Well, I'd say we learned lesson one this weekend about visiting Virginia wineries. Avoid 'em on holiday weekends if you don't like the big crowds! Regardless, we did check another three wineries off our list.
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| Original barn turned tasting room |
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| View from Willowcroft |
Saturday, we ventured out to
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards, about a 15 minute ride from Leesburg on a rough dirt road. As we approached the winery, we were pleasantly surprised. The old horse farm turned winery is thirty years old, making it Loudoun County's first winery. The original barn has been turned into the tasting room and the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the multiple picnic benches make this the ideal afternoon hangout (at least in my book!). For the tasting, we tried 8 wines for $5. Prices of their wines ranged fro $13.99 to $26.99. Our favorite was the 2005 Cab Sav which we acquired a bottle for our growing wine cellar. Overall, we really enjoyed this winery for the views, venue, and laid back atmosphere.
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| Premier tasting |
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| Vintage Ridge |
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| Friends including Mollie, Christiana, and Buddha |
Sunday, we met up our friends in Rectortown, Virginia at
Vintage Ridge Vineyards. This is by far the closest Napa experience we've had in Virginia as their approach is very similar to the few Napa wineries we've been to. The tasting room was absolutely georgeous and tables were available both inside and out. We were seated for the tasting and could choose between the basic tasting for $10 or the premier pairing for $18 which includes gourmet food. We went with the pairing despite the steep price and tasted seven wines, which ranged from $20 to $28. They poured generously and we were able to really take our time so it was a fun experience overall. The food was tasty however don't come prepared to get filled up; it's a tasting not a meal after all! We will definitely bring out of town guests here for a unique experience. Oh and the pairing price doesn't include the mandatory gratuity so don't plan to come here without spending at least $20 per person.
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| Three Fox Vineyards |
The last stop on Sunday was a visit to
Three Fox Vineyards in Delaplane. So far, this has been our least pleasant winery experience. Their driveway is quite challenging and parking even worse. You really need a 4-wheel drive to get here. By mid-afternoon, the winery was packed and it was extremely humid outside and uncomfortable inside the tasting room as well. The tasting room seemed like an oversized shed so really unpolished and very crammed. However, the grounds were pretty with many rolling hills so on a nice day, it would be great for a family with children with ample space to run and play. The tasting was $6 and we tried 9 wines. Despite the not so positive experience, I actually very much enjoyed their wines and we took home a bottle of Sirius, a red with a great nose. Their wines range in price from $21 to $29 plus they have a sparkling chardonnay for $35.
I completely agree with your oppinion of Vintage Ridge. That is the winery that I have taken out-of-towners to on several occasion. I probably won't be following it with Three Fox again though. Maybe Barrel Oak or Deleplane Cellars. :) Can't wait to help you check a couple more off your list!
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