The green and red of Mayo are said to be a sight to be had, but the vibrancy of the Virginian hills on this one particular weekend could easily give Mayo a run for its money. What a beautiful place Northern Virginia is, with the warm wind blowing through my fingers, and what more could possibly enhance this long Sunday drive? Well, wine of course.

     Originally Thomas Jefferson cultivated Italian vinifera vines and hired two Italian vintners to oversee the process. Possibly the most important wine development was the planting of the root hardy Norton grape. The wine industry boomed in the 1980s, making the Virginian wine industry relatively young. The lush, fertile soil makes some varietals easy to grow, such as the sweeter whites and hardy reds, while the harsh, unpredictable climate makes more delicate grapes, such as the pinot noir, almost impossible to grow.

     With 300 vineyards and just under 100 wineries, Virginia is one of the leading producers of vinifera grape vines. Virginia is making a name for itself by concentrating on those vines that thrive in the region. For example, the Virginian Viognier is becoming internationally acclaimed, and many wineries, including Rappahannock Cellars, have won medals at international competitions. As young, cultural beacons, we must take advantage of such beautiful, and tasty wine-country.

     The Northern Virginia area boasts about fifteen wineries. Mostly concentrated east of Front Royal, these wineries are all fairly easy to get to and relatively close to one another. It is reasonable, therefore, to map out your journey beforehand by creating a “wine-trail.” This article will give a brief outline of a suggested “wine-trail” while reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of the featured wineries. Beginning with the westernmost winery, North Mountain, we will then travel southeast to visit the local favorite, Rappahannock Cellars, and then north to our final destination, Naked Mountain Winery.

     The charm of the North Mountain vineyards lies in the bucolic setting, traditional Bavarian influences, and cozy, rustic tasting room. Amid all the sensible delight it is effortless to forget the reason you have come. Once your senses are restored, however, be prepared for some of the best sweet varietals Virginia has to offer. And at affordable prices, they offer six tastings of the normal production wines – free of charge. They also offer six limited production wines for the price of three for five dollars.

     The first white was the most notable: the Vidal Blanc. Hints of crisp lemon and mango make this refreshing wine perfect with seafood or spicy Asian dishes. Another notable wine from their full-production list is the Mountain Sunset Apple Blush, albeit it was very sweet and drank like the perfect blush.

     The best of their wines, however, are on the limited production list. They offer a Reserve Vidal Blanc 2006, and if you’re lucky enough (or charming enough) the winemaker may allow a taste of the phenomenal unreleased 2007 Vidal Blanc, which is presented as being warmer and smoother than the 2006. A Riesling and a “Mountain Midnight” port-style wine are also among the limited production wines.

     Amidst all the sweet and dessert style wines, North Mountain’s Chambourcin was a surprisingly delightful dry wine. If your palate smiles upon spicy notes and a full-bodied finish, then you will love this rich Chambourcin.

     Overall, North Mountain’s desirable location, superior Vidal Blanc, Rosé, and Chambourcin, and friendly informative service, create a relaxing and appetizing atmosphere.

     Rappahannock Cellars, owned and operated by California natives, the Delmare Family, has been open now for seven years. Originally, the Delmares opened a vineyard in Santa Cruz, California, but ended up eventually settling their family in the Northern Virginia area. As the thoughtful landscaping subtlety leads your eye towards the stylish tasting room, and as you are greeted by the exposed stainless-steel fermenting barrels, you immediately know this will be a pleasurable experience.

     The wine does not fail to live up to its aesthetic surroundings. The 2007 Viognier, a double gold-medal winner at the San Francisco International Wine Festival, presented flavors of orange blossom, lemon peel and peach. On the darker side, the 2006 Cabernet Franc presented as a strong fruit-forward wine. These fruity aromas are overwhelmed, however, by the old-world flavors of tobacco and wood.

     Another one of the favorites is the Claret. Strawberries, dark chocolate, and a touch of “smokiness” were detected in this wine. As a Bordeaux style it is full-bodied, but just light enough to be served with barbecue chicken. Rappahannock Cellars offers refined, stylish wines with defined, poignant aromas, and paired with the welcoming and intelligent staff members, this winery should be a highlight of Virginia wineries.

     The beautiful drive takes you north through wine country; notable wineries in the area are Chateau O’Brien, Philip Carter Winery, and Linden Vineyards. At the northern edge of this region is the Naked Mountain Winery. They are acclaimed for their Chardonnay, which has been served at White House dinners on two separate occasions. The first time was a State Dinner hosted by President George H.W. Bush. A few years later President Clinton met with the State Governors, and Naked Mountain Chardonnay was, once again, the wine served.

     At first glimpse, it is obvious that Naked Mountain has the King of all locations. Nestled on a hill, and overlooking verdant Virginia hills, the winery offers a varied setting. The best of the Chardonnays was the 2004: it is smooth, dry, and buttery, and in the winemaker’s words, was styled after the classic “French Mersault.” Hints of smoke, vanilla, and butterscotch round out this warm “big” chardonnay. Of the reds, the only wine that left a lasting impression was the 2005 Cabernet Franc. The smoothness of its tannins set it apart from the majority of Cab Francs, and its berry undertones added an alluring complexity. Those who are fans of the classic “hit you in the face” Cabernet Franc, will not enjoy this, as it presents more or less as a California Cabernet Sauvignon. But for those who prefer a smoother, more delicate wine, this sly Cab Franc should do the trick.

     Overall, although the wines were for the most part very good, the horrendous service threw a light of distaste on the entire winery. Hopefully, when you visit they will have improved their hospitality, so that you can truly appreciate the wine, as well as the people that put so much effort into making it.

     So get out there college students. This Parents’ Weekend is a great opportunity to give your parents a tour of where you live. And where you live happens to be vibrant and thriving wine-country. So take this guide along, taste if you can, and impress them with your perfect foreknowledge of how the wines will present. And never underestimate the power of wine to elevate both body and mind to the greater beauty and creation of God.