Category archives: Reviews

Igniting the “Vinifera Revolution” in the Finger Lakes, Dr. Konstantin Frank is widely credited with elevating the New York wine industry to levels that now rival the greatest wine producing regions in the world (IMHO). In 1962, Dr. Frank founded Vinifera Wine Cellars, and quickly built a reputation for excellent Rieslings….

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…

Founded in 1992 by Dr. Charles Whitehill, Potomac Highland Winery is located in the Eastern Panhandle in Keyser, West Virginia. Situated in a unique microclimate, the 3-acre vineyard includes more than 2000 vines planted on sloping hills in shale soils. Potomac Highland produces estate vinifera and hybrid wines including Cabernet Sauvignon,…

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…

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…