Are you looking for a crisper Chardonnay that offers the taste of the fruit rather than a sometimes overpowering taste of oak and butter? Come sample stainless steel Virginia Chardonnay. Oak fermented Chardonnay also abounds!
Do you like Asian or spicy foods? Are you more a red wine drinker in search of a white wine that offers complexity? Viognier is a staple of Virginia and flourishes in the state.
Have you gotten over your affliction with the movie Sideways and Merlot? You will find great Merlot. If you like more of a bite to the finish, Cabernet Savignon is represented at many Virginia wineries, often offering a taste which surprises because it is so true to the grape.
Cabernet Franc offers a little spice to life. It ages well but is great to drink young and offers a great spice finish. It flourishes in Virginia and can be found as a stand alone or is used as a blending grape. Some other blending grapes you'll find: Malbec, Petit Verdot and Chambourcin.
Virginia offers wonderfully structured lighter reds. These wines are great for people who are just getting into red wine, people who like red wine but do not like heavy tannins, great for picnics, BBQ or just enjoying after a long day at work. You will find Claret and Rose.
Many wineries also have impressive Meritage blends.
The Native American vine Norton.
Do you like it sweet? Virginia offers its own version of Ice wine and a wonderful assortment of dessert wines. We also have some award winning Petit Manseng. Wine can be made with more than just grapes. There are amazing fruit wines available in Virginia. How about Raspberry, Apple, Honey, Blueberry, Cranberry & Mead (the wine of the Vikings) just to name a few. Some are sweet and make wonderful desserts while others are amazingly dry and make an outstanding companion to your main course.
Virginia Sparklers are always a favorite. They are made in the traditional Champagne method. Pinot Noir & Cabernet Franc sparklers make a wonderful pairing with turkey!
No need to head to Germany in search of a nice Gewurztraminer. There is a hidden treasure in Nelson County that is actually on the dry side.
Traminette, Sauvignon Blanc, Vidal and Seyval are also here to be discovered.
