A Mini Vacation

A trip to the beach is never a bad idea. By mid-week, we were loaded and ready to head to visit Big D. in Va. Beach. The ride down to tidewater isn’t fun but, I know how we can make this trip a little more entertaining…let’s find a vineyard.
I picked two on the way down and as always Tish didn’t mind the detour.

Our first stop, Michael Shaps Wineworks.

A boutique vineyard specializing in French varietals. They now offer two tasting options. One lists all Virginia wines and the second French wines under Michaels watchful eye.

Here were my choices from both tasting lists:

Virginia side:

Mon Bidon Blanc, a white blend of Chardonnay and Vidal Blanc. Aromas of melon with a twinge of oak. A crisp, fruity tartness coats your mouth with incredible flavors. All that goodness ends with a minerality finish. The perfect wine to pair with grilled swordfish.

’12 Meritage, Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec & Cabernet Franc. Wonderful earthy nose. Big, bold red fruits with soft tannins. The finish has a touch of sweetness at the end. I enjoyed this wine so much, there is a bottle resting in my wine cooler.

From France:

’14 Bourgogne Rose de Pinot Noir, a nice Rose with a bouquet of dried herbs. Cherry flavors with a touch of effervescence on the palate. A typical dry French finish, this wine would e paired with a nice baguette and cheese. This is the perfect porch wine.

About a half a mile away is our last stop of the day, First Colony Winery.

The first thing I noticed when we walked into the tasting room, a big orange tabby lying under a chair. A vineyard with a cat, that is a good sign.

As far as what I enjoyed:

’14 Rose, a blend of Lemburger & Cabernet Franc done the traditional Bandol style. Big aromas of tropical fruit, especially lemon and lime. Crisp, tart flavors of grapefruit and tangerines fill the palate. With that much acid, the finish had a wonderful dry sweet honey finish. This would be a good wine for a carnivore. Any red meat would go well with this wine.

’13 Silver Doctor, a red blend of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. A big nose of blackberries and black cherries. Tobacco dominate the palate. Bold, robust flavors of plum and spicy peppers on the finish. I REALLY LIKE THIS WINE!

After arriving in Va. Beach, Big D. began laying out our itinerary. Thursday was gong to be spent visiting a number of Va. Beach’s breweries. I’m down with that.

We got on the road about 11-ish and our first stop was going to be another winery. That wasn’t part of the plan but I was able to charm the Clayton’s in stopping at my next stop on the Big K’s Va. Wine Tour, Pungo Ridge Winery.

This stop was similar to Hill Top Farm & Winery, fruit wines and mead. I’m not scared. I actually found one I really liked.

Strawberry Wine, yes I did type that. Sure, I have enjoyed my share of Strawberry Hill from the Boone’s Farm Collection but this was quite unique. It was dark amber in color, tart strawberry nose. Sweet flavors coat the mouth and ended with extreme fruitiness. Like I said, I enjoyed this bottle.

One of his Meads was made with mint and I have to say, I know a few folks in Strasburg, Va. & Williamsburg, Ky. who would enjoy this bottle.

The beer crawl of Va Beach consisted of: Home Republic, Back Bay, Young Veterans, Reaver Beach, Wasserhund & Pleasure House. I preferred Reaver, Home Republic and Pleasure House to make beer for me.

Friday came and it was time to visit one of the vineyards on the Chesapeake side of Va., Chatham Vineyards.

It was a Beautiful day to visit this part of Virginia. The plantation farm vineyard was amazing. One of the original houses on the property sat near the tasting room. Slate roof and the house was made from Cyprus wood which means it could withstand any storm.

As for the wine here…oh it’s well worth the trip!

’14 Chardonnay, done in stainless. Petrichor on the nose with a touch of minerals. The palate opens with heavy tropical fruit including crisp pineapple. A touch of tangerine which makes for a low acid finish.

’12 Merlot, dark burgundy colors. Milk chocolate notes on the nose. Dried fruit flavors filled my glass with soft tannins. A fruity yet smooth finish. Even if you’re not a fan of reds, you would drink a glass of this wine.

Before we headed back toward the tidewater area, Big D. wanted to visit Brown Dog Ice Cream Shop in Cape Charles. I had a coffee ice cream and then stopped at Kelly’s Pub to enjoy a glass of French Rose while they sampled wine at the wine shop. I then made my way down past Watson’s Hardware Store. What drew me to this place was a sign for cigars.

As I walked into the rustic building, men were walking around with cocktails in their hands. Okay, you have my attention. After making a lap around the store, I discovered the local men-folk were seated outside enjoy their adult beverages with stogies. I think I have found my location to retire!
On Saturday, we decided to have lunch in Norfolk before heading to Yorktown to meet up with Staci & K. When Big D. suggested Pasha, I asked if we could visit Mermaid Winery.

This winery has many tasting options but are they mainly using grapes from other states and countries. There were only 3 choices for Virginia, 2 whites and a fruit option.

Of the three, this was my favorite:

Siren’s White, a blend of Viognier, Petit Manseng & Roussanne. An herbaceous nose, with wet fruity flavors on the palate. A minerality finish gave this wine some balance. I would pair this with crabs or lobster.

That evening we ended up going to a street party. The girls went to listen to some Folk at a local pub, and I headed back to the street to listen to an ’80s Hair cover band, Teaze.

They performed all the staples and when they covered Cinderella and Warrant, I was a happy man!

Sunday, it was time to head back to the valley. We had a game plan but, we didn’t get on the road until late in the day. After a quick lunch, we said our good-byes and made our way home.

Of course, I had to make a stop. We had just enough time for one vineyard and I selected Gauthier Vineyards.

Gorgeous facility and the wines weren’t bad.

’14 Gazebo Blanc, a white blend of Chardonnay and Viognier. Bold aromas of apricot and melon filled the glass. Smooth oaky flavors on the mid-palate before a citrus finish. Spicy Asian & Mexican food would go very well with this wine.

’12 Chambourcin, medium bodied red. Milk chocolate and white pepper on nose. Dark cherry flavors fill your mouth that transcends to a warm spicy finish. Pasta would help balance and soften the tannins in this wine.

What a fun, 5 days!

So, lets get a total for this week. Another 6 brings me to 108 for the year. Next week, I’ll revisit 2012 as my travels take me back to the Cozet area to visit a few. At this rate, I will be close to 150 before December.

It’s going to be a fun 4 months.

Wine, Baklava & a Dive Bar!

Mandatory training kept me from leaving work early and enjoying a warm spring afternoon. When I saw it was only a 45 minute session, I was relieved and as long as I didn’t have any questions I could get on the road and back to the hills.

“Are there any questions?” 

That was my cue to hit the clock and start the weekend.

Just over 10 miles away was my first stop this week, Sunset Hills Vineyards. The gorgeous barn tasting room has only been around a few years and they are starting to produce some nice wines.

                      

 Waiting for my first pour of the day. 

 

Only a few people were out tasting today. I strolled in and was greeted by Janice and the fun began!

The $10 tasting list consisted of 6 wines (Rose´, 2 whites & 3 reds), I was able to get 2 bonus pours. The first bonus was the ’13 Dawn, a sparkling brut-style made with Chamborcin had a light ruby color with a subtly sweet/dry finish. Sunset White, a blend of Traminette and Vidal Blanc, has a floral nose with crisp flavors. 

’12 Merlot was the big red I was looking for. Fruit forward and surprisingly soft tannins. 

’13 Cab. Franc has similar characteristics to the Merlot but I believe it will gain some structure in the next 6 months. 

My final bonus pour was their port-style, Dusk. A high alcohol beverage (17.4% A.B.V.) made with 100% Chamborcin had rich dark cherry notes and would pair well with a mild cigar like an Ashton or Montecristo #4. 

Janice had a great quote regarding my tasting:

“You began your tasting with the Dawn and ended it with the Dusk.”

It was time to head a few miles up the road to Doukenie Winery. As soon as I pulled in and saw the limo I thought to myself…”DAMN!”

Lucky for me the 12 chicks were done tasting and migrating to the patio overlooking the pond to get their drink on.

Eight wines were available for tasting. ’14 Mandolin was a white blend that was refreshing and had notes of citrus. This would be a good deck sipping wine. ’14 Sauvignon Blanc with hints of pineapple and kiwi is still young and should round out in the next few months.

The one red that stood out was the ’12 Vintners Reserve a blend of Cab. Sauv., Merlot, Cab. Franc & Petit Verdot. A fruity nose with leather, cherry flavors on the finish. I could have enjoyed a bottle of this while sitting on the deck.

                  

 It is so good!

 

Of course you can’t leave Doukenie without getting a sample of “Hope’s Baklava” She is 90 years old and still makes her baklava from scratch. So damn good!

A shower of rain came through the area and it made for a messy ride to my last stop of the day, Twin Oak Tavern Winery. Situated on top of the mountain, this winery is located in what use to be an Inn back in the ’20s & ’30s. City folk would take the train from D.C. to Bluemont, then a horse and buggy ride to the Inn. 

            

 Some of the wines available at Twin Oak Tavern Winery.  

 
The wines are made from grapes from different parts of the country. White Nights is a Chardonnay & Riesling blend of grapes from Washington St. Citrus nose with a touch of honey and lime zest.

The Zinfindel uses grapes from Sonoma Valley, soft tannins and slight pepper finish.

A cool winery that has a wine for all and a view to boot. 

By this time, the tasting room was about the close and I inquired about food at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant just down the road. 

When I heard home cooked meals I figure what the hell!
 

A few of the humorous signs hanging at the Hosreshoe 

 
This place has all the elements of a dive bar. A few good ole boys were enjoying their long-neck bottles and, I bellied up to the bar ordered a PBR. I glanced over the menu and this place is a greasy spoon. I choose a big juicy cheeseburger with their “Famous Fries”. 
When I asked why they were so “famous’, the response was classic.

“After the whole French feud we took the French out of fries.” 

God Bless America!

I would be interested in coming up and listening to some of the local musicians on the weekends. I’m sure the rednecks will be representing!

I encourage you to make a day trip and visit these vineyards and those from my past posts. Next week I’m still up in the air as to what direction I’m going to head in. Maybe south I haven’t decided.

39 down with 61 to go! 

Nothing but fun and debauchery y’all!