Tag archives: Norton

Les Bourgeois Vineyards and Winery history begins in 1974 when Curtis and Martha Bourgeois purchased 15 acres of blufftop property on the Missouri River near Rocheport. Year later the family planted a hilltop vineyard in front of their home. It wasn’t until after the first significant grape harvest in 1985 that the Bourgeois’ casual hobby…

Most people don’t realize the Missouri wine industry pre-dates California and most other states. French settlers in the St. Louis and Ste. Genevieve regions began growing grapes in the late 18th and early 19th century. Grape growing accelerated in the 19th century with the arrival of German settlers in central…

In the spring of 1992, Dennis Horton re-introduced Virginia to the Norton grape variety with the release of Horton’s Norton. A wine pioneer in Virginia, Dennis Horton is also credited with introducing Viognier to the state and helping put Virginia on the global wine map. Located in Orange County, Virginia,…

At an elevation of 951 feet, Bluemont Vineyard offers visitors a spectacular, panoramic view that stretches from Loudoun County, Virginia to Washington DC. I finally had the opportunity to take in the views firsthand while visiting during the DrinkLocalWine.com conference in April. After making my way up the long and…

My vacation in Virginia’s wine country kicked off with a visit to Veramar Vineyard in Berryville, VA. Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Veramar is located in the Shenandoah Valley AVA. A boutique winery, Veramar produces 4000 cases annually and is a popular venue for weddings and events. Upon…

Tonight’s wine comes to us from Ozan Vineyards & Cellars, located in Shelby County, Alabama. A state typically known for their sweet Muscadine wines, the French Hybrid and Norton grapes have begun to take root. With ten operating wineries across the state, Alabama is a relative newcomer to the wine…