2023-07-18 04:53:39
Loudoun is an oenophile’s dream. /'ēnəˌ fīl/ - a connoisseur of wines. The opening of Willowcroft Farm Vineyards in 1984 marked the birth of DC’s Wine Country®. Five decades later there are some 50-plus wineries in stunning settings, from historic farms and river-crossed valleys to vine-covered hillsides. Varied topography, temperate climate and well-drained limestone soils deliver terroir suited to many grapes and styles. Chardonnays and French-style Bordeaux varietals (Cab Franc, Merlot) do well, but so do Albariño, Tannat and Nebbiolo reminiscent of Italy’s Piedmont. Loudoun Viognier is praised by celebrated British wine writers; Middleburg’s Chrysalis Vineyards is said to have the world’s largest planting of Norton. Loudoun wines have won national accolades, including Best in Class at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Awards. In 2022, Cana Vineyards & Winery winemaker Melanie Natoli became the first female to win the prestigious Virginia Governor’s Cup. For all the success, there’s a family friendly warmth similar to that of Napa in the 1970s; Willamette Valley in the 1990s. In Loudoun, a winemaker will join you for a tasting or an owner will recommend a neighboring estate or vintage. Add in talks, tours, pairings, picnics, concerts in the vines and those spectacular views, and small wonder Travel + Leisure and Southern Living hail it as a must-visit destination. Don’t miss Virginia Wine Month in October! Check out the events calendar at VisitLoudoun.org UNIQUE WINERY Experiences 1. CHEF’S DINNERS The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek hosts “Terroir to Table” dinners in warmer months, the family-style table set in the vines. 2. READ BETWEEN THE VINES Dive into a world of wine and words at Breaux Vineyards’ book club for literary oenophiles, which takes place the last Sunday of each month. 3. CORK CURRICULUM Learn about palate, aroma, taste and tannins at Boxwood Estate Winery’s “Cork Curriculum” classes each July and August. 4. SANGRIA LESSONS Make the perfect sangria at Bluemont Vineyard’s summer Sangria classes, blending citrus, apples, spice and mint to a base of Bluemont wine. 5. WINE & DINE At the rustic restaurant of Eagletree Farm Vineyards, pair wines with the locavore dishes (filet mignon, root puree) of chef-owner Jeff Judge. 6. YOGA IN THE VINES Practice your downward dog at Firefly Cellars’ frequent yoga sessions before enjoying wine on the lawn. 7. CHOCOLATE & WINE At 8 Chains North Winery, pair estate wines with artisanal chocolate from Leesburg's The Conche. Follow the Loudoun Wine Trail Click to view trail guide
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