Okay—this article completes our account of the weekend excursion on the Loudon County Wine trail. This was Day Two, and we had already planned to visit Hillsborough Vineyards for wine and lunch. We also wanted to sample the current offerings by Willowcroft Farm Vineyards. So we eased on down the road and discovered some very nice pours!

Hillsborough Vineyards is always a favorite of ours. Though nothing new had been released since our last visit in the autumn of 2006, we did not mind revisiting Hillsborough’s quality wines. We’ve already featured the Chardonnay/Rousanne blend known as Carnelian in a food and wine pairing video. Rousanne is a white varietal commonly grown in the Rhone region of France, and its fruitiness shines quite nicely in the Carnelian blend. Of course, Opal cannot be beat. This Chardonnay/Viognier blend is simply divine. A lovely straw color suggests a clean wine; notes include floral, spiced pear, and apple. Nice body here with a creamy texture yet dry finish—gold stars were placed next to this one. Paul scribbled “lunch” on his tasting sheet.

We’ve been on a quest for summer wines, but that does not mean we ignore the reds. In fact, the 2005 Garnet could well be enjoyed on the patio on a summer’s eve with light fare or on its own. Garnet is a Bordeaux blend that packs plums and cherry flavors with a smooth finish. Destined to please red wine drinkers, Garnet may also convert the “white wine only” crowd. However, the bolder gemstone at Hillsborough has to be the 2004 Ruby. A heavier-bodied red, Ruby demands to be noticed. Tannat is at the fore here and explains the tannic presence. Touriga and Petit Verdot complete this blend. Ruby is ready to drink now but can be racked for a while longer and it will still pack a punch. Big steaks on the grill? Ruby will deliver, but save some for a chocolate desert. An even bigger heavy-weight will be Bloodstone, but this Fer Servadou/Cabernet Sauvignon/Tannat blend will not be released until September.

So guess which wine we decided to have with lunch? The gold-starred Opal, of course! We brought along lightly breaded chicken strips with a honey dipping sauce, brie, almonds, and a crusty baguette. Opal was a no-brainer here. We sat outdoors and enjoyed Hillsborough breathtaking mountain views; later, we strolled the grounds and inhaled aromas of lavender and sweet grass. Paul was a bit nervous about the bumble bees, but the lavender kept them occupied.

With wine purchases packed away in the trunk, we headed on to Willowcroft. Here we sampled six wines. The gold star winner among the whites was the 2005 Riesling Muscat-Ottonel. This award winner was made for summer picnics or spicy fare. Clean and crisp came to mind with floral, melon, and spiced pear notes dominant. In fact, we shared a glass of the Riesling after our tasting, and Paul’s one word description was “refreshing”. Those who are on the prowl for a rose may want to try the 2005 Cabernet Blanc. Of course, we always save a gold star for a favorite red while summer’s heat blazes away, and at Willowcroft, the 2004 Cabernet Franc received the honors. Another award winner for Willowcroft, this garnet-hued gem displayed cherry notes with a spicy, longer finish.

Of course, more purchases were made at Willowcroft with notes to selves to buy more wine racks. And this experience ended our weekend on the Loudon County Wine Trail!. If on said trail, please put Hillsborough and Willowcroft on your itinerary, but be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!