A note about my reviews of Virginia wineries: There are good wineries and bad, but I intend to review only those wineries I like, so you will probably not encounter a negative word on this page. But you can be assured that, if I mention a winery or a wine, it is pretty good, so please enjoy — and by all means, take time out to visit — the wineries listed below. – Bob
Veritas Vineyards and Winery, located in Afton, Virginia, is one of my very favorite wineries. If you have a chance to visit, and the tasting room is a true joy, try the Petit Manseng and the Othello (any “Port” in a storm). Wonderful wines. I also like the Saddleback Chardonnay, and the “Vintner’s Reserve,” a delightful Bordeaux blend. Emily Pelton is the winemaker.
King Family Vineyards is another gem. Matthieu Finot, the vineyard’s winemaker, is a French transplant, and a great addition to the Virginia wine industry. Having taken several classes from Matthieu, I can tell you that he is not only passionate about his work, but he possesses a wealth of knowledge. At King, I am particularly fond of the Viognier 2009, the Cab Franc 2009, the Meritage and the Petit Verdot. And of course, the “Seven,” which is named for the 7th chukker in polo (they have polo matches on the grounds during the summer). Lovely winery and tasting room, definitely worth a visit.
Pollak Vineyards, a relatively new winery, is the vineyard that first drew me to the Monticello AVA. Two years ago, my wife and I visited during an anniversary stay in Charlottesville (we met and graduated from the University of Virginia), and fell in love with the area. We had no idea then that we would end up buying a property in the area, but it kindled our dreams. At Pollak, try the Meritage, the Cab Franc (alas, the Petit Verdot and the Merlot are sold out), plus the Viognier (one of Virginia’s signature grapes) and the Pinot Gris. You really can’t go wrong here. Jake Busching is the general manager.
