The Norton Wine Traveler's Wine Journal
| Wineries Visited: 257Journal Entries:  256Photos 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Wineries | 2 | 5 | 40% |  |
| Missouri Wineries | 42 | 131 | 32% |  |
| Arkansas Wineries | 6 | 19 | 31% |  |
| Alabama Wineries | 4 | 17 | 23% |  |
| Georgia Wineries | 15 | 69 | 21% |  |
| South Carolina Wineries | 5 | 25 | 20% |  |
| Virginia Wineries | 49 | 282 | 17% |  |
| Tennessee Wineries | 9 | 53 | 16% |  |
| North Carolina Wineries | 21 | 134 | 15% |  |
| West Virginia Wineries | 2 | 15 | 13% |  |
| Kentucky Wineries | 9 | 73 | 12% |  |
| Illinois Wineries | 9 | 103 | 8% |  |
| Rhode Island Wineries | 1 | 13 | 7% |  |
| Massachusetts Wineries | 2 | 42 | 4% |  |
| New Hampshire Wineries | 1 | 23 | 4% | |
| Kansas Wineries | 2 | 46 | 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% | |
| Oklahoma Wineries | 1 | 61 | 1% | |
| Pennsylvania Wineries | 4 | 264 | 1% | |
| Iowa Wineries | 1 | 77 | 1% | |
| Texas Wineries | 3 | 242 | 1% | |
| California Wineries | 16 | 2363 | 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
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.
Peachbarn Winery & Café (written Nov 27, 2019)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:
Norton Wine Review. Some days you get lucky while searching a vineyard area with so many disappointing wineries and finding the exception as Hedman Vineyards. A hand trim-painted barn-like delightful setting in a small rural town complete with a venue for unusual Sunday meals & wines. The rotating $$$ monthly themed dinner offerings are only served once a week. Here you will find exceptional examples of commonly found wines of the area and a few surprises, as their Villard Blanc white wine. Offered was an unfiltered 2015 Norton wine aged in American oak which should age well. Though this wine can be enjoyed now, I’ve already marked on our purchased bottles ‘Open 2020/2021’. This Norton was as good as any we have found before in MO or VA. We drove out of our way to find this winery and glad that we made the effort to do so. We were impressed that our hostess/owner also tried to contact for us the owner of her recommended nearby Hickory Ridge Winery which, unfortunately, was closed at the beginning of the week.
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