Exploring The Luxurious Side of Virginia Wine

To me, the process of making wine is fascinating. So many factors involved: geography, geology, meteorology. Making wine is literally a science. With the commercialization of wine, there are too many people who are quick to capitalize on the industry without caring about the roots. Recently I had to opportunity to spend some time in three upscale wineries that go above and beyond.

RdV

RdV Vineyards is not a winery visit, it’s an experience. A tasting doesn’t come cheap at $65. However, it comes with a comprehensive tour, a beautiful charcuterie and cheese plate, and unparalleled customer service. The story of RdV is as interesting as its wine: founder Rutger de Vink is a former Marine who decided to try his hand at winemaking. He succeeded producing award-winning wines that have attracted the likes of Chefs Jose Andres and Eric Ziebold to its winery.

Must try wine: The Rendezvous, a rich red wine blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Frank, and Virginia’s own Petit Verdot.

RdV Vineyards, 2550 Delaplane Grade Rd, Delaplane, VA, Website 

Boxwood Winery

If you’re looking for an intimate space for wine tasting, Boxwood Winery is a good bet. The cozy tasting room makes the perfect setting for an afternoon of wine tasting. Make sure to take a walk around the winery and take a peek into their cellar. Their cellar, with meticulously arranged fragrant barrels is very reminiscent of the iconic Opus One winery in Napa. Dining Traveler Tip: Start your Virgina wine with Brunch at Field & Main, located in between RdV and Boxwood Winery.

Must try wine: Although Boxwood Winery rose is relatively new to their selection, it has become one of their best-selling wines.

Boxwood Winery, 2042 Burrland Ln, Middleburg, VA, Website 

Delaplane Cellars

Jim and Betsy Dolphin had a dream to own their own winery. They found the perfect place to grow Virginia wine in Delaplane, Virginia. As you enter the winding driveway up the tasting room of Delaplane Cellars, you see a sign that says “no buses”. That’s because Delaplane wants its patrons to have a relaxing environment with live bluegrass music overlooking the rolling hills of Fauquier County. Take a sip of their crisp white wines with a gorgeous view of Virginia wine country.

Must try wine: The Vidal Blanc, perfect for a hot Virginia summer day.

Delaplane Cellars, 2187 Winchester Rd, Delaplane, VA, Website

The Verdict

If you want to escape the big tours, loud bachelorette parties, and cookie cutter wineries, this is the perfect itinerary for you.

Disclaimer: Big thanks to Virginia Wine for facilitating this experience. As always, opinions are my own. I’m convinced I’ve sent someone’s kid from the Virginia wine industry to college with all the money I’ve dropped on my own escapes to the region! 

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Fauquier County Wine Tasting & Competition

The wine tasting event and competition occupied two large event rooms at Airlie, where different wineries set up stations for wine tasting. I took my bestie to the event, and as soon as we arrived we started making the rounds!

Our Favorite Wines

Our favorite wines of the event were Pearmund Cellars, which had a fantastic cabernet franc, and Molon Lave Vineyards, which featured a gorgeous semi-sweet white. We also enjoyed wines from Narmada Winery and Barrel Oak Winery. Each station not only had wines to sample, but a tasty snack to pair with the wine. In the center of each room was a huge display of breads, jams, cheeses, and other treats. In between sampling wine we grabbed cheese and sat out on the stunning patio to enjoy the venue.

The Scene

After all the wine tasting we purchased a few bottles, we jumped on our shuttle and hit the road. If you missed the event this year, I highly recommend gathering a group of friends and renting a shuttle to take you to this all–day event next year. Your ticket includes unlimited wine tasting and plenty of snacks, plus the opportunity to vote for your favorite Fauquier County Wine. The tickets this year ranged from $35-$95.  While sampling the wine is fun, it was also interesting to meet the winemakers and learn more about the individual wineries.

The Verdict

Whether you are a wino or a novice wine drinker, you will love this annual Virginia wine tasting event! Fauquier County wine is a great addition to the booming Virginia wine scene.

The post RECAP: Fauquier County Wine Tasting & Competition appeared first on The Dining Traveler.