A Guide to the Mid-Atlantic's Top 5 Wineries

Some of the most under-recognized quality wines are within driving distance from our nation's capital -- 140 wineries are in Virginia alone. One of Dave McIntyre's articles in The Washington Post states: "Where California was in the 1970s -- under appreciated for its quality -- Virginia is today." So, my hubby and I put the convertible top down, zipped our sweaters up, and took a drive through some sinewy mid-Atlantic country paths strewn with autumn leaves. Our guide to the top five wineries in the mid-Atlantic region is more like a top five to drive -- responsibly, of course.

1. Fox Meadow Winery -- 2007 Riesling was my favorite

From Washington D.C., take Route 66 west. This year's Virginia Wine Festival recognized three of the states' top wineries. Even thought Breaux took top place for its Sirah Rose, I'm going to suggest skipping this one and instead head over to Linden's Fox Meadow Winery. Their Freezeland White is not their only winning wine; they also boast a 2007 Riesling Gold Medal, awarded at the 2008 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. This golden pear colored wine wraps flavors of kiwi, pineapple and honeysuckle around your tongue with a crisp finish and goes for about $20. Plus, the outdoor deck looking out over the Blue Ridge Mountain landscape is picture perfect. If you stay past sunset, you'll be entertained with free live music on Saturdays.

For a late lunch (because who starts wine tasting early?) we popped in to Element Cafe at J's Gourmet in Front Royal. We dipped our pesto panini into hot tomato soup in a cozy window booth with a view of the used bookstore across the street. When we told our waiter why we were "escaping" from D.C., he recommended we try Glen Manor Vineyards, which is known for their estate grown Sauvignon Blanc, their red Bordeaux blends and their free tastings.

2. Glen Manor -- 2007 Glen Manor Hodder Hill was our mutual favorite

Nuzzled in between the rolling countryside hills, Glen Manor has a pleasant, sparsely decorated tasting room '" it felt like we were doing a wine tasting in a model home. The land itself has been in the owner's family for over 100 years. Most Virginia wineries seem to excel first with the whites, but their cabernet blend opens up beautifully. Best served through a decanter, at the center of their "Red" is a velvety combination of fig, oak, and dark cherry with very light finish. Since Glen Manor does not allow tour buses or groups larger than six at a time, you never feel like you're pushing your way through a crowd to be served.

3. Deep Creek Cellars -- A must-visit for 2010

Hillsborough Vineyards in Loudon and Haymarket's Winery at La Grange (which is haunted) are worth mentioning. However, since I'm only allowed five wineries, I'm going to skip up to Maryland where Baltimore magazine recently name Deep Creek Cellars and Winery near Deep Creek Lake the best in the state. Their 2007 Old Vine Zinfandel sold out, without even being entered in a competition. Even though I've never had their Blue Dolce Port it is on my must-try list for 2010. Some local places to stay that score well with locals include The Inn at Henderson's Wharf for its proximity to sights near Fells Point. Though, if you're starting point is D.C., you'll want to end up down in Virginia for the best B&B experience. For a more enjoyable pace, plan to either visit Maryland or Virginia wineries in a single day.

In the Front Royal area, Killahevlin Bed & Breakfast is reasonably priced, tastefully decorated, and has a pub onsite. Of Lord Fairfax Hwy, the L'Auberge Provencale is a pricey upgrade, but last minute getaway deals can shave 20% off your stay. (hint: Suite #7 has an aromatherapy steam shower and a private deck.) Just a suggestion. Of course, if you love French food, then the rooms here could be a series of hammocks for all your care. Eat and enjoy. The duck, I hear, is délicieux.

4. Barboursville Winery -- 2006 Octagon Blend was my husband's favorite

I would be remiss without mentioning Barboursville Winery in Charlottesville even though it was too far south for this particular day jaunt from the city. They have a 2006 Octagon, a merlot-based Bordeaux blend ($40), that my husband says sets a high bar for this region. The 2005 is said to be "a dark, rich garnet color with an intense aroma of plum, cassis, coffee and berries" and is still available for tasting, which is highly recommended since it is the best bottle the estate, a the state, have to offer. The Octagon, by the way, refers to The Great Room at the center of the winery that Jefferson created for Governor James Barbour.

5. Rappahannock Cellars -- 2007 Cabernet Franc was my favorite

There's an interesting story behind this vineyard. Like me, it is a transplant from California. In 1999, the vineyard was replanted in Virginia. Why here? The owners wanted to raise their family surrounded by pleasant people (nothing personal Santa Cruz). Ten years later, while they have no regrets on their decision, the land has proven to be a challenge, albeit a rewarding one. Rappahannock Cellars' 2006 Meritage earned a silver medal, the highest award given to any winery outside the sates of CA/OR/WA in 2009, at the Decanter World Wine Awards in May. I'm a sucker for bold reds. A steal for $24 a bottle, this blend of Cab Franc and Cab Sav bursts with tannins that linger on the tongue. If you like hints of currants and blackberries, you will love this great fire-side sipping wine. I wouldn't even pair it with food as it is a great way to finish off the day. Bring a blanket and sit outside while watching the guests' dogs chase each other on the spacious front lawn. It's hard to leave without making friends in the cozy tasting room and buying a few bottles to take home.

Cruising around the mid-Atlantic region's vineyards is one of the best ways for scoring some of the best secrets in American wine tasting. You wouldn't think it, but the vistas from these wineries are Napa-worthy indeed. We highly recommend buying a warm baguette or your favorite cheese and sitting outside watching the sunset from any of these undiscovered locations while there's still parking available.

Sources:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/08/18/ST2009081802401.html