The Norton Wine Traveler's Wine Journal Entries

Hightower Creek Vineyards (written Oct 20, 2023)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

My original visit to Hightower Creek was in the summer of 2012. Since then they have expanded vineyard plantings and their picturesque 2195' elevation setting. Today they work with estate grown Pinot Gris, Catawba, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Norton, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Merlot and Chambourcin grapes. At this rural winery you will find unique white and red blends plus a 'blush' semi-sweet Chambourcin. The reasonably priced bottles are non-pretentious Georgia wines which show an ever improving local wine setting.

Eagle Mountain Vineyards & Winery (written Aug 26, 2023)
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Favorite Wine: 2021 Carmel Valley Zinfandel

If you live in South Carolina, you are now only 2,213 miles from Napa Valley. We were pleasantly surprised to find this winery with friends while participating in one of their monthly evening, limited seating, dinner events which included three complimentary wines. Register early for events since space, supposedly, sells out quickly. Currently, six California bottled varietals are available. Reasonable priced for palatable California wines prepared and bottled for this winery. We enjoyed a bright 2022 Lodi Albarino, a light 2020 Russian River Pinot Noir, a 'young' 2020 Knight's Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and varietally correct 2021 Carmel Valley Zinfandel. // Follow driving directions from Eagle Mountain's webpage to this site since GPS address location is inconsistently listed (Google's fault, not the owner's intention).

Gadino Cellars (written Jul 11, 2022)
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Favorite Wine: 2017 Nebbiolo

How much fun to find this winery relatively close to our lodge along the National Park's Skyline Drive. Planted in the early 1990s and opened to the public in 2007, this vineyard offers vinifera tastings from dry wines to a royal sweet port. The draw here for us was a 'tower' tasting of their Virginia Governor Cup gold medal winning Nebbiolo. The 2016 $40 light color example may develop way, ~ way down the road in time. The $48, 13.7% alc 2015 Nebbiolo was the darkest in expected color and should be rocking by 2026. What we purchased was Gadino's $47 2017 medium-dark colored 78% Nebbiolo, 22% combination of Petit Verdot, Cab Franc and Merlot. A nicely balanced wine approachable today and in a few years should continue to evolve gracefully. / Please ask for handicap entrance accessibility.

Quievremont Winery (written Jul 11, 2022)
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Favorite Wine: Petit Manseng

Quiévremont Winery is yet another charming, not hard to find, new vineyard setting near the National Park Skyline Drive access gate. Interestingly, offered are several rosé & rouge wines plus Meritage examples of estate blendings of Petit Verdot, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc and either Merlot/Malbec grapes. Though only planted in 2016, we found their 2021 Petit Manseng already producing a uniquely drier, crisp alternative to cold climate Rieslings. Will Petit Manseng eventually replace Viognier as Virginia's state grape? / Thank you for generous 6 & 12 bottle and military discounts.

Little Washington Winery (written Jul 11, 2022)
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Favorite Wine: George 2017 Meritage

Three choices of wine tastings (Little Washington Wines, Virginia Vintners Collection, Iconic Masterpiece Blends). We opted for the estate wines. We found a bright $29 Viognier-Vidal Blanc blend, a non characteristic 2016 $32 Merlot, a 2017 $32 Cab Franc with a good nose, but lacked follow through and an annual production of 'George'. This 2017 $49 Meritage (Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot and a dash of Petit Verdot) was unique enough to purchase as a Virginia 'souvenir' wine. The Inn's setting is beautiful along a long poorly maintained rural road , but the tasting room was little more than a basement salesroom.

Laurentia Vineyard & Winery (written Apr 08, 2022)
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3 wines w/generous tasting for $9. Only red tasted was a light structured, drink now Cabernet Sauvignon. As for white wines, tried was a no real character Gewurztraminer and a slight citrus flavored Riesling. Appreciated was a real effort by Laurentia during covid restricted era to separate patrons as best as possible into separated seating areas.

Kosicek Vineyards (written Oct 05, 2021)
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Favorite Wine: Cabernet Franc

Appreciated during this covid era was the orders taken at the bar and tastings done at individual tables with wines noted on each glass. Our hostess gave us an honest overview of local wine practices. Seven whites, three 'pinks' and eleven reds. Rather generic in tastes overall, but a nice introduction to what wines can be found in Ohio.

Quarry Hill Winery (written Oct 03, 2021)
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Favorite Wine: Apple

One host, Emily, smiling and serving 22 people at one time as she greeted guests, cooked, offered tastings, rang up sales and cleaned the facilities by herself. And there are those who do not have faith in today's youth?? We found a delightfully dry, green apple tasting (yes, you are located among hundreds of acres of apples trees) Pinot Grigio and an unexpected heavier bodied, yellow 'dry' Riesling. Red wines were typically northern state light-to-medium bodied vinifera Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah and a blend attempt. Our success here was finding an uniquely smooth, semi-fruity Apple 'gift' wine.

Stonegait Winery (written Sep 15, 2021)
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Favorite Wine: Rkatsiteli

Unassuming and rather new to the Ohio wine scene, this winery surprised me with its offerings of not only vinifera wines but also American hybrid selections. They are producing a light Marquette example which can easily accompany most meals plus an exceptional, uniquely clear, refreshing Russian Rkatsiteli. As described by my wife, ~ 'like Champagne without the fizz.'

Barrel Oak Winery (written Jun 23, 2021)
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Favorite Wine: Norton

Norton Wine Review: Back in 2010 I noted what a delightful 2008 BOW Norton wine case gift we received from our daughters. Upon opening my first bottle, I reported that this was most probably going to be a good Norton wine which displayed strong tannins and lack of in-bottle maturity. Every year following we opened yet another bottle which brought many happy tasting smiles. Alas, we just opened their last Norton eleven years later and the wine was simply STUNNING. Thank you Barrel Oak Winery for such a well prepped Norton offering.

Effingham Manor & Winery (written Feb 10, 2021)
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Favorite Wine: 'Adult Fermented Beverage' [Norton]

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)
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Favorite Wine: Cabernet Franc

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)
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Favorite Wine: Cabernet Franc

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)
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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)
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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.

Sharp Mountain Vineyards (written Apr 06, 2019)
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Planted in 1995 with the doors opened in 2005 to this third oldest winery in Georgia. An impressive listing of estate grown wines. I found the red wines 'thin' and left with a courtesy purchase of their table white Viognier. Was there a ten dollar tasting fee for the three items asked to try (fourth taste poured by mistake)? Double check to see the total charges given.

Layton's Chance Vineyard & Winery (written Jan 28, 2019)
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Favorite Wine: Norton Reserve

And I was wrong update, ~ *two years ago I noted that Layton's Chance Norton may not mature in bottle significantly. Oh, how I missed this badly. With a couple additional in bottle years their 2015 Norton proved to be one of the better eastern produced Norton wines. Though gentle, typical in body, color, style. / The Layton family has been farming corn, soybeans and wheat on this land for almost 100 years, but in 2007 the decision was made to add grapes (Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin & Norton) to the mix. Interestingly, the light Vidal Blanc ($20) was only slightly oaked with French 'chips'. Red blends included other Maryland grown Marquette & Cab Sauv grapes. Their Chambourcin ($20) again included French oak chips in the processing, but their Norton Reserve ($26) was uncharacteristically produced strictly in stainless steel. *With no obvious tannins in this fun to drink now tart Norton, I do not suspect age will enhance this wine over the next few years. I have a bottle set aside to see if I'll be proven incorrect. I applaud Layton's Chance Winery for setting aside two wines specifically for generously fund raising (a light rose United-Chambourcin for the United Way and a Freedom - Catawba, Chambourcin blend for the nearby Harriet Tubman Visitors Center). It will be only a few years and you may find an Eastern shore Cabernet Franc appearing on the scene. It was interesting to learn that the Norton grapes needed fungicide spraying three times a year as compared to the other grapes which needed attention every two weeks. Of course with the addition of the varietal grape, Cab Franc, this spraying could increase to every ten days. A big thank you to the personable owner/vintner, William Layton, who joined us in our visit. It will be fun seeing what directions this winery takes over the course of the near future.

Garvin Heights Vineyards (written Dec 16, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Frontenac Gris

This winery sits high atop a Mississippi River bluff in a town which also has an incredible art museum and a river front restaurant with their own version of a Boat House Lucy hamburger. You’ll find here an assortment of Tom Plocher, Elmer Swenson and the University of Minnesota's hybrid, mid-west hardy grape wines. Unlike most other Minnesota wineries, this winery successfully uses Minnesota oak in some of their wine production. Garvin Heights had the absolute best Frontenac Gris we tasted anywhere in mid-western states. Don’t miss trying their La Crescent, Edelweiss, Petite Pearl (a 2012 released hybrid) and Sabrevois wines. The later had a unique charcoal-asparagus hint of flavors not found before in wines which would be welcomed with red meats.

Cameron Hughes Wine (written Dec 08, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: various Cabernet Sauvignon offerings

Ignore the winery & ambiance star ratings since most people, I presume, order rather than visit this location. In their advertisements, Cameron Hughes admits that they do not own a vineyard, but rather search out the best wines from various vineyards and provide these at value prices. And to this end, they do exactly that with an outstanding cross-section of varietals from $-to-$$$ offerings. The wine choices are incredible from CA, OR, WA or imported, specific varietals, best sellers, topped reviewed, new releases and featured wines. They even sport a 'Fab Wines for $15' (or less) web page. I've been impressed with 90% of the wines received.

Wide River Winery (written Nov 02, 2018)
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The hospitality is over the top in this beautiful Mississippi River bluff winery setting. What a combination of sweet wine offerings (Niagara-Brianna, Vidal Blanc-Cranberry, Edelweiss-Niagara, Traminette-Niagara, Norton-Niagara, Norton-Raspberry, etc.). A long, narrow road to the winery, but a fun place to be upon arrival (you may need a drink by then). Very reasonably priced wines to boot. There are numerous locations in nearby cities, to include Illinois, where Wide River wines can be found.

Little Vine Vineyards (written Oct 28, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Three L's (Norton/Lenoir blend)

Drove out of our way to find this winery west of Atlanta (and it was worth it). The four grapes grown here are Lenoir (Black Spanish), Norton, Blanc du Bois and Herbemont (a grape more common to Texas). Though up to 9 tons of Norton can be harvested annually from 1.5 planted acres, the grape has not been a customer favorite so far. The owner has hopes that the 2016 harvest may be different when released. We particularly enjoyed the Blanc du Bois and 'Three L's' Norton/Lenoir (50/50) blend. Though not tasted, if you prefer an Off-Dry fruit wine a Norton/blueberry blend is available.

Stone Hill Winery (written Oct 23, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Norton

Norton Wine Review: So many choices of reds, whites, rose, port, sparkling, or dessert wines which will accommodate all tastes. Stone Hill Vineyards year in and year out provides true award winning wines. Though they have a prominent gift store you have to pass through to get to the tasting rooms, you never feel like you are being pushed through a bad tourist trap. After experiencing a Stone Hill tower Norton tasting of wines from 2007-2016 and selecting, for my taste, the 2015 as the wine to wait for, I was able to pick up recently a couple cases of this Missouri Governor’s Cup winner (Stone Hill’s 2016 Norton was this year’s winner also). I will age in bottle this for six-to-eight more years or longer if possible. Hopefully, this will go down as a ‘classic’ Norton wine. If you want to know what Norton wines are all about, visit Stone Hill Winery. Beautiful location with parking atop a knoll in the town of Hermann. Enjoy this historic scene, restaurant and the best of what Missouri can offer in the way of wines. For those traveling by RV, there is a city park with full hookups at the foot of the hill which makes traveling through this section of Missouri very manageable.

Whispering Bluffs Winery (written Oct 22, 2018)
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We went to Potosi for their famous Wisconsin Potosi beer and found incidentally this delightful wine tasting room. Combine a few new dry wines to our vocabulary, Marechal Foch & Marquette, with an enthusiastic hostess, Deb, and you’ve got a great experience coming into this state. Unique was that all the wine bottles had ascribed to them bird identification and original art work of each species; as, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (Marquette/Cab Sauv), Kingfisher (Foch/Cab Sauv), Red Tail Hawk (Foch/Marquette/Cab Sauv), Indigo Bunting, etc. because 80% of all North American birds are seen in the Upper Mississippi Valley Flyway where this vineyard is located. First planted in 2008 with 3.5 acres, the owners are now expanding their vineyards by an additional five acres. Admittedly, most of the wines are Semi-Sweet or Sweet, but we are glad to have found four of their dry wines really fun.

Lake Pepin Winery (written Oct 22, 2018)
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Ignore the winery and ambiance ratings, ~ you come here for the unique mid-western wines. This is a 30+ year planted Minnesotan winery with an owner who wishes to use only his grapes or local state sources. John Marshall went out of his way to accommodate our tasting requests and even let us try wine examples of items ‘sold out’ as his Belle’s Bree, a Swenson Briana grape, which was a surprisingly refreshing white. A bit of sugar was added to the Frontenac Gris to give this wine a touch of taste. The Marquette grapes, planted in 2002, and fermented in stainless steel (seemingly oak is not popular in mid-western wines as stated by our host) was quite dry and could be enjoyed now or could be held for another year or so. The real surprise today was Lake Pepin’s Frontenac which normally is blended or has some sugar added by most local wineries, but not in the case of this 2017 vintage. This straight Frontenac just worked perfectly this year ‘as is’. We may be sorry that we did not buy more of this unique mid-western Frontenac release.

Spirit Knob Winery (written Oct 21, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Norton

Another Illinois surprise find for its wine, setting and owner/vintner’s friendliness. Though closed for the day, Matt Schulte came up from the winery’s basement where he was working to give us a non-rushed introduction to some of the finest wines to be found in Illinois. Let me just leave you with the fact that this winery has been awarded eleven gold and double gold Illinois medals in 2018 alone, produced the Illinois Bicentennial Wine and was praised by the Chicago Tribune for its offerings. All this plus very reasonably priced wines. We left with 2017 Estate Norton bottles which we will put away for another four or five years. The rest of the case consisted of Traminette and their Bluff Ridge White (roughly 40% Chardonel, 40% Vignoles, 20% Traminette). Planted first in 1998 and developed over the years, you will be treated at this bluff location located near the Mississippi River Road, but not in view of the waters.

Blue Sky Vineyard and Winery (written Oct 21, 2018)
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Though probably the most beautiful of Southern Illinois vineyard settings, there was nothing authentic here including the massive Italian themed winery or their wines. The site was first planted in 2001 and has had time to develop its grape selections, but we could not find any of note to report. Even our hostess admitted to the wines, for the most part, being ‘green’ which included their examples of Chambourcin, Norton and an exceedingly disappointing varietal incorrect tasting Cabernet Franc. Oh well, the setting is just perfect for a wedding venue.

Robller Vineyard Winery (written Oct 18, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Norton

Jerry, the owner’s son, went out of his way to accommodate our fifth visit. Each time the experience just tops the last. Picked up a case of their 2014 Old Vine (25 years old vines) Norton which will continue to age well in bottle. Uniquely, this wine was aged for 24 months in both Missouri Chinkapin and White oak barrels making for a smooth tasting Norton example. The offerings of Vidal, Vignoles, Seyval, Traminette, an impressive dry St. Vincent Rose, Chambourcin, Norton and other blends make this a Missouri standard for wineries. This winery stands with our top three Missouri Norton wineries.

Noboleis Vineyards (written Oct 18, 2018)
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With high recommendations from a very knowledgeable Missouri Norton guru, we visited this delightful, relatively new setting two years ago. The open vineyard grounds lent themselves nicely to available appetizers and wine. A surprisingly large cross-section of successful white wines, blends and a few reds were already produced which were representative examples of what Missouri has to offer. We revisited this winery recently to find that this winery no longer produces their fine French oaked Norton wine of years past. Picked up two 2014 Norton bottles with crossed fingers for finer tastes to be expressed in the future as this wine ages in bottle. Be prepared for the weekend rush of visitors to this location.

Baxter's Vineyards (written Oct 15, 2018)
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Supposedly, Baxter’s Winery is Illinois’ oldest winery. Back in 1880 there were over 600 acres of grapes and 40 wine cellars in Nauvoo. Today Baxter’s Vineyards survives with 16 acres of grapes with 13 varieties being harvested each year. Interestingly, most wines do not have a vintage year ascribed to them since the bottles contain a mixture of different harvest. We were treated to their tart/sour non-oaked Norton, a Chambourcin which had a brown color and toasted flavor from the blend of Chambourcin, Corot Noir, Norton & Noiret, a very soft Captain’s White (Swenson White, Frontenac Blanc & Petit Ami) and a surprisingly Riesling like Semi-Dry Icarian White (Vidal/Traminette). A fun tiny tasting room which also sold herbs, cheese, candies, baked goods and fruits from the property. First three tastings free, but who is counting.

StarView Vineyards (written Oct 15, 2018)
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This winery was known as Wing Hill Winery in years past, but now has been taken over by a delightful young couple. A rural setting with a well balanced assortment of Dry, Semi-Dry and Sweet wines. They also offer salads, sandwiches and appetizers while at the winery. I would have to describe the wines tasted across the board as ‘tame’. Though interesting, none stood out as an exceptional example of what could be found in this wine trail area.

Alto Vineyards (written Oct 15, 2018)
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A nice roadside setting with ample examples of estate produced wines. The winery has been in this town for over 30 years. We tasted only their Chambourcin and Norton wines which I felt were released much to early to the public. No purchases made. Alto Vineyards $5 tasting fee for six tastes which includes the glass. 2 tasting are on the house

Cache River Basin Winery & Restaurant (written Oct 15, 2018)
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An unusual setting which included lots of outdoor seating, a comfortable tasting room, its Wineaux’s Restaurant which is open Fri-Sun and its own helicopter pad for visiting aviator tourists. Over sixteen wines are offered to hopefully entice visitors to their assortment of white, red and desert wines. To be frank, we were disappointed in their Chambourcin and Norton offerings. But that is just my take on what I expect from some varieties.

Owl Creek Vineyard & Café (written Oct 12, 2018)
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Signs up everywhere on all major highways and rural roads giving directions to Owl Creek Vineyards. That’s all fine, but for the fact upon reaching the winery with unattended, dried up vines, we found a worker loading a large truck who simply stated “we’re moving to another location”. This was confirmed at another winery that Owl Creek indeed was moving within the Shawnee Hills Wine Trails region. Hopefully, web page updates will be made indicating their new address in the near future.

Hogg Hollow Winery (written Oct 12, 2018)
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A small family ‘farm’ winery with most examples consisting of sweet fruit wines, but we were glad to find available two interesting dry wines. The white Chardonel/ Vignoles (60/40) had a bright crisp taste and the 2015 Vintners Choice was a 50/50 blend of Norton/Chambourcin having been ‘oaked’ partially with French chips. The latter was a good example of a drink-now wine holding up well with a meal. We enjoyed trying their Hogg Wild blend (blackberry, Norton, Vignoles) which was a good take on a mix of fruit & grapes without the usual syrupy tastes commonly found in fruit wines. This was a fun remote rural setting find. Tasting fee not refunded w/purchases.

Elmaro Vineyard (written Oct 12, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Edelweiss

Blow you away setting in the middle of corn fields somewhere near the Mississippi River. A very special place to sample Northern hybrid grape wines; as, St. Pepin (wonderfully dry and tart), La Crescent (quite fruity with a green apple finish), a 100% Marquette which mellows out nicely somewhere between the third and seventh sip and a charmingly fruity Edelweiss grape/wine which is sure to please many. Top this by meeting Lynita, the owner & vintner on a very busy Saturday afternoon and you have the perfect visit to a most unique setting. Lynita pulled out of her special cabinets a Red Tail wine which will be offered in the near future. Though her grapes are estate grown, sourced locally or in the case of Chambourcin grapes coming from Arkansas, she admitted to trying Tannat grapes from California to blend with Marquette and a bit of Chambourcin. We were most privileged trying maybe the best Tannat wine I’ve ever tasted. She nailed it with this blend. Winery, a close by museum complete with Monet, Renoir & Picasso offerings and maybe the best seafood anywhere between Portland, ME and Portland, OR in nearby Marshland, WI. What a fun setting.

Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery (written Sep 28, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Vignoles

Oh what a difference eight years makes in revisiting a winery. Eight years ago I was disappointed with their young 'green' Norton wine, but today you get a nice, yet lighter than anticipated, example of a Kentucky estate grown wine. Surprises which we did not expect, including the black Newfoundland/Labrador dog, were offerings of Zinthiana (Zin x Norton), Crimson Cabernet (Norton x Cab Sauv) and Cabernet Dore (Norton x Cab Sauv white seedling). All three crosses are a must for trying something uniquely new and not available for the most part anywhere else. Here you will find many dry, semi-dry and sweet wines. Have fun visiting.

Chattooga Belle Farm (written Aug 24, 2018)
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Let me be honest in stating that you go to Chattooga Belle Farm for the incredible setting, view, bistro and not necessarily only for the muscadine & one 'lite' Cynthiana [Norton] wine. The distillery down the hill is another side to this picture with tastings of moonshine, brandies, gins, vodkas and whiskeys. Belle's midday Bistro is fun for their Southern service, the mountain views, delightful selections of soups, salads & sandwiches and yes, a glass of accompanying wine. I promise you that you'll not leave without something canned, bottled or fresh from the adjacent farm store.

Wellborn Winery (written Jul 05, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Seyval Blanc/Traminette 'Woodsy White' blend

The winery's grand opening day for our visit. Crowded small, yet adequate 'downstairs' tasting room with covered seating available outside overlooking the woodland vineyard. Their estate grapes are supplemented by a larger vineyard up-the-road in Tigerville, SC. Most of the grape and fruit wines tend to be semi-dry or sweet to accommodate anticipated local tastes. To be admired is their venture into locally grown American hybrid grapes; as, Lenoir (Jacquez or Black Spanish), Chambourcin, Chardonel, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Leon Millot, Marechal Foch plus Vitis rotundifolia 'Tara', 'Carlos' and 'Farrer'. A few of the small batch fruit blend offerings are infused with 'oak staves'. To be noted were two off-dry wines that caught us surprisingly intrigued with their first offerings, ~ Seyval Blanc/Traminette 'Woodsy White' without the typical astringent Traminette taste and a unique South Carolina Lenoir 'Deep Purple'. Go out of your way to find the Beninati's (Wellborn English translation) new attraction near Hwy 11's Cherokee Trail.

Three Sisters Vineyards (written Jul 02, 2018)
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Norton Wine Review: Our personalized visit included a barrel tasting of a Norton to come in a year or so (a big thanks for the comparison). A sincere enthusiasm was shared with all customers who made the effort to find Three Sisters Vineyards' beautiful setting near Dahlonega, GA. With a bit of time in the bottle, this Norton will stand up to Virginia’s better Norton examples and will be an interesting contrast to some of the finer Missouri Norton wines. Of the three close by Norton wineries in Dahlonega, GA, ~ this is by far #1. I highly recommend putting this Norton down for at least four-to-five years. We opened a nine year old 3 Sisters' Norton recently, ~ stunning!

Linville Falls Winery (written May 27, 2018)
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A sincere effort is being made to introduce serious wines in the harsh 3,200' climates of western North Carolina’s mountains. The vineyards were planted in 2001 along steep hillsides and a visitor’s tasting room was opened in 2013. Interestingly, Marquette, Noiret, Marechal Foch, Petit Verdot, Seyval Blanc and Riesling grapes have adapted to this unique setting. It will be interesting to follow the development of this winery in the years to come.

Banner Elk Winery (written May 27, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Seyval Blanc

Here’s the scoop, ~ you can’t find this place by GPS, forget maps (the locals steal the road signs) and the marked signs are regulated by a strange concept of North Carolina DOT laws (all distances are to the winery, not to the turn off roads which of course can’t be followed because the signs were stolen years ago). On a positive note, ~ serious wines are being produced at 4200’ in a very harsh setting. Though grapes are also used from other NC sources for their Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec blends, Banner Elk Winery produces quite successfully estate Seyval Blanc ($25) and Marechal Foch ($29) wines. A unique clean, minerally taste in the Seyval Blanc and a very smooth ‘quiet’ Marechal Foch expression found usually in only our most northern states or as far north as Canada. Throw in some extra time to find this location and enjoy the setting of this sincere effort to produce serious wines in an area dotted with Southern ski slopes. Kudos are in order for their generous 15% military discount. Thank you.

Thistle Meadow Winery (written May 27, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: Amarone (Vox label)

24 dry wines, 16 sweet wines, 2 dessert wines and 2 cooking wines (Devil’s Potion jalapenos, Dracula’s Demise garlic). As it turns out, not a single vine can be found at this location and ALL of their grapes/juices are ‘imported from wherever’ (the vintner’s words). When I asked where the Viognier originated from, he did not have a clue. Are you starting to suspect this winery? Admittedly, it was a curiosity that they produced wine examples from such grapes as Pinot Blanc, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viogneir, Gewurztraminer, Johannesberg Riesling, Gamay grapes, Pinot Noir, Sicily’s Nero D’Avola, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, a Chateauneuf-du-Pape blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre & Cinsault (with a touch of oak and elderberries), Montepulciano, Argentinian Malbec, old vine Zinfandel, an Italian Stud which they say gets confused with liquid Viagra, a Cab Sauv, Carmenere and the unique taste of an Italian Amarone. I’m not going to go through the list of sweet grapes used on page two of their menu. So why go here? 1) ~ they are semi-close to the Blue Ridge Parkway 2) ~ you need wine making supplies. 3) ~ curiosity got the best of you. In spite of an amazing diverse offering, we were not able to find wines here with typical expected character. Their cutely named labels do not indicate what wines are in the bottle (better mark before leaving the winery).

12 Spies Vineyards (written Jan 07, 2018)
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Favorite Wine: 2016 Traminette

Eight vinifera wine choices plus cheese and salami trays are available. With only one planted acre of grapes, wines are produced predominantly from California and New York state juices plus muscadine grapes from Albany, Georgia. This is a 'hobby' winery where you will find most dry bottle prices in the mid $23-to-$27 range. Sweet wines were approximately ten dollar less expensive. Disappointing was the lack of estate or grapes grown from the local Northeast Georgia hills. Nice setting and helpful hostess.

Holy Grail Winery (written Dec 14, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Malbec

This new, small, side street winery tasting room may be moving to a new location outside of town in the near future. Here you will find an assortment of unique varietals and blends; as, 'Signature 7' dry red blend consisting of Petit Verdot, Malbec, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot with Pinot Noir & Missouri Norton (each bottle individually numbered and signed by the vintner); American Bordeaux (Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec); Pinot Noir, Norton Reserve, Norton Raspberry, Malbec, Rougeon semi-sweet red, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Vignoles, Vidal Blanc, Chocolate Port (brandy infused Chambourcin), Chardonel white port and a Cabernet Sauvignon Ice Wine. The wines, unfortunately, are not as outstanding as the rendered $40, $75 & $90 prices. Though Lonnie, the vintner, may tell you they are the #1 recognized winery(?), all this may settle down a bit in time.

Crane Creek Vineyards (written Dec 11, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Hellbender Norton

Norton Wine Review: Our first attempt at securing Crane Creek Vineyard’s Hellbender was not to be since they were already sold out in late summer, but a Fall release was promised. O.K., I know you are wincing from this Hellbender term, so understand that this wine is named for the rare, locally found, orange-red, 20" long, largest salamander in the western hemisphere. So mid-November, 2010 I drove again over two hours one way through beautiful mountain back roads to retrieve the announced release of their 2007 Hellbender. Crane Creek's wines are produced on a nineteen acre vineyard at 2100’ elevation with one acre set aside for these non-lyred Norton vines which were set out in 1996. Approximately 225 Hellbender cases annually can be produced if all goes well with the harvest. This was a no excuses dry 100% Norton wine with a typical initial Southern slight sour taste due maybe(?) to local soils and begging to be put away for four years or more. This Norton didn't portray being overly oaked in spite of the fact that it had been held in Pennsylvania Oak barrels (very similar to French Oak according to the vintner) for over 25 months. Weather, setting, host, visitors, a stunning black bean soup, two well behaved dogs, and a pleasantly different Norton made for a great day. I opened my first 2007 Hellbender bottle for 2012's Father's Day. Oh my, was this an outstanding vintage year! Since then we have acquired a 2010 case which we are now enjoying and last week we picked up Crane Creek's new gelatin fined 2015 vintage ($29) to 'lay down' for several years. When you go, be prepared to chose from fourteen wine alternatives. I was especially enchanted with their 2016 Virginia oaked $21 Enotah White Chardonel (a cross between Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay).

Chateau Meichtry (written Dec 05, 2017)
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Our 2017 adventure finding this new, new, new location comes with hopes of maturing into a 'go-to-winery' in the years to come. Though the setting is fantastic, the offerings are limited at this time from their very young and limited estate production of Albarino, Norton, Noiret and Seyval Blanc wines. To fill in the time, most of the current insignificant tasting vinifera wines offered are from west coast grapes/juices. To balance out the tastes of the local population, a second page of sweet muscadine wines are also offered. Though sold out, the owners were very gracious to 'find' one of their libraried $35 2015 Norton wines for me to put away for tasting in the years to come (80% Norton/20% Noiret). Appreciated was that all gratuities were designated for a children's hospital.

Odom Springs Vineyards & Lodge (written Dec 04, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Earl's Reserve Chambourcin

Let me encourage you to visit this new, up-and-coming winery. I was impressed with their recent, original selection of American-French hybrid plantings (Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc and Norton). What a hoot are some of the locally worded labelings for their various offerings (RoDawg Red, Just Loaferin' and They Lord). Though still young and slightly thin tasting, we were impressed with what will surely come in future years to their Chambourcin (Earl's Reserve) and Norton (Naughty) wines. The setting is primed for casual relaxation & wine on the deck or as a small, private event center.

Cartecay Vineyards (written Dec 04, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Chimney Delight Norton

Cartecay Vineyards is located at a 1,500' elevation backwoods, informal winery setting with many of its grape vines originally planted in 2008. I was pleasantly surprised with their dry, crisp Vidal Blanc ($23) taste. They offer both a Norton 'Chimney Red' ($21) Vidal Blanc, Merlot blend and a light, port styled 100% Norton ('Chimney Delight' $19). This last mentioned Norton was not as sweet as I had anticipated and worthy serving with red meat. With Chardonel grapes being planted in 2016, this will be another reason to return in the years to come.

Georgia Winery, The (written Dec 04, 2017)
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Cweeeet Wine Haven for those who like such. Here you find the full gamut of sugary muscadine and fruit wines. I went for trying their one Norton grape wine ($28 Dread Head Red) and found it also blended with a 'bit' of red muscadine. The red muscadine grapes were local and the Norton grapes came from a nearby winery in Ellijay, GA. Though unique for the attempt to use a failed red muscadine harvest, the blend wine score resulted in a bland, uncharacteristic Norton wine.

Overmountain Vineyard (written Aug 18, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Cabernet Franc

Tastings are going to cost you $15, but Overmountain is more than accommodating to present 'partial tastings'. Planted in 2000 at approximately 1,200' elevation, there are seventeen acres of Petit Manseng, Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot & Petit Verdot on a seventy acre, rolling hills setting. Call ahead to have Stone Soup sandwiches from Landrum, SC catered to this location or bring your own food to enjoy with Overmountain's wines. My travel buddy and I were taken back by the refreshing, prepared in stainless steel, Chardonnay (grapes brought in from a nearby Rockhouse Vineyard) & Camellia '16 blend which used their own Petit Manseng grapes. Though not to our tastes, try their unique strawberry bouquet, dry, light Petit Verdot Rosé. We found the 13 month French oaked Petit Verdot interestingly slightly tart. We left with bottles of 2015, drink now or hold for a while, Cabernet Sauvignon. Their most recent 100% Petit Manseng was not ready at the time of our visit for tasting or sales. We were privileged to taste a soon to be released, 75 cases, of Cabernet Franc. We will most definitely return as soon as Overmountain Vineyards releases this wine. Offered also, by reservation, is a $35 Elevated Tasting, including all their current and new release wines, plus an extended winery tour.

Mountain Brook Vineyards (written Aug 18, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Petit Verdot

You forget that you are in North Carolina when you taste Mountain Brook Vineyards wines. Though there is a $10 tasting fee for offered wines, this is adjusted for partial tastings. The home porch, 1,100' elevation, setting at this seven acre vineyard, make you feel as if you are in the mountains. The best way to describe the 24 month French oaked Cabernet Sauvignon is simply, ~ 'wonderful'. I was taken back by Dennis' 2013 Deep South, American Oaked, Petit Verdot after letting it breathe for ten minutes or so. I'm betting that we have here a nice treat after aging this wine for a few more years. Bring a pad along for writing wine notes at this location. Be aware that a long flight of stairs must be used to access the tasting room.

Russian Chapel Hills Winery (written Aug 18, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

The emphasis here is not on the numbers of different wines, but the quality of wines offered from this seventeen acre vineyard. My Napa experienced friend let out a note of 'Fabulous' with his first carmel sip of 2014 lightly French oaked Chardonnay. A bright, stainless steel fermented Sauvignon Blanc followed. Of the four reds, we found interesting the dark flavored 2014 Mosaic (60% Cab Sauv, 20% Cab Franc, 20% Chambourcin). We preferred their outstanding, clean, varietally correct with some degree of finesse 2014 'Kagor' Cabernet Sauvignon. I also could not leave without their 'jammy' 24 month, uniquely French oaked 2014 Chambourcin not advertised on their web site. Interestingly, Russian Chapel Hills offers three Bodegas Antonio Alcaraz wines from the Rioja Spanish region under their own 'Karma' label. Yep, I packed away an example for our drive home. I appreciated the nice bifold information sheet presented for note taking. The five 'stars' represents our comparison to Southern wineries, not to tastes of other regional, domestic wines.

Michael Shaps Wineworks (written Jul 31, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Petit Verdot

A visit to Michael Shaps Wineworks is for the wines, not the show. Here you will experience the best that Virginia has to offer. Actually, you get to experience not only wines from 67 select, long term leased Virginia vineyard acres, but also French $$$ burgundy wines from Michael Shaps' owned French 'wineworks'. We are not typical white wine drinkers, but were blown away with Shaps' buttery, long finish 2016 Viognier ($28). What a surprise and we now know why Virginia may have chosen the Viognier for their state grape. Then again we were taken back by the available 2014 $35 Petit Verdot (82% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec, 9% Merlot). What a highlight this visit was on our three days skirting nine out of Virginia's forty-six Petit Verdot wineries.

King Family Vineyards (written Jul 20, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: 2014 Petit Verdot

The original setting was set up for equestrian polo by Texans in 1996 and by 1998 the owners were convinced that their properties were ideal for vineyards. Though we came a bit late for normal service, the staff sized us up quickly and readily accommodated our requests for tasting specific wines. Beautiful setting with the addition of a food truck at the entrance of the tasting room serving crab salad, shrimp & lobster rolls and other items that would pair well with the wine offerings. What a different and neat idea for those sitting around with a King Family Vineyards wine. In spite of the beautiful setting, prices were a bit more grounded compared to the accelerated prices of nearby wineries, plus not only were there 5%, 10% & 15% regular purchase discounts (more for wine club members), but they also attached another military 10% discount for those deserving. How classy, ~ thank you! Just for the record, we could not leave without a case of their 22 month French oaked 2014 Petit Verdot. Drink now or hold for several years, but I can see us returning for more in the years to come to this delightful Virginia setting.

White Hall Vineyards (written Jul 16, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: 2014 Petit Verdot

The side door approach to this venue hides the surprise, handsome tasting room and impressive glassed in winery operations. You may wish to double check to find out what wines are available for tasting since some wines come in limited supply. We left with a fruit forward Viognier, 2015 oak seasoned Cabernet Franc (80%/20% Cab Sauv), Cabernet Sauvignon (95% with a splash of Merlot, Cab Franc & Petit Verdot) and 2014 Petit Verdot (85%, 10% Cab Sauv, 5% Merlot - 50 cases produced). Reasonably priced wines come with 10% discount for three bottles and 15% discount on cases. Our hostess was most accommodating for our telephoned late arrival.

Gabriele Rausse Winery (written Jul 16, 2017)
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A curious, small hide-a-way setting in the woods serving an array of unique Gabriele Rausse's take on Virginia grown Chardonnay, Vin de Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Malbec, Merlot, Cab Franc and Cab Sauv grapes. Only a table with a few seats and the bar are available for those who choose the wine & small tid bit freshly prepared food pairing offering. Reasonably priced wines with discounts for three and twelve bottle purchases. Go to their web site to get a complete Virginia listing of 58 stores and 16 restaurants selling these wines.

Glen Manor Vineyards (written Jul 15, 2017)
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We went for the Petit Verdot, but came away with so much more, ~ the history of a 1901 family highlands farm, a farmer growing today grapes at approximately 1,400' in harmony with nature, his working 24/7 to make this natural approach possible and with their oenological studies looking at the future for what else can be planted in this steep terrain with complicated climate (come back in 2030 for their Nebbiolo wine). Yes, the wife can be a bit overwhelming with her enthusiasm of what they have accomplished, but prepare yourselves to be entertained with what you will learn about all that is good with Virginia wines today. We left with multiple purchases of four stunning Glen Manor Vineyards examples (Sauvignon Blanc, 2014 Cabernet Franc, a 2013 St. Ruth blend (46% Cab Franc, 46% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot) and of course their outstanding 2013 Petit Verdot). Be aware that their wines can be expensive overall ($25-$50), but the setting tells the story.

CrossKeys Vineyards (written Jul 15, 2017)
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Classy, large vineyard and winery setting offering a wonderful cross section of French varietals and blends. Service was a bit disjointed with only one young lady providing the tastings, doing all sales and greeting visitors who may have wanted to order a glass of wine to sit elsewhere. Because of this, we opted to do only a 'short' tasting of two reds (no charge) and maybe have missed out on their Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, blends, Merlot, Touriga, Chambourcin (French-American hybrid), Meritage & dessert wines. Came away with a couple 2015 Petit Verdot wines which we will put away for awhile and a libraried 2011 Petit Verdot. Be aware that their 2017 Virginia Governor's Cup gold medal $35 2015 Cabernet Franc is not available for tasting. A thank you is in order to CrossKeys for not doubling/tripling the cost, as other Virginia winery winners often do, with their wine's success. A generous military discount is provided for all bottle purchases.

Jefferson Vineyards (written Jul 15, 2017)
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Asked for tasting of two wines (no charge) and were served four. Delightful, unrushed young crew serving us this day. Some interesting production techniques at this location; as, wines are barreled and stored at slightly lower temperatures than found at other wineries; their Cabernet Franc ($25) was French oaked for 90% time and then the remaining time in new American oak; the delicious Viognier ($30) was French oaked 89% of the time and finished in stainless steel; the 2014 $32 Meritage grapes (36% Petit Verdot, 35% Merlot, 20% Cab Franc, 9% Cab Sauv) were all independently barrel oaked for 17 months and then barrel combined for 5 months and their unfiltered Petit Verdot was 30% American and 70% French oaked in 32% thinner barrels for better 'airing'(?) with 50% skins & stems and 50% grapes used. The average rating of the wines was predominantly influenced with the fact that their Petit Verdot had the unusual character that it must be sipped 'unswirled'. Unswirled and the wine had a nice deep aroma and complex taste, but swirled it lost both aroma and the taste turned flat. The best part of the visit was my wife's meeting of the English gardener who takes pride in beautifully presenting this winery horticulturally.

Virginia Mountain Vineyards (written Jul 14, 2017)
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Fun finding a secluded vineyard in the hills near I-81 at 1600' which gets attention for several medal winning wines over the years. Just how did these two New Englanders ever find their perfect spot to develop 10 acres of grapes. Planted in 1997 with their first wines being offered in 2006. Reasonably priced vinifera wines and blends to include the hard to grow and produce Petit Verdot. Deer don't seem to be a bad problem at this location, but the raccoons and wild turkeys seemingly enjoy this site for the available grapes which are produced consistently over the years.

Pollak Vineyards (written Jul 14, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Viognier

First plantings 2002, followed by open facilities in 2008 in a stunning, back road mountains and lakeside setting. On the day we visited the $8 tasting included seven vinifera wines plus two others for sale, but not available for tasting ($50 2013 Cab Franc & $30 2012 Viognier dessert wine). Here we found a pleasant, crisp 2016 Viognier ($26). The $28 2015 Cabernet Franc was a bit thin, disappointing and should not have been offered. Compared to other outstanding Virginia Petit Verdots, we found Pollak's 2015 $30 example light in color and not typical to varietal taste. A bread, cheese and jam fare is available for inside or outside seating.

Cavender Creek Vineyards and Winery (written May 07, 2017)
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Norton Wine Review: This was the last line of my 2012 notes after visiting Cavender Creek Winery ~ 'We look forward to returning and watching this vineyard mature into something special in the world of Norton wines.' Well, five years later after taking two steps forward, they have completed taking five steps backwards. Lets start with the tasting now costing TWELVE DOLLARS for four tastes (if you can't sell wine, make a living selling tastings?)! Add to this, the cost of the tasting is not accounted for if you wish to purchase wines! Five years ago you had a delightful, slightly tart Dulcinea White elegant Petit Manseng, but today you have a choice of a 2014 80/20 Petit Manseng/Viognier blend or 2015 100% Petit Manseng with both having no body, green and no herb taste. The viognier 80/20 blend with Petit Manseng had little to show. Five years ago you had a merry-go-round of six Norton combinations. Today, two with one being a 'One-Eyed Jack' (80% Norton/20% Merlot) and the other Sancho Panza Red (70% Norton 15% Cab 10% Merlot 5% Touriga). Both displaying an inheritance of wrong soils. Other wines were disappointing also. Did I mention the three lady hostess on our side of the bar doing almost nothing except talking with each other while one young gentleman hustled trying to catch the eyes of customers, washing glasses, darting back and forth? We did enjoy the dogs and chickens strutting about.

St. James Winery (written May 03, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: 2014 Cynthiana

Norton Wine Review: St. James Winery has a similar mission as Virginia’s Horton Winery in that they want to educate and introduce to its public good, affordable value wines. Alas, the $6 Norton wines of eight years ago that we tasted & bought by the case are today $11 [and a whole lot better]. Their mid-priced Reserve Norton wines are bargain value wines and stand up well to the best-that-Missouri has to offer. Gone are the plastic tasting sippy cups of years past that you used as if you were going through a Southern restaurant buffet line. Today the staff not only greets you, but sizes up your interest amazingly quickly. We came with three knowledgeable Norton wine fans from Nebraska and Missouri plus a couple who has the bad luck of living in the middle of 121 Sonoma Valley wineries. Not only were we served in nice stemware, but our hostess rinsed each glass with the next wine to be tasted! Among St. James' possible 34 wines and four McIntyre ciders, look for the Missouri Governor's Cup Winning 2015 Vignoles ($15). I truly enjoyed their Podium (available only in their tasting room) Traminette wine produced in stainless steel which pleasantly did not have a typical grapefruit character. So which Norton truly got our attention and purchases, ~ not the interesting 12 vineyard block $25 Norton Cellar Podium wine, nor the 2016 Estate $15 Norton, but rather the $11 2014 Cynthiana [Norton]. St. James is Missouri's largest winery which produces consistent quality wines year in and year out. It maybe time to open our last 2004 and 2005 St. James Reserve Norton wines!

Heinrichshaus Vineyard and Winery (written May 02, 2017)
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Norton Wine Review: Heinrichshaus' small winery proprietor insists that Cynthiana grapes were a sport of Norton grapes and his wines are "true" Cynthiana. Eighty-six year old Heinrich Grohe will even show you the pictured differences between the growing habits of the grape clusters. Supposedly there is not any controversy about the Cynthiana/Norton grape any more, . . . . . . . . . . or is it? In any case, this one man operation clicks and provides a superior Missouri Cynthiana ($15), a classic Chambourcin ($10), a Prairie Rouge of which he will not tell you the blend ($12) plus stunning, very reasonably priced examples of Chardonel, Vidal Blanc, Traminette and Vignoles. You may get lost trying to find the little sign to this location, but you will be glad you made the effort upon arrival. Out of over 140 Norton vineyards that we have visited in seventeen states, this stands as one of the top five in our list of Norton successes. No wonder Paul Roberts, who wrote the ©1999 From this hill, my hand, Cynthiana's Wine, referenced Heinrichshaus Winery not only for its contributions to the resurgent interests in the Norton grape, but to the development in Missouri's contemporary wine industry. Why not send Heinrich a birthday card (10/06/1930) thanking him for his contributions to a life of promoting good wines!

Hermannhof Winery (written May 02, 2017)
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Favorite Wine: Norton

Norton Wine Review: Six years ago I left an embarrassingly negative report on our downtown Hermann, MO wine tasting experience. I'm glad we went out of our way to revisit. Gone are the plastic sippy cups, replaced with generous stemware pours and a clean environment. The owners offer now their California vineyard vinifera wines at a separate tasting venue (Dierberg-Star Lane-Three Saints Tasting Room) and present at Hermannhof Winery fourteen Missouri grape & fruit wines. We were quite surprised with their refreshingly dry Vidal Blanc ($17), a Chambourcin ($20) aged only in stainless steel and a mature 2009 Missouri oaked $23 Norton (10% Cab Sauv). Often Norton wines are sold at too young of a vintage age, but Hermannhof has held this offering back nicely so that the public can learn of this grape's true mature deep flavors. Laurie, our hostess, was truly delightful and a great saleslady. Before she was finished with us she had zipped out cheese 'n sausage bits and convinced us that we truly did want Hermannhof's Norton Port ($30). Note that $6/5 sample tasting fees are not waived from bills, but a 15% discount is given for 4-11 bottles / 25% discount on 12 or more bottle purchases.

Veramar Vineyard (written Sep 26, 2016)
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*Norton Wine Review: We had an opportunity to try with appreciative fellow Nebraska Norton wine lovers an almost non-purchasable $50 2008 Veramar Norton which is not available for tasting at the winery. Comments by four tasters, ~ "smooth, a little thinner than anticipated"; "doesn't hold well on the back of the tongue"; "just a nice wine at a different price point"; "not exceptional and for $50 a bit underwhelming". // *Original posting May 2010, ~ Veramar Vineyard is a beautiful 100 acre setting surrounded by the Shenandoah hills where 5,000 gallons of wine are produced annually. There are 12 acres of vines at this site with other winery vine locations scattered nearby. A $5 (today $10) tasting fee is charged, but dropped with purchases. Though nine wine selections are listed, be aware that their $50 Estate Norton is not offered for tasting and only available to Veramar Estate Club members. Another thing that irked me a bit was that Reserve wines can only be tasted and purchased on weekends. I found it amusing that half of the wines had descriptions of pineapple or grapefruit. Sounded like we were getting ourselves into a fruit bar. Interesting was VV’s production of a 100% Mourvedre. We enjoyed the opportunity to try this Virginia grown Spanish wine, but left with only their Riesling/Vidal white and for a friend a Rooster Red blend (Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot).

Reid's Livery Winery (written Sep 24, 2016)
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Here are the facts: 1) out in the middle of nowhere Kentucky 2) a tiny country farm tasting setting filled with grape & fruit wines which all have tales behind each label 3) two of the nicest people you are going to meet anywhere west of the Atlantic. Ambiense?, I already told you, ~ it's a farm complete with stables which contributes to the great setting! Rex is the vintner who uses not only local grapes, but will use 'juice' from Ohio or New York if he has an idea. Diane works horses, but will give you her time behind the bar. Every bottle is a unique surprise; as, their 2013 Berea Rose (Cab Frank) which has a delightful 'bitterness' on the tongue caused by using Heaven Hill Distillery's once used bourbon barrels in wine processing. Reid's 2013 Norton (sold out) was an Indy International Double Gold winner. With changes in weather, the 2014 example could only be described as a drink now Norton ($20). Diane's description of their 'Harvest Blend' (75% Norton, 25% Ohio Petit Syrah) was a pleasant 'Busy' (which I conjured up as 'complex'). A lightly French oaked $16 2012 Hilltop Vineyard Blend (50% Cab Franc, 50% De Chaunac) just adds to the available variations. Reid's Livery surprise dry white New York state Moore's Diamond grape 2013 'Silver Streak' ($20) continued the unique tastes. Let's me end with mentioning their 2012 'Healthy Harvest Blend' ($20, 20% 2011 Cab Franc), the driest, no sugar added, Elderberry wine you will ever encounter. This is a Shut-the-Front-Door wine which will enthrall you glass after glass (and known to have medicinal qualities). If you are a Harvest Host member, the Reids will make this a never to forget stop.

Pirtle Winery (written Sep 17, 2016)
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Norton Wine Review: Wandering the back streets of tiny Weston, MO you'll find the operations of Pirtle Winery in an original 1867 Evangelical Lutheran Church. Limited parking, especially for larger vehicles and limited handicap access to the tasting room because of a long flight of steep stairs (wine patio is easily accessed from the street). Offered are a few grape, fruit and mead wines. Be aware that not all wines are from local or Missouri grapes. Their 2014 Norton ($17) was, supposedly, a Governor's Cup Gold Medal winner which had been aged six months in American oak and then six months in French oak. We found this Norton thin, green and immature. Were we substituted tiny sips of wine from our very quirky hostess who was more attuned to being full of laughter (and generous tasting pours) with a young couple at the end of the bar? Though interesting, their $18 Alhambra (St. Vincent/Norton blend) did not temp us with a purchase.

Baltimore Bend Vineyard (written Sep 17, 2016)
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Favorite Wine: 2012 Norton Reserve

Norton Wine Review: The adage of 'best-for-last' was completely the opposite for our six Kansas City area Norton winery visits. Unfortunately for the following five wineries, all had to be compared to our first encounter with hostess, Barbara, who accommodated our telephone request for an early arrival. BBV is a roadside store venue which maybe average, at best, in ambiense, but made up with 5-star friendliness. The first grape vine plantings began in 1997, with the tasting room opening in 2004. On this day seventeen grape and two fruit (apple, peach) wines were available. Their 2012 Norton ($18) American oaked wine was still a bit 'green' which I think will benefit from a few more years of rest in the bottle. Now here comes the sad part of this report not knowing what our day of tastings would encounter around Kansas City, ~ we only bought six of BBV's 2012 Norton Reserve ($20) produced in French oak. Thank you BBV for offering this unusually refined and complex example of Missouri's state grape/wine. This Norton example can easily stand up to any Norton found in VA, GA, KY and of course, Missouri. Also enjoy their nice, long finish American oaked Chambourcin ($18) and 2014 'C-squared' Chambourcin/Norton blend ($14) produced entirely in stainless steel vats. Baltimore Bend Vineyard is a Kansas City must stop wine venture.

OZ Winery (written Sep 17, 2016)
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Favorite Wine: 'Oil Can' (Norton)

Norton Wine Review: What can be said about ambiance in a city street winery in Wamego, KS? OZ was established around 2007. It's not too far from the Beecher Bible and Rifle Church. They give military discounts. It's got the absolutely craziest labels to be found for these $25 wines. For example, ~ 'Angry Trees' (Chambourcin), 'Drunken Munchkins' (Cab Sauv), 'Ding Dong' (De Chaunac), 'Ruby Sippers' (Baco Noir), 'Curl Your Stockings' (Syrah), 'Rusty Rivets' (a Frontenac blend), 'Squished Witch' (Ives Noir), 'Cyclone Cellar' (Foch) and of course 'Oil Can' (a fruity, drink now, stainless steel aged 2015 Norton). An assortment of Limited Edition wines are available; as, 'The Cowardly Lion' (Norton with a 'call for pricing' tag') is available, but we didn't go down that yellow brick road. Two free ample samples offered in plastic cups, then it goes into tasting flights served in stemware at a charge and by the glass. Our hostess' enthusiasm was wonderfully straight out of OZ.

Bluff Top at Rocheport & Bistro, The (written Sep 16, 2016)
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Norton Wine Review: This was our third pass to this winery situated along I-70 with its beautiful restaurant perched on a 15 acre bluff over looking the mighty Missouri River. The first two visits included wine tastings at the restaurant, but this time was our first experience at their rather new separate, expanded tasting room facility. Six free tastings are offered from their menu of twenty wines, but more samples are available for a fee. Also generous discounts are given for multiple bottle purchases. We appreciated Les Bourgeois' very clean French oaked 2015 Chardonel ($20). We were not up to trying several of their 'California' wines, but did taste their very light non-vintaged 'Jeunette Rouge' (72% Chambourcin w/the balance CA Syrah and Zinfandel) and not ready for the public, $25 2015 100% Noiret (Cornell University 2006 American-French hybrid release). The 2013 Premium Claret American oaked Norton ($25) was sadly very plain and lacked body. This Les Bourgeois Norton wine just missed the boat compared to other fine Missouri Norton wines. Maybe next year.

Terre Beau Vineyards (written Sep 15, 2016)
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Norton Wine Review: (Please refer to allisonjv's 2011 comments which, as usual, are spot on). Open only weekends eight months out of the year in a completely restored 1858 Presbyterian church (Catholic 1904-2003). Your visit will encounter John who now is, in his words, owner, vintner, host, bottlewasher and maintainer of four acres of Norton, Catawba, Niagra and Vignoles vines. John readily admits that working with the Norton grape is a tough endeavor with his 'no chemicals' Norton wine having been exceptionally good only two out of thirteen years. We were pleased to have met John who opened his doors to us on a not designated trade day and obtaining a courtesy purchase of his 2012 Norton ($18). Terre Beau Winery has lots of character with its large covered patio, banquet hall (former sanctuary), gift shop and winery room.

Stonehaus Farms Winery (written Sep 15, 2016)
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Norton Wine Review: Beautiful upscale setting, perfect for a wedding reception. You have a limited choice of dry, semi-sweet, sweet, fruit and dessert wines. We found it interesting and a change of pace that a Vivant ($15) dry white wine was offered rather than the more common Missouri Chardonel. Their 2013 $15 Cynthiana (Norton) was entirely produced in stainless steel giving it a bright open taste with little-to-no comparison to typical Missouri Norton examples. Though not tried, you will find here very reasonably priced examples of Chambourcin, Vidal Blanc, Vignole, Traminette and a primarily St. Vincent Rose Red.

Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery (written Sep 15, 2016)
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Norton Wine Review: A fourteen acre family owned vineyard started in 1984, located some 30 minutes west of Kansas City, MO, planted with American and French hybrids. The vineyard sports Chardonel, Seyval, Vignoles, Valvin Muscat, St. Vincent, Chambourcin and Norton grapes. Though, maybe the best of the St. Vincent wines ($15) offered in this area, it still had a twangy, tongue turning offering. The Chambourcin ($15) had been graciously American oaked for 12-15 months, but had not developed any true character on its own. Holy-Field's Cynthiana (Norton) was just too light/bright not revealing the dark complexities which can be found in nearby Missouri Norton examples. These tastes change with each year's production vintages and I would suspect what we sampled may have been the product of several years of tough regional agricultural weather.

Jowler Creek Winery (written Sep 14, 2016)
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Norton Wine Review: We went to Jowler Creek Winery specifically for their Norton wine, but found more refreshingly a host, Lexie, who was proud of her work setting and the surrounding Weston community. You have a limited selection (2 reds, 2 whites, 1 blush, 1 blend, 1 'bubbly' & 1 dessert wine) from this totally "Green Winery" (the chickens & goats roam freely). An interesting, non-grapefruit overtoned, yet still citrus tasting Traminette ($16) is offered. The 2014 Chambourcin ($20) was produced in stainless steel infused for a few months with oak staves/chips. We found the 2014 Norton ($20) too young and light to truly enjoy. I have reservations thinking that age will enhance this offering.

Amber Falls Winery & Cellars (written Jun 19, 2016)
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Favorite Wine: Chambourcin

Though only three grapes (Chambourcin, Blanc du Pois & Chardonel) are grown here, you have 19 wines to learn what you appreciate from the efforts of Amber Falls & Frau Judy introducing wines to mid-Tennessee. Their 2013 Chambourcin makes for an easy to drink table wine. Though not to my taste, I would encourage others to try their unique dry white Blanc du Bois and unusually light white Chardonel. Though sweet wines don't catch my interest, I was taken back by their fun spiced Cajunfest blend (Chambourcin, Chancellor, Concord). What a hoot! Had to buy several 'gift' bottles for friends. Note for the physically impaired: check if an alternate entrance is available other than the long stairs down to the tasting room. Limited parking and access for very large vehicles.

Keg Springs Winery (written Jun 19, 2016)
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Favorite Wine: Vidal Blanc

The best part about Keg Springs is the owner's complete honesty of what they can produce. After years of experimenting and learning what their soils can provide, lots of grape vines have been planted and ripped out (and that effort continues to evolve). You'll find here several 'California' reds produced at this location, a delightful locally grown dry Vidal Blanc and a collection of sweet muscadine & fruit wines to round out tastes for everyone.

Beans Creek Winery (written Jan 18, 2016)
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Favorite Wine: Reserve Cynthiana (Norton)

Norton Wine Review: Beans Creek Winery offers 32 different grape and fruit wines. I picked up bottles of 2002(?) ‘Chambourcin Reserve’ and ‘Cynthiana’ on my first visit. It was a chore finding a Tennessee wine in a state that produces only 600 acres of grapes annually. My first BCW’s Norton could be described as an acceptable table wine with no exceptional Norton wine character. Because of a thoughtful gift from a Tennessee friend, we were given a second BCW 2006 Cynthiana (Norton) to try once again. Palatable and this time referenced Norton grape tastes began to arise. Recently we were once again presented with yet another bottle, ~ this time a 2009 Beans Creek 'Cynthiana'. Bingo, ~ this six year old BCW matured bottle of Norton was a delightful surprise. Norton is a hard grape to work with and Beans Creek Winery is getting a handle on producing an enjoyable representative example of the Norton grape wine.

AmRhein Wine Cellars (written Oct 31, 2015)
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Favorite Wine: Petit Manseng white and Petit Verdot red

It has been two years since visiting AmRhein's beautiful setting near the Blue Ridge Parkway and four years since my last written overview. Normally you find the friendly husband & wife owners operating the tasting room, but I lucked out in coming very early in the morning and finding Seth McCombs, the vineyard's locally groomed vintner. Here you will find a nice cross section of grape varieties grown on 40 acres at unusually high east coast 1,800' to 2,600' elevations. Enough grapes are grown for approximately 10,000 cases of wine, but AmRein uses grape selections for 2,500 cases and sells the remaining grapes to other wineries. In past vintages I found Viognier, Traminette and Aglianico wines, but instead this year I was treated to a handsome selection of very reasonably priced Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Vidal Blanc and their gang buster Petit Manseng whites. Reds were limited on this visit to a bit more pricey Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and my favorite from this winery, a rich Petit Verdot. A few other 'eclectic' fruitier tasting wines are produced to round out their offerings. RV Harvest Host members will be delighted to find this comfortable, mountain destination vineyard setting.

Victoria Valley Vineyards (written Oct 31, 2015)
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Favorite Wine: Cabernet Franc

My first overview, seven years ago, of this relatively new winery indicated a potentially unique setting with limited offerings. We have today a charming winery and three stars for their wine efforts! What is surprising are fair priced vinifera wines grown in South Carolina. Many of the vines are now over fifteen years old and their fruit are producing some representative examples of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Petite Manseng blends, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. They serve informally mid-day selections of salads, an array of sandwiches and desserts until closing in a comfortable venue. Located in the Piedmont hillside off the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway, you have here a quality rural attraction. Enticed by one of their evening $$$ meals, we were stunned again with the service, five course gourmet food preparations and accompanying wines. It will be fun watching and tasting what developes in the years to come at Victoria Valley Vineyards.

Villa Appalaccia Winery (written Oct 06, 2015)
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Favorite Wine: Corvina Reserve

If you are looking for a commercial, pretentious East Coast winery, keep driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway to find such. But if you want to find unique wines with an Italian flair as Sangiovese, Aglianico & Corvina, blend combinations that are harder to pronounce than drink and both a sparkling white and a 'just for fun' sparkling red, ~ you've located the hard-to-find Villa Appalaccia Winery. This home setting is perched at 3,400' with its vineyards situated on a 1,600' shale outcropping. I would suggest double checking if they are open during late fall and early spring months when parts of the Blue Ridge Parkway may be closed for inclement weather.

Round Peak Vineyards (written Oct 06, 2015)
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Favorite Wine: Petit Manseng

Interesting setting which serves two entirely different lines of wines, one dry (Round Peak) and the other semi-dry & semi-sweet (Skull Camp). I limited my tastings to the Round Peak dry selections which were made up of only a few varietals and a slew of unique blends. Their Petit Manseng was the driest white blend Manseng I've ever experienced (60% Petit Manseng, 17.5% Viognier, 17.5% Chardonnay, 5% Traminette). That was a quick multi-bottle sell for me. I was about to purchase bottles of their Sangiovese, until I tasted their Cabernet Franc, but alas, that gave way when I was generously poured a 'Matrimonio Parfait' blend (Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Cab Franc, Merlot). Then it was an El Vino Loca (Petit Verdot, Tannat) blind purchase. At some point I had to stop tasting their assorted Barbera, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Muscat, Syrah, etc. blends. This travel stop was a pleasant change from other disappointing NC visited wineries. Oh, did I mention that people were coming in continuously to refill their glass jugs of available craft beers? Only disappointment was their $5 plus tax tasting fee which was not deducted from the purchase price of one bottle or one case.

Dr. Konstantin Frank's Vinifera Wine Cellars (written Aug 05, 2015)
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Spent the night, literally, in the parking lot waiting for this winery's noon Sunday opening. What a beautiful setting overlooking vineyards, Keuka finger lake and the opposing hillsides. A very large tasting room is set up to handle the anticipated numbers of visitors to this setting. The free tasting is artfully handled by a well trained staff. A wide selection of sparkling, white and red wines are offered during the tasting, but you can also select a wine of your choice from the extensive wine menu. Traditional fare to the unique, as their Rkatsiteli, are presented. Though not truly to our taste, we did leave with interesting examples of Gewurztraminer, Rkatsiteli and Lemberger wines.

Christian W. Klay Winery (written Jul 23, 2014)
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Norton Wine Review: Christian W. Klay Winery is located near the touristy Farmington, PA area. Our host stated that sixty verities of grapes are grown here at 2,400-2,800’(?). At the time of our mid-summer visit, seventeen grape or fruit wines were available. Most all wines were blends, so who knows how many different grapes were used in these concoctions. There were only three wines considered dry wines. ‘Blanc de Lafayette’ was touted to be similar to Sauvignon Blanc, but we thought it a grapefruity Traminette. Then there was a slightly oaked, brassy tasting Fort Necessity Chardonnay. Their only dry red was a light, bright Norton table wine. None of the typical darker characters of a Norton wine was displayed. The hint of cloves did not add to the enjoyment of this Norton offering. Credit our young server for believing us that the two-day-old opened cleaning fluid Norton needed to be replaced and she did accommodate us with a newly opened Norton which saved this visitation note from condemnation. On the Sunday afternoon we arrived, there was a bridal shower being held in the large adjoining barn, a blue-grass band playing on the covered deck patio and a lone young frazzled lady trying to get a bite to eat after 3:00 pm working the gift shop, wine tasting bar, cash registry and ‘information’ center. Her opening line was "though I’m from here, you’d think a person from these parts would know more about this area." And that about sums up our fruitless experience with the available wines tasted.

Twin Oaks Vineyard (written Jul 23, 2014)
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Favorite Wine: Royal Ruby Port (Norton-Chambourcin blend)

Promised Norton Wine Update Review from original Oct 2010 notes: *[Today we found the occasion to open Twin Oaks' eight-year-in-bottle aged 2006 22 month oak barreled $39 Hutson Reserved Norton wine. Oh my goodness, ~ the perfect, lightly smoked fennel aromas of a classic dark Norton wine. My wife's bouquet description popped out as "being rowed on a moonlit night surrounded by floating candles"] Twin Oaks Vineyards is a family operation with parent owners and sons working as vintner and manager. The tasting room sets over a gentle view of several acres of well labeled grape vines and pond. If coming in on a weekend, be prepared to enjoy the setting with a host of other visitors. Crowded, yes, but in an appreciative environment. A nice balance of dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet and specialty wines are offered. If crowded, you will be limited in trying to ask tasting questions since only two friendly men will be holding down fort for tastings, sales, and managing the vineyard events (in our case live music and people getting ice buckets with wine for sitting on the patio). The dry whites were nice, but to us not their strength. Here, like in surrounding vineyards, we found tastes of near equally blended Chambourcin and Norton grapes. Twin Oaks’ Shady Oak blend did not bring out the unique characteristics of each grape. The ’07 Norton, from 10 year old vines, seemed typical for Norton wines from Southeast Missouri, showing faint aromas and not as bold taste as can be found in the Augusta-Defiance areas of Missouri just west of St. Louis. Though a bit green in taste, which I don’t think will be helped with extended aging, this Norton was delightful tonight with marinated Italian seasoned, over-the-fire Prime T-bone steaks. Be aware that not offered in their tasting is an available 2006 Hutson Reserve Norton wine. *I will report later on this Norton when we find the right occasion to remember our nice Twin Oaks encounter. Likewise, TOV’s Chambourcin was clearly produced as a nice table wine which will have appeal to many, but again not bold or distinctive. Interestingly they not only present a dry Traminette, but have available a sweet Traminette which would have picnic appeal. When it came to TOV’s specialty wines they not only had a “Lite” Hutson Reserve port, but a Royal Ruby which my wife snatched up quickly. It was fun to see what could be again produced with a combination of Norton and Chambourcin grapes making an appealing port. This is a vineyard where we found a nice setting, interesting wines and great hospitality.

Stonewall Creek Vineyards (written Jun 18, 2014)
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Norton Wine Review: A new Norton wine endeavor has opened in the mountain piedmont area of Northeast Georgia serving already seven wines. Though their estate vines are very young at this time, they gladly note grapes gathered from nearby established Stack Farm & Frogtown vineyards with a separate 'Standing Deer Cellar' label. I encourage you to try their two young vine Petit Manseng variations which are not truly typical, but are nice, bright green, youthful examples. Their 2012 Standing Deer Cellar Norton was not characteristically distinct, but a nice 'drink now' Norton serving which I'm not sure aging will bring out much more local personality. I bought a couple bottles to hopefully prove me wrong in the years to come. [Note that there is a Thursday-Friday tasting a mile or so down the road at Bridge Creek and Saturday-Sunday tastings at the vineyard]

Tiger Mountain Vineyards (written Jun 18, 2014)
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Norton Wine Review: Tiger Mountain Vineyards has made an effort to introduce into the northeast region of the state three Norton wines. Because we live a little less than two hours away, we have made the trip here four times in seven years to re-evaluate our original thoughts of their Norton wines. And the results have us upgrading our Norton thoughts now to 3 stars. We came for tasting the current Norton and left with bottles of Viognier and one of the best Petit Mansengs we've ever tasted. In year's past we also appreciated Tiger's Mourvedre and Tannat. Part of the fun today was eating a delightful, well prepared lunch with friends in their 'Red Barn' covered outdoor setting (open seasonally Friday nights with reservations and weekend lunches). Take your time to try TMV's contrasting Cabernet Francs, Touriga Nacional and various blends. Tiger Mountain Vineyards serves three Norton wines. Rabun Red is a 40% Norton plus Cab Franc, Tannat, Malbec and Mourvedre blend and is a reasonably priced crowd pleaser. We were also served Mountain Cyn, a 50/50 blend of Norton and Cab Franc. Their $18 value Norton with 6-to-8% Mourvedre is a 'drink now' or hold wine. Somewhere between that $15 and $40 per bottle range, you are going to find a NE Georgia wine surprise.

Harkness Edwards Vineyards (written Feb 17, 2014)
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Favorite Wine: 'Night Heron' Norton

Norton Wine Review: What a surprise HEV 2009 Norton wine. Norton, a grape cultivar believed to be largely derived from Vitis aestivalis, is grown mainly in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic States, but this new Kentucky vineyard endeavor nailed it with their ‘Night Heron’ release. All the balanced varietally correct attributes of the Norton grape are presented in this full-bodied, fruit forward, peppery, with spicy earthed overtones wine. The dark ruby colored ”Night Heron’ is as good as the best Nebbiolo (small Baja California winery) I’ve ever tasted and compares well with the better California Zinfandels. Any problems, ~ yes. I only bought two bottles on my visit. I’m truly pissed. [Old Barn setting in the middle of a field with no bathrooms. Be forewarned]. Did I mention their Viognier? Spot on. // From their web site: "Due to a fire that destroyed our winery and inventory, our wine is currently out of stock. We apologize for the inconvenience. We hope to have the wine back on the market soon."

Deep Creek Cellars (written Aug 14, 2013)
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Norton Wine Review: Upon crisscrossing the scenic intersection of West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania one can find Friendsville, Maryland and a small, but an important winery which has commanded the respect by many for its Norton wines and its owner’s research and understanding of the background of the Norton grape. Paul Roberts, author of From This Hill, My Hand, Cynthiana's Wine, and his wife are more than happy to graciously meet you. You can find fine examples here of a Vidal, Pinot Gris, Seyval blend and Ursa Major (Zin/Norton blend). After hiding away our previously more reserved 2007 Ursa Major (84% VA grape Norton/16% Zinfandel) for four more years, we were greeted with an astounding knock-you-down bouquet and full mouth presentation of Norton flavors. Only two regrets, ~ regret #1 is that we did not buy a case of this ‘best of the East Coast’ Norton example vintage and regret #2 is that today this winery has reversed their Ursa Major blend (65% Zin/35% MD grape grown Norton). Now for the good news, ~ Deep Creek Cellars plans on releasing their first 100% Maryland grown Norton wine mid-2014. Our bags are packed!

Abingdon Vineyards (written Jul 22, 2013)
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Norton Wine Review: Abingdon Vineyard is not near the core center of Virginia wineries, but in the far west stretch of I-81 in a delightful town which offers tourist biking, theater & gastronomic surprises. And one of these attractions is a family operated winery. What a nice cross section of very reasonably priced wines, including their Norton and Norton blend wines. A dry Norton ($15) table wine can be found here, but for those that wish to have an ever so slightly sweeter Norton, try their 'Our Special Red' ($16 barrel aged blend of Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin and Norton). I've down graded, but maybe a bit generous, my rating since our last visit in 2010. Their Norton wine today is 'thinner' than in years past with less bouquet and not holding deep typical flavors. Weather and harvest could have lots to do with this current production. I will return to this delightful location in the years to come to taste their future Norton wines.

Seven Springs Winery (written Jul 04, 2013)
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Favorite Wine: Norton

Norton Wine Review: Seven Springs Winery may be a new endeavor, but their 12 wine offerings will completely surprise you. Their serious approach offers unique wines in this lake, tourist town setting. A fruity, lightly oaked Chardonel ($23), a stainless steel Dry Vignoles ($25) with non-offensive orange citrus overtones, a surprisingly crisp Traminette ($18) and other fun whites are available. I was enticed to this winery by a fellow Norton wine enthusiast. Though the two of us have many similar favorite locations, this winery also showed our different approaches to specific wine tastes. For instance, she loved their Syrah ($27), but I found it to be a big wine with a hard bite. Admittedly, after the wine settled down with time to breathe during our pleasant light meal at Seven Spring Winery, I must concur that the Syrah came full force to inform me I should listen to what others consider a truly satisfying wine. Being relatively new to the Norton wine world and not ready to properly release a wine from their immature vines, Seven Springs Winery purchased their grapes from an established vineyard near Columbia, MO. Their recently released 22 month Missouri oaked 2010 Norton ($25) was very well controlled and gave an appearance that it had been French or Pennsylvania oak barreled. With only a few more years in bottle, this Norton example will stand up well to being a credible Norton wine. I look forward to the years ahead at Seven Springs Winery.

Winery at La Grange, The (written Apr 19, 2013)
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Norton Wine Review: Nicely restored home houses The Winery at La Grange. As was its relatively new setting, so were the wines. A few palatable whites, but we didn't understand why their Norton wine was awarded a bronze medal at St. Louis' 2007 National Norton Festival. Went online to look at the awards distributed at this festival and found practically everyone who participated seemingly got a bronze medal if not in the running for the silver and gold awards. We went to the 2008 Norton Wine Festival and understandably La Grange's Norton was not to be found. Virginia has several nice Norton wine examples, but The Winery at La Grange's wine was not one of them.

Rising Sons Home Farm Winery (written Apr 19, 2013)
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Rising Sons Winery has only been opened since the summer of 2012, but planted their first vines fourteen years ago. Their three acres of Norton vines were planted in 1999. Most of their wines are sweet or semi-sweet (a Blackberry dessert wine, Cayuga, Vignoles and Baco Noir), but they do usually offer a dry Norton and Chambourcin wine. Too bad the Chambourcin was not available when I arrived, but to make up for that I was offered two Norton wines. One a 2009 Cataldo’s Salute Norton aged in American Oak barrels for 24 months. It had a striking tart taste to me that not only did not seem ‘ready’, but I have reservations on if it will ever settle down in the future. The second 2010 Norton was produced only in stainless steel and be forewarned that I was told they had only six bottles left, ~ one she opened for me to taste and one I bought leaving only four $20 bottles left (plus tax and tasting fee). This was a bright Norton taste compared to what is usually found in Missouri Norton wines. If you are already visiting Lover’s Leap Winery, this is a Norton comparison location only fifteen minutes away.

Hyman Vineyards (written Nov 04, 2012)
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This is not a winery as much as it is a farmer's market exploration. Though fruit juice and wines are bottled here, wines are sold next to vending stalls of pumpkins, tomatoes, collard greens, beans, canned goods, etc. Only two, one red and one white, muscadine fruit juices can be tasted, but not the sweet/semi-sweet/semi-dry/dry muscadine wines. The winery bottling area is only open on some weekends. What makes this farmer's market different is that you literally drive through a 45,000 sq. ft. covered arena picking up your locally sourced produce. As for Hyman's Red Southern Nights 'Dry', ~ a muscadine is a muscadine is a muscadine which is more apt for eating than drinking.

Frogtown Cellars (written Aug 04, 2012)
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Norton Wine Review: Frogtown Winery perches scenically atop a high hill looking down on their vineyards and those of Three Sisters Winery. To be honest, we went here only for their good panini sandwiches since our previous impressions of the wine experience three years ago had been a 1 Star, at best. Oh rutabagas, tastings are now $15 for a white flight of five, or red flight of five, or a five combination. With that fee you also get the rudest tasting room attendant we’ve ever encountered and the waived tasting fee with the purchase of three bottles. What a deal!#$@#!%&*)? Quality wines only becomes apparent after passing the $25 a bottle sticker line. The one white we tried was their 2009 Viognier with initial buttery taste (I know that description is supposedly reserved for Chardonnay wines), but the tasted flavors quickly dissipated. Here’s the kicker. We bit the bullet and bought their non-vintage, full bodied, best of the tasting ‘Shotgun’ blend (Tannat, Touriga, Cab Franc, Merlot) to accompany our lunch. We purchased a couple of first impression, astringent Cab Francs crossing our fingers, hoping that extended breathing would cure what ailed these bottles. We added 2008 Norton wines to hold for later comparison to Georgia's Three Sisters, Tiger, Cavender Creek and Crane Creek Winery’s ‘Norton/Cynthiana’ wines. The 5% Petit Verdot addition to Frogtown’s Norton smoothed out the rough corners of this wine we unsuccessfully previously tried. Later at home, we opened the Cab Franc, tasted a small glass, reclosed the bottle and waited until the following day to try again. I can conclude positively saying that my wife is not a Cab Franc fan, but she especially enjoyed this Cab Franc. Here’s to good anticipations when we open Frogtown’s 2008 Norton wines in a couple of years.

Boutier Winery (written Jul 27, 2012)
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Favorite Wine: Cynthiana (Norton)

Norton Wine Review: As you walk up the nicely landscaped path to the winery, you are immediately greeted by a Mississippi artist Stephanie Dwyer’s bottle bush. For me that was an indicator of something unusual to come. Boutier Winery is a fun place where you get to choose tastings from wines made from California grapes and such Georgia fruit varietals as Diva ‘Licious peach, Skinny Bitch blueberry, Cranky Bastard blackberry, Water Melon Wonder and Sun of a Berry strawberry. They also offer servings of Georgia grown varietals which include a delightful nine month barrel aged Chardonnay, a pleasant Geordaux blend (Cab Sauv, Cab Franc & Merlot) and Cynthiana aka Norton from SS tanks which had been oak laced. The 2010 Cynthiana is lighter than anticipated. As compared to the dark 2008 Norton, it seemed a bit lean without the expected full body we generally associate with Norton wines. I don’t see any reason to hold and age this particular Norton vintage. Another tasting plus was the larger than usual, handsome stemware with a pour that gave credence to one’s judging of Boutier’s wine character. Though the diverse crowd was heavy on this Saturday, the winery’s celebratory disposition was controlled and up beat with good services from the winery’s proprietors. Being with Mary and Victor Boutier makes the rural drive worth the venture to find this relatively new Georgia setting.

Enoch's Stomp Vineyard and Winery (written Jun 17, 2012)
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Favorite Wine: Norton

Norton Wine Review: It is so much fun to be totally impressed with what you can find when touring a new area of the country, ~ in this case, the extreme Eastern countryside of Texas along I-20 (about 60 miles west of Shreveport, LA). We went looking for a Texas Norton, but got so much more. The pictured winery on Enoch’s web site houses a French cuisine restaurant and retreat. The actual winery is a side structure with its own parking lot. Our hostess made our day in this unadorned setting. She sized us up so very quickly and then began to pour one surprise after the next. How can such a young winery get it all put together so quickly? Enjoy such wines as Villard Blanc, Blanc du Bois (dry, off-dry or sweet) and two Nortons. In the extreme summer heat of this area I was only expecting a pale blush Norton, but got side swiped with a bold, deep garnet wine with a taste of Texas. Missouri, Virginia and the deep South all have their own unique Norton tastes and now add Texas for another venue. Our hostess noted our preference for dry wines, but insisted we try Enoch’s Cweet Norton (not listed on their web site). I would not have imbibed in such if it were not for her personality. Oh my, Cweet it was and what a crowd pleaser this will become. After distributing a half case of this to friends, all we hear now is “when you going back for more?”

Tara Vineyard and Winery (written Apr 08, 2012)
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The pictured Inn on Tara's web site is on the vineyard's property, but not where the tastings and more informal meals are served. Once you make your way around this mix of rooms, you'll quickly find yourself "letting your hair hang down." Some of the best blends here use locally grown Black Spanish grapes. For a unique white, try Tara's Blanc du Bois offerings. This winery venture was a bit more appealing for the entertainment rather than for the wines.

Stone House Vineyard (written Apr 08, 2012)
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Favorite Wine: 2008 Claros Reserve Norton

Norton Wine Review: What wine can accompany fried chicken? I selected a recently received 2008 Claros Reserve Norton. Upon opening, we were greeted with a total surprise! Stone House Vineyards nailed it. We were taken back with this selection which did not have the earthy aromas found in most Deep South Nortons, nor the dark oak cherried flavors of the Midwest, or the indiscriminate tastes that bounce back and forth in Virginia. I know this is a sacrilege statement, but this Texas Norton had some of the refinements found in the best of what California can offer. A sleek, pure native wine that was a delight to drink on its own, or as in our case, with fried chicken. Who would have ever thought fried chicken could have been complimented with a really nice wine? The bouquet was totally unique in that I could not have identified or told you that this was obviously a Norton wine. The aromas, to be honest, were not a positive wine descriptive, but in this case did not detract from the wonderful "drink now" qualities of Stone House Vineyard's Norton wine. I have some doubt if this Norton wine will benefit from aging, but I'll put up a bottle just for the fun of it. I have still a 2008 Claros, picked up a couple 2009s on a recent visit and was graciously given a 2010. What fun it's going to be tasting these together.

Hook & Ladder Vineyards and Winery (written Mar 11, 2012)
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Favorite Wine: "Station 10' Zin Blend

Small, friendly winery station that is complimented with ten wines. At their barrel tasting, their 2010 Zinfandel was as good as any Dry Creek Zin we had tasted during our California stay. What caught our attention was a delightful 2008 'Station 10' Zinfandel blend (68% Zin, 21% Petit Syrah, 9% Carrignone, 2% Alacante Bouschet). This was a fun winery to visit.

Suncé Winery and Vineyard (written Mar 11, 2012)
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Favorite Wine: Carignane Parenti Vineyards Old Vine

Suncé Winery does wine attitude correctly. At this year's 2012 Barrel Tasting Futures event they presented twenty (and a couple more if you asked) different examples. We tried first the barrel selections and then bottled selections from years past. We went to Suncé for their reputable Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Docetto and Petite Sirah, but got side tracked by our own wine tastes. This was a fun comparison that led to picking up cases of 2011 Mourvedre and old vine Carignane wines. The chef's Philly cheese steak and free message enhanced an already special event.

Old World Winery (written Mar 10, 2012)
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A limited selection, but what a selection! I'm going to sum it up this way, ~ have you ever had a Basque Abouriou wine? Enough said. Expect to be surprised and bring an extra few bills. Meeting the vintner, Dereck Trowbridge, will set the tone for your visit and introduction to some fascinating wines.

Joseph Swan Vineyards (written Mar 10, 2012)
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Favorite Wine: Tannat

A last minute swing by this winery produced a nice surprise, ~ tasting a barrel selection of 2011 Tannat and then a 2008 comparison of a Matthew's Station Vineyard Tannat. A friendly staff made for a relaxed setting. A surprising balance of white and red wines to try.

Truett-Hurst (written Mar 09, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Like so many other northern California wineries, Truett-Hurst is enduring late frosts and ravaging high summer heat of the last two years with their wine productions. Offered at this time are only a handful of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel examples. We have pleasant memories of past visits and are not dissuaded with possible future wines.

Soda Rock Winery (written Mar 09, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

A new holding of the Wilson family of wineries. The Soda Rock Winery building was the site for the first bonded California winery. Though a nice cross section of wines are explored here, none of them have that 'Wow' factor yet. Nice setting, but a little more time is needed to round out this new venue.

Thomas George Estates (written Mar 08, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

A comparatively new Sonoma Valley winery venture which departs the area's emphasis on Zinfandel wines. A nice cross section of the usual Chardonnay offering with additional examples of Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier. A Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley Zinfandel were complemented with three Syrahs and seven interesting Pinot Noirs. Here we have new possibilities at a much too high price point.

Wilson Winery (written Mar 08, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Three years ago we visited this winery and left with a case of two lovely Sawyer and Carl's vineyards Zinfandels. This week with a revisit and high aspirations, we left disappointed. With wine prices ranging $20-to-$80 you certainly have many choices. Wilson Winery had seventeen Zinfandels in which three are for club members only, one pre-sold and three sold out (why list them?). The grounds were unkempt and not inviting (to include their porta-potties).

Mauritson Family Winery (written Mar 07, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Though we had traveled here to taste their white wine offerings, only one Chardonnay was available at this time. Overall the remaining six red wines did not finish well.

De Lorimier Winery (written Mar 07, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

What a cross section of wines from Dry Creek and Alexander Valley. There were thirteen limited production Cabernet Sauvignon selections alone. Then add into the mix Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay , Malbec, Zinfandel, Primitivo, Merlot, Petit Verdot, two Meritage and a dessert wine which were all enjoyed by our group tasters. What fun participating in a 2012 futures barrel tasting of four selections. Their 2011 Harris Kratka Vineyard Zinfandel nabbed us quickly (our case should arrive in 2013-14).

B. R. Cohn Winery (written Mar 06, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

If reds are what you came for, you will not be disappointed in the offerings. Bottles range from standard format 750 ml-to-ginormous 6 liter containers ($1,000, $2,000, & $3,000). We were fortunate to arrive when a limited production Primitivo was served / available and were charmed with their estate bottled 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Olive Hill. The standard listings of this vineyard area was supplemented with an award winning 2009 Mednocino County Barbera. The typical acid tastes of this grape were strong, but the wine overall was quite entertaining. Don't miss trying their estate Olive Hill Cabernet Port.

Benziger Family Winery (written Mar 06, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

A little bit for any budget ($12-$250 per bottle) at this beautiful setting. One of the best vineyard and cave tours we have encountered to date. Wonderful cabs, zins and blends. We left with a smooth gift Pinot Noir and their 2007 'Three Blocks Bordeaux Blend'. A respectable 'Obsidian Point Estate Blend' (Cab Sauv, Cab Frank, Petit Verdot) is offered, but is priced $30+ out of line.

Stephen & Walker (written Mar 02, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

The awards are lined up for a good reason at this "cult" winery, ~ you could use all sorts of adjectives, but 'yummy' can sumarise a good portion of the offerings. Three whites and eleven reds were available when we passed by with friends. Their $40+ Pinot Noirs were better than the $60-$75 offerings found in two other notable nearby settings. A grand selection of 2006-2010 Zinfandels and two great Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignons. We left with a rich 2010 Dry Creek Valley Petit Sirah. Nice experience.

Twomey Cellars - Healdsburg (written Mar 02, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Only three varietals represented, but one Sauvignon Blanc, four Pinot Noirs and a Merlot was more than enough to perk our interests. The layout of the tasting room and its views are stunning. Though typically high priced wines are to be found here, it was a nice gesture on Twomey Cellars' part to drop the tasting charge with the sale of their special priced nice 2010 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

Thumbprint Cellars (written Mar 02, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

A store front in down town Healdsburg, CA which delivers on the movie theme of "The Good, the Better, the Best". A powerful selection at a typical too high price for the common Easterner, but if you are going to just blow it all away for the experience, as we did, we were so impressed with their Zinfandel. Mark on your travels west the Red Wood forests, the Golden Gate bridge and a few of these neat boutique wineries.

Landry Vineyards (written Feb 16, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Eight wines are currently being offered from this relatively new nine-acre vineyard. Though this winery has been very adventuresome in experimenting with several of the newly offered Norton crosses (Norton x Zinfandel / Cabernet Sauvignon), to date only three grapes are being expanded at this setting, ~ a Blanc Du Bois grape from the University of Florida, the Norton grape and the Lenoir “Black Spanish” grape. The dry Blanc Du Bois had a light distinctive taste with pineapple overtones, much like some traminette wines which can be found elsewhere. Landry Vineyards’ Envie Rouge was most unique in its blend using 70% Norton and 30% Black Spanish grapes. I’m glad I caught this vintage since Jeff Landry let us know that his next release will most probably be a 50/50 example of these grapes. Jeff was quite adamant that Deep South Norton wines all tend to have a ‘blush’ color tendency. He gave Arkansas examples of the same which we did not experience when tasting five out of Arkansas’ six Norton produced wines. I just wished that the tasting examples at this winery, which were free, had been a bit more generous to have had the ability to fully taste what one could possibly purchase. A nice setting with regularly scheduled country music concerts is already bringing many to this out of the way venue.

Whippoorwill Vineyards (written Feb 16, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: I presume the name Whippoorwill was easier to spell than naming the vineyard for its location, ~ Notasulga, Alabama. A relatively new, large 14 acre vineyard set in a rural setting east of Montgomery, AL along I-85. Only four of the fourteen offerings could be considered dry. After visiting a few Deep South wineries, it’s obvious that Southerners like their wines as sweet as they like their tea. We tackled five of their offerings which included a Lenoir “Black Spanish”, Cynthiana, Noble, a very dry ‘Harvest Moon’ muscadine and one semi-sweet Saugahatchee Creek muscadine. Though interesting to taste the sharp dark Lenoir wine, we were disappointed that they would serve a wine that they admitted had been opened for four days previously. We left with another bottle in hopes of a better unique tasting. The Noble muscadine wine had an unpleasant musty scent with a clouded taste. The white ‘Harvest Moon’ muscadine wine surprised us how dry such a grape can be prepared. As for their venture in working with the Norton grape, they succeeded in presenting an ‘easy’ drink now wine. Not very complex in its short lived tastes, but interesting with the hints of oak coming from the use of American medium toast “oak spirals”. The vines and wine are much too young to seriously compare to other mature offerings found in other states, but still, we had fun visiting this ever so cooperative host. Time will present them with a niche they are searching for and the Montgomey community will learn about them soon.

Hidden Meadow Vineyard (written Feb 16, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Hidden (like try to find this place) Meadow Vineyard in Jemison, AL is a new community treat if and when you figure out where its true address can be found. Here you will find an enthusiastic Bill Bailey and his wife, Jeanette, ready to show off what they have created from scratch. They are more than willing to show off their home built, nicely appointed tasting room, the working end of the winery and a comfortable out door seating area to view the rural setting of their vines. At this time they have four sweet muscadine wines to appease their neighbors, two fruit wines, Niagra and Concord examples, a New York juice, dry Riesling worthy of purchase and a 2010 Norton from vines set out in 2005/2006. Unique to me was the fact that the wine had been aged for six-to-nine months in 30 gallon Michigan oak barrels that supposedly react quicker to the oak than in customary 60 gallon barrels. Next was the fact that the Norton wine color appeared as a blush or rose. Yes, it did detract from the taste visually, but as in another nearby Norton winery which had the same Norton attribute, you just have to psychologically override your visual prejudices to the presented wine color. I think more needs to be studied to understand this Deep South phenomenon. As for taste this Norton example needs more time in the bottle, but in its current presentation, lots of atypical strawberry overtones can be found in this young wine. Again, this is a spanking, brand new endeavor and time will tell the final tale.

Odessa Country Winery (written Jan 01, 2012)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

NEVER VISITED. HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO DELETE THIS FROM MY JOURNAL ENTRIES. SUGGESTIONS!?

McRitchie Winery and Ciderworks (written Oct 10, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Up the hill you can find this family vineyard with a small selection of vinifera wines, a NC Blackberry fruit wine and two Hard Ciders. For something different, try their 2009 Ring of Fire Red with a “secret” blending of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. I left with their “a bit hard to rationalize” $$ 100% Petit Verdot Reserve which was not on the tasting schedule. A few weeks later we opened the blind purchase Petit Verdot and were sorely disappointed in its almost astringent attributes. When will I learn not to buy in the blind?

Byrd Cellars (written Sep 10, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: 2008 Norton Reserve

Norton Wine Review: I enjoyed Byrd Cellars so much that I scribbled all over my tasting sheet to the extent of not being able to decipher anything written. Sue Anne and Paul Klinefelter are true farmers from Ohio. They now maintain 134 acres of soy, wheat, something else I cannot read on my sheet and almost 15 acres of grapes split onto three vineyard sites (5.5 acres of Norton, plus Cab Sauv, Concord, Chardonnay, Vidal, Muscat, etc.). They have a nice tasting note sheet divided into columns: 1) Notes 2) Wine Name 3) Cost 4) a unique Dry-to-Sweet wine graph and 5) Description notes. A landscape printing of this would give more note room to “eulogize” the positive aspects of each tasted wine. Listed are three Apple wines (not lower alcohol % ciders) which I declined politely three times, but Sue Anne poured one anyway. Dern, she knew what she was doing, ~ I bought a bottle. Their first 100% Estate grown 2008 Norton produced from four year old vines in stainless steel was quite tart. Byrd Cellars’ second delightful Norton offering was a Raven Red meritage of sorts (Cab Sauv, Merlot, Syrah, & Norton – French oaked). Third on the list was a more controlled light, yet full bodied “drink now” 2008 Norton Reserve (with an approximate 60/40 American oak back blend). I was a little concerned with Byrd's use of Zork corks since I've not heard good words on using these for wines which one may wish to put away for a few years. There were seven other delights, but I’ll let you look them up on their Internet link. I was also lucky to get one of their last eleven bottles of Petit Verdot . Yep, I bought this one on blind faith, but was rewarded with unique dark lavender floral aromas and the pleasure of experiencing another one of Virginia's fine 100% Petit Verdots. Bottom line, go out of your way to find this remotely situated new vineyard and enjoy the fruits of their labors in a delightful hand-crafted small setting. Be one of the first to discover Byrd Cellars. Good today, and I bet better tomorrow.

Raffaldini Vineyards and Winery (written Sep 08, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: 2010 Pinot Grigio

45 acres surround this mountain like Italian villa setting with views stretching in all directions. Yes, I prefer reds, but here I left with a big, bright refreshing 2010 Pinot Grigio (they nailed it with this 2010 vintage). Want to try something different, why not the East coast’s only planting of Vermentino, a native grape with rich citrus flavors of the southern Italian island of Sardinia. The theme here is Italian with all the red wines being blends except for their Sangiovese.

Valhalla Vineyards (written Sep 08, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Alicante Bouschet

Norton Wine Review: Let me get a few items behind me before I start tempting you with Valhalla Vineyards. First of all be aware that this winery has very constrained hours since the owners have other professional jobs. Next, the final four mile drive to the vineyard is very, very step on a mountain-like paved road. I would discourage RV travelers or people with Yugo like automobiles from attempting this drive. Lastly, if you read Todd Kliman’s The Wild Vine and your visit was predicated on just picking up a Norton wine, there are better selections elsewhere in Virginia. Though you are offered an aged organically grown 2004 ‘Tarnhelm’ Norton, the tasting notes are rather bland for such a normally robust wine. I found sour undertones I would not usually associate with an aged Norton wine. Rarely do I not pick up Norton wines to do later comparative notes, but here I passed this temptation. Now for the good points why you should cruise up the mountain to Valhalla Vineyards: you will be rewarded with an incredible view from 2000’ looking down over the Roanoke valley. Bring a picnic to sit out on the veranda with one of Valhalla’s selection of wines all produced from their 21 acres of grape vines which were initially planted in 1994. Here you will find a Richard Wagner score of wines to entertain you as Rheingold (Reserve Chardonnay), two Valkyri wines (Cab Sav, Cab Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot and Malbec), and a couple Gotterdammerungs (Cabernet Franc-Merlot blends). It should be noted that Valhalla Vineyards produces wines with as few chemicals as possible. I would suggest traveling up the 'mountain' to try Valhalla’s 2005 Alicante Bouschet wine. This is a grape only produced today by nine vineyards in the U.S (CA 6, WV 1, VA 1, OK, 1). During prohibition , this was the “Dago Red” that kept the Speak Eases running with a wine that did not need the skins tossed back into the mix to make the wines red. Though, for the most part, their prices are reasonable, they do offer an additional 20% off on case prices.

Grassy Creek Vineyard & Winery (written Sep 07, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

Drove a bit out of my scheduled trip’s way to take in this interesting horse stable winery setting. Twenty vineyard acres locally at this site and ten acres at a lower elevation in Troutman, NC (near Statesville, NC). All wines tasted were good, at reasonable prices. Most of the time five whites, three rose/table wines and six reds are available. Dog gone it, the ’06 Cabernet Franc was sold out at this time, but a ‘08(?) will be available in a week or so. I enjoyed trying their ’08 Italian Barbera of which they only produced 105 cases (Gold Medal winner at the 2011 Mid-Atlantic Southern Wine Competition). Their ’07 Chambourcin tempted me with its great aromas, but the follow through was rather bland. Their ’06 Cabernet Sauvignon provided the best tasting and if I had not already bought locally other examples, I may have picked up a few bottles of this wine.

Glass House Winery (written Sep 06, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: So many new wineries are popping up in Virginia and all trying to identify themselves uniquely to their area. Glass House Winery succeeds architecturally with their facilities and with their wine offerings. Though the first six acres of grapes were only planted in 2007 and their stunning greenhouse winery/tasting room was only opened in 2010, already unique wines are coming aboard and disappearing quickly. Their 2010 Pinot Gris, Meritage blend, and 2009 Barbera were already sold out in August of 2011 (bummer). Their C-Villian (60% Chambourcin/30%Merlot/10%Cab Franc) was extra soft with slight sour notes at the back of the tongue disappointed me, but their 2010 Viognier and 2009 Meglio del Sesso dessert Norton resurrected my enthusiasm for this new venture. The Meglio del Sesso was not your typical chocolatier wine with its blend of predominantly Norton/then Chambourcin and Cab Franc. Added 82% ground chocolate was steeped into this blend for two months and then settled and completely filtered out before additional aging occurred. Oh, will this bring out smiles to lucky friends who will receive these gift bottles.

Daveste Vineyards (written Sep 05, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Producing about 1000 cases per year, Daveste Vineyards is a small winery near Statesville, NC along I-77. Here you find Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Chambourcin estate grown grapes. Situated at approximately 900' elevation, other grapes are brought in from nearby higher vineyard locations as Viognier, Rkatsiteli and Traminette. A $5 tasting fee includes six wines of the day (though kind words can produce more offering examples) and a nice souvenir glass. The wines we tasted were thin, with quick decay. Only their La Brisa (a Riesling take-off) and Chambourcin provided any distinct aromas, but alas no appeal to our tastes. This was a start of tasting NC wines from different areas in a state which has vineyards stretching from sea level to high mountain tops.

Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard & Winery (written Sep 04, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: 2009 Rebellion Red Norton

Norton Wine Review: Bright Meadows Farm Winery is a ten year old vineyard venture growing grapes on a former tobacco farm. I met Shirley Archer here, who treats her plantings with the attitude of a Master Gardener (which she is). Not only do they not use additional sulfites in their wine processing, they also try not using fungicides on their grapes. Living in the hot and humid South almost mandates spraying, but BMF tries to provide something quite unique in the wine world. How can they do this? Their Burley Red (named for a type of tobacco) is a mighty dry 100% 2009 Chambourcin grape wine. So dry that it comes across as quite tart. Their 2009 Rebellion Red Norton is complete with a hard to read Revolutionary War history on the back of the bottle. There is nothing typical about this young Norton wine. I do not generally appreciate those who compare Norton wines to heavy Merlot or Zinfandels, but in this case I will stump you by describing this unusual Norton to a fine-like-Oregon Pinot Noir (a lot of imagination has to go into that comparison). A charming light Norton, but am not implying ‘thin’. An ever so soft, almost floral, bouquet is down right Norton atypical. Do you ever buy wines at a location because you are enamored with your host? Sure happened to me. Of course, I can tell my wife I bought theme strictly for health concerns. I wonder what it takes to be considered an organic wine? Can these be stored for years to come without all those wonderful chemicals we have in everything else we consume? I tend to think not, so go enjoy the Bright Meadows Farm setting and their wines today.

DeVault Family Winery (written Sep 04, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Darion’s Reserve Norton

Norton Wine Review: DeVault Family Vineyards tasting room was in a location hard to describe. Yes, kinda in the town of Concord, VA; but placed on property behind a small gate, behind a formal family home, behind an enclosed all seasons pool, behind a mechanical shed, and next to several acres of grapes. The tasting room itself was a large renovated horse stable. Why did I feel as if I were in a compound? Fortunately the visit provided a healthy mix of mainly dry white, blush and red wines, with a few sweet offerings to add to the general appeal. Though opened in 2010, the seven acre vineyard was already six-to-ten years old with the Norton grapes being first planted. Whites were limited to two Chardonels and a Niagara. DeVault provided two 2009 Norton wines, one produced in stainless steel and the other ‘American oaked’. The first had an unusually light bouquet for a Norton wine with a sharp initial taste quickly decaying in the mouth. The Darion’s Reserve, the oaked Norton, was considerably darker in color and gave way to more promises for future examples from this winery. I’ll put this maiden flight DeVault Family Vineyard Norton away for a short while to see what develops. With a second family generation already involved with the vineyard, hopefully we will continue to see this operation mature for many years.

Sanders Ridge Vineyard and Winery (written Sep 02, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

An interesting array of estate grown wine grapes from this relatively new 15 acre vineyard. I went specifically to try their 2008 Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc, but came away a bit disappointed in these wines that lacked substantial aromas and body. But for a plus, I got sucked into their Thursday night family style dinner. Wonderfully lightly fried catfish, herbed corn, snappy dark green local beans, home made bread, fabulous cabbage relish, a grand squash casserole and all this accompanied by live Blue Grass sounds. What an interesting winery building made all from massive trees found on this site’s farmland forests. Tasting fees were $5 for 5 and $10 for all available wines.

Laurel Gray Vineyards (written Sep 02, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

This is a small 10 acre roadside winery trying to do the impossible in the deep South, - producing six out of their nine wines as dry flights rather than sticking to the more traditional drippy sweet selections found elsewhere. Eight wines were available when I was there from their plantings of Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Syrah, and Pinot Gris. Though a comfortable small country store like setting, the wines were a bit overpriced for what was being offered at this time. There was a $7 tasting fee for all wines, slightly less if you wish to just try a few.

Shadow Springs Vineyard (written Sep 01, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Cabernet Franc

Over ten acres of grapes were planted in 2005, but already some remarkable wine examples are coming from this new well placed setting. Though the tasting schedule is set at 7 wines for $5 and 14 wines for $9 (with Riedel tasting options), I opted to try only their ’08 Cabernet Franc (soft and easy), ’08 Chambourcin (fun, but thin), ’07 Meritage (Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot, and Petit Verdot), ’07 Reserve Cab Sauv (drying effect on the tongue) and Crimson Sunset (a pleasant 60% Merlot/40% Cab Franc blend). The best way to describe the offerings at this time from this new venture is that all the red wines tasted were good, but none were destinctive. The wines benefited from not tasting “earthy” and typically “Southern”. Curiosity note, ~ have you ever been to a winery where they add tax to your tasting fee? For those who enjoy white wines, their 2010 Viognier took a gold medal recently at the 2011 Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine Competition.

RagApple Lassie Vineyards (written Aug 30, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Syrah

Up to 6500 cases of wine annually comes from 32 acres at 1200’ elevation at this tobacco farm turned grape winery. Grapes planted eight-to-ten years ago are now maturing into stable production vines. A surprising varietal array are being grown at this location, to include Pinot Gris, Viognier, Chardonnay, Traminette, Marsanne, Semillon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and North Carolina’s only estate grown Zinfandel. RagApple Lassie Vineyards is working hard to show that North Carolina can produce substantial wines. I enjoyed their tame, soft tasting Syrah and a Zinfandel that did not have to apologize for not tasting like what you have gotten use to from that west coast state. I look forward to opening with friends my painted bottles of Yadkin Valley RALV Syrah. A little note on their tasting fee(s): Choose from 15 different wines @ $1.50 each per taste, - you do the math.

Grove Winery (written May 19, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: A relatively new winery that produces 4,000 cases of wine from its own eight acres of vines and grapes brought in from nearby locations. Though not to our taste preferences, a remarkable cross section of wines are attempted here (Chardonnay, Viognier, Traminette, Tempranillo, Norton, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, etc.). To be honest, the Norton wine in the past was just plain horrid, so we returned to reevaluate. Obviously the vintner did some reevaluating also. Today's Norton is softer with little harsh tannins. Not a truly quality Norton wine at this time, but it is nice to see the beginnings of efforts being made to provide such a wine from this hard to produce truly American grape.

Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyards (written May 19, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Norton

Norton Wine Review: Though I want to limit myself to Cooper's Norton wine, I just can't help mentioning they have some lovely Virginia white wines. Now for a warning, - if you want Cooper wines, check with them first since they quickly sell out of their yearly productions. The reason I give them 5 stars is that Cooper's produces the BEST east coast Norton wines yearly. I have had their wines annually since 2001 and can say that each year they have gotten better and better. Would I state that they have the very best Norton wine, no, but out of over 100 Norton wines we have had so far, Cooper's is among the top seven (the other six are all from Missouri). If their Norton wine is available, treat yourself to a leisurely visit to Cooper's new vineyard setting. Though their Norton wine can be enjoyed young, a couple years of storage adds additional character. As with all Norton wines, let your Norton wines breathe for an extensive amount of time before enjoying.

Newport Vineyards (written May 14, 2011)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Newport Riesling

This winery surprisingly has grape vines up to 40 years old and currently is expanding its planted vineyards to 75 acres. Almost thirty wines available, but we opted for a tasting of only four wines (they kindly waved the tasting fee). We tried a thin Cabernet Franc, a Blaufrankish (Lemberger) which had an initial nice nose, but the taste quickly decayed, a dark fragrant red Landot Noir which I found interesting enough to purchase as a reminder of our pleasant visit to the state of Rhode Island while participating in an international Magnolia Society meeting, and we also purchased a semi-dry 2009 Riesling which had many Gewurztraminer grape qualities with its rich aromas. We noted that many of their wines came with a low alcohol percentage (11-12%) which we enjoyed compared to many of the "jolt" California wines now available.

Peaceful Bend Vineyard & Eatery (written Nov 17, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Meramec wine (Chambourcin-Norton blend)

Norton Wine Review: While visiting Peaceful Bend Vineyard we got a twofer; first an introduction to well made Missouri wines and second having the opportunity to meet owner and vintner, Clyde Gill. Peaceful Bend Vineyard reflects what is going well in Missouri’s wine industry, good wines and learning opportunities while visiting a vineyard first hand. This site had been the location of a former successful vineyard which had unfortunately turned hands unsuccessfully over the years and now is being resurrected by Clyde and his wife. Starting anew, original old grape vines are being ripped out now for replacement with select varietals. To make ends meet at this time, two-thirds of all PBV wines are being packaged under other labels, but unlike other vineyards catering to the public’s demand of sweet wine, Peaceful Bend Vineyard is successfully producing seven out of their twelve offerings as dry wines. Well described in their wine listings are top food pairings with each wine. After tasting each wine, we could easily envision the culinary suggestions as not only reasonable, but imaginative. Their Courtois (Cayuga with a splash of Chardonnay) was pleasantly dry. We were introduced here to Cornell University’s Noiret wine with PBV’s ’07 Forche Renault. Dry with a suggested pairing of pasta with marinara or portabella mushrooms. Keeping with the label tradition of naming PBV’s wines with surrounding rivers, we encountered their Meramec wine, a wonderful barrel aged Chambourcin-Norton blend which was appropriately described as “aromas of pepper and dried fruit flavors.” I really don’t know if I’ve ever tasted a better Chambourcin blend. Though we enjoyed and picked up other wines here, the last mention I’ll give is to Peaceful Bend Vineyard’s homerun, three year aged Norton wine. Again borrowing from their wine list description, “the tannin level is round and smooth – delicious!” Sorry, I can not describe it any better. Drink now or age a few more years (I bet that you’ll not have the constitution for putting this Norton away for long). ADDENDUM: Yesterday we treated ourselves opening a gift $$ 2003 complex Silver Oaks Cab Sauv as our afternoon wine followed with a smooth Pleasant Bend Cabernet Sauvignon to accompany our dinner. The PBV Cab did not have a strong nose, but was perfect for the Hungarian goulash meal. In spite of costs and Silver Oaks' reputation, several guests preferred the Missouri Pleasant Bend Cabernet Sauvignon.

Elk Creek Vineyards & Cafe (written Nov 17, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Cabernet Franc

Norton Wine Review: Our last Kentucky winery of a day was at the beautiful park-like setting of Elk Creek Vineyards. Their Norton wine was ill named as “Sweet Owen Red”. But after tasting, we liked and agreed with Kim, our host, who stated “I can enjoy this wine in front of a fire or in the sun.” Not only did we enjoy our enthusiastic host, but we also enjoyed their vineyard grown, light colored, yet full bodied Estate Chambourcin along with a Cabernet Franc worthy of multiple purchases. The $$ Cab Franc was short oaked first in American oak followed by French oak for eleven months before being placed in stainless tanks. It took us over 90 minutes of tasting fun and an additional purchase of their burgundy-like Chardonel to get away from this site. If you find yourself traveling along I-75, go slightly out of your way to find Owenton, KY, - you will not be disappointed. ADDENDUM: a note from a Missouri Norton enthusiast ~ "...drank that GREAT Kentucky [ECVW] Norton last night. Totally sucked it down before dinner. It's like an 06 St James, it just keeps opening up, with the oak becoming more and more pronounced the longer it's open. Very impressive. Of course, if I ever saw it in a store, I'd never look at it because it has the word 'Sweet' on it."

Potomac Point Winery (written Nov 14, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Great setting for a presentation of wines. Their well scripted wine list included wine name, pictured labels, appellation (Virginia vineyard locations), varietal make up of each wine, aging (SS, French & American Oak), alcohol percentage, residual sugars, winemaker tasting notes, cost, and space for your own tasting notes. Wow, we wish other wineries would mimic this layout. At Potomac Point Winery you get a choice of Classic or Reserve tastings ($5 / $10). Lots of average-at-best wines, but again we were here for their Norton wine. An unusual cocoa bouquet 2008 wine made from Orange county grapes (leased land near Horton Vineyards) which I was not immediately enamored with, but will put up for a few years and try again in 2013 or later. // ADDENDUM: Oh what a difference one year makes, ~ sometimes. Well, just one year later we decided to uncork a PPV 2008 Norton and the texture had turned into "velvet". Amazing with only this additional short storage how the nose and taste positively shifted our original thoughts to that of one of a nice Norton example. My wife stated that this would be a wine to use with a dinner which included guests who had not been previously introduced to Norton wines. Glad to see another Virginia vintner who just may have a good handle on the Norton grape.

Westphalia Vineyards (written Oct 17, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: 2008 Norton

Norton Wine Review: We were given by a fellow Catch-Wine journal contributor a Westphalia 2008 Norton wine with no detectable sulfites according to the label. My wife’s comments were: "The wine is unsurpassed. Mellow on the palate, but great fruit finish. Norton character without the peppers and sours." This Norton was the blackest in color wine I've ever encountered. There were faint aromas that I could not detail. Damson plums? Currants? Freshly scraped Grenadian nutmeg? The new leather smells of resoled shoes? I know this maybe a sacrilege in the world of Norton wines, but was I confusing this wine with the essence of an exceptional Sonoma Valley Russian River Zinfandel? This Westphalia 2008 Norton was better than what I anticipate from the best of Missouri's bold Nortons, but all the while doing this with a medium distinctive oak finish. It's as close to the best of “drink now” Nortons that I've ever had, but willing to bet it could hold up well for a few more years. This is worthy of case investment. [Please ignore Winery and Ambiance ratings since I did not go to the Westphalia Inn for tasting.]

Durso Hills Winery at Victory Vineyards (written Oct 14, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Chardonel

Norton Wine Review: Isn’t it strange how on vineyard tours, literally, the last stop is the one that blows you over? And this was almost not the case while trying to find Durso Hills Vineyards in the teeny town of Marqand, MO. After reading a “For Sale” sign on the vineyard store property with closed doors, we slowly bemoaned the findings with an unhurried drive around the town’s square. When 180 degrees opposite the winery store front, a lady darted out, turning on an “Open” sign and placed a Durso Hills Vineyards placard on the sidewalk. Around we turned once more with sheepish grins. As we met Donna and Steve Lening our grins turned to smiles which eventually turned to giggles realizing that this tasting must have been providentially arranged since we found hosts that were a bit late from church who loves Norton wines as much as we do. To understand the misunderstanding, the winery literally had been sold, but was going to move down the street a bit (and being as small as Marquand is, a move down the street a bit can only mean feet, not much more) and the new owners wished to retain the Durso’s good name (owners, Ron and Kay Durso). So what you get today (late 2010) will be the last of the original Durso holdings though new vintages will still use the original 10 year old vine plantings and possibly grapes from other sites. Oh, what a line up of wines were generously presented to us in an unhurried manner. Right out of the gates we were amazed with Durso’s dry white 2008 Vivant wine. Vivant is a grape hybridized in Canada, but actually does best in more Southern climates. This was not only dry, but fruity with enough zing to pair well with stronger tasting white meats, as chicken. Our host thought the green apple overtones would be a bit strong for fish. They have an expectant top of the line 2009 Vivant coming up soon, but was not quite ready for bottling when we arrived (dern). Next was a knock down winner in their semi-sweet (but not too sweet) Chardonel which had a dash of Vivant blended in. Maybe one of the best Chardonel wines we’ve tasted in a long time. Again, it’s up to you how dry you like your Chardonel wine. Next we were in for a real tower tasting treat, four Norton wines! A 2003 Silver Medal winner, a 2004 Gold Medal winner, a 2005 two year barrel-aged oaked Norton, and another 2006 two year barreled age medal winner. Four completely different tastes. Steve preferred the 2003 oak chipped, young green , but not sour Norton vintage which was not going to change its character with age. The 2004 Estate Bottled Norton was noticeably softer. Then came my wife’s favorite, the real mellow two year oaked 2005 Norton, followed by my favorite, the 2006 Norton with an ever so slight tannin tartness and light peppery finish which I feel will mellow out correctly in just a few more years of bottle maturing. We left with ample examples of the 2004 and 2006 Norton wines. As if this were not enough, we were induced into trying their 2008 Durso Red 70% Norton 30% Chambourcin blend. Sweeter and maybe just perfect for Thai food. This will make for a nice gift to friends with sweeter tastes than ours. The days are counting down, so do yourself a favor and skip down to Marquand, MO to find the best of Missouri’s southeast offerings in Durso Hills Winery.

St. Francois Winery (written Oct 13, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: St. Francois Winery took a bit of out-of-the-way driving to find in Park Hills, MO, but was situated in a lovely, well manicured setting. This was a small operation with a pleasant winery tasting bar room and outdoor seating for limited size groups. Though there was a $4 per person tasting charge, my wife and I both paid only a total of $2 since we did not wish to keep the tasting glasses. The tart with little fruit flavors Chardonel came from vines planted in 1993. This was one of the first years that this vine was available from Cornell University. Here we learned the interesting story why the Traminette (Gewürztraminer x Riesling) grape could not be patented by Cornell as its hybridizing came via Illinois. This wine had a pleasant sweetness. St. Francois Winery had an exceptional dry treatment for their Chambourcin which I found interesting, but not typical to what I’ve gown accustom to enjoying. The “Cynthiana” Norton wine seemingly was a non-vintage year production which was enhanced with only a 5% blending of Chambourcin wine. To both of us this selection had a degree of musky aromas with earthy tastes. Also available were a few semi-dry and sweet wines which balanced out the offerings for visitors. If you plan on taking wine notes, be sure to bring your own pen and paper since such will not be offered to you or available upon asking.

Charleville Vineyards (written Oct 13, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: At Charleville Vineyard, be prepared to drive down a fairly long and narrow gravel road before arriving at this comfortable rustic setting which included a two room B&B. Though most vines are now fifteen years old, the tasting room did not open to the public until 2003. It was fun trying two 2008 Chardonels, same grape, same year, but one fermented in stainless and the other being barrel fermented. My wife preferred the stainless seemingly dryer Chauvin Chardonel and I the oaked version with ever so slightly softer fruity aromas. Offered was their Francois, a dry two year barrel aged 60% Chambourcin and 40% Norton red. A little sour for us, but with a bit of aging in the bottle a new taste may arrive in the near future. We did enjoy tasting Charleville’s Chambourcin since their grapes were grown in close proximity to the subtle Chambourcin of Chaumette Vineyards. My wife preferred the restrained Chaumette Chambourcin which could be enjoyed on its own, I the bolder Charleville Vineyard Chambourcin which could hold up well with a meal. Another nice comparison tasting was their 2006 and 2008 Norton. We purposely started with the younger 2008 Norton which had typical Norton aromas and light cherry tastes, but obviously needed to be softened with a bit of aging. Onto the 2006 Norton which most appreciably had mellowed, but lacked finesse. Glad we found 2005 Charleville Nortons in a St. Louis Liquor Store for yet another comparison down the road.

Chaumette Vineyards and Winery (written Oct 13, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: After wiggling through the crowd at the tasting bar, we arrived ready to do our thing. Oh, we didn’t realize we had to go back to the cash register at the door and get our $5 tasting tokens for a six wine limit (this fee did not include the glass or applied to wine purchases). My wife held my spot where tip jars were placed every few feet. We tried the award winning 2009 Dry Chardonel first which had nice fruity aromas, but an uncomfortable edge to the wine that neither of us appreciated. We enjoyed more the unrewarded 2009 Reserve Chardonel (naturally, it cost $2 more). Mellow fruit tastes which made for a smoother Chardonel to remember. There was yet another “Spontaneous” Chardonel which we both felt was just plain “wild”. On to Chaumette’s red Governor’s Cup Winner, their 2009 Chambourcin. No strong aromas, but an initial grapey taste which plays out quickly into a subtle, ever so slight peppery winner. Too subtle for me, but my wife who has a better feel for delicate wine tastes made sure that we came away with several of these bottles. Though the 2007 Norton was clearly listed on the tasting sheet, unsuspecting patrons would not have picked up readily that a non-vintage reserve was being poured. Seemingly the 2007 was in limited supply and only available for club members. Bummer. The Norton we tasted came from fairly mature vines being 15-to-18 years old with a nice hint of cherry, but sour on the back of the tongue with a quick decay. Upon recommendations, we had come for Chaumette's Norton wine and left disappointed. We did venture into Chaumette’s semi-dry offerings with their Traminette and Mosaic. The Traminette was a light yellow, drink alone delicate white wine. If you are a Pinot Grigio fan, you’ll enjoy what Chaumette has done with this contrasting wine. As for the four grape (of which my wife was sure included Norton) Mosaic, there was nothing “semi” about this wine since it was an ever so sweet punch. Chaumette Vineyards is located in beautiful rolling hills and offers over night stays in their nearby chalets. The vines along the entrance were clearly marked with the grown varietals names which added to the enjoyment of viewing the grape vineyard. Ambiance graded down because of difficulty trying to park between the crowd's cars, four large buses, and three stretch limousines.

Mountain Grove Cellars (written Oct 11, 2010)
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Mountain Grove Cellars was a first for us buying wines and fruits at a university experimental station. Since tastings are not the norm on campus, this means you buy everything in the blind, to include wines and fruits. Unfortunately they had experienced a Norton grape failure and this wine was not available, but we were able to pick up not only their recommended Chambourcin, but paw paws, Asiatic pears, and straight out of the field Chambourcin grapes to eat. My roommate described the Chambourcin as “hints of raspberry, little green on the front of the tongue, smooth finish, long linger with pepper.” You think she liked it?! Haven’t opened the Chambourcin port yet. Finally, the available soft custard like paw paws were fantastic! [Please disregard Winery and Ambiance ratings since this was only a campus agricultural store]

7C's Winery (written Oct 10, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Branding Iron White (Chardonel-Vidal blend)

Norton Wine Review: 7C’s Winery is taking on quite an undertaking in establishing a new rural presence, producing wines within the first couple years of operation, and now planting 3,400 vines on five nearby acres. In such a short time of opening, Dwight and Jean Crevelt are producing a remarkable collection of wines. They gladly admit that today they are bringing in grapes from the Columbia and Augusta, MO areas, but that will change in just a few years. Their Branding Iron White (Chardonel-Vidal blend) had unique fruity overtones and their Norton wine was worthy of picking up and packing away for a few more years to see what develops. And while you are here, try the best of what can be conjured up in Meads. You will be surprised with 7C’s Winery new offerings. We enjoyed their hospitality.

Keltoi Vineyard (written Oct 10, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: St. Vincent

Norton Wine Review: Keltoi Vineyard is situated in SW Missouri near the Kansas border. It’s always fun to be greeted by a friendly dog that either wants to mark your tires or escort you to the winery. Lots of interesting named labels; as, Irish Raindrops, Moon Drops, Biddy Early, Autumn Memories, and Nine Ladies, but it will take Erv Langan, Keltoi’s owner and vintner, to explain the label’s names and give you hints of the wines’ makeup. Lots of serious experimentations here in a climate that pushes the limits of many of the estate grown Vidal, Seyval, Chardonnay, Chardonel, Norton, Baco Noir, Marechal Foch, Villard Noir and St. Vincent grapes. I found Keltoi’s Norton still a bit immature and lacking the character of Norton that I’m use to, but as the vines age I think we will be finding appealing Norton wines coming someday from this part of the state. Already Keltoi is serving up a most robust 100% St. Vincent wine. This wine is not for everyone (including my wife who preferred the Irish Raindrops Vidal-Chardonnay blend), but I found most fascinating and worthy of purchase.

Mount Pleasant Winery - Branson (written Oct 09, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: 2006 Estate Norton

Norton Wine Review: Two years ago we had a hard time rationalizing purchases at Mt. Pleasant Winery in Augusta, MO. Their Estate Norton was overpriced compared to quality Norton wines which could be found in nearby wineries. We settled on a case of “Ten Bucks” (bucks as in deer) sparkling wine as Christmas gifts and a couple expensive, yet good Tawny Ports. This year we were confronted in Branson, MO with Mt. Pleasant Winery’s 2006 Estate Norton wine, and in spite of the high end price, it was hard to turn down after tasting this complex wine which had been aged in Missouri white oak for two years. We will put these bottles away for a few more years. The Branson, MO store is a beautiful new facility with a strikingly high center ceiling. Close to the Stone Hill Winery store, but a bit of a trick to find across the street, down the hill and around a curve. The effort to find this store front is worth the effort. On a further Norton note, be aware that we found a grocery shelf Mt. Pleasant Winery Norton for only $9.00. We couldn’t turn this down, but please you don’t make the same mistake. How could Mt. Pleasant Winery put their name on something this bad? After only a small sample glass, we instinctively poured the remaining contents of the bottle down the drain.

Stone Hill Winery - Branson (written Oct 09, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Dry Vignoles

Norton Wine Review: The Branson, MO Stone Hill Winery is an outlet store of sorts. Some wines that I asked for here were reportedly only available from the Hermann, MO winery. What a bummer. The Branson location is perfect for a store interested in selling wine related clothes, napkins, candles, placemats, coasters, glasses, cards, dishes, magnets, oven mitts, aprons, soaps, T-shirts, party foods, and yes, ~ most of Stone Hill Wines offerings. A nice touch was the closed door tasting room so that one would not be distracted with the dog and pony show on the main floor. I appreciated the well trained knowledgeable Vietnam Vet who served us. Nothing was rushed as he attended to several parties at one time. Available for tasting were 25 different wines. An especially nice Dry Vignoles was served, a reasonably priced solid Chambourcin, and a good, but unexciting Norton (Gold Medal, Pacific Rim International winner, - must reflect on how little I know about wines). Most disappointing was that the Governor’s Gold Medal ’07 and ‘08 Cross J Vineyard Nortons were not available at this store and only available in Hermann, MO. We were only able to buy the 2006 Cross J Vineyard Norton in the blind (no opportunity to taste). This was a sad situation for those who truly wish to follow the Norton wine trail. Most wines were reasonably priced mixed in with reserve type examples whose quality and aging deemed higher tags.

Mount Bethel Winery (written Oct 08, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Part of the fun of being at Mount Bethel Vineyards was learning the past storied family wine connections, meeting a few of the family members and tasting wines in the original, built into the earthen bank, stone walled wine room. Because of market demands, MBW is better known for their sweet wines, but they also incorporate some most unique dry wines under their Domaine Montel label. Their 1st crop Viognier was an example of one of several surprises here. Even their sweet pink Red Noble Muscadine was a fun wine. MBW’s ‘05 Zinfandel was exceptionally smooth and Cynthiana was most credible being the best Cynthiana (Norton) found in the state of Arkansas. While at MBW do not leave without trying their wonderful Elderberry wine and fortified, secret blend, Tawny Port.

Keels Creek Winery (written Oct 08, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Chambourcin

Norton Wine Review: Keels Creek Winery’s advertised proclamation of producing dry wines is a credible mission, if only one of their wines could have outlasted the FULL LECTURE series endured during their $5 tasting. The store noises made for almost an impossible wine tasting. Keels maintains 12 acres of vineyards producing an interesting cross section of grapes, including Vivant (a Canadian white grape that seemingly grows best in the South), Vignoles, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Cynthiana (Norton), Catawba and Cayuga. Though their wines were not to our tastes, I will say that this was the only Arkansas winery that had a handle on the Cynthiana-Norton grape background. Personally we found their Cynthiana soft and maintaining sour overtones which did not linger well on the palate. Their Chambourcin, held for two years in Missouri oak, was the most interesting of their wines. Located in touristy Eureka Springs, AR, one can experience the possibilities of dry Arkansas produced wines.

Post Familie Vineyards (written Oct 08, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Though 27ish wine variations were offered, only the grapes of Cynthiana, Delaware, Vignoles, Vidal Blanc, Prophecy, Ives Noir and different muscadine grapes came from this vineyard’s property. In our case, we were only interested in trying PFV’s drier wines produced from their own harvested properties. Their Vignoles produced in stainless steel tanks was bright, but quickly decayed on the back of the palate. The Prophecy wine had only been available for a few years and it was obvious that the vintners are still searching for the possibilities of this new grape. Their disappointing 100% Cynthiana [Norton] wine produced in stainless steel tanks using “a little oak chipping” turned out to be quite thin and lacking character. Under a different label (St. John Winery) they produced boxed wines and offered them on 50% off specials for only $7.50. At that price, their boxed Cabernet Sauvignon would have been the only wine that we would have considered purchasing.

Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards and Winery (written Oct 07, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards (pronounced Chateau “Ozark”) is advertised as “one of Arkansas’ principal wholesale growers of Cynthiana [Norton] grapevines”, but unfortunately not a single bottle of this grape’s wine was available when visiting. CAAV is more than just a winery in that they also support overnight accommodations and a full service RV park. We tried several varietals and blends, but one customer took the words right out of my mouth when she declared publicly ~ “cleaning fluid”. Out of the small offerings, we would have appreciated at least one good tasting experience. The extensive xeriscaped desert like winery landscaping in lush green Arkansas made for a hot, dry, and uninviting setting.

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars & Restaurant (written Oct 07, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: We stopped for a tasting, evening Swiss meal, and overnight parking at Wiederkehr Wine Cellars. In the tasting room we were a bit wowed by an enormous baroque, Italian black oak triptec (approx 24’w x 10’h) supposedly from the late 1700s/early 1800s. Gaudy, to say the least, but appropriate for the tasting bar setting. Though Wiederkehr sported abundant acres of grapes, we were taken back by how many of their dry wines utilized “imported” grapes/juices. For example, though they had planted Gewürztraminer vines, this current wine offering was made from Washington State grapes. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a clear wine with absolutely no color. Offered were other wines; as, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc which were not taste typical. When offered their 2008 Cynthiana it was noted that “this was a wild Arkansas grape, not to be confused with the Norton grape which is a hybrid of Cynthiana.” Really? This was a non-offensive, but sweeter than usual Norton (oops, Cynthiana) wine. It would be a safe-to-serve wine in non-discriminating company. Over 30 reasonably priced wines, but none to be remembered in the days, weeks, or months to come

Cowie Wine Cellars (written Oct 07, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Cowie Wine Cellars has produced wines since 1955, using grapes from neighboring vineyards. For the most part, we found only sweet wines and a hostess who did not know anything about the grapes or wines. Bottom line, they had 19 wines and we tackled four. Allegedly they had a good Vidal Blanc, but it was not available the evening we arrived. An Elderberry wine was interesting, but too tartly sweet, a Vin Sec Rouge (Concord? ~ enough said), Robert’s Port (dark burnt brown), and an un-notably thin Arkansas Queen (Norton). At this winery our hostess only knew that “Cynthiana [Norton] was a wild Arkansas grape”.

Davis Valley Winery and Vineyard (written Aug 08, 2010)
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Sometimes you just get lucky trying unsuccessfully to find one vineyard and stumbling onto another. This was the case in Rural Retreat, VA (yup, that’s the name of the town) as we approached a massive commercial building atop an outcropping of 45 acres of vines planted some ten years ago. Driving by rows of Chardonel and grapes Vitis unknownei, we entered a winery full of surprises. Karen, our hostess, was welcoming, country, full of quick smiles, and serious about making an honest pitch for Davis Valley Winery. The $4 tasting fee which did not apply to purchases didn’t bother us, but the plastic tasting cups just about did us in. We soon learned what was listed on brochures was not a complete inventory of their reasonably priced offerings. Visit DVW to compare a representative Chardonnay to a good Chardonel, evaluate Corot Noir prepared in stainless or oak (Autumn Red), or just see how someone else interprets Cabernet Franc. Personally we enjoyed their Chambourcin and even picked up their non-specified “White Wine”. Several of their wines had cute names, but no grape description(s). In 2011 they are going to introduce their first Norton wine, albeit, a sweeter version than usually encountered.

Flag Hill Winery (written Jul 26, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: De Chaunac

(I wonder if the previous 'dragonfly' journal came from an employee) During our travels, we encountered a highway sign encouraging us to turn and visit Flag Hill Winery, New Hampshire’s largest winery started in 1990 and growing six varieties of grapes. Nice setting, but we drove in at a busy weekend time. We were fourteen at the tasting bar (a bit crowded to say the least) and other customers in the store being served by only two hostesses. Our hostess’ jokes made it hard to understand if there was a tasting fee and if you were going to taste either / or / both wines and spirits. Then there was the issue of no tasting sheets with descriptions, selections, or personal writing notes. It was interesting that they served only wines that they grew locally. Unfortunately, the Cayuga had no finish as could be found up the road at Stone Gate Winery. An anticipated Marechal Foch had a nice aroma, was inky black in color, but flat in taste. Strike one, strike two, and now for the final pitch of our tasting, - a De Chaunac (an 1860 French-American hybrid) wine had a long finish with hints of black cherry. A new taste for us.

Still River Winery (written Jul 21, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Apfel Eis (Apple Ice wine)

Here you get no choices, but for one Apfel Eis (Apple Ice wine). Finding Still River Winery is a fun drive through Harvard, MA's beautiful neighborhoods. The entire setting is a large home with an entrance through the doors of an antique furniture store restoration shop and into the basement where the winery’s glass jugs are lined between various walls of dripping cider, refrigerators, and filtration systems. Best of all, you’ll get to meet Wade Holtzman who admits having to tell the same stories of ice apple production hundreds of times per year. Still River Winery separates frozen water crystals from ice cold pressed cider and then slowly ferments the remaining cider at cold temperatures over a few months. The process entails over a bushel of apples in the making of a single 375 ml bottle. We left with a clutch of this deliciously sweet, hard to believe it is so good, Apfel Eis and as importantly, the fun in meeting such a welcoming vintner and host.

Nashoba Valley Winery (written Jul 21, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Vignoles

Being in New England, I only anticipated fruit wines and other related affronts from Nashoba Valley Winery. This venue turned out to be a winery, brewery, distillery, orchard plus a restaurant. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they grow their own Chardonnay, Vignoles, Lemberger and Cabernet Franc grapes plus of course a slew of different fruits. Their Chardonnay was very dry, nutty, and did not hold well on back of the palate. As for their Vignoles, it was a non-offensive fruity yet crisp wine worthy of purchase consideration. The Blueberry Merlot blend characteristics did not compliment each other and had a little unappreciated mustiness. The Dry Blueberry was indeed dry and a successful surprise for a fruit wine. As for their Renaissance red blend (Cab Franc, Lemberger, Merlot), we came away with a flat taste with almost no aromas. Quite disappointing. With twenty-nine different wine/fruit combinations, thirteen spirits and eleven beers, we left with a couple Elephant Hearts (Plum Brandy), a couple set-your-arse-down “Perfect 10” gins, and a genuine five year old Massachusetts Single Malt Whiskey appropriately named Stimulus. We left without NVW’s maple syrupy tasting Northern Comfort cognac and gooder-than-cider 100 percent Neutral Spirits apple vodka. There are tasting fees of $4 for five wines, but you get to keep their enormously tall souvenir glasses that I promise you will not fit in your dishwasher. For an additional $3 fee you get a generous pour of Nashoba’s 5 year-old Stimulus $$ Single Malt Whiskey. Crazy, but a fun place to experience a cross sections of brews, wines, and spirits.

Stone Mountain Wine Cellars (written Jul 18, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Stone Mountain Wine Cellars had to be revisted since we were passing by it on I-81. It’s address is Pine Grove, PA, but to be honest, it’s ten miles or so east of the town in “Hidden Valley". Three years ago we found this small venue named Jersey Farms & Winery and wanted to know could it have been as nice as remembered. Now understand, this is a farmer’s grocery stand/store with all the vegetables grown on site, but to add to all this is a wall of wine and a tiny little tasting bar. What an offering they make with their 12 reds, 9 whites, a 100% Norton grape port, and 11 fruit wines! Gone were the "folk" ’04 & ’05 Norton wines which we had enjoyed , but now replaced with a ’06, ’07, and ’08 Norton, plus a Rose of Aestiv Norton, a wine called Desire with 8% residual sugar (Norton and Vignoles blend), a Rumble Seat Red, again an 8% residual sugar blend (Cayuga and Norton grapes) and a Rico Suave port style Norton. The ’08 Norton had been prepared in oak, but did not display harsh aromas or tastes. I found this a little thin, but on the other hand it was my wife’s favorite. Go figure. The ’07 Norton had some oak presentation and was the driest of the lot. I think this one has some aging potential. The ’06 was dry, but had nice hints of fruit combined with 1% residual sugar making this the more robust of the three Nortons. We personally bought examples of their Rose’, Desire, and Rumble Seat Red as gifts for friends who would prefer a sweet example of Norton. If in the area, do yourself a favor and visit this most unique winery.

Daniel Vineyards (written Jul 14, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: 2008 Esprit

Norton Wine Review: First on this tasting was a 2008 Frontenac which my wife had no taste for, but I found portrayed a bold meaty bacon aroma which held well on the palate. Obviously I must like to chew my wines. After tasting other wines, it was time to tackle Daniel’s 2008 Norton. It lacked depth and substance normally associated with this varietal, but would be gladly appreciated by dinner guest as a “slow” dinner wine accompanying red meats or spicy dishes. It will be fun opening and reflecting a bit more on it at home. Have you come home to thoughts of “What were we tasting when we bought this?” or “Dern, why didn’t we buy more?” Funny how a home setting changes our wine tastes when relaxed and unencumbered by the winery’s ambience. Daniel Vineyards is a beautiful winery setting, complete with an extremely large open deck under some magnificent oak trees away from the tasting room. Perfect for some different wine tastes and your picnic. Hmmm, did I mention the 2007 Frontenac Port? Strange, my wife truly enjoyed this uniquely different Frontenac in this presentation. Though white wines are not our usual forte, we came away also with a very light and pleasant new grape taste for us in a 2008 Esprit. A semi-dry white which has clear melon flavors.

Glades Pike Winery (written Jul 13, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Glades Pike Winery freely admits that all its grapes making dry wines come from areas other than Pennsylvania. Also a bit unusual was their tasting fees, which was free for most of their wines, but a $1.00 charge for each generous tasting pour of dry red(s). At this location we found interesting Petit Verdots, Cabernet Francs, and a 12 month oaked ’08 Norton which was soft tasting with no harsh tannin flavors. With GPW and Stone Mountain Cellars in Pine Grove, PA producing nice Norton wines, knowledge is slowly spreading across the mid-Eastern states of this unique wine.

Forks of Cheat Winery (written Jul 13, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Seyval Blanc

Wine-compass.com blogger suggested we try this winery near Morgantown, WV. Since we have never been disappointed with his off-the beaten-path suggestions, we climbed the seven miles of back roads off I-68 to find this neat setting vineyard planted in 1981 with wonderful rolling farmland views. Jerry and Susan Deal have put a lot of care into their site which offers dry red varietals that we have never tried before and a plethora of sweet fruit wines. Though they served wines made from “imported” grapes, we opted to try only those they personally grew in their vineyards. My, my, - another West Virginia great white find with unusually strong mystical aromas. We rarely buy even one white wine, but today we bought three FCW fruit forward Seyval Blanc wines (one for tonight’s grilled salmon meal, one for home and one as a special gift). We left also with a light Leon Millot grape Burgundy, a surprisingly good Van Buren grape sweet wine, and a “Black Jewel” Port made from the not often found Marechal Foch grape. A pleasant setting where you can buy chips, crackers and cheeses or bring in your own picnic meal to sit on the small deck and enjoy some most pleasant West Virginia wines.

Fabbioli Cellars (written May 06, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Reserve Cabernet Franc

Fabbioli Cellars is a small family winery, but one with a vintner with three decades of experience, mainly on the west coast. What Doug Fabbioli does with Virginia grapes boarders on the magical. Sure, we tasted a slew of good wines here, but let me just sing praises for two favorites, Fabbioli Cellars Chambourcin and Reserve Cabernet Franc. There are many times when you taste good high priced Virginia wines, but the cost does not necessarily justify a purchase. This is an exception with their Reserved Cabernet Franc. Though this $30 treat can be consumed today, it truly needs to rest a few more years to optimize its potential. As for the oaked bright Chambourcin, today is the day to open or in the next year or so since we found this grape tends to go flat in time. Lots to choose from here that are all good.

Paradise Springs Winery (written May 06, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Cabernet Franc

Norton Wine Review: Trying to catch Paradise Springs Winery open means making sure that you allocate time during your weekends for a visit. The ride through the elegant Clifton, VA home roadways will be rewarded by finding their small log cabin winery tasting room built in the early 1800s. Maybe as important as the wines you will encounter, is the story of bringing PSW to fruitation. A complex venture to offer the community that PSW serves wines of amazing substance within the first year of its public operation. Grapes are brought in from other Virginia vineyards at this time, but with the gracious help of nearby wineries, Jane Kincheloe Wiles is producing wines quite successfully. Not only does her 2008 Norton stand up well to established VA wineries, this wine took a 2010 Governor’s Cup Gold Medal. For me, I was equally impressed with their 2008 Cabernet Franc. Can you imagine Cab Franc as a soft tasting table wine with interesting character? Do yourself a favor and get out to Paradise Springs Winery and enjoy a wonderful glass of wine.

Corcoran Vineyards (written May 05, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Meritage

It seems if one is to find a good Virginia vineyard, part of the search entails traveling down long washboard gravel roads and this leads to finding such places as Corcoran Vineyards. The setting is idyllic among ponds and rolling high hills near Leesburg, VA. The grape vines get washed in sunlight and bathed in a continuous breath of moving air. Add to this family homes all working together to put together a father’s dream. If this were not enough, add a home constructed in the 1750’s now used as the tasting room. Yes, a bit tight for larger groups to use, but all this adds to the enjoyment of well crafted Rieslings, a soft in character Chardonnay, an example of what Virginia can do with Cabernet Franc, and a new found friend in an East coast Malbec. Additionally, you can treat yourself to a Meritage that sings to the hills and maybe even finer, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Tannat named Mary’s Cuvee. What an absolute treat visiting this site and as advertised on their web site, Wi-Fi was available for those that cannot separate themselves from technology and wines.

Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery (written May 04, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery is only a short drive from Casanel Vineyards. Basically the same location, but oh so different are the wines. You meet the proprietor, Dean Vanhuss, and you know that you are going to enjoy some of his wines. All wines purposely different with an appreciated attitude. Take his spicy (my wife said “salty”) flavored Traminette which contrast to what you have tasted before in this grape, but again different with a sound purpose. The same can be said for his light, yet tasty Chambourcin. This attitude carries well over into his Nortons which he has combined 10% Mourvedre for this softened blend. Though Dry Mill’s 2007 Norton can be easily consumed now, we are going to put it through its paces for a couple more years and enjoy at a later date. It is nice to be able at this site to compare Chardonnay wines which have been prepared in stainless steel and another one that has been oak barreled. What fun, it’s your choice.

Delaplane Cellars (written May 04, 2010)
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Upon reading online the tantalizing recent opening of Delaplane Cellars, we made a special attempt to visit this new vineyard site. This is a picturesque setting with the presentation of long, solid black walnut tasting bars, oversized entrance doors made of the same wood harvested from the vineyards construction site, and wonderful views into the Shenandoah Mountains. Unfortunately that is where all the praises end. The wines were as pretentious as the inflated prices. Varietal tastes were camouflaged by the blends incorporated. Classic and Reserve tasting fees were not applicable to purchases. With Delaplane’s prices for non-descript wines, the owners had brought New York style attitudes South and I don’t think this is gonna work.

DuCard Vineyards (written May 02, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: I'm betting that DuCard Vineyards will become a Virginia Wines point-of-interest for many, many wine travelers in the years to come being tucked neatly in a scenic roads Shenandoah mountains valley 45 minutes off I-81. Though only a few offerings at this time which evidently sells out very quickly each year, we were so lucky to hook up with Scott Elliff in his busy schedule as he works to finish the new on-site tasting and sales facility scheduled to open in late May, 2010. How wonderful it was having him showing us variations of vine pruning in his vineyards. The ride alone into the beautiful Virginia’s Madison County area is simply one part of the journey followed by a superb 2007 Norton. DuCard’s description lists this wine as an ‘intense and inky-black wine with distinctive aromas’. This wording accurately describes a wonderful Norton which we discovered on this trip. Unique to this vineyard is Scott Elliff’s participation with a nearby technical college in which students “adopt” a row of grapes. What an experience he is presenting locally with his community viticulture teaching and work participation.

Casanel Vineyards (written May 02, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: In Casanel Vineyards we found a relative newcomer to the Norton world. What a nice setting using original structures dating back into the 1700s. The tasting room had been a small rock barn in which the proprietors had carefully recreated proudly the structure into an inviting venue for sharing wine with others. There is a sense of great pride with every project on the grounds. With the maturing of vineyard vines in the years to come, this location will become popular to visit and relaxing with Casanel’s wines. Though not to our taste, Casanel’s Rose Norton Batucada is a wine that I think would be perfect for preparing sangrias. You can already find here Chardonnay, Viognier, the mentioned Norton, Merlot, and a Cabernet. Good things will be coming from this family endeavor. There is a $5 tasting fee that does not apply to purchases.

Rappahannock Cellars (written May 02, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Norton Port dessert wine

Norton Wine Review: A flier from Rappahannock Cellars states: “Recognizing the promise in Virginia wines, we moved our family’s winery from California to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of Virginia.” And with this move came the knowledge for preparing a wonderful assortment of wines produced from local Virginia grapes. Usually sticking mainly to Norton wines, we left Rappahannock with a case containing Claret, Meritage, Nortons, and a Port styled 100% Norton dessert wine. Some delightful white wines were available, but alas our case could only hold 12 bottles of reds and my wife had to lug the tote bag out with the four ports. The Norton was a 25% Cab Sauv blend which made this an easy to drink now Norton, but will be enhanced by putting away for a few years. Interestingly discounts applied only to Club Members, but a Spring Special applied to others in forms of free tasting fees / extra bottle (3 bottle purchase 1 free tasting; 4 bottle purchase 2 free tastings; & 12 bottle purchase 2 free wine tastings plus 1 extra bottle of your choice, ~ a Vintner’s Dozen). High praises go to Rappahannock Cellars for another reason, and that being their willingness to share facilities and insights with new and up and coming vintners. We visited several Virginia wineries that freely stated their appreciation for all the help given to them by this Front Royal, VA site.

New Kent Winery (written May 02, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: White Norton (available again in 2012?)

Norton Wine Review: New Kent Winery is a new-fangled venture of homes, golf courses, soon-to-be built 5-star hotel and the like. Be aware that the $10 tasting fee does not apply to purchases. Hot looking facility using recycled woods from eras gone by, but unfortunately real cool taste reactions by us for all seven wines served. We found a brassy Chardonnay and reds that just missed the mark all together. The experience was as artificial as the Richmond, VA stamped heavy ceiling beams which had come from Connecticut. Had to buy their White Norton in the blind since they only had a few bottles left from an earlier vintage. Because of crop failure, another similar Norton will not be available until 2012. First of all, we tend to not find ourselves drinking Rose very often, but were willing to try the NKW White Norton. To make this more palatable, we decided to try to couple this with an appropriate occasion food pairing. Out came the freshly picked strawberries dipped in chocolate and smiles from dinner guest who finished the first bottle of White Norton in quick order. Good experience and glad we made the effort to pick up bottles of NKW White Norton for this once in a lifetime experience.

Wisteria Farm and Vineyard (written May 01, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: In the world of wines, California has in many ways been trying to recreate the European wine experience and in the town of Stanley, VA we found a lovely setting and lovely Lebanese host doing the unusual in creating not a copy of someone else’s wine, but his own unique style of wines, including our native Norton. Mousa has introduced to his small community a wealth of wines, to include Traminette, Seyval, Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, Norton, and in the future a Lebanese grape. This young Norton wine is not polished at this time, so we will hold our purchase for a few years to see what develops.

Chrysalis Vineyards (written Apr 30, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Viognier

Norton Wine Review: Here you have a choice of a $5 Estate tasting or a $10 Reserve tasting. Let me implore you to treat yourself to the $10 Reserve tasting. As you ramble through the offerings, it will soon be apparent for the additional pricing. The beauty of Chrysalis Vineyards is that one can taste a nice $$ range of Norton wines. From their good value Patio Red rose to their Norton "barrel", "estate", and "reserve" wines ($13, $16, $19, $29, $35). Here you have a tasting that broaches all that can be found well in Virginia. You will be treated to an array of non-vinifera wines. With the Reserve tasting, if you buy them or not, you will have experienced some of the best Norton wines that can be found on the East coast. What you experience two years ago will change today and two years from now since Chrysalis dramatically changes their blends annually. If you want to really learn more about the American wine industry which includes a fabled history of the Norton grape, search out the new book by Todd Kliman, The Wild Vine. This is a documentary about characters who advanced Norton viticulture, dead or alive, and the development of the American wine world. Learn the importance of today's wineries; as Chrysalis Vineyards, in the development of a continuing story of American wines, - yesterday, today, and for sure, tomorrow.

Castle Gruen Vineyards and Winery (written Apr 30, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Sometimes you just get lucky when finding a small remote vineyard and this was the case at Castle Gruen Winery. Though only five offered wines from this small family vineyard, you are quickly introduced to a vintner who is truly in love with his grape works. You just cannot go wrong with any wines at Castle Gruen. From a truly well crafted “Southern” Gewurztraminer style Traminette fermented in stainless steel to a drinkable now Merlot (75% Merlot, 10% Alicante Bouschet, 10% Concord, 5% Viognier). *CGVW 2007 Norton is described as ‘Deep, Dark, Vanilla, and Cherry, with Balanced Tannins’. Good description except we did not find this Norton “dark” in color or taste. Stated was that “the issue is not always the flavors, but the aromas” in wines and this is so true to the aromas of his wine with its light bodied, yet complex California Pinot Noir style produced Norton. Drinkable now, but we are betting after holding for a few more years we might have one of the best Nortons to be found in Virginia. Don’t leave without considering also their King’s Red blend (Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon-Cabernet Franc). Again, we will hold this wine royalty for a few more years. . . . *Sixteen Norton vineyards later on this one trip, this was my wife’s favorite Norton wine.

Mountain Cove Vineyards & Wine Garden (written Apr 29, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: This is Virginia’s oldest continuously operating winery. Here we were greeted with not only a nice “folk” Norton blend (Norton/Chambourcin/Cabernet Franc), but wines made from fruit that was actually fun to taste. Find also a semi-dry blend of Vouvray's Villard Blanc and Vidal Blanc which is slightly effervescent. A place with charm that only a backwoods setting could conjure. Enjoy the wines, but more importantly, ~ enjoy the people you will meet here. Bring yourself a picnic lunch and find your own special spot to enjoy the day on the farm.

Lexington Valley Vineyard (written Apr 29, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: A real project is on tap working with grapes in the harsh environs of Lexington, VA. Not only will you find a delightful Chill Norton Rose, but a Southern treat white Traminette which had rhubarb overtones (yum). As for their Norton wines, they offered a 2006 'Black Tie' Norton which was blended with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Good, but I found this state silver award winner tainted with dark tar flavors which hasn’t matured into formal attire at this point.. Their younger 2007 Norton was a murky brown. We picked up a couple bottles of this for a later 2014 Virginia Norton wine comparison. . . . . . . . . . ~ it’s three days later now and time to do a bit of follow up. Driving along Virginia’s Northern Neck river coastal waterways, we found blue crab freshly steamed in heavily seasoned river brine. We instinctively went for our Lexington Winery young with sharp tannins Norton and were pleased with the pairing of this wine and the incredible treat of spicy crabs. Good for this meal, but unfortunately the 2007 Norton did not hold up the next day exhibiting cooked raisin flavors and unusually heavy sediments.

Veritas Winery (written Apr 29, 2010)
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We went to Veritas Wines on the recommendations of two Virginia bloggers. $5 tasting fee for either their white or red offerings with fee applicable to wine purchases. This more formal presentation site could easily accommodate weddings and other celebrations, but luckily for us this day it was a quiet setting in the beautiful hills of Virginia. Though we opted for the red tasting, our hostess did “slip” in her personal favorite estate bottled Chardonnay which we found as a back of the tongue drying venture. Their Rose made for a surprisingly nice Cabernet Franc and Merlot deep pink blend presentation (picked up a couple bottles for spring time garden settings). Though interesting, we did not opt for their Chambourcin blend, asparagus laced Cabernet Franc, musty Merlot, or Claret (Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot blend). Pleasant setting for a casual wine, but Virginia has many other nice vineyard options.

Lovingston Winery (written Apr 29, 2010)
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Lovingston Winery was an early morning tour of a newly founded vineyard and winery. Some individuals have a personality that makes you want to listen to what they have to offer, and this was Ed Puckett. This vintner took his time with us during his busy schedule to accommodate every question we could throw at him. Obviously a working family’s vineyard and not a horse and pony show attraction. Gravity flow designed winery facilities nestled under the view of their 1906 home site. Though they would sell you wines from the vineyard, Lovingston is in the business of producing wines for local restaurants and vendors. How many wineries have you gone to that you truly enjoyed every offering? Well, this is the case here. No, not that you wanted to buy every bottle presented, but you enjoyed the opportunity to try the offerings that are not normally your preferences. Six wonderfully crafted “gentle” wines (Wahoo White, Petit Manseng, Cab Franc, two Merlots, and an unusual 80% Chambourcin / 20% Tannat blend ‘Rotunda Red’). We traveled home with Lovingston’s 2007 Cabernet Frank and the best East coast Merlot ever tasted in their Reserve 2006 Merlot.

Peaks of Otter Winery (written Apr 24, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: The first trick is to throw your GPS out the window while attempting to find this location and learn to rely on old fold up maps. $3.00 can provide you with a gaudy little tasting glass, or you can opt out for a free tasting using one of Peak’s little dental sippy spit cups. Makes no difference what your preference, the tasting pour will be so small that only the bottom of the glass/sippy cup will get coated with the pour. They present a menu consisting of a Mountain Sunrise Norton, a Sheep Creek Ruby Cab Franc and a plethora of Peach, Fig, Apple, Crabapple, Acia-apple, Tomato-apple, Blackberry, Pear, Plum, Mango, Blueberry, Strawberry, and Raspberry fruit bomb wines. If that is not enough to turn your stomach over, how about trying their Kiss the Devil chili pepper wine made from 30 varieties of peppers. There will be those who really like sweet fruit wines which come in wonderful variation of bottle designs and colors here, but as for their Norton my wife thought it potable without sourness, but I thought the overtones were those of an acid bomb. Trust my wife or just go with my negative flow. Let’s come away with a positive note. Their Apple wine reminded us of a sweet “Cloudberry” wine. What’s easier for you, traveling to Virginia’s POW for apple wine or Newfoundland for Cloudberry wine?

Blumenhof Vineyards and Winery (written Mar 07, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Blumenhof Winery produces an award winning Norton wine they have cleverly named "Original CYN". Unfortunately they ship directly only to MO & CA, but I have found that the Missouri Mercantile wine distributor will secure this wine for shipment. Order quickly because they always sell out by early fall. This is a vineyard working hand-in-hand with nature, providing a vineyard tree edge which accepts a 10% loss of grapes to its finely fed feathered friends. After trying 66 different Norton wines from eleven states, this is one of our two favorite Norton wines. I can't possibly be more positive than this for their 2006 Norton. 2007 Original Cyn still boxed and waiting its turn.

Adam Puchta Winery (written Feb 02, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Norton

Norton Wine Review: One of Missouri's very best Norton wines. Out of 66 Norton wines tried so far from eleven states, Adam Puchta's Norton wine ranks in our top five choices. Need I say more? Drink today or put away for a few years. Remember to always let Norton wines breathe at least 30 minutes or so before drinking. While you are there, don't forget to try their exceptional Chardonel wine.

Barboursville Vineyards (written Jan 31, 2010)
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Wonderful three ring circus. No relaxation here, just pure unadulterated sales push. Tasted quite a few wines and in a blind tasting with my wife, I chose the $32 Nebbiolo and my wife selected the $40 Octagon wine. Good enough to purchase? No. Left with a Sauvignon Blanc and a pot holder as a souvenir of getting out of this place alive and with our wallets still in tact. It was amazing how they pushed through so many people. $4.00 fee for tasting glass does not apply to wine purchase(s). We left our glasses there.

Crown Winery (written Jan 30, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Chambourcin & Royal Red Blend

Norton Wine Review: After a long day's travels, sometimes it’s best to save the best for last, and this was dead on today. A winery with seventeen acres used for serious wine production. No pretense here at Crown Winery with the vintners, Peter Howard and Jane Leatherland, very adamantly admitting that their most successful wines come only from the vines of Chardonel, Chambourcin, and Traminette. So where did that leave our search for a Norton wine? Well they admitted their successes and stated their attempts to provide an acceptable Norton, named Royal Red, was purely a “love-of-labor.” An approximate 50/50 combination of Norton and Noiret wine fermented from the onset together. Next year they will do the same, but rather blend these two wines in the final bottling preparations. These two English vintners know what they are attempting and we got to get highlights of what is coming down the road for next year by being treated with tastings straight out of the tanks. This year’s Chardonel is good, but wait till you taste next year’s bottle of the equivalent. Same goes for this year’s and next year’s Chambourcin. My guess is you best put in your reservations now for next year’s Crown Winery offerings. My friend from the area left CW with their clean, yet slightly tangy Traminette.

Century Farm Winery (written Jan 30, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Century Farms Winery is easy to find close to Interstate I-40 near Jackson, TN. Though this Norton wine had come from relatively young six year old vines, these tendrils were obviously planted in real soil, - unlike other vineyard examples all grown in a thin clay based soil in the eastern part of Tennessee. The husband and wife team that greeted us were true farmers turned true vintners. This was my first Tennessee encounter that had made the 671 miles of driving worth the effort. They shared graciously and unapologetically their current wine and wines to come. Though only one out of seventeen acres was planted in Norton grapes, they made a delightful easy to drink Norton. Along with a nicely crafted Chambourcin wine, this showed that someone in this state was making a concerted effort to produce a product worth advertising. My friend from a near by town enjoyed picking up a couple bottles of CFW’s Cayuga White. Ah, it seems wine can be made in Tennessee.

Ocoee Winery (written Jan 30, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: A quick run in and run out at Ocoee Winery. Unlike Norton wines too commonly found in other states that usually have a dark cherry taste with a bubblegum aroma, this was the first Norton tasted that had a light strawberry hint in it’s presentation. Not for me, but I know people who possibly would like this accessibly priced Ocee Cynthiana (Norton).

Tennessee Valley Winery (written Jan 30, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Late Harvest Cynthiana Port

Norton Wine Review: Pretty “Great Smokies National Park” setting, but the poor struggling vineyard vines were the brunt of a hard life (birds, 70 inch rainfalls, yellow jackets galore, and terrible seasonal temperature extremes). According to this vineyard owner, strange Tennessee laws force wineries to buy local grapes which impacts their success/failure of wine production. Take TVW’s Appalachian Red which was comprised of Chambourcin, Norton, and the kitchen sink. Every grape imaginable was to be found in this wine to supposedly meet state wine production restriction. Poor vintners, it is obviously a hard, hard life in this state. TVW did try to produce something a bit unique with their ‘Late Harvest Cynthiana’. An unfortified 100% Norton Port which had been barreled oaked for five years and obtaining on its own almost 19% alcohol. An interesting variation for a port-of-sorts.

Mountain Valley Winery (written Jan 30, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Tasting was free with no sales push, friendly atmosphere, but no one had any knowledge of how the wines were made. The host was provided with a tip sheet of where some of the grapes came from since MVW only buys the grapes or juices and “processes” the wine at this touristy location. Their Cynthiana (Norton) had a light cough syrup taste which I presume would sell in this setting. Wonder if Dolly Parton has tried any of these wines? I also tried their Chambourcin and Gewürztraminer concoctions with little success.

Carmela Vineyards (written Jan 21, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Me - Meritage / Wife - Reserve Merlot

It's your wife's 60th birthday and you have been driving all day long headed back to the east coast, ~ obviously you better come up with something. Late in the evening as we approached Glenns Ferry, ID, I see a sign that states winery and restaurant and golf and RV park, and it looks like I might be saved. But in my head was the continuous wine thought, "remember, we are in Idaho". Well, my bride of 37 years could not have been more pleased with the wines, meal, peaceful RV park, and as a bonus, a double magnificent rainbow after the evening's dinner. We bought the last case of their Obama 'Yes We Can!'zen red wine (yes, you read that correctly, not zin), plus my wife's birthday selections: Pinot Noir, 2004 King Hill Vineyard Reserve Merlot ($$), Cabernet Franc, and a pretty good Meritage. Nice porch setting for a dinner with LARGE glasses of Cabernet Franc. Can't say we will ever have the opportunity to find this place again, but we left with fond Idaho winery birthday memories.

Ozan Vineyard and Winery (written Jan 15, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: This was an interesting stop because of their unorthodox approach to Norton wine production. First was a Vino Rose Norton which was appreciably not too sweet. We picked up a couple bottles as gifts for friends who would perhaps enjoy such. Next we sampled Ozan’s 2007 Norton wine. Let me be truthful in saying that we did not truly enjoy this Norton wine sample, but let me also state that there might be others who may find this an interesting Lite Norton. I’m not found of anything Lite, be it Lite beer or Lite DSL Internet speeds. Ozan’s Norton had a light uncharacteristic color and a taste I would not wish to cultivate in comparison to other Norton wines. Overall, chalk this as an one thumb down experience.

OakGlenn Vineyards and Winery (written Jan 09, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: We found Oak Glenn Winery while traveling the Hermann Wine trail. Though we haven’t settled on a family ranking of this Norton wine, it is strange that we keep going back to this case, and before long it will be all gone. While traveling the Hermann wine trail you will have listed six wineries. This is one of the four you should visit. The others would be Stone Hill, Adam Puchta, and Robller Winery.

Luna Rossa Winery (written Jan 07, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Sangiovese

Eating in the best Mexican restaurant in the US (I kid you not) in Deming, NM we met the owner of Luna Rossa Winery and were graciously invited to come by their winery. Seemingly the D'Andrea family had purchased and resurrected a former failed vineyard by cutting out former vines, keeping a few, and adding other Italian varietals in this venture. At this vineyard it seemed that they strived to produce Italian style, food friendly wines. We did not particularly like their reds (good, but not our preference) but opted to purchase a couple whites which we thought unique to the area. Though a nice winery facility, the ambiance was hampered by being along a long flat desert town highway. Would we return if in the area again, - yes.

Clover Hill Vineyards and Winery (written Jan 07, 2010)
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Reasonably priced wines, but did not find anything that wowed us. Staff was patient and tried giving reasonable taste descriptions to our queries. Did leave with a dark Chambourcin that contrasted nicely from what we had found in Virginia.

Chateau Morrisette Winery (written Jan 06, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Chambourcin

The Blue Ridge Parkway, a beautiful woman (wife of 38 years) to travel with in a perfect mountain setting, and the addition of a legitimate winery along the route. Chateau Morrisette Winery not only provides a nice break along the way with their winery, but also provides a top rate restaurant. An amazing spread of wines to choose from and some which are very tasty. I don't know if it is from the soil composition or temperatures encountered at the vineyard's elevation, which is over 3000', along with the vintner's practices, but all wines form CMW have a distinct different taste from other nearby wineries in NC and VA. The best way to describe for purchase considerations is that wines from Chateau Morrisette are "fun". Add to this, they have wines providing funds to the maintenance of the incredible Blue Ridge Parkway. Not our favorite, but we always pick up a case of Our Dog Blue (semi-sweet Riesling-Traminette blend) for appreciative friends.

Keswick Vineyards (written Jan 06, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Before glaring at my low starred review, please understand that this is a review for only Keswick's Norton wine. Offered were several acceptable wines, but we bought none other than their fair-at-best Norton wine. We had expected more of this Norton wine by descriptions/reviews we had read online. In fact we were so disappointed in what we tasted, (thinking maybe they had not let the wine breathe, or maybe this was just a fluke to what was being served) that we purchased a couple Norton bottles @$21 to try at home. To our amazement, our first impressions confirmed our later attempts in serving this wine. At home our guests graciously asked for an alternative to Keswick's Norton. I don't think putting this bottle down for a few years will really help as suggested by our salesperson/host.

Cave Vineyard (written Jan 06, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: A good Norton wine, but average as compared to other Missouri Norton examples. Cave Vineyard wines are named for the owners and labeled as "Strussione Wines". Strangely, there were slight hints in this award winning Norton wine of "sour" overtones, as you would expect in some wines found in states located in more Southern latitudes. A great setting to leisurely drink a wine in a natural cave which you could walk 200 yards to or have someone take you in Cave Vineyards' shuttle. If you wished to talk to the owner and learn personally of his wine endeavors, you had to overcome a thick cloud of cigar smoke that surrounded him during our visit. But my wife reminds me to state that he did sit and talk when other wine proprietors did not. . . ., nice personal touch.

Bluemont Winery (written Jan 06, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Though Bluemont Winery is relatively new, we were taken back how quickly the vintner had already gotten a handle on what he wanted from his Norton grape wine. Each wine produced is associated with a farm animal; as, Viognier "The Goat", Vidal Blanc "The Cow", Rose Wine "The Donkey", Merlot "The Ram", and wouldn't you know it, - Norton "The Pig". A little pricey for the quality of the wines at this point, but at least the tasting fee is dropped upon purchase(s). I have a feeling this place will grow with popularity (if vehicles will continue to have the horsepower needed to climb the hill to the winery).

Chandler Hill Vineyards (written Jan 06, 2010)
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Favorite Wine: Norton 'Savage'

Norton Wine Review: Chandler Hill Vineyards may be the new kid on the block, but what a taste explosion they laid introducing their Norton "Savage" wine. After participating in a dinner tasting of six notable Missouri Nortons at St. Louis' 2008 Norton Wine Festival, this came out an overall first at our table from publicly available selections. This is an interesting winery that is proud of its historic surroundings. An easy place to relax with good wines and a restaurant that can provide soup, salads, & sandwiches.

Villa Antonio Winery (written Jan 06, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: Nice family farm area trying to produce an Italian style Norton wine. Unfortunately, this thin tasting attempt was not appealing to us since it did not have the bold flavors we normally associate with this wine produced by the small berried Norton grape.

Sugar Creek Winery and Vineyards (written Jan 05, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: "Becky" got her stars correct according to my wife. A much publicized location, conveniently located by a short drive out of St. Charles (St. Louis), that is more hype than winery. With only the first tasting pour at SCW we wanted to get the heck out of Defiance since it was obvious what trap we had driven into. If one wants to dash out of town after work for an evening "quickie" drink before the sun goes down, this is your place, but if you wish to sit down and enjoy the setting with a five star wine, drive another 3.6 miles to Chandler Hill's Winery or three more minutes from SCW for a wonderful setting with a fine Norton at Montelle's Vineyard.

River Ridge Winery (written Jan 05, 2010)
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Norton Wine Review: River Ridge Winery is a friendly out-from-the-beaten path winery with a Norton offering that is unique in that you get to contrast two barreled Norton wines. The same grapes from the same location, but one called Norton (aged in American Oak) and the other named Cynthiana (aged in French Oak). We were more impressed with the Norton grape aged in French oak which was able to "talk" in softer tones as we enjoyed late summer at this setting. The owner went out of his way to take us up to the high bluff area in his personal car where the Norton grapes were peacefully growing in an undisturbed location away from traffic. What a nice experience. Yes, we will return to taste how these Norton wines mature in the years to come.

Mount Pleasant Winery (written Jan 05, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Tawny Port

Norton Wine Review: Mount Pleasant Winery, stately prominent on a hill in Augusta, MO provided ample parking access and accessibility for an elderly handicapped friend that joined us this day. Immediately a chair was offered to our friend at the tasting bar. They must have liked her smile since we were not asked for the imposed fee associated with this tasting. After being treated to Montelle & Augusta Norton wines a few hours earlier, the MPW Norton did not impress us with any uniqueness. If we had come here first, we might have gobbled up a couple bottles, but as it turned out, we preferred for sheer fun their sparkling "ten bucks" wine (picked up a case to be divided among friends) and their absolute stunning $$ Tawny Port. We enjoyed our introduction to this location by our friend.

Montelle Winery (written Jan 05, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: How many ways can one describe a great winery, - location, facilities, wines, hosts, food, wines (oh, I've already stated that) . . . . . . . What a fun place with nice wines at fair prices and generous case discounts with shipping available. Many award winning wine examples in this one location; as, Montelle's Chambourcin, Chardonel, Seyval Blanc, Vignoles, plus their Cynthiana (Norton) and Cynthiana port. Montelle's "Cynthiana" has remained one of our favorite Nortons for several years.

Balducci Vineyards (written Jan 05, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Disappointing Norton wine in an area surrounded by superior examples. Day was not wasted since we had their Aria wine (have no idea what that was composed from) with a great pizza for lunch at Louis P. Balducci Vineyards.

Bias Vineyards and Winery (written Jan 05, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Nothing to comment on since what was served to us did not have any character to what we expected in a Missouri Norton wine. Hard to find and once there a total disappointment in appearance, taste(s), personnel, and displayed product enthusiasm. It was embarrassing trying to find a kind way of departure. Thank goodness for the motorcycle gang that roared in and gave us a reason for leaving. Hope they enjoyed the beer.

Augusta Winery (written Jan 04, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Augusta's Norton "Cynthiana" is a good standard by which to judge other Missouri Norton wines. It is a very good Norton wine which tends to be a bit "cherried" intense in flavors, yet dry in taste. Like all Augusta's wines, this Norton is a bit more reasonable in cost compared to other vineyards.

Rockbridge Vineyard (written Jan 04, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: This is a very easy to access winery along I-81. We were pleased with the offerings both red and white and obvious care that went into the productions. The Norton wine we purchased here in 2008 was nice when we picked it up and in two years has appreciably improved in bottle. This Norton was one of the better finds in 2008 and it will be fun to see how this and other Virginia Norton wine producers have improved with the advent of our next trip north.

Horton Cellars Winery (written Jan 04, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: This is a winery that successfully attempts to offer an extensive selection of locally grown grapes and produced wines. As for their Norton wine, I would say that Horton's mission is to introduce to the general public a good Norton blended wine (75% Norton, 13% Mourvedre, 6% Syrah, 4% Tannat, 3% Grenache) at a fair price and to this they unquestionably succeed. Norton wine is not a wine that most people automatically love to drink, but generally learn to enjoy after comparing with other local wines or other Norton wines. This Norton is a good starter (only $12) and then refine your taste to other available selections. Norton wines tend to be a developed taste which takes a bit of getting use to in enjoying. The first small sip taste generally is tart or sour, followed by a more acceptable palate, etc. When visiting the Horton Vineyards, give yourself ample time to taste and relax. It will be crowded, but the servers are very patient and pick up quickly on your likes and dislikes.

Burnley Vineyards & Daniel Cellars (written Jan 04, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Enjoyable informal setting, but the offered Norton wine is currently not keeping pace with what Virginia has been able to do with Norton grapes in other local settings. Burnley's Norton wine tends to bark rather than quietly talk to you.

Valenzano Winery (written Jan 04, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: After 66 Norton wines tasted so far, this was my first Norton from New Jersey. Having had a good Chambourcin experience before from another NJ vineyard, I thought I would give this a try. On a scale of one-to-five, this got an upper 2 (fair) rating from my wife and I gave it a lower 3 (good) rating. Will hold its own during the course of a lamb, pork or pizza meal. [IGNORE winery & ambiance rating since this was an ordered wine]

Hinnant Family Vineyards (written Jan 04, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Though Hinnant Family Vineyards “specializes” in muscadine type wines, they did offer a Chardonnay and an $11 Norton which we ordered. Now we have the dilemma of what to say about this Norton wine without being caustic. As a former military pilot, I did like the label portraying a Wright Flyer making its way somewhere over the Outer Banks. The nose bouquet highlighted complex barnyard flavors. It is truly amazing the efforts North Carolina is making with their wine industry (replacing tobacco), but we have been dreadfully disappointed with all their vineyard grown grape wines encountered so far. [IGNORE winery & ambiance review since we did not visit the site]

Smith-Berry Winery (written Jan 04, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Visited Smith-Berry Winery where the Norton wine is made, but the grapes come from Arkansas. Here we found a slightly lighter ruby colored Norton and a tasting rejection from my wife and a curiosity tasting note from me. To me, this was light on the nose and harnessed to a subtle tartness. On most tasting occasions my wife and I agree on wine tastes, but on this one you will have to tell us who is “right”. Our host did mention that there actually were two more Nortons, but were not available for tasting (????). So the trick here was that you had to buy their other [2003?] Norton or a 30 month oaked Norton on a blind purchase. On the recommendations of our host, we opted for the extended oaked aged selection. Oh, we will let you know about the results of this when we get home . . . . . . . . . . . . [We are home now and the wines have rested in a cool dark place for three weeks from its travels. A day has been set aside to taste this 2005 30 month oak aged S-BW Vintner’s Reserve Norton on our son’s 30th birthday. Bottle decanted in a large broad based vessel, resting for 40 minutes, and served at slightly less than room temperature. With eyes all looking anxiously, ears listening to the pour, noses putting to the test of bouquet promised, and my son’s voice exclaiming upon tasting – “vinegar”. Four people quickly agreed to the term of “cottony mouth” as palates endured the effects of green persimmons. Will there be future blind winery purchases for us? Lesson learned.]

Lovers Leap Vineyards and Winery (written Jan 04, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Favorite Wine: Vidal Blanc

Norton Wine Review: We literally “rolled” through the countryside to Lover’s Leap Vineyard. With a name sake like that, we braced ourselves for the encounter. Well, here came the surprise of the day, a host that not only knew something about grapes and wine production, but honestly was in love with and proud of their products. The family had just bought one year ago the entire vineyard wine production facility and already wanted to make a distinction between wines past and wines current. Kentucky will have a bright wine future with such efforts as being put forth by Lover’s Leap Vineyards. Not only did we slip effortlessly into their Vidal Blanc, but found their current Norton wine, a product of only one year’s work with grapes collected two years ago, a pleasant surprise which will hopefully mature nicely in the bottle over the next couple years. A soft, easy to taste Norton wine which made us smile with the realization that there is someone serious about wine production in Kentucky. We are glad we made the effort to wander the back roads of Kentucky to find this picturesque setting.

Wildside Winery (written Jan 04, 2010)
Wine: Winery: Ambiance:

Norton Wine Review: Wildside Vineyards offers a full slate of wines from locally grown and “imported” California grapes. Unfortunately the Norton wine had a wild foxy grape taste reminiscent of other unfavorable American varietals. In our opinion, this winery was more into the business of wine rather than the art of wine production.

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