Tag archives: regional wine

I was never swayed by the “Sideways Effect” on Merlot, which now seems a distant memory. I’ve continued to enjoy Merlot regularly, albeit with a twist. I now prefer local Merlots over any others. From Long Island, New York to Dahlonega, Georgia, I’ll pour a local Merlot over Napa Valley any day. In…

Watts Roost Vineyard is the retirement dream turned into reality for owners Frank & Barbara Tuckwiller. Established in 1998 at the foot of Muddy Creek Mountain near Lewisburg, West Virginia, Watts Roost Vineyard is an estate winery and vineyard with 9 acres of vines. In June of 2010, operations moved from their garage…

West Virginia wine? I asked the same question and was surprised to learn there are 18 active farm wineries spread throughout the state. There are 3 designated American Viticultural Areas including the multi-state Ohio River Valley, Kanawha River Valley (part of the much larger Ohio River Valley) and the Shenandoah Valley…

Entrepreneur, winemaker, winegrower and consultant are just a few of the many hats Chris Pearmund has worn during his storied career in the Virginia wine industry. Playing a leading role in a number of wineries throughout Virginia including The Winery at La Grange, Vint Hill Craft Winery and his namesake…

I had no expectations when I pulled the Bluemont Vineyard 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon from the wine rack. I was in the mood for a Virginia red and decided it was time to pull the cork on the Cab. Renowned for their spectacular panoramic views and farm animal themed wines, Bluemont…

Established in 2002, Serenity Cellars is the winery of Joe Smith, the talented winemaker for Yonah Mountain Vineyards. Available in the Yonah Mountain Vineyards tasting room located at Sautee Junction, just south of Helen, Georgia, the Serenity Cellar wines happened to be some of my favorites on a recent visit…

A small number of wines and wineries have developed an almost cult-like following east of the west coast. Paumanok Vineyards Chenin Blanc, Barboursville Vineyards Octagon and rockstar-turned-winemaker, Maynard James Keenan portfolio of wines have all been certified platinum by wine writers and critics alike. After tasting the Kinkead Ridge 2008…