In anticipation of the Virginia Wine Festival (coming up this weekend, September 30th and October 1st), allow me to sing the praises of two DC-area wineries. These came recommended to me by Chris over at Wine With Dinner, who is my personal wine trainer and guru.
Breaux Vineyards, Leesburg–it’s a long drive from DC, but completely worth it, even if you, ahem, get lost. Breaux is a gorgeous vineyard, with a rather stately-looking tasting house on a hillside, where picnics are welcomed and playful jazz music is played. There are two tasting menus: the house tasting, which includes eight wines, and the more exclusive “library” tasting, which includes five more mature, complex vintages. The library tasting also includes the Nebbiolo, a truly fantastic experience of red. I haven’t yet been to the Piedmont in italy, where the Nebbiolo is a noble grape, but I can hardly imagine it being any more noble there than it is at Breaux. There are also two crisp, fruity, and very different Chardonnays, and a blue-ribbon Merlot. The staff is relaxed, but eager to answer questions. Breaux is open for tastings year-round Fridays through Mondays from 11-5 (but call before you go, just to be sure.)
Hillsborough Vineyards, Purcellville–this might be an even prettier vineyard than Breaux, and it’s a little homier and more charming. There’s a goldfish pond, a spaniel, and a jaw-dropping sunset view. Their wines are all named for stones, and the “Opal” (named for the vintner’s grandmother) is one of the best–a beautiful, bright blend of viognier and chardonnay. They also have a red called “Bloodstone,” with seductive earthy notes, which I was mocked for trying to describe. But this wine really does taste like life and death, and sex, and power, and the change of seasons. Hillsborough is open Friday-Monday from 11-6 for tastings.
Breaux Vineyards
36888 Breaux Vineyards Lane
Purcellville, Virginia 20132
Phone: (540)668-6299 (800)492-9961
Hillsborough Vineyards
36716 Charles Town Pike
Purcellville, VA 20132
Phone (540) 668.6216