Features
Pop The Cork
It's time to celebrate VWL's First-Ever Best Of Readers' Choice Awards
By Patrick Evans-Hylton
Three years ago this issue, Virginia Wine Lover magazine was first printed, having come from just an idea to create a glossy lifestyle publication to promote the wonderful wines of the state and the good life that goes along with them.
A lot has happened in those three years; as we have matured at VWL, so has the wine industry in the state, growing from less than 150 wineries to almost 200. Growing, too, is an appreciation for Virginia wine and the fine trappings surrounding it.
For the first time, we are opening our forums to you, the true Virginia wine lover, to see what is on your mind and in your glass in our Best Of reader awards. This has been an outstanding last few months, getting folks to share with us the things they enjoy best about this lifestyle.
We’ve had a remarkable 7,614 votes cast in our online polling—you told us about your favorite vintages, favorite winemakers, even favorite wine dog. You’ve shared with us where you like to take a weekend getaway and where you like to stay when you get there. It’s been a great response for our first Best Of endeavor. Here are the results:
WINE – OVERALL
Contact information can be found in the Virginia Winery Listing in the Grapevine section of this magazine.
Virginia Wine Overall
1. Barboursville Vineyards
Octagon – from the winery: “A proprietary blend driven by Merlot, with elements of Reserve Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. … Dark, rich garnet color with an intense aroma of plum, cassis, coffee and berries woven together in the barrel for a phenomenally full and silky palate. Tannins are resplendent and graceful.”
2. Jefferson Vineyards
Meritage
3. Chatham Vineyards
Cabernet Franc
Chardonnay Overall
1. Veramar Vineyard
Chardonnay
2. Paradise Springs Winery
Chardonnay
3. Lake Anna Winery
Barrel Select Chardonnay
Viognier Overall
1. Keswick Vineyards
Les Vents d’Anges Viognier
2. Veritas Winery
Viognier
3. Horton Vineyards
Viognier
Norton Overall
1. Chrysalis Vineyards
Locksley Reserve
2. Horton Vineyards
Norton
3. Veramar Vineyards
Norton
Cabernet Franc Overall
1. Keswick Vineyards
Cab Franc
2. Veramar Vineyard
Cab Franc
3. Philip Carter Winery
2009 Cab Franc
Meritage Overall
1. King Family Vineyards
Meritage
2. Pearmund Cellars
Ameritage
3. Pollak Vineyards
Meritage
White Overall
1. Philip Carter Winery
Chardonnay
2. Pollak Vineyards
Viognier
3. Veramar Vineyard
Viognier
Red Overall
1. Barboursville Vineyards
Octagon
2. Philip Carter Winery
Cleve
3. Pollak Vineyards
Petit Verdot
Fruit
1. Hilltop Berry Farm & Winery
Cranberry
2. Horton Vineyards
Pear
3. Peaks of Otter Winery
Strawberry
Sparkling
1. Veritas Winery
Scintilla
2. Kluge Estate Winery Vineyard
Blanc de Blancs
3. Thibault-Janisson Winery
Blanc de Chard
Dessert
1. Cooper Vineyards
Noche
2. Veramar Vineyard
D’Ora
3. Philip Carter Winery
Late Harvest
Best Wine Enclosure
1. Bottle with natural cork
2. Bottle with plastic cork
3. Bag or box
WINE – BY REGION
Contact information can be found in the Virginia Winery Listing in the Grapevine section of this magazine.
Best White Wine – Central
1. Veritas Winery
Viognier
2. Keswick Vineyards
Verdejo
3. Pollak Vineyards
Pinot Gris
Best White – Eastern
1. Ingleside Vineyards
Chesapeake Chardonnay
1. Williamsburg Winery
Acte 12 Chardonnay
2. New Kent Winery
Reserve Chardonnay
Best White – Northern
1. Philip Carter Winery
Chardonnay
2. Lake Anna Winery
Lakeside White
3. Paradise Springs Winery
Chardonnay
Best White – Shenandoah
1. Veramar Vineyard
Chardonnay
2. Rockbridge Vineyard
Tuscarora White
2. CrossKeys Vineyards
Joy White
Best White – Western
1. Chateau Morrisette
Our Dog Blue
2. Villa Appalaccia
Simpatico
3. AmRhein Wine Cellars
Traminette
Best Red – Central
1. Barboursville Vineyards
Octagon
2. Keswick Vineyards
Heritage
3. King Family Vineyards
Meritage
Best Red – Eastern
2. New Kent Winery
Meritage
3. Hague Winery
Meritage
3. James River Cellars
Chambourcin
Best Red – Northern
1. Philip Carter Vineyard
Cleve
2. Bogati Bodega
Malbec
3. Three Fox Vineyards
Il Volpe
Best Red – Shenandoah
1. Veramar Vineyard
Cabernet Franc
2. Lexington Valley Vineyard
Chill
3. Shenandoah Vineyards
Rebel Red
Best Red Western
1. Chateau Morrisette
Chambourcin
2. Attimo Winery
Chambourcin
3. AmRhein Wine Cellars
Melange
WINERIES – OVERALL
Contact information can be found in the Virginia Winery Listing in the Grapevine section of this magazine.
Winemaker
1. Keswick Vineyards
Stephen Barnard
Having studied winemaking and viticulture in his native South Africa, Barnard has been in Virginia since 2002, crafting vintages for Keswick Vineyards. Make that award-winning vintages; in addition to numerous accolades near-and-far, Barnard’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon took top honors, winning the Governor’s Cup for the commonwealth’s best red (from among 250 entries) in the 2009 contest.
2. Three Fox Vineyards
John and Holli Todhunter
3. Veramar Vineyard
Justin Bogaty
Wine Dog
1. Three Fox Vineyards
Posh
A West Highland White Terrier that happily greets visitors, Posh has been a regular fixture at the winery for the past three years. Lately, Posh has been quite the local celebrity, visiting pet stores in the region to raise funds and awareness for animal rescue groups; Posh himself is a rescue dog.
2. Barrel Oak
Birch (a Hungarian Vizsla)
3. Hilltop Berry Farm & Winery
Dixie (an Australian Cattle Dog, also known as a Red Heeler)
Best Winery Overall
1. Three Fox Vineyards
2. Barboursville Vineyards
3. Keswick Vineyards
Best Winery View/Outdoor Space
1. Veritas Winery
2. Barrel Oak
2. Bluemont Vineyards
Winery – Best Tasting Room
1. Veritas Winery
2. Barrel Oak Winery
3. Lake Anna Winery
Winery – Best Special Events
1. Veritas Winery
2. Barrel Oak Winery
3. Veramar Vineyard
Winery – Best Place for Weddings
1. Veritas Winery
2. Veramar Vineyard
3. Keswick Vineyards
Girlfriends Getaway
1. Hilltop Berry Farm and Winery
1. Lake Anna Winery
2. Veramar Vineyard
Hippest Feel
1. Blenheim Vineyards
2. Bogati Bodega
3. Glass House Winery
Best Food Offerings
1. Barboursville Vineyards
2. Veritas Winery
3. Narmada Winery
Best Special Events
1. Veritas Winery
2. Lake Anna Winery
3. Barrel Oak Winery
Best for Picnics
1. Veritas Winery
2. Three Fox Vineyards
3. Veramar Vineyard
Best Tour
2. Barboursville Vineyards
3. Veramar Vineyard
3. Williamsburg Winery
Most Romantic
1. Keswick Vineyards
1. Veramar Vineyard
3. Afton Mountain Vineyards
Most Eco-Friendly
1. Barrel Oak Winery
1. Cooper Vineyards
2. DuCard Vineyards
Most Old-World Feel
1. Barboursville Vineyards
2. Three Fox Vineyards
2. Veramar Vineyard
WINERIES – BY REGION
Contact information can be found in the Virginia Winery Listing in the Grapevine section of this magazine.
Best Winery – Central
1. Keswick Vineyards
2. Barboursville Vineyards
3. Pollak Vineyards
Best Winery – Eastern
1. Ingleside Vineyards
2. New Kent Winery
3. Chatham Vineyards
Best Winery – Northern
1. Barrel Oak Winery
2. Three Fox Vineyards
3. Linden Vineyards
Best Winery – Shenandoah
1. Veramar Vineyard
2. Rockbridge Vineyard
3. Glen Manor Vineyards
Best Winery – Western
1. Chateau Morrisette
2. Villa Appalaccia
3. Davis Valley Winery
WINE FESTIVALS, TRAILS AND TRAVEL
Best Region/Destination for Wine Getaway
1. Central Virginia
Against a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the central region of Virginia includes clusters of wineries in-and-around Charlottesville, Lynchburg and Richmond. The scope of wineries ranges from small, farm operations to larger vineyards with offerings including tours, dining and lodging. The area is rich in history as well as beauty, making it a prime spot for a great getaway in any season.
2. Northern Virginia
3. Shenandoah Valley
Best Wine Tour Company
1. Arcady Vineyard Wine Tours
1376 Sutlers Rd., Charlottesville
434-960-0820
www.arcadyvineyard.com
2. Camryn Limousine
Charlottesville
434-990-9070
www.camryn-limo.com
3. Ride the Boomerang
Northern Virginia/Washington D.C.
www.ridetheboomerang.com
Best Limo to Wineries
1. Camryn Limousine
Charlottesville
434-990-9070
www.camryn-limo.com
2. Arcady Wine Tours
1376 Sutlers Rd., Charlottesville
434-960-0820
www.arcadyvineyard.com
3. Reston Limousine
45685 Elmwood Ct., Sterling
703-478-0500
www.restonlimo.com
Best Wine Fest – Overall
1. Virginia Wine Expo
Richmond
www.virginiawineexpo.com
Three days of wine and dine are held each winter in Richmond at the Virginia Wine Expo, an indoor event featuring Virginia wineries from across the state—along with dishes from top restaurants and specialty food purveyors—and augmented with special events such as seminars. The expo is also the backdrop for the Governor’s Cup Grand Tasting.
2. Vintage Virginia
Centreville
www.vintagevirginia.com
3. Mount Vernon Wine Fest
Mount Vernon
www.mountvernon.org
Best Wine Festival – Central
1. Montpelier Wine Festival
Montpelier
www.montpelierwinefestival.com
2. Virginia Wine & Garlic Fest
Rebec
www.rebecwinery.com
3. Powhatan Festival of the Grape
Powhatan
www.powhatanwinefestival.com
Best Wine Festival – Eastern
1. Town Point Virginia Wine Festival – Fall
Norfolk
www.festevents.org
2. Town Point Virginia Wine Festival – Spring
Norfolk
www.festevents.org
3. Northern Neck Wine Festival
Kilmarnock
www.northernneckwinefestival.com
Best Wine Festival – Northern
1. Vintage Virginia
Centreville
www.vintagevirginia.com
2. Fredericksburg Area Wine Festival
Fredericksburg
www.fredericksburgwine.com
3. Mount Vernon Wine Festival
Mount Vernon
www.mountvernon.org
Best Wine Festival – Shenandoah
1. Rockbridge Wine Festival
Lexington
www.lexrockchamber.com
2. Daylily & Wine Fest
Fishersville
www.daylilyandwinefestival.com
3. Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival
White Post
www.historiclongbranch.com
Best Wine Fest – Western
1. Fork & Cork
Blacksburg
www.blacksburgforkandcork.com
2. Roanoke Valley Wine Festival
Roanoke
www.roanokevalleywinefestival.com
3. No third place winner
Best Wine Trail
1. Monticello Wine Trail
www.monticellowinetrail.com
2. The Generals Wine & History Trail
www.thegeneralswinetrail.com
3. Loudoun Wine Trail
www.visitloudoun.org
RESTAURANTS – OVERALL AND BY REGION
Best Virginia Restaurant Wine List
1. Inn at Meander Plantation
2333 N. James Madison Hwy., Locust Dale
800-385-4936
www.meander.net
2. Ashby Inn & Restaurant
692 Federal St., Paris
540-592-3900
www.ashbyinn.com
3. Inn at Little Washington
309 Middle St., Washington
540-675-3800
www.theinnatlittlewashington.com
Best Restaurant with Virginia Wine List – Central
1. Inn at Meander Plantation
2333 N. James Madison Hwy., Locust Dale
800-385-4936
www.meander.net
2. Siips Wine and Champagne Bar
212 E. Main St., Charlottesville
434-872-0056
www.siipswine.com
3. Palladio Restaurant
At Barboursville Vineyards
540-832-7848
www.barboursvillewine.net/winery/palladio-restaurant
Best Restaurant with Virginia Wine List – Eastern
1. The Boot
123 W. 21st St., Norfolk
757-627-2668
www.insidetheboot.com
2. The Trellis
403 West Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg
757-229-8610
www.thetrellis.com
3. River Stone Chophouse
8032 Harbour View Blvd., Suffolk
757-638-7990
www.riverstonechophouse.com
Best Restaurant with Virginia Wine List – Northern
1. The Ashby Inn and Restaurant
692 Federal St., Paris
540-592-3900
www.ashbyinn.com
2. Inn at Little Washington
309 Middle St., Washington
540-675-3800
www.theinnatlittlewashington.com
3. Tuscarora Mill
203 Harrison St., Leesburg
703-771-9300
www.tuskies.com
Best Restaurant with Virginia Wine List – Shenandoah
1. South River Grill and Wine Shop
23 Country Rd., Waynesboro
540-942-5567
www.southrivergrill.com
2. The Dancing Goat
Inside the George Washington Hotel
103 E. Piccadilly St., Winchester
540-771-2727
www.dancinggoatrestaurant.com
3. One Block West
25 S. Indian Alley, Winchester
540-662-1455
www.oneblockwest.com
Best Restaurant with Virginia Wine List – Western
1. Countryside Classics/Cork & Keg
120 East Main St., Salem
540-387-2688
2. Oddfella’s Cantina
110 N. Locust St., Floyd
540-745-3463
www.oddfellascantina.com
3. Zeppoli’s
810 University Blvd. #22, Blacksburg
540-953-2000
www.zeppolis.com
Best Virginia Wine Tasting/Dinners/Special Events
1. Inn at Meander
2333 N. James Madison Hwy., Locust Dale
800-385-4936
www.meander.net
2. Palladio
At Barboursville Vineyards
540-832-7848
www.barboursvillewine.net/winery/palladio-restaurant
3. Tuscarora Mill
203 Harrison St., Leesburg
703-771-9300
www.tuskies.com
RETAIL – OVERALL AND BY REGION
Best Gourmet/Retail Shop for Wine
1. Countryside Classics/ Cork & Keg
120 East Main St., Salem
540-387-2688
2. Olde Virginia Gourmet & Gifts
261 Garrisonville Rd., Ste. 109, Stafford
540-720-3901
www.oldevagourmet.com
3. Uncorked
2013 Magnolia Ave., Buena Vista
540-261-9463
www.uncorked-va.com
Best Gourmet/Retail Shop for Wine Accessories
1. Countryside Classics/Cork & Keg
120 East Main St., Salem
540-387-2688
2. Olde Virginia Gourmet & Gifts
261 Garrisonville Rd., Ste. 109, Stafford
540-720-3901
www.oldevagourmet.com
3. Total Wine
Statewide locations
www.totalwine.com
Best Cheese Shop
1. Feast
416 W. Main St. #G, Charlottesville
434-244-7800
www.feastvirginia.com
This gourmet grocer has been selling such sundries as olive oil, wine, cured meats, prepared foods and specialty nibbles since 2002. Famous for its fromage, Feast has an extensive case stocked with some 40 artisan cheeses; Saveur magazine named it a top 20 national favorite for its selection (and knowledgeable staff) in 2005.
2. The Cheese Shop
410 West Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg
757-220-0298
www.cheeseshopwilliamsburg.com
3. Cheesetique
2411 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria
703-706-5300
www.cheesetique.com
BED-AND-BREAKFASTS - OVERALL AND BY REGION
B&B Overall
1. Arcady Vineyard B&B
1376 Sutlers Rd., Charlottesville
434-960-0820
www.arcadyvineyard.com
2. Magnolia House B&B
232 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton
757-722-2888
www.maghousehampton.com
3. Inn at Meander Plantation
2333 N. James Madison Hwy., Locust Dale
800-385-4936
www.meander.net
Best B&B – Central
1. Arcady Vineyard B&B
1376 Sutlers Rd., Charlottesville
434-960-0820
www.arcadyvineyard.com
2. The Clifton Inn
1296 Clifton Inn Dr., Charlottesville
434-971-1800
www.cliftoninn.net
3. Inn at Meander Plantation
2333 N. James Madison Hwy., Locust Dale
800-385-4936
www.meander.net
Best B&B – Eastern
1. Magnolia House Inn
232 S. Armistead Ave., Hampton
757-722-2888
www.maghousehampton.com
2. Country Villa B&B and Day Spa
2252 Indian River Rd., Virginia Beach
757-721-3844
www.countryvillainn.com
3. Sea Gate B&B
9 Tazewell Ave., Cape Charles
757-331-2206
www.seagatebb.com
Best B&B – Northern
1. The Ashby Inn & Restaurant
692 Federal St., Paris
540-592-3900
www.ashbyinn.com
2. Middleton Inn
176 Main St., Washington
540-675-2020
www.middletoninn.com
3. The Black Horse Inn B&B
8393 Meetze Rd. Warrenton
540-349-4020
www.blackhorseinn.com
Best B&B – Shenandoah
1. By the Side of the Road Inn & Cottage
491 Garbers Church Rd., Harrisonburg
540-801-0430
www.bythesideoftheroad.com
2. Piney Hill B&B
1048 Piney Hill Rd., Luray
540-778-5261
www.pineyhillbandb.com
3. Rosemont Manor
16 Rosemont Manor Lane, Berryville
540-955-2834
www.rosemont1811.com
Best B&B – Western
1. Riverstead at Town House
132 E. Main St., Chilhowie
276-646-8787
www.townhouseva.com/lodging.html
2. The Mountain Rose Inn B&B
1787 Charity Hwy., Woolwine
888-930-1057
www.mountainrose-inn.com
3. The 1857 Section Foreman Guest House
301 Front St., Abingdon
276-356-4632
www.1857foremanhouse.com
Editor’s note: our next Best Of readers’ choice awards will be featured in our Spring 2012 issue; look for information on how to vote in the pages of the magazine and in our free online e-newsletter.
Check out critics’ choices in the next issue of VWL as we give you the results of the Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Wine Classic. |
