Looking for a New Winery in Northern Virginia

[DanCole42]

I consistently see Linden and RdV praised as the go-to wineries in the area and, indeed, they happen to be my personal favorites. My "problem" is that I exhaustively research everything, so I'm always "stuck" with the best... what's the point of exploring if everything else will disappoint by comparison?

So that's why I turn to you, DR crew... outside of RdV and Linden, what should I be trying? Are there any exciting newcomers to the scene I should get in on the ground floor of? Are there hidden gems waiting for me to discover?

I don't like crowds and it's supposed to rain this weekend, so a nice, quiet, indoor space is welcome.

[DanielK]

Glen Manor, Michael Shaps are two that I return to.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/2014/09/11/53b61fc6-346e-11e4-a723-fa3895a25d02_story.html?utm_term=.39058150776a

The article covers a lot of ground, but each region has a "best wines" subsection. Note that it's 3 years old.

[zgast]

46 minutes ago, DanielK said:

Glen Manor, Michael Shaps are two that I return to.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/2014/09/11/53b61fc6-346e-11e4-a723-fa3895a25d02_story.html?utm_term=.39058150776a

Ditto to Glen Manor recommendation.  I've also heard Black Ankle Vineyard in MD recommended (by some of the staff/estate owners at Linden and RdV so I tend to trust them.)

In Charlottesville, you should give Barboursville a try.  They have more everyday drinking wines than most of the higher end vineyards, but their high end wines are among the best.

As an aside, Linden also just brought out two new vintages last week, both of which I enjoyed during the tasting.  They also released the new Hardscrabble Chardonnay, but that one's not on the tasting menu. 

[SRJ]

Sunset Hills Vineyard for the food, entertainment, and atmosphere. I couldn't care less about the wine.

[Rovers2000]

3rd the Glen Manor rec.  Jeff and Kelly are absolutely wonderful and their wines in my opinion are some of the best in VA.  Its also my favorite atmosphere - its small and even when its packed, it never feels crazy like some of the other vineyards.

Delaplane is nice - though I feel like the quality of their wines has been slipping of late.

[Mark Dedrick]

Glen Manor for me is number three. I've also enjoyed many of the wines at Delaplane, Chateau O'Brien (the reserve tasting only) and Rappahannock. And on the Maryland side we made our first visit this past weekend to Black Ankle and were quite pleased with the entire experience. 

[Choirgirl21]

I prefer Glen Manor to Linden. Glen Manor also definitely meets your criteria for a nice quiet location.

It's been a long time since I've been, but I have also really enjoyed Chester Gap in the past. I used to call Linden/Glen Manor/Chester Gap the Front Royal trifecta.

http://www.chestergapcellars.com/index.html

[Keithstg]

Ditto Glen Manor. I'll also plug Slater Run Vineyards - tasting room is in Upperville, VA - winery is also in Upperville but only open to the public occasionally.

[MarkS]

I've never been to a local winery.  Am I missing out?

[DanielK]

4 minutes ago, MarkS said:

I've never been to a local winery.  Am I missing out?

To me, it's to support local business, enjoy a day (or weekend) trip, see some beautiful vineyards, and drink some good wine.

The better VA wines are really good, but still overpriced. You're not doing it to save money - even at a case discount price, you can go to Total Beverage and buy better wines from other regions at a better value per dollar.

So as long as you have the right expectations, I vote for going. But if your only goal is to drink great wine at a great price, probably not for you.

[DonRocks]

I vote Glen Manor just so you can see the majestic Hodder Hill vineyard from below (and buy some of their *killer* Sauvignon Blanc) to take home with you. If you see Jeff, tell him you're a buddy of mine, and that you'd like to see what the Hodder Hill patch looks like.