Bring Your Hat - Shenandoah Wine Trial

The Shenandoah AVA is one of the most exciting wine producing regions in the US. Winning wine region of the year in 2023 prompted me to see for myself what all the hype is about. In addition to incredible wine, the area boasts stunning mountain views, challenging hiking, white water rafting, history around every corner and a fun terrain for horseback riding.

Our first day was a late arrival, just in time to watch sunset over the mountains with the horses grazing in the field. It was like a living breathing painting. We popped into Gordonsville to pick up some pizza from Fabio’s and headed back to the cabin to pair it with a bottle of My Favorite Neighbor that I had in tow.

The next day was my kind of day. Up early for a bike ride to the gym then off to Barboursville Vineyards for lunch and a tasting. Barboursville did not disappoint us. Beautiful views over the vineyards and the ruins of a plantation designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. They have a massive wine list thanks to their Italian wine maker, Gianni Zonin. They are known for their Nebbiolo, but my favorite was their Viognier. Crispy and bright, had to take a bottle home with me.

Next a short drive to Oakland Heights to visit the rodeo girls and their 62 horses. Gorgeous ride in the mountains with a lil excitement. There were deer, predators, bulls and some slippery rocks. Our horses were perfect gentleman and our guides very patient.

Our next day out was an adventure to the Appalachian Trail, climbing to humpback rock. Lucky us Veritas winery is only 15 minutes away for a sit on the veranda tasting and lunch afterwards. While inside we put our forest floor fern from our hike on some cyanotype paper to create some art while we rested. The Tasting room is massive and so is the porch overlooking the vineyards. We fell in love with their easy drinking and affordable Red Star. 

Our next morning was spent riding biking around Izac lake. Slow down and be one with nature as much as you can. Best advice for any trip, and there was so much beauty here.

That afternoon we headed to Early Mountain vineyards for our most impressed of the trip. You drive down a long winding country road to an unassuming driveway to have your mind blown away by the stunning gardens and architecture of the tasting room. Top that off with a Michelin chef, Tim Moore and 90 plus rated wine hosted by the most attentive server ever and you feel like all the stars have aligned just for you. We learned about Petit Manseng (the red wine lovers white) and tasted every Cab Franc on their list trying to decide on our take home favorites. An absolute must must go. 


Our last day was rainy, but we did have another beautiful sunset at the lodge.
*A nugget of advice is that things are further apart here than they look on the map. It seemed everything was an hour or more away. Causing regret that we did not get to Blenheim. It’s a modern A framed tasting room overlooking the valley. Owned by Dave Matthews who is one of our favorites and the wine gets high praise as well. Be sure to put that one on your list and let me know what I missed. 
Cheers to Virginia wine country!

Notes: Stinson Vineyards does a Thursday night tailgate with live music, oysters and open grills. We got rained out, but it was going to be a good time for all. Be sure to put it on your list.

Also the Well Hung winery in Gordonsville is a don’t take yourself too serious kind of place. Great service and cute take home gifts.