Unwine Friday – Valentines Day Addition

We took the Friday before Valentines Day and hit up two new (to us!) vineyards, as well as one of our very favorite spots that we take any and all occasion we can get to revisit.

Our first priority was DuCard vineyards in Madison County, Virgina.  I put it on ‘my list’ after reading about it on a list of ‘best tasting rooms’ in Virginia.      The promise of a  nice, cozy tasting room can draw me to a vineyard probably only second to a LOVEWORKS sign.  So imagine my surprise and delight  when this gem greeted us at Ducard:

I took this as a  wonderful omen that we would LOVE our visit to Ducard.  Which we did!  It is a fabulous place with so much charm.  The tasting room lived up to its billing, the wine was solid, and we had the pourer all to ourselves.  She  was quite knowledgeable about wine and DuCard, and she even poured us a few samples of wines they had not quite released yet.   Ducard is a winery just coming into its own.  They started out as a vineyard, growing grapes for other wineries.   And, then decided to make a go of it themselves.  They are doing quite well for themselves.

Our fun Valentines day lunch was made even better along a toasty fireside.

After  our tasting, we enjoyed a nice picnic inside alongside a lovely fire.  The day we visited was quite cold,  with some lingering snow on the ground from the blizzard ‘Jonas’ a few weeks prior so the fireplace was quite appreciated.    The stark winter setting was fitting for the day, and we enjoyed the barren mountain views.  But, I imagine visiting Ducard is an even better  sight to behold in the other three seasons.  Especially since they have a really unique set of event offerings:  Shakespeare in the Vineyard, a murder mystery dinner, and stargazing parties to name a few.  No doubt we plan to head back there in the future.

Ducard is in Etlan, Virgina.  In Madison county, right at the base of Old Rag Mountain.  In fact, those mountain views I spoke of are of Old Rag.   It is an area probably not easy for many people to get to.  But, it is well worth the drive.  Madison County  is scenic and charming, and quite less traveled part of the state.  It is not overly populated with people or establishments.  But, whats there is worth visiting.   Etlan  would be a great weekend visit.   Find yourself a nice Bed and Breakfast and explore.  Old Rag hike is often mentioned at the top of ‘to do’ hikes in Virginia.     Also  near by is White Oak Canyon Falls hike which boasts six waterfalls and swimming holes.  This hike can be accessed from Skyline Drive, which is how we have experienced it; or from the base of the mountain which I am longing to try.  After a morning hike, why not ‘un-wined’ on the patio of Ducard?  There is also another nice vineyard in the vicinity as well:  Sharp Rock.    Billy and I actually stopped there just after completing our first (and to date only) time we hiked Old Rag.  It was a nice reward for our efforts.

This is from Early Mountain’s website. An breathtakingly beautiful place.

In a circuitous route back to Harrisonburg, we stopped at Early Mountain Vineyards.  Our rave reviews of this place continue, and we have often mentioned it on this blog.  It boasts an amazing facility, fabulous service, tasty food and some of the best wines in Virgina.  The reason for that is twofold:  they pour wines from other Virginia vineyards as part of their mission to promote the wine industry in the state.  And  because Early Mountain wines are becoming increasingly impressive in and of themselves.  Each time we visit, their own wines become better.  Couple that with a chance to taste flights from all over Virginia.  And that makes Early Mountain my go to vineyard in Virginia.   Meaning if I were to recommend just one to visit, it would be Early Mountain.  If I had out of town guests and wanted to introduce them to Virginia vineyards, it would be Early Mountain.  And I would say after this visit, if asked the question, “Who produces the best wine in Virginia”, I could be pretty accurate in saying, Early Mountain!

Just outside of Harrisonburg, we ended our wine tasting day at the Purple WOLF vineyard on the ground of the White Oak Lavender Farm.    I have been in awe of the White Oak Lavender Farm since they first opened.   Visiting White Oak Lavender Farm is an experience in and of itself.   And I have watched in great admiration over the years as they continue to expand and grow and add new experiences to their farm and business.

So, I was just thrilled with the knowledge that they were opening a tasting room on their grounds this year.   The name is derived from the color of lavender (PURPLE of course) and then WOLF spells out White-Oak-Lavender-Farm.    The tasting room is its own small structure in the middle of the Lavender Fields.  The porch of the tasting room has an unobstructed view of Massanutten Mountain.      A painter could not even dream up a better setting.  Inside the tasting room is decorated tastefully in all things purple.  Which is fabulous for me, since purple is far and away my favorite color.  Currently, the grapes for the wine are being grown elsewhere, but made their own by their very own winemaker.
Purple WOLF currently offers five different wines, as well as the opportunity to taste their Chambourcin  before and after it is infused (with of course!) Lavender!   Grapes have already been planted onsite, and they look to continue to grow in their winery efforts over time.  We were already pleasantly surprised with what they are currently offering.  And having witnessed over time the way they have grown and expanded all of the rest of their farm and business, I expect great things out of the Purple WOLF vineyard in the future.

Needless to say, our Valentines Day Wine Tasting excursion was a success.  Three very distinct wineries and three fabulous visits.    It will be hard to top, but stay tuned for our efforts!

 

Early Mountain Vineyards

The Early Mountain Vineyard logo, with a tagline I just love: Place, People, Passion, Portfolio, Purpose

We had some friends in town over the holidays and wanted to go on a wine trip, leaving it up to us as to which to visit.  Mickey and I did not hesitate in our suggestion:  Early Mountain Vineyard.

Early Mountain Vineyard is everything I love about a vineyard:  The grounds and tasting room are inviting and comfortable, the service is warm and friendly, they serve food (delicious, I might add) and the wine list is some of the best in Virginia.   That is by design; for in addition to serving their own wine, they also feature some of the best wine in the state from OTHER vineyards.  Yes, you read that right.    Because the stated goal of Early Mounatain Vineyard is to promote the entire wine industry in the state.  We have blogged about our love for EMV before, and probably will again.   Back in 2013, we raised EMV to our #1 Virginia Vineyard, and though we have yet to do a full on ranking change since the inception of this blog, I am confident it shall regin at top for the foreseeable future.  Here is a link to our earlier post:  http://virginiavinesandtrails.com/category/early-mountain-vineyard/

In my opinion, any time is a perfect time to visit Early Mountain, but especially if you have out of town friends who want to explore Virginia Wines.  Or if you have in town friends who want to get a start in the wine trip hobby.  Or if you just have friends who enjoy wine.    Yep,  perfect for any occasion.   But, back to our visit with our out of town friends.  Actually, these friends used to live in Virginia and were instrumental in Mickey and I forming our wine habit early on, with some memorable and fun trips all around the ‘vines of VA’.   Then they up and moved to Tennessee.  (See here when we visited them in Nash-Vegas, and they took us to their favorite Tennessee vineyard, owned by Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn fame:  http://virginiavinesandtrails.com/2013/05/31/arrington-vineyards/

With them and a third couple, we self-indulgently call ourselves ‘The Good Time Wine Club’.     Self-indulgent, but true!   But, again….I digress.    Our whole group is very familiar with Virginia vineyards and wines.  And as such on the ride to EMV, our Tennessean friends were telling us they had read and article about the Thibaut-Janison vineyard out of Charlottesville that specializes in  sparkling wines (side bar discussion:  wines they cannot be called Champange if they are not crafted in that region of France).  Apparently this vineyard is making quite a splash,  having had their bubbly  poured at State Dinners; and generally lauded about in wine circles in, and beyond Virginia.   And how, said friends, on their next visit,  wanted to check said vineyard out.  Well, we get to Early Mountain, and guess what?  Thibaut-Janison  is being poured in a few flights!

Early Mountain was beautifully decorated for Christmas. And the GTWC had a ‘good time’ visiting it, and with each other. We call ourselves the GTWC in jest. But seriously, I could have fun with group in a box!

See, that is why Early Mountain is so good for the consumer.  You get to taste a variety of wines in one setting that would typically take you a few trips to sample.  Now, I love a good wine trip and love to experience the vineyard as much as the wine itself when we visit various establishments.  But, having such a selection so easily accessible to us allowed us to sit back and enjoy the company as well as the wine and food all afternoon.   Which was exactly our intent.

And,  Early Mountain Vineyard is good for Virginia Vineyards too, giving them extra exposure.  For instance, based on our recent samplings at EMV, I know want to visit both Chatham Vineyards on the Eastern Shore, and Ankida Ridge near Charlottesville very soon.  The GTWC really loves Chardonnay.  And both these vineyards had a wonderful offering that we all enjoyed.  (So, look for posts on those places in the future!)

I want to make sure all this talk of the wine of other VA Vineyards does not overshadow a very important point, and that is that Early Mountain is producing some pretty fine wine themselves.  I had the pleasure of tasting a wide variety of  EMV’s offerings with my first food course, the wine flight.  This paired 5 EMV wines with locals cheeses and accoutrements.  A fabulous choice, if I do say so myself.  Look how beautiful:

The Cheese Flight…..I was in heaven!

I could go on and on about the food, about the wine about the entire experience, but I think you get it:  Early Mountain Vineyard is the bomb.  If you haven’t been….go.  And if you  have, go back because they probably have changed their flights since the last time you visited…..and their food offerings.

We were to busy having a ‘good time’ to take to many pictures, but here are a few random fun ones:

The view from the front of the tasting room. Beautiful, even on a cold winter day!

 

 

Another sampling I loved: Pork Belly sliders!

 

 

 

 

 

 

We started a fun new GTWC tradition when we get together: everyone signs a cork from the vineyard we visited as a memento.  I told you we are a ‘good time’!

Don’t mind him, he is from Tennessee! Trying to get a good picture of the Early Mountain Tasting room. Actually, I don’t blame him, its beautiful!

Our new #1…..Early Mountain Vineyard!

The outdoor patio at Early Mountain Vineyards.

Well, we have a new favorite Virginia Vineyard…..Early Mountain Vineyard in Madison County.  This place wowed me on every level:  a relaxing mountain view, a beautiful tasting room, and a chance to taste wine from various vineyards all over Virginia.   Everything about EMV is top notch, extending to the service.   We had a wonderful dialogue with our server, Jan, that extended throughout the night.  It is always fun to connect with other wine lovers, and she really knew her stuff!   I love their business model and goal of promoting Virginia Wines.  A rising tide lifts all boats, and I have no doubt that EMV will positively affect the wine industry of our great state.  Now that Early Mountain Vineyard is on our radar, I have no doubt we will be making numerous trips over the mountain for visits….their flights change every month!

Mickey did such a through job on his blog, I will let him take it from here…..

Mickey’s Take:

On the beautiful Friday afternoon of April 5, 2013, Minnie and I visited Early Mountain Vineyards (EMV) with the intention of spending a late afternoon/evening drinking wine, eating good food, and listening to music. We had  visited this vineyard a few years ago, when it was under previous ownership and was called Sweely Vineyards. At our first visit, we loved the architecture and building, but did not enjoy the wine or the service.   I’m happy to report that this visit was absolutely awesome in every way.  We now have a new #1 Virginia vineyard!!!!

EMV is owned by the Case family, who founded AOL.  Their stated purpose is to build and promote the entire Virginia wine industry.  To further that goal, they offer wine and ciders from several other Virginia vineyards and serve a variety of very good local food. EMV wine is not promoted more heavily than wines from other vineyards. This vineyard is truly a destination and not somewhere you just pop into for a tasting. You can easily spend an afternoon or evening.

Tasting Room/Vineyard

The food offerings at Early Mountain Vineyard are unique and delicious, and they focus on local ingredients.

The tasting room facility is a very large and extravagant facility located in Madison County. It is between Standardsville and Madison and is approximately one hour from Harrisonburg or 45 minutes from downtown Charlottesville. The interior of the facility consists of exposed wood beams, stone, high end finishes. The building is first class, but very comfortable and cozy.
There are several exterior areas that boast fireplaces or pits and have beautiful views of the mountains.  All in all, beautiful!

The tasting is offered by the “flight method.” Each tasting consists of four wines for $12. This is pretty pricy, but the wine pours are very significant. My guess is approximately ½ glass of each wine. EMV currently offers five flights from which to select, but this changes on a fairly frequent basis. Each flight, with the exception of the “Early Mountain Ascent” offers a variety of EMV wine along with other Virginia vineyards. We purchased the “Bright Lights & Bubbles” and the “Red Berry Pickings” flight, which I will cover in more detail in the “Wine” portion of the review.

EMV boasts a full service kitchen, which serves a variety of appetizers, small plate meals, paninnis, and sandwiches. The food is expensive, but very good and is a great match with the various wines that are offered.   A live band began playing instrumental selections at 6 the evening we visited, (we attended a Sippin’ into Sunset event) which added to the relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy wine and food.

The Wine

We enjoyed the relaxed pace of the flight tasting system. The pours are big enough to share.

As I mentioned before, we tasted a total of eight wines during our tastings as well as an
additional two wines with our meal. For once, I did a pretty decent job of taking tasting notes
and will try to convey my thoughts as accurately as possible below:

Barboursville Vineyards/2012 Sauvignon Blanc – This wine was very herbal on the
nose and reminiscent of a New Zealand wine. However, the taste was very lemon
like and extremely well balanced. There was also significant body. An excellent wine
to pair with seafood or to enjoy by itself. Very good!!!

Blenheim Vineyards/2011 Painted Red. We have enjoyed this wine before and knew
it was one of our favorite Virginia reds. It is well balanced, fruit forward, and very
drinkable. A great red to have with a meal or to enjoy by itself.

Paradise Springs/2011 Rose’. This rose’ is made from Merlot grapes, which
concerned me as I’m not a big fan or Merlot. However, in this case, I enjoy the wine
and am happy to report it is a very solid Rose’. Not a superstar, but good. It was dry
with a noticeable strawberry scent. Very clean and crisp.

Early Mountain Vineyards; 2011 Viognier. One of our favorite Virginia wines! Very
floral with a distinct tasting of grapefruit. This wine would be great paired with
seafood, poultry, or enjoyed on its own. Excellent!
Chatam Vineyards; 2010 Chardonnay. This Chardonnay is aged 100% in Stainless
Steel. We typically enjoy our Chardonnay aged in oak, but this wine is excellent. It
is very clean and well balanced and has a note of butter, which is very strange as it is
aged in stainless steel.
Thibaut-Janisson; NV Blanc de Chardonnay Sparking Wine. This sparkling wine is
sweet, crisp, and has apple flavors. All in all, very solid.
Barboursville Vineyards; 2011 Sangiovese. Sangiovese is a grape of Chianti and is
normally not one of my favorites, like Merlot. However, this wine was solid and
would be good with pasta or pork. It was earthy with a fruity finish, but was not well
balanced.

Breaux Vineyards; NV Merlot/Chambourcin. This red was very good. It was very
fruit forward and offered serious body. It would be super with a steak.

Early Mountain Vineyards; 2008 Merlot. I’m sorry to report that I did not enjoy this
wine. However, I tend to discriminate against Merlot. It is important to add that
Minnie did like this wine.

Granite Heights Winery; 2008 Lomax Reserve. This wine was very good! It was
smooth, fruity, and very well balanced. It would be very enjoyable either by itself or
with a meal.

Mickey and Minnie have spoken: Early Mountain Vineyard is our new favorite!

In our opinion, EMV is off to a very good start in its stated goal of promoting the Virginia wine industry.  Their model of offering several Virginia wines in a great atmosphere with great food is unmatched by any vineyard we have visited.  Minnie and I both believe a visit to this vineyard is every bit as enjoyable as any vineyard we visited in Sonoma or Napa. A great “one stop shop” if
you want a crash course in Virginia wine.   Make it a point to visit EMV very soon!!!!