The Other 46

I was a skeptic when Virginia announced Viognier as the states signature grape last spring. Signature grapes are great for marketing purposes, but personally, I feel winemakers are still experimenting with different varieties making it difficult to declare a winner.  Nonetheless, Virginia Viognier is a personal favorite and one I drink often. Barboursville Vineyards, a winery with [...]

One of the iconic wineries on the East Coast, Chaddsford Winery has been producing award-winning wines since their first release in 1983. Heralded winemaker Eric Miller is largely credited with launching a wine industry in Pennsylvania that now boasts more than 100 wineries and counting. Having achieved national acclaim and recognition, Eric’s wines have been featured in [...]

A 2010 Jefferson Cup award winner and voted one of the top 20 wines in the country in the white non-vinifera white wine category, the Somerset Ridge Traminette Oktoberfest is a prime example of the ever-changing wine world.  Made from the Traminette grape, a Gewürztraminer hybrid, the grape has found a permanent home in the Kansas soils [...]

Founded in 1989 by Whitie and Margaret Hubert, Tarara Winery is a 475 acre farm that stretches along the Potomac River in Leesburg, Virginia.  A veteran on the Virginia wine scene, Tarara sources from several of the states best vineyards, including their estate vineyard Nevaeh.  I haven’t visited since Jordan Harris joined the team as winemaker, but [...]

When it comes to Virginia wine, the two varieties most mentioned are Viognier (the state’s official wine grape variety) and Cabernet Franc.  Both are deserving of the discussion.  And just for the record, I’m a fan of both.  But for those new to Virginia wine, you would be remiss if you overlook Merlot, a variety [...]

The hardest decision at the end of the day can sometimes be the wine choice.  Whether selecting a wine to pair with dinner, or simply finding a wine to enjoy on its own, the decision can be daunting. The other night I wanted a glass of wine to pair alongside a veggie flatbread pizza.  Nothing [...]

Don’t be fooled by the unassuming entrance to Chester Gap Cellars.  In fact, if you don’t pay close attention, you may miss some of the best views and wines the state has to offer.  Located just off route 522 (literally), Chester Gap sits at over 1000 feet elevation at the northern tip of Rappahannock County, Virginia. [...]