasm for Effingham's offerings. We have visited 33 out of Virginia's 41 Norton wineries so far. Hands down, ~ this is one of the best Virginia Nortons we have encountered. A very approachable, 'drink now' nonindicated vintage year, not overly American oaked, an almost subtle American hybrid example. Unlike too many vineyards which release wines early, this Norton was obviously held back to mature in bottle before publicly offered. Additionally, their 2017 Tannat was stunning and Viognier much appreciated.
Burntshirt Vineyards (written Jan 16, 2021)
Wine: 
Winery: Ambiance:
Thirty acres of vineyards planted over ten years ago at 2,200' to 3,400' in picturesque surroundings. Burntshirt's winery is an example that good wines can be produced in North Carolina, ~ especially their medium bodied Cabernet Franc and unique white Austrian Grüner Veltliner. A large, comfortable outdoor seating, tasting area is attended to by an attentive staff. Curb delivery was appreciated during my last visit.
Saint Pauls Mountain Vineyards (written Oct 14, 2020)
Wine: Winery: 
Ambiance:
A wide array of wines, ciders & spirits can be found at St Pauls' three locations, ~ Hendersonville (Appalachian Ridge Cidery), Flat Rock tasting room and the five acre vineyard farm location which opened in 2012. Fourteen French vinifera and German/Austrian grape varieties are grown at two sites which are at 2,300' and the other at a nearby ten acre 3,000' elevation Blue Ridge mountain crest. Though there are many offerings, I came specifically for this winery's light ruby colored Cabernet Franc which interestingly belied its appearance. A rather sharp initial bite greets your varietal typical anticipation. Though I have pleasantly experienced Cab Franc wines in Virginia and Northeast Georgia, ~ I also sensed a slight unexpected sophistication in this North Carolina example after letting the wine breathe for an extended amount of time (my wife disagrees with me on this note). I'll set aside a few bottles for two or three years to compare tastes. I'm going to give this a politically corrected, thumbs up since it will hold up to most smoked meats or a Southern Lowcountry Boil.
Lazy Bear Winery (written Dec 22, 2019)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
A countryside find along a rural road leading up to South Carolina's Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy. Thirteen fruit or mead offerings plus two typical Southern muscadine wines. A non pretentious family operation which is currently operating in a small tasting room with expansions to come soon. During good weather, there are tables set up for outside venues. Started in 2010 and open to public now for three years, time is on the side of this venture. It will be interesting to see how this develops in the years to come.
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