Thank you to all the wine fans out there who followed our journey this week!
It’s been an enjoyable ride through the Monticello AVA. Virginia has a long history of wine making, and the local vineyards are (deservedly) beginning to climb into the national spotlight. I foresee the regional Petit Verdot and Tannat varietals making an outsized splash, and along with Petit Manseng, largely define the flavors of the area. In no other AVA will you find examples of this caliber for contemporary American wine.
Of course, the craft of winemaking is in constant motion and ever changing, so I look forward to seeing what this region will produce in the future.
To recap:
#1 Pollak Vineyards – Earns high marks across the board, from their service to their wines, and appeals to all levels of wine enthusiast.
#2 Jake Bushing and Thibaut-Janisson – Quite a talented group of winemakers! Speaking as someone who used to pay attention only to the names over the winery, I’ve now become much more of a winemaker “groupie,” and feel like my wine world has dramatically expanded.
#3 King Family Vineyards – This spot may tend to appeal to a higher level on the social ladder, but I say that without complaint, because their wines match their decorative and lavish vibe.
#4 Cardinal Point Winery – At the opposite end of the spectrum from King Family Vineyards, but offers enjoyably unique and thought-provoking flavors. A true diamond in the rough.
The Monticello AVA has much to offer in terms of wine, hiking, restaurants, historic locations, breweries and distilleries – it’s a destination spot for the entire family, and I highly recommend a visit.