Category: Winemakers

Wine and Conversation with Stephen Barnard

/ Warren / 2 Comments

A weekend trip to the Charlottesville area also coincided with the birthday of Thomas Jefferson. Of course, we had to celebrate the occasion by visiting Virginia wineries located near Jefferson’s home, Monticello. On our list of places to go was Keswick Vineyards, and fortunate for us we met up with award-winning winemaker, Stephen Barnard. Stephen treated us to a tasting of current releases, samples of upcoming releases and in the process gave us his impressions of the tricky 2011 harvest.

Of the current offerings, my favorites was the 2010 Viognier with its honeysuckle and coconut aromas and flavor of apricot; it also offered a heavier mouth-feel thanks to barrel fermentation and aging in neutral French oak barrels for ten months. The 2010 Cabernet Franc was my favorite red with its aromas of violet and mixed red berries; it presented a spicy edge to boot! However, the 2009 Les Vent d’Anges Rives Red should not be ignored. Made from the Syrah grape, its smoky nose and dark fruit flavors should partner well with any thing that moos.

We were interested in 2011 wines, though, and Stephen was more than willing to oblige us with samples of current and upcoming releases from the vintage. Some are already in bottles. One version of a 2011 Rose was made from Cabernet Sauvignon and recalled fruity Spanish-style Roses with abundant red berry flavors. Another version that is now being poured in the tasting room is likewise dry but lighter with bright strawberry and melon flavors. Both presented a refreshing acidity. The 2011 Viognier Signature (which bears the signature of owner Al Schonberg) was similar to the 2010 Reserve; a well-balanced wine, tasters may think that it resembles Viognier produced from France. Rich yet fruity with some coconut aromas, I thought that it was delightful.

Stephen then treated us to several barrel samples. A couple of standouts here would include a big barrel of the 2011 Chardonnay. This was my favorite of the barrel samples. It was creamy, well rounded, and presented a nutty finish. Paul really enjoyed the sample from the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon in American oak. It was fruit forward, with notes of sweet tobacco, cherry and raspberry. This will probably be blended with a barrel of 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon in a French oak barrel. Another interesting barrel sample came from the 2011 Norton in new American oak. Paul is not a big fan of Norton but enjoyed the fruity nature of this wine. Blueberry really came through. With the chance to try these barrel samples, we can see there are some great wines to come from Keswick.

So what was Barnard’s take on the 2011 growing season? “I think it was a good thing for winemaking in Virginia. The 2011 wines will present more acidity and more finesse than what is evident in the 2010 wines.” Stephen’s comments seem to represent a trend in opinions from winemakers across the state. Was it a troublesome season? Yes. Will it be impossible to make quality wines? No. Much of this will have to do with vineyard location, of course. However, the winemaker’s diligence and skill will also play a role. We were very pleased with the 2011 samples that we tasted at Keswick Vineyards.

As we left Keswick Vineyards, we spied a Thomas Jefferson impersonator in period clothing and telltale red ponytail. We are sure that the original Mr. Jefferson would approve of the wines at Keswick Vineyards. Be sure to visit Keswick Vineyards, and remember to mention that you read about the wines at Virginia Wine Time.

Glen Manor Barrel Tasting

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Recently we attended the Spring 2012 Barrel Tasting at Glen Manor Vineyards. It’s always interesting to get a peek at what the future wines will be like when they are released. Tasting the wines right from the barrel gives you a good idea of what’s to come. Last year we tasted the 2010s and really enjoyed them. This year the focus was on the 2011s of course and as expected we enjoyed them as well. We ran into Kurt and Carol from Wine About Virginia in the tasting room. They were having a regular tasting. It’s always good to run into fellow wine bloggers.

Four red wines and two white wines were offered at the tasting. Each wine had a special food pairing. We began with the 2011 Cabernet Franc. It was paired with pork belly on tortilla chip with dried cherry and red grape olivada. This first wine ended up being my favorite. It was bright and fruity and had a smooth ending. Anyone who follows my wine tastes knows that I enjoy a fruity beginning and a smooth ending. It paired very well with the pork belly.


The next two stations were to taste the Vin Rouge. We tasted the 2011 Vin Rouge from the barrel. We thought this one is ready to enjoy now. We noted fresh berry fruit with moderate tannins and a smooth ending. The 2010 Vin Rouge was up next. This one was tasted from the bottle because it was released that day. We think this one could age well. We noted dried fruit, light tannins, and considered this one the everyday red drinker. We could enjoy a glass of this with almost anything. This one was paired with rabbit and pork rillettes.

At the next station we tasted the 2011 Petit Verdot. This one won’t be released until sometime in 2013. It was very young and clearly needs more time. It was a bit astringent but with the strong fruit characteristics, you can see where it will be in the future. I’m a big fan of petit verdot and am looking forward to the future release of this one. It was paired with chocolate, ancho, blueberry & pecan pain d’Epices with honey butter & cajun-spiced pecan.


The final two stations offered the Petit Manseng desert wine Raepheus. We were able to taste the 2011 and the already in bottle 2010. The 2011 was very sweet and the alcohol was a bit high for me. We noted tropical fruit and high acids. We thought this will calm down with time in a bottle especially since it won’t be released for a while. A small glass would be nice though. The 2010 from the bottle was floral and more delicate. It also has high alcohol but you don’t notice it at all with the low 5% residual sugar. This one is more complex with delicate flavors. It was paired with thyme-pecan-pecorino shortbread with apricot-mango-ginger-chipotle chutney & gorgonzola.

We had a chance to speak briefly with winemaker Jeff White about his recent Governor’s Cup win as well as the barrel tasting and the current growing season. Bud break has occurred and so far his vineyards have escaped the frost issues. We enjoyed our time at Glen Manor as we always do. We are looking forward to the future releases as well. If you visit Glen Manor Vineyards anytime soon, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Out and About in the Rappahannock Area

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Two weeks ago we attended a winemaker’s dinner at Marriott Ranch in Hume, Virginia, and the dinner featured wines from Gray Ghost Vineyards. Paul posted the pictures and menu from that lovely event; however, we also used that weekend to visit a couple of wineries in the area. They included Rappahannock Cellars and Sharp Rock Vineyards.

Rappahannock Cellars: Always a treat to sample the wines here. Of the white wines, our favorite was the 2011 Viognier that was fermented in stainless steel and then aged in oak for six months. Paul noted that the alcohol level on this vintage was lower than the 2010 vintage, and perhaps this explains the more accessible even playful nature of this particular Viognier. I noted bright citrus notes and softer aromas of orange and peach. This is certainly a wine to enjoy on its own but could be enjoyed with light fare, shellfish or simple poultry dishes. It should also prove to be quite popular for the spring and summer. Of the reds, I enjoyed the 2010 Noblesse Rouge, a lighter-bodied Bordeaux style wine. Nice cherry aromas with cedar and pepper notes were noted with a hint of vanilla to finish. Paul checked off the bolder 2010 Cabernet Franc as a favorite. We have not tasted many 2010 red wines, but we anticipate releases to rival the heralded 2007 season. This Cabernet Franc may provide a clue as to what to expect. “Jammy” was my primary descriptor, and full raspberry and blackberry fruit characteristics were noted. Spicy elements prevailed on the nose and palate. Definitely a buy now but drink later wine! Oh, and sparkling lovers should look for the release of a sparkling rose this Easter.


Sharp Rock Vineyards: It had been a long time since our last visit to Sharp Rock Vineyards, and winemaker Jimm East greeted us in the tasting room. Two very adorable dogs, of which one was a rescue animal, also welcomed us. The pleasant and unusually warm weather found us enjoying the crisp 2011 Chardonnay. This one is not oaked, and it presented nice pear and apple flavors with a pleasant acidity. We also concurred on our favorite red wine, the 2010 Synergy. A blend of Petit Verdot and Merlot, we observed plum and dark cherry flavors with elements of sweet tobacco and pepper. The tannins were surprisingly smooth for a 2010 vintage; we will be comparing notes on the 2010 red wines now that they are being released. While the Synergy could be enjoyed now, I would not be afraid to keep it on the wine rack for a couple of years. We enjoyed a glass of the Chardonnay and appreciated the view of nearby Old Rag Mountain and the hypnotic gush of the Hughes River. Jimm East joined us for a bit of conversation, and we learned that the 2011 Sauvignon Blanc will soon released. He is also considering a blend of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to create a crisp summer sipper. Jimm also shared with us that while the 2011 season was certainly a challenge for him, it was not at all a disaster. He does anticipate that quality wines will indeed be made from the 2011 vintage.



Vacationers may want to consider a stay at Sharp Rock’s bed and breakfast. Two cottages that are part of the Sharp Rock property are available to rent for a relaxing weekend getaway. Bring your hiking boots for a scenic walk and then plan to unwind with a favorite book and a glass of Sharp Rock wine; enjoy besides the babbling Hughes River, and you may just doze off for an afternoon nap.

Now that spring (or early summer) has sprung, get out to these two wineries to sample their latest releases. Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Winemaker’s Dinner

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On Saturday evening we joined many of our wine trail friends for the annual Gray Ghost Winemaker’s Dinner at The Marriott Ranch. We enjoyed a delicious five course meal with Gray Ghost wines paired with each course. Al and Cheryl Kellert introduced each wine and talked about each vintage. The pairings were perfect of course. My favorite course and pairing was the trout schnitzel with the 2011 Gewürztraminer. I liked the trout schnitzel so much that I asked the chef after the dinner how he made it. I have a good idea of how to replicate the dish later. Everyone had a great time enjoying the food, the wine, and the company. I took a few pictures but not enough to completely document the meal. I was too busy enjoying the evening!

The Wine Trail Table

The Menu

Third Course

Monticello Sweep

/ Warren / 3 Comments

Yes, our focus during our latest trek to the Monticello area was sparkling wines; however, we did manage to sneak in a few visits to wineries that weekend. Here were our impressions:

Glass House Winery: This winery has been on our “places to visit” list for a while, and we finally managed to get there this time around. This is our 141 winery visited! Glass House Winery offers a unique tasting experience in a hot house that grows an assortment of tropical plants including banana trees. Our favorite pours included the off-dry 2011 Pinot Gris with its pear and citrus aromas and the smoky 2010 Barbera that presented a whiff of violet and full blackberry flavors. Norton lovers may appreciate the 2010 Meglio del Sesso that is a blend of Norton, Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc. It is then aged with 82% ground chocolate. Needless to say, it is indeed dessert in a bottle. Oh—the fresh bananas are divine! Naturally sweet with a firm texture, they beat anything you will ever buy from the supermarket.



Mountfair Vineyards: Our tasting here began with the two sparklers from Thibaut-Janisson—the current release of the dry Blanc de Chardonnay and the sweeter Fizz. I liked Fizz, but I loved the dry Blanc de Chardonnay with its non-stop racing bubbles, apple notes, and crisp finish. (It also ended being my second favorite sparkling at Sunday’s tasting.) Of course, Mountfair is known for its focus on Bordeaux-style reds, and we favored the 2009 Belated, a bend of Merlot (65%), Cabernet Franc (25%), and Petit Verdot (10%). We noted dark fruit, cedar and sweet tobacco on the nose with plum and spice in the mouth. After our tasting, we enjoyed bubbles and conversation with Ben and Jackie of Mountfair Vineyards. Ben assists with the winemaking, and Jackie does the marketing; they are also married to each other!

Stinson Vineyards: This was our second visit to Stinson, and here we reached split decisions. Paul enjoyed the 2010 Rose with its characteristics of strawberry and dried herbs. It certainly possessed an earthiness that would pair well with gamy cheeses and meats. I preferred the 2010 Chardonnay that presented pear notes and a vanilla finish. We did concur on our choice of red wines and that was the 2010 Cabernet Franc. Nice cherry, raspberry and pepper flavors were evident here with some smoky notes to suggest oak aging.



White Hall Vineyards: An impressive line-up of wines was tasted here with an equally impressive list of price points. Everything that we tasted was under $20. I was eager to taste the 2010 Gerwurztraminer, a gold medal winner at the 2012 Governor’s Cup. I was not disappointed—lovely floral aromas with notes of orange peel led the way to intense flavors of citrus, white pepper and nutmeg. Do not be afraid to warm the glass up a bit with your hands before sipping as the rich aromatics and flavors will only intensify. I’m a proud Chardonnay fan, and the 2008 Chardonnay was an absolute steal at $11.99 per bottle. Apple and pear elements prevailed with hints of vanilla at the finish made for an elegant wine that could be enjoyed on its own or with light fare. Paul added to his Petit Verdot collection and snagged a bottle of the earthy 2009 Petit Verdot that is blended with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. (Between the two of us, we walked out with six bottles of wine.)


Spring is now upon us and daylight is lasting longer, so plan to visit these wineries sometime soon. Enjoy your favorite wine while gazing upon spring blossoms and lasting sunsets, but mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Bloggers Rate Sparkling Wines

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Frank Morgan of Drink What You Like planned the second annual tasting of sparkling wines. Last year the event was held at Keswick Vineyards; however, winemaker Andy Reagan of Jefferson Vineyards hosted this year’s tasting. Other bloggers included the team from Swirl, Sip, Snark and Allan Liska from CellarBlog. Pia Mara Finkell, Megan Headley, Anthony from VaPourHouse, and Melissa from Uncork Virginia also loaned their palates to the occasion.

The tasting was done blind and included sparklings from Afton Mountain Vineyards, Barboursville Vineyards, Kluge Estate, Old House Vineyards, Paradise Springs Winery, Prince Michel Vineyard, Thibaut-Janisson Winery, and Veritas Winery. Tasters were asked to use their own rating system to score each sparkling and then to rank them in order of preference. In addition, a Gruet brut from New Mexico was tossed into the ring to create an interesting twist.

So how did the bubbles rate? Before I present the overall list, I will offer my top three rankings:
1. Veritas Scintilla NV
2. Thibaut-Janisson Virginia Sparkling NV
3. Gruet BrutNV

Paul’s top three were as follows:
1. Veritas Scintilla NV
2. Gruet Brut NV
3. Thibaut-Janisson NV

How did our preferences stack up with the rest of the palates in the room (including Andy Reagan!)
1. Gruet Brut
2. Veritas Scintilla
3. Thibaut-Janisson Virginia Sparkling
4. Thibaut Janisson Fizz
5. Horton Sparkling Viognier And Kluge Blanc de Blanc 2008 (tied)
7. Barboursville Brut
8. Prince Michel Blanc de Noir
9. Paradise Springs Apres Sparkling Viognier
10. Afton Mountain Tete di Cuvee 2008
11. Old House Petillante Brut

The surprise was that the Gruet from New Mexico seemed to best the Virginia sparklers; however, the Veritas Scintilla earned a number of first place rankings, so it showed quite well as did the Thibaut-Janisson Virginia Sparkling. The bottom scorer, the Old House Petillante Brut, was the event’s unanimous last place finisher. Off characteristics abounded with this one.

After the taste-off of sparklings, Andy Reagan treated us all to a sample of his upcoming Pinot Gris as well as the current release, the 2010 Pinot Gris. He also sprung for gourmet deli platters that included fresh pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, and a most divine pate paired with crunchy cornichons. Andy also provided us with a full tasting of current releases as well as barrel samples; however, we will be attending a vertical meritage tasting at Jefferson in April, and I will save my notes for that special occasion. I will say, though, that both the 2008 Meritage and 2009 Meritage were showing quite well. The 2010 Chardonnay Reserve likewise remains quite solid.

Be sure to check out sparkling wines coming out of Virginia wineries, and do stop by Jefferson Vineyards for a tasting of Andy Reagan’s quality wines. Of course, mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Chili Wines

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Recently on Facebook Allan Liska from Cellarblog suggested a chili cook off with wine pairings from Loudoun County wineries. While we usually know what to pair with most of our food choices, we weren’t exactly sure which wine would pair best with chili. We decided to attend. I brought my mild chili to add to the mix. The Cellarblog crew, Swirl Sip Snark, Wine About Virginia and Virginia Wine In My Pocket also brought their chili. Several Loudoun County wineries offered their wines to pair with the different chilies.


The wine that was enjoyed the most was the 2007 Boxwood from Boxwood Winery. Everyone enjoyed this wine on it’s own and thought of other food pairings but we all agreed it wasn’t the best wine for chili. The wine chosen that paired best with most of the chilies was the Route 9 Red from Loudoun Valley. The residual sugar in the wine helped cut the spice in the chilies. My personal favorite was the 2009 Meritage from North Gate Vineyards. I appreciated the upfront fruit and smooth finish on this one.

Two white wines were also high on our list of wines that paired well with the chilies. We enjoyed the Jennifer’s Jambalaya from Breaux Vineyards and the Loco Vino from 8 Chains North. Again here, we believe it is the small amount of residual sugar that helped cut the spice in the chilies.

Jordan Harris from Tarara Winery was the winemaker guest of honor. He brought samples of his 2011 Viognier, which everyone agreed is a winner, as well as a new wine he’s creating called Boneyard White. It’s a blend of Petit Manseng, Chardonnay, Viognier, and the last of the Pinot Gris from Tarara’s vineyards. Both of these wines were very well received and we look forward to them when they are released. Jordan also brought a 2007 Syrah and a bottle each of the 1997 Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc from Tarara.

The final gem at the tasting was a 1994 Meritage from Oasis. Words aren’t enough to describe this wine. If you happen to come across a bottle like this, just pour it down the drain. Enough said.



We had a great time catching up with our wine blogging friends, enjoying several different chilies, and the wines paired with them. A huge thanks to all the Loudoun County wineries that participated in the event and of course a huge thank you to Allan for hosting the event. If you find yourself serving chili, check out the Loudoun County wines mentioned here. You’re sure to find one that pairs well with your chili. And if you visit the wineries, tell them Virginia Wine Time sent you!

Congratulations to Jeff White!

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We salute Virginia Governor’s Cup winner, Jeff White, for winning the coveted award with his 2009 Hodder Hill, a meritage blend. This year’s competition marked a return to judging both white and red wines in a single event. Furthermore, wineries had to acknowledge that any wine submitted for judging was the product of 100% Virginia fruit. The panel of judges was an honor roll of wine experts and included Master of Wine and competition director, Jay Youmans. Therefore, this year’s award winners were those that met more rigorous standards than in previous years. Kudos, then, to all medal winners especially to the ultimate champ, Jeff White.

We decided to mark Jeff’s achievement by paying a visit to Glen Manor Vineyards this past Sunday. Our motive, of course, was to sample the award-winning 2009 Hodder Hill as well as other current releases. Jeff was not in the tasting room, but his wife Kelly was on hand to guide us through our tasting. The 2011 Sauvignon Blanc began our tasting experience, and what a lovely way to start the afternoon. Rich with characteristic grassy and citrus notes, it was offered a refreshing minerality and crisp, clean finish. Jeff White may well be setting the standard for Sauvignon Blanc produced in Virginia as this vintage continues the tradition of quality wine from this varietal at Glen Manor Vineyards.

From there we proceeded to the award-winning 2009 Hodder Hill. The color and aromas suggested Old World complexity and elegance with aromas of cherry, raspberry, coffee, and mint. Similar flavors were noted in the mouth with soft tannins and a lengthier finish. The 2009 Hodder Hill is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot. Kelly explained to us that in contrast to the 2010 season, the 2009 growing season more characteristic of Virginia—warm days, cooler nights, and the right amount of rainfall that fell prior to harvest time. The harvest months, which typically run from August to October, were dry in 2009. These factors allowed for gradual, even ripening of the grapes to produce a complex wine that also expresses the terrior of the vineyards.

Kelly also shared with us that Jeff really had no inkling that he was going to win the competition. In fact, Jeff never enters his wines into judging contests; however, he did enter only the 2009 Hodder Hill in order to receive critical feedback from the judges. Given the elite panel of this year’s judges, this was certainly understandable. When informed that he had indeed won the Governor’s Cup, Jeff was truly surprised.

We finished our tasting with the excellent 2009 Petit Verdot, a wine that we have written about in the past. It continues to progress quite nicely with dark plum flavors and nuances of spice and mocha.

While at the tasting bar, we ran into blogger Dezel Quillen of My Vine Spot and his friend, Michael Ching who is the assistant winemaker at Paradise Springs. Like us, they were on the trail that day to sample the wines at Glen Manor Vineyards. After our tasting, we shared wine and conversation; we also made certain to purchase several bottles of our favorites including the 2009 Hodder Hill.

Be sure to visit Glen Manor Vineyards to taste the excellent wines created by Jeff White, and please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.

Governor’s Cup Winner

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From the press release:

Governor McDonnell Announces Glen Manor Vineyards Awarded 2012 Virginia Governor’s Cup
~New Judging Standards Make Event One of the Preeminent Wine Competitions in the Nation~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell, who championed major changes to the Virginia Governor’s Cup competition last year that made the event one of the most stringent and thorough wine competitions in the United States, has awarded the 2012 Virginia Governor’s Cup to Glen Manor Vineyards 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage. The announcement of the Governor’s Cup award winner was made Thursday in conjunction with the Virginia Wine Expo, which runs February 24-26, 2012 in Richmond.

“I raise my glass to Glen Manor Vineyards, whose 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage is a stunning representation of the best in Virginia Wines,” said Governor McDonnell. “Glen Manor’s Meritage and the other 11 wines that make up the Governor’s Cup Case will make a fine addition to wine cellars everywhere, further enhancing the growing reputation of Virginia wines. Just as Virginia wines have been gaining acclaim here and abroad, we have raised the bar on the competition. I believe that having a top notch competition to showcase our best wines is essential to maintaining and growing the national and international notoriety that our wines have been receiving.”

Glen Manor’s award winning wine is a blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 6% Pertit Verdot. The tasting notes for the 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage describe the blended red wine as “a complex wine with ever-evolving aromas of dark red berries, eucalyptus, licorice, tea leaf, cassis and fresh ground coffee beans. On the palate, it is a highly structured wine of dark and refined flavors, with mouth-coating tannins, refreshed by brightness of acidity and finishing long and expressive. The complexity of this wine allows pairing with a wide variety of foods and cooking styles, from aged gouda and earthy sheep cheese to a rustic bowl of onion soup to rich meats, duck, game or lamb.”

“On behalf of my family, we are humbled by this award and honored to help represent Virginia in the first ever Governor’s Cup Case,” said Glen Manor Vineyards winemaker and winery owner, Jeff White. White, fourth generation farmer who established Glen Manor Vineyards in 2005 after growing grapes on the estate since the mid-1990s, studied under acclaimed winemaker Jim Law of Linden Vineyards.

The 2012 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition was conducted in two stages: the preliminary round took place in mid-January in Alexandria. The final round was judged in late January in Richmond. The Governor’s Cup award winner was selected from the 2012 Governor’s Cup Case, the top 12 scoring wines of the competition, which were selected from more than 400 entries.

In addition the Glen Manor’s 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage, the other 11 wines that form the Governor’s Cup Case include:

· Bluestone Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
· Delfosse Vineyards & Winery 2007 Meritage Blend
· Jefferson Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Franc
· Keswick Vineyards 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
· Keswick Vineyards 2010 Merlot
· King Family Vineyards 2008 Meritage Blend
· Potomac Point Winery 2009 Heritage Reserve Meritage Blend
· Tarara Winery 2010 Honah Lee White Vinifera Blend
· Trump Winery 2008 Kluge SP Blanc de Blanc Sparkling
· Veritas 2010 Vintner’s Reserve Meritage Blend
· White Hall Vineyards 2010 Gewurztraminer

At least 10 cases of each wine included in the Governor’s Cup Case will be used by the Virginia Wine Marketing Office for promotional uses. A number of cases will be shipped to select wine media as part of a new effort to promote Virginia wines to a larger national and international audience. The award winning wines will be used for educational purposes at Virginia winemaker roundtable discussions as part of an effort to improve overall quality of Virginia wines. And, Governor’s Cup Case wines will be used by Governor McDonnell on domestic and international marketing missions and other events designed to promote Virginia wine and winery tourism.

The Governor’s Cup competition, which was revamped in 2011 at the request of Governor McDonnell, is a result of a partnership among the gubernatorial-appointed Virginia Wine Board (VWB), the Virginia Wineries Association (VWA), which owns and manages the competition, and the Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA). Virginia Wine Board grants from the Virginia Wine Promotion Fund funded the enhanced competition.

As part of the enhancement, the Governor’s Cup competition is once again a single event for all Virginia wines after being split into two separate competitions, one for red wines and one for white wines, during the last few years. Any wine made from 100% Virginia fruit was eligible for the competition, while ciders and fruit wines had their own category and medalists. All entries included an affidavit with a certification of 100% Virginia fruit and vineyard particulars, including grower names and location, as well as information on alcohol, acidity or basicity (pH), and residual sugar.

Jay Youmans, one of only of 31 Masters of Wine (MW) in the U.S., directed the competition. Youmans, who is also a Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and the owner and educational director of the Capital Wine School in Washington, DC, recruited the wine judges from the professional wine buying and wine media community. The judges were compensated for their time for a rigorous schedule of judging to ensure the competition has the highest level of professional evaluation of the wines. There were 28 judges in the preliminary round and 15 judges in the final round. A list of the judges along with their bios can be found at http://www.virginiawine.org/governors-cup-2012.

One of the most important aspects of the revised competition is the educational component of the judging. After the competition, regional forums for the winemakers will be held with the judging director. Notes with the judges’ blind comments will be shared with individual winemakers, so that they will get direct feedback on how their wines were received.

Glen Manor Vineyards is located in Front Royal, Virginia, approximately 70 miles west of Washington D.C. Situated on a western flank of the Blue Ridge Mountains and near the north entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, nearby mountains, ranging between 1400 and 3400 feet in elevation, surround the vineyards forming a “Glen.” The vines grow high on steep mountain slopes, in very deep and well drained rocky soils. For more information, visit http://www.glenmanorvineyards.com/index.html.

Sales of Virginia wine reached a record high in fiscal year 2011 with more than 462,000 cases, or more than 5.5 million bottles, sold. This volume marks a sales increase of more than 11 percent over the previous fiscal year. Virginia currently ranks fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with 210. Virginia is also the nation’s fifth largest wine grape producer. According to a recently released economic impact study, the Virginia wine industry employs more than 4,700 and contributes almost $750 million to the Virginia economy on an annual basis. For a complete list of previous Governor’s Cup winners and further information about the Virginia wine industry, events, tours and tastings, please visit the Virginia Wine Marketing Office’s website at www.virginiawine.org/ or call 804‐344‐8200.

Jeff White
Owner and Winemaker
Glen Manor Vineyards

Jeff White, vigneron, fourth generation farmer and together with his family, owner of Glen Manor Vineyards, entered the wine industry in 1993 upon accepting a summertime position at the Virginia Tech Fruit Research Station near Stephens City, Virginia. There he worked with the State Viticulturist, Dr. Tony K. Wolf in his experimental winegrape vineyard.

At summer’s end Jeff joined Linden Vineyards to help work the 1993 harvest and crush. It was during this time that Jeff decided to establish his own six acre vineyard on his family’s Virginia Century Farm. He planted his first vineyard in 1995 and in 1996 harvested his first grapes. Jeff sold his fruit to and continued working for and learning from Jim Law of Linden Vineyards for the next ten years.

In 2005 Jeff established Glen Manor Vineyards winery, beginning construction and producing his first wines in 2007. He also established a new 8.5 acre high mountainside vineyard on his farm in 2008. Jeff and his wife Kelly, enjoy travelling in winter with their Chocolate Lab, Huck and American Brit, Sport.

Virginia Wine Showcase

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On Saturday we went to the Virginia Wine Showcase held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington. There were lots of wineries in attendance pouring many wines. It was great to see some old wine friends, catch up and taste wines we’ve had before. While it was great to visit many of the wineries we’ve visited in the past, it was also fun trying some new wines that we haven’t experienced in the past. While moving from booth to booth tasting wines, I kept track of a few wines of note. I thought they stood out enough to mention here.

Some of the wines I felt worth noting from the showcase are:

Rosemont of Virginia Pinot Grigio
Rosemont of Virginia Kilravock
Cobbler Mountain Cellars 2010 Petit Verdot
Well Hung Vineyards 2010 Everyday Chardonnay
Well Hung Vineyards 2010 Viognier
Well Hung Vineyards 2010 Merlot-Verdot
Savoy-Lee Winery 2006 Cabernet Franc
Annefield Vineyards 2008 Red (my favorite of the day)

Here are some pictures from the event. I did not have my best camera with me so these aren’t the best pictures I could have taken. But you get the idea.