I recently went on a wine tour through Virginia.  Gray Ghost here and Rappahannock Cellars there.  (P.S.  the pourer at Rappahannock is against health care reform – hello Virginia – I almost spit out my Norton…almost.)  My binge journey through the Rappahannock Valley, which I heartily suggest you take as it’s only two hours away, was awakened by a new, and unique, winery of choice.  Narmada.

Narmada is new.  It’s most fun attribute, without sounding like the newest installment of Sassy Gay Friend, is that it is owned by an Indian family.  Having planted a few years ago, the wine has finally come of age.  Apparently, however, the chicken tikka masala hasn’t.

They serve food.  Yes, a winery that serves food.  It’s smart, and god bless someone for coming up with the idea.  But the masala, hello, cardboard.  You would think, simmer the chicken in the sauce all day.  Well, that isn’t the Narmada thinking.  But the wines are good.  And there was live music!  Oh, and did I mention there was food?!  Other wineries need to catch on to this craze.  A quick appetizer with your tasting can seal the deal.  We asked if the varietals planted were meant to compliment Indian foods but received a questionable, if not full no, response; a missed opportunity.

Right now in my wine cellar, I have Midnight.  I also bought a shirt in their gift shop.  While it might seem a little kitschy, and the front door is oddly placed, it’s refreshing to see a completely new concept push in to the, errr, established Virginia winery scene.  The food has promise, I like the live music, and I like the grandmother and father sitting on the couch.  It’s a new atmosphere.  And every other winery we visited would mention Narmada and insist we go.  It was also packed with people – by far the most out of the six wineries we visited.  I wish them success as they continue to refine their menu and perfect their blends.

AEK