I remember reading an article, I think in the Post, about some VA wineries faring very well in a recent tasting competition where they were put up against some well regarded California wines. In fact, I think one VA cabernet was voted the top wine in its class, and it was judged by some very well known wine critics. Can't find the article now, but I'm thinking a drive down to VA from my home in MD, for a few tastings, might be worth the trip.

I'm thinking it was the Monticello district on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge around Charlottesville, but it might have been Northern VA. If anyone is familiar enough with VA wines to make a few suggestions, I'd really appreciate it.

It's been a couple of years since I last visited the wine regions of VA, but at the time I thought the Charlottesville area and the better wines, some of which compared very favorably to my native California wines. The Chardonnays and Cab Sauv in particular. Can't recall specific wineries however.

I can't speak for the state, but here in Shenandoah County (SR 11 / I-81 corridor) our favorites are North Mountain in Mauertown, and Shenandoah Vineyards in Edinburg.

Thanks for the tips. I did find the article in the Post, for anyone who might be interested.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...081802401.html

My husband and I tour Virginia wineries every year. Our overall favorite red in Virginia by far is the Barboursville Octagon. We just bought 1/2 case last time we were there. It's worth eating in the restaurant as well. They have some other good reds too (their whites are not great). As the article says, Linden has good Charonnay; I think that they have some other nice wines in addition. Our favorite winery close to DC that just has good all around table wines across the board, white to red, is Pearmund Cellars near the Gainesville exit off 66. For the best weekend of touring, heading to the Charlottesville area and stay at the Cedar Spring Inn. Plan to tour 4 or 5 vineyards each day you are there. http://www.cedarspringinn.com/

Thanks lam, good suggestions. When you don't have the time to make a trip to California, hopefully this is a nice substitute.

Virginia is getting a good reputation for its Viogniers so make sure to try some. A good bet is Horton's. I also love their port.

That's good to know - thanks, Birdie

The area in & around Charlottesville tends to produce the most notable wines, year in & year out. There are also a couple of good ones nearer to DC. I like Horton, Prince Michel, Rebec & my favorite, Stone Mt.

Thanks SA. My wife and I are hoping to make a trip down that way this fall.

I think you will be pleasantly surprised, by the same token you most certainly will run into some bad wine, as well. There are still many 'sweet wine' producers in Va., much as there is here in NC. One of my favorites is - www.villaappalaccia.com, but that is well out of your way. A good one to hit if you do decide (at some point) to do the NC wines though.

If you'd like, I can send you a copy of Virginia Wine Lover magazine and a Virginia map that shows all of the wineries. (I work at a Visitor's Center.) What's your address?

Diana -

Thanks so much - you can send it to my office, at

MWH
5501 Twin Knolls Rd, Ste 112
Columbia, MD 21045

Great thread!

MWH,

Info will go out in tomorrow's mail.

Diana (Norfolk)

Diana, the booze hounds of the mid-Atlantic region thank you.

You might want to check out www.shenandoahuncorked.com There will be a tasting from five wineries from Shenandoah County and entertainment 14 November at the Yellow Barn between Mt. Jackson and New Market.

Other local tourist interests are the New Market Battlefield and Museum, Shenandoah Caverns, Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, Route 11 potato chip factory, Old Town Woodstock, and Skyline Drive.

There is a fantastic modern house in Amherst that is available for vacation rental. 2/night minimum and just south of all of the wineries in Nelson County... and it's about 15min. from Rebec Winery
www.luminhaus.com