We braved a recent chilly weekend to join wine friends for wine tasting and lunch at Stone Tower Winery and Fleetwood Farms Winery. Read on to learn more about our experiences.

Our first stop at Stone Tower Winery required us to brave pelting rain drops and gusty winds. It did not seem like a spring afternoon despite what the calendar told us, and we were fooled into thinking that it was early May. However, our tasting at Stone Tower Winery was worth braving the elements. Our wine friends are members at Stone Tower, and we were treated to an estate wine tasting experience that was expertly guided by the sharp-witted Joe. Of course, white wines were tasted first, and the 2019 Chardonnays hit all the right notes. The 2019 Chardonnay Reserve presented notes of wet stone and fresh pear; its acidity made for an elegant wine that would pair well with poultry or seafood dishes. The 2019 Kristi Chardonnay was crafted from a designated lots on the vineyard site and is named after founder Kristi Huber. Thirty percent of the Kristi Chardonnay is done in concrete eggs to allow for micro-oxygenation of the wine without the impact on its flavors and aromas that would be expected from an oak barrel. The result is a fuller bodied wine that is better able to express terroir.

We transitioned to red wines, and Joe treated us to a comparative tasting of the 2015 Hogback Mountain and the 2015 Wind Swept Hill; the former is a left bank Bordeaux-style blend with Cabernet Sauvignon taking the lead, and the latter is a right bank blend spearheaded by Merlot. The 2015 Hogback has transitioned to more savory elements associated with an aging red, so collectors with this one on the wine rack may want to consider drinking it soon. However, its right bank sibling still held on top its fruitier profile to suggest further aging potential. The 2019 Cabernet Franc was also excellent with dark berry notes and a juicy palate. Our tasting experience ended with the 2021 Rose that was crafted from all Merlot grapes. Bright strawberry notes and a fruity yet dry palate made for a versatile wine that plays well in all seasons.

We lunched on handmade pizzas, olives and cheeses while sipping a bottle of the 2019 Hogback Mountain. The comfy members tasting room allowed us to enjoy our food and wine experience as the weather continued its tantrum!

A subsequent tasting at Fleetwood Farm Winery signaled an upcoming milestone for Virginia Wine Time—-it was winery number 199 on our list of Virginia wineries visited. The 2019 Tempete Blanche, a blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, and Muscadelle grown by Chateau Kalian in France, should prove to be popular in the summer with its fresh floral aromas and refreshing palate. Tasters looking for an easy summer sipper to pair with grilled fare should be please with the fruity 2019 Ellzey Red, a juicy blend that fills the palate with fresh berry flavors. Virginia wine aficionados may recognize the mention of Chateau Kalian—-it is the home of co-winemaker at Fleetwood Farms, Katell Griaud. Katell is also the winemaker of Slater Run Vineyards. It is she, along with Ashton Lew, who craft the wines at Fleetwood Farm Winery.

We look forward to winery number 200, wherever it may be. Summer warmth seems to be upon us now, so we are certain that our goal will be met sooner rather than later. In the meantime, visit the Virginia wineries mentioned in this post; of course, please mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you!