I recently saddled up with a motley collection of industry professionals, budding wine enthusiasts, and wine bloggers to take a great-grape ride on the Monticello wine trail. Good and bad news here. Bad news first - of the 20 plus wineries on the Monticello wine trial we made appointments to visit only six of them. The good news - we have about seventeen left to go, so Monticello wine trail, look out, you will see us again!
 
Jefferson's "New Virginia", also known as Charlottesville is steeped in history, beautiful scenery, twisting country roads, horse farms, and dotted with rolling green hills and vista views. While all the wineries on the trail share a reputation for genuine southern hospitality, fun drinking to exceptional quality wines, and charm-filled tasting rooms, each offers a unique experience that is as different as the wines they produce. 
 
Plan a day or weekend to visit the wineries on the Monticello wine trail. As you drive from winery to winery, you'll enjoy the picturesque views and savor the moment. During our weekend trip on the Monticello Wine Trail we visited Veritas Vineyard & Winery, King Family Vineyards, White Hall Vineyards, Blenheim Vineyards, Jefferson Vineyards, and last but not least, Keswick Vineyards.  These wineries offered great wines, a highly knowledgeable staff, a warm and friendly atmosphere, spectacular views, and a memorable wine tasting experience. One of the best times to visit is spring, so mark your calendars; the seasonal warmth is almost here. However, there is really no bad time to visit, so make a date with the Monticello wine trail and lose yourself in a day or two of tasting Virginia wines, we did!
 
Happy Sipping!

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For a complete list and additional information, visit www.virginiawines.org. The information listed here comes from many sources, so we strongly suggest that you check websites or call wineries direct for details about costs and reservations.

 

 

February 27-March 1:  Virginia Wine Expo
Greater Richmond Convention Center
Join us this year for More Wine! Enjoy over 300 wines from 50+ of Virginia's top wineries.  More Food! Sample amazing dishes from Richmond's hottest restaurants. More Events and Fun!  Register to win a Christopher Mize Painting in a drawing sponsored by Virginia Wine Lover magazine.
www.virginiawineexpo.com

 

Veramar Vineyard, Berryville
Good old potato soup, Irish fare and entertainment.
540-955-5510
www.veramar.com

 

Philip Carter Winery, Hume
Virginia Civic Ballet in performance and Jana Peterson in song, both with an Irish theme.  Li'l Leprechaun Hunt for the Pot of Gold hidden in the vineyard.
540-364-1203
www.pcwinery.com

Chateau O'Brien at Northpoint, Markham
Bands, bap pipes and beads.  Wear your kilt to receive a special treat.
540-364-6441
www.chateauobrien.com

 

Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery, Nellysford
Taste the fruit wines and historical honey meads paired with food samplings for the occasion.
434-361-1266
www.hilltopberrywine.com

Fabbioli Cellars, Leesburg
Celebrating Almost Spring with barrel tastings of "green" (as in young) wines from 2008.
703-771-1197
www.fabbioliwines.com

 

Tarara Winery, Leesburg
Taste the "Bordeaux of  Beer"at Tarara with stately reds and enjoy Margaret's classic Irish soda bread.  Gaelic music.
703-771-7100
www.tarara.com

March 21:  Barrel Tasting Dinner
Jefferson Vineyards, Charlottesville
Preview wines from the 2008 vintage.  Four courses featuring whites and reds drawn directly from the barrel.
800-272-3042
www.jeffersonvineyards.com

March 21:  Wine & Moon Beams
Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery, Moneta
Music and Smores along with an Astronomer to answer questions about the night sky.
Bring a picnic and a telescope or binoculars.
540-296-1393
www.hickoryhillvineyards.com

 

March 21:  Library Wine Tasting
Veramar Vineyard, Berryville
The winemaker compares vintages. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and tastings.
540-955-5510
www.veramar.com

 

March 21-22:  14th Annual Cabernet Tasting
Burnley Vineyards, Barboursville
Vertical tasting of last seven vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon.
540-832-2828
www.burnleywines.com

 

March 21-22:  Gray Ghost's Annual Barrel Tasting
Gray Ghost Vineyards, Amissivlle
Fun and educational wine tasting.  The only weekend the winery opens barrels for tastings and to reserve futures of the intense 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon.
540-937-4869
www.grayghostvineyards.com

 

March 28:  Pinot Grigio Celebration
Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville
Introducing a new vintage of the winery's most widely admired white wine.  Also Italian meats, local and imported artisan cheeses and homemade breads.
540-832-3824
www.barboursvillewine.com