The Working Pour: Wine

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 37

Friday 12/30

The Skip Castro Band. Rhythms and blues, swing, boogie-woogie, and rock ‘n’ roll. $2532, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

Tim Ryalls and Barry Collins Acoustic Duo.

Classic rock, blues, and country tunes. Free, 6pm. Glass House Winery, 5898 Free Union Rd., Free Union. glasshousewinery.com

outside

Playdates at the Playscape. See listing for Tuesday, December 27. $20, 9:30am. Wildrock, 6600 Blackwells Hollow Rd., Crozet. wildrock.org Veritas Illuminated. See listing for Wednesday, December 21. $10-15, 5:15pm. Veritas Vineyards and Winery, 151 Veritas Ln., Afton. veritaswines.com

Saturday 12/31

music

49 Winchester. Appalachian country soul music. With BLNDRS. $22-25, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. jeffersontheater.com

New Year’s Eve with Chamomile & Whiskey.

Blue Ridge Mountain rock and rollers. With Ramona and the Holy Smokes. $25-250, 7pm. Fry’s Spring Beach Club, 2512 Jefferson Park Ave. chamomileandwhiskey.com

etc.

New Year’s Eve Celebration. Tunes from DJ Cle and The Near Passerines, fun giveaways, and an early balloon drop of 1,000 balloons. Free, 5:30pm. Dairy Market, 946 Grady Ave. dairymarketcville.com New Year’s Eve Masked Ball. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, a five-course dinner service, dancing, and a midnight toast, followed by a breakfast buffet. $250, 7pm. Veritas Vineyards and Winery, 151 Veritas Ln., Afton. veritaswines.com

Sunday 1/1

music

Golden Hour with David Wax Museum. A unique, live music experience where participants wear blindfolds and musicians weave their way around the room. $50, 7:30pm. Studio Barn, Blenheim Ave. davidwaxmuseum.com

Monday 1/2

music

Gin & Jazz. See listing for Monday, December 26. Free, 5:30pm. Oakhurst Hall, 122 Oakhurst Cir. oakhurstinn.com

Tuesday 1/3

music

Thunder Music Karaoke. See listing for Tuesday, December 27. Free, 9pm. Holly’s Diner, 1221 E. Market St. 234-4436. Vincent Zorn. Olé. Free, 7pm. The Bebedero, 225 W. Main St., Downtown Mall. thebebedero.com

words

Ivelisse Housman. The Virginia-based author celebrates the release of her new young adult novel, Unseelie, in conversation with Emily Thiede. Free, 6:30pm. Bluebird & Co., 5792 Three Notched Rd., Crozet. bluebirdcrozet.com

By the glass

Local wine sellers on 2022’s top vino selections

By Paul H. Ting

living@c-ville.com

As the year draws to a close, I wanted to gain some insight into what wine consumers are drinking by asking local shops what their best-selling beverages were in 2022. While many were reluctant to name specific bottles or producers, the information they provided reveals some interesting trends.

Rosé all day

It appears that local drinkers continue to be head-over-heels about pink wine.

Certainly, rosé can play a lot of roles, whether you need a wine to be lean, bright, and refreshing, or you want one with a bit more complexity and depth of flavor. As a result, this category always seems to be a crowd-pleaser. At Wine Warehouse and In VinoVeritas, rosé was among the top sellers, especially in the summer months. Wine Warehouse had robust sales of over 50 different rosés, while customers at In Vino Veritas sought out rosé from the South of France.

Classic, quality wines at value prices

It should come as no surprise that there is steady demand for wine produced from traditionally well-known grapes from classic regions. At the same time, drinkers of all ages are looking for a price point that doesn’t make them think twice about opening a bottle on a Tuesday night. Will Curley at The Wine Guild of Charlottesville says his sales trends show that customers are looking for bottles “that don’t shirk on quality and still fit into their weekly budget” and “demonstrate terrific value for classic, carefully made styles.” A good example of these is the Guild’s top-selling Bodegas LAN Rioja Estate Bottled Reserva, which has all the berry fruit, hints of cedar and smoke, and structure that you expect from classic Rioja wine, and a price in the low $20 range.

Portuguese reds

It was a pleasant surprise to hear from In Vino Veritas’ Erin Scala that Portuguese red blends are among the top sellers. While Portugal is largely known for port wine, the country has a long history of producing excellent wine outside of the sweet dessert category. Recently, there has been increasing awareness of wines made in Portugal, especially the robust red blends. Despite this uptick in interest, wine from Portugal is still in less demand than wine from other European countries, so those looking for some serious value in terms of price-to-quality ratio can find it here. Scala mentions the Fita da Fitapreta and the Dow Vale do Bomfim as notable bottles to try.

EZE AMOS

Market Street Wine’s Siân Richards says younger wine drinkers’ desire to explore beyond the classics has led to curiosity about emerging wine regions, as well as the increasingly popular organic, biodynamic, and natural wine categories at her shop.

Organic, biodynamic, natural

Siân Richards, co-owner of Market Street Wine, has seen a trend among younger wine drinkers with curious palates and less focus on traditionally known regions and producers. Richards says these customers show an interest in organic, biodynamic wines, and natural wines. The shop stocks many popular options and the staff can help interested customers with recommendations. She is quick to note that their best-selling wines are always ones featured as Wines of the Week, and cites this as evidence that, while customers may be willing to explore, they are still looking for trusted guidance in their drinking choices. Market Street Wine attracts people who want “a relationship with a local shop with a carefully selected inventory and … personal recommendations based on us knowing/hearing where their interests are.”

Virginia wine

An encouraging sign for our local wine industry comes from The Workshop (the wine store located at The Wool Factory). Wine Director Kylie Britt says the best-selling wines are consistently the locally produced Virginia wines sold under The Wool Factory private label, while other Virginia wines are also consistently among the top sellers. The Wool Factory hosts free weekly tastings and frequently invites local producers to pour at these events, and as a result, their wines top weekly sales. “Our guests love local wines since they can build a connection to the producers,” says Britt. Here’s hoping you find something fabulous in your glass to celebrate the New Year, and cheers to more fine wine discoveries in 2023!

THE -WINE DOWN

WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES? CHISWELL FARM WINERY

2021 Sparkling Rosé Cheers the season with this festive wine! Our Sparkling Rosé has notes of light cranberries, pink lady apples, and strawberries and cream. With a little zip, this bubbly pairs perfectly with all your holiday foods and party appetizers such as baked brie bites, bacon wrapped dates, and a honey-roasted holiday ham! With a glass in hand, enjoy the beautiful scenery from our lawn, or a cozy chair inside, where you’ll discover a variety of inviting spaces. While indoor seating is limited, there are many options for outdoor seating, including rocking chairs on the covered porch and dining tables on the lawn for small groups. You’re also welcome to bring your own folding chairs and blankets to sit further out on the hill. All seating is first-come, first-served. Ages 21+, no dogs or other pets permitted on the property. For a family-friendly experience, visit our wine shops at Chiles Peach Orchard or Carter Mountain Orchard. Wine is currently available by the glass, flight, or bottle. We have a full menu of seasonal boards, paninis, small bites and snacks to pair well with any of our wines (outside food is not permitted). Wine sales stop 30 minutes prior to closing. Sundays- Brunch featuring mimosas with juices from our farmgrown fruit. Jan. 15th – Corks and Collages Hours: Wed-Sun 11 am – 5:30 pm

430 Greenwood Rd, Greenwood, VA 22943 434.252.2947 • www.chilesfamilyorchards.com/chiswell

WINERY Guide Map

HARRISONBURG

81 340 CROSSKEYS VINEYARDS

CROZET

AFTON 64

CHISWELL FARM WINERY

DUCARD VINEYARD REVALATION VINEYARDS

29

33

STANARDSVILLE MADISON

15

ORANGE

HARK VINEYARDS

29 HORTON VINEYARDS

GORDONSVILLE

CASTLE HILL FARM CIDERY

33

CHARLOTTESVILLE KESWICK VINEYARDS

EASTWOOD FARM & WINERY

ZION CROSSROADS LOUISA 53RD WINERY & VINEYARD

64

29

53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD

Exodus The best wine to pair with the cooling weather- Exodus is a rich and full bodied Port-style wine. With rich flavors of sweet fig, blackberry, and oak this wine is meant to be enjoyed fireside. Pair with, or drink for, dessert, and enjoy its warmth! We are open 7 days a week, 11am to 5pm offering our 100% Virginia wine by the bottle, glass and tasting flights. Enjoy your visit at our intimate, meadow-like setting in rural Louisa County. we offer well-spaced indoor and outside seating and customers are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets, chairs and blankets. Children and pets are welcome, but pets must always remain outside of buildings and on a leash. Quality wine, friendly staff at a great escape! Visit our website, www.53rdwinery.com. Dec. 24th- Early Closing at 3:30 pm Dec. 25th & 26th – CLOSED for the Holiday Dec. 31st – Early Closing at 3:30 pm Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm

13372 Shannon Hill Rd Louisa, VA 23093 (540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com.

CASTLE HILL FARM CIDERY

Our Cider & Newly Released Rosé Discover ground to glass Virginia hard cider at Castle Hill. Ciders range from dry to semisweet, and can be enjoyed by the glass, flight or bottle. Festive cider cocktails include a Fall-inspired Sangria and Mulled Cider. Just released: our 2021 Rosé, a semisweet cider infused with elderberry and cherry.

Visiting Castle Hill Cider

Our expansive cider barn features a variety of ample seating including Adirondack chairs overlooking the rolling countryside and lake; farm tables for larger parties; as well as bistro seating and cozy couches for smaller groups. Inside the Tasting Room, you’ll find bistro seating and a roaring fireplace. Outdoors, there are a variety of options including patio and firepit seating available yearround (weather permitting), and plenty of green space to walk the grounds or throw a football. Castle Hill Cider welcomes all guests! We offer non-alcoholic beverage options and a delicious food menu. Well-behaved dogs on a leash are also welcome both indoors and outside. Dogs must remain leashed and with their owners at all times.

Saturdays and Sundays-

Weekend Brunch Tasting 11am3pm Jan 15th – Wassail Party! (free admission)

Special Holiday Hours

12/19-23: 11am - 5pm daily 12/26-31: 11am - 5pm daily *Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

6065 Turkey Sag Rd. Keswick, VA 22947 Tasting Room Text/Call: 434.365.9429 www.castlehillcider.com

CROSSKEYS WINERY

2020 Meritage A rich blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon aged 15 months in new and neutral oak barrels. Blackberry and vanilla bound out of the glass but the nose evolves into mature

layers of brandied cherry, black pepper, and violet. Oak provides dimension and body. Pairs perfectly with the fall October weather! CrossKeys Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located in the heart of beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Our approach is to grow, by hand, the highest quality fruit using careful canopy management and yield balance to achieve 100% estate-grown wines that are truly expressive of the varietal and soils here at CrossKeys. Our first vines were planted in 2001 and we have only grown since then. Our 125acre estate currently houses more than 30 acres of vines with plans for more planting in the future. We currently grow 12 varietals of grapes all used to produce our one of a kind award-winning wines.We offer wine tastings throughout the day. Our knowledgeable tasting room associates will guide you through tasting our wines whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran. We love large groups and want to make sure your experience at CrossKeys Vineyards is extraordinary. We request that large groups call the vineyard 48 hours in advance to set up a reserved group tasting. The group will have a reserved table, staffing, and a cheese plate included with price.

Mondays through

Thursday- Winery Tours (by reservation only) at 12:30 pm Fridays- Fiesta Fridays (11-5pm) reservations suggested Sundays- Taste of Europe Dinner Series (tickets required) from 5-8 pm; check our website for weekly menus! Dec. 25th – CLOSED for the Holidays Open Daily from 11- 7pm

DUCARD VINEYARDS

2020 XOXO Sparkling The 2020 XOXO – Hugs and Kisses – is the newest vintage of our sparkling wine. A 75/25 blend of Viognier and Chardonnay, this wine is the perfect addition to any celebration OR just because -why not?! Our uncrowded rural Madison County area has mountains, streams and plenty of beautiful views along scenic back roads. The tasting room is near hiking and biking trails along the Shenandoah National Forest and is a perfect respite after your day out! Enjoy some peace and quiet relaxation in this challenging environment. Sit on our lawns and sip or pick up a bottle or three of our awardwinning wines to take home. Reservations available and recommended (especially for Saturdays). No reservation fee or minimum purchase. Walk-ups accommodated on a spaceavailable basis. To order wine for local delivery or UPS shipping, visit our website! Open daily – Mon-Thurs. 12-5 pm Fri. 12-9 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm Weekends (Fri-Sun)- Live music Friday-Sunday all month long. Check out our website for details and the musical artist lineup! Dec. 25th – CLOSED for the Holidays

40 Gibson Hollow Ln • Etlan, VA 22719 (540) 923-4206 www.ducardvineyards.com

EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY

Woodland White Aged for 10 months in stainless steel, the Woodland White is a fruit-forward blend of Viognier, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, and Traminette. With delicate notes of white peach, honey, and pineapple, this wine is perfect for holiday parties and delightful with roasts, cheese & charcuterie boards, and much more this season. The Woodland White is available on our website, in the tasting room, and it is featured in the current wine club allocation. Join us all month long for awardwinning wines, delicious farm-totable food pairings, special events, live music, and more. NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Winery Hours: Sunday - Tuesday (12-5PM), Wednesdays-Saturdays (12-8 PM)

2531 Scottsville Rd. (5 mi from Downtown Charlottesville) Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

HARK VINEYARDS

2019 Merlot Small vat fermented and barrel aged 16 months, this wine showcases notes of black cherry, cola, and savory herbs. This wine follows nice in the footsteps of its predecessor, our 2017 Merlot, which won Gold in the Governor’s Cup. The 2019 is still a bit youthful, and while it tastes great right now, it’s only going to

get better over the next several years. The problem? By then it will be long gone! That’s the challenge and the beauty of authentic, estate grown wines. Only 200 cases were produced. Available now for you to experience on our tasting menu! Visiting Hark: Hark Vineyards is a family-owned winery focused on the belief that beautiful views and delicious wine can bring people together. Children and well-behaved four-legged friends are welcome. We welcome — and encourage — you to bring a picnic and enjoy the experience our estate offers. Some picnic foods such as cheese, charcuterie, jams, crackers, and chocolate are available for purchase. Food trucks and live music most Saturdays from MarchNovember; check our website and social media for details. Our grapes love it here. We think you will, too. Upcoming events CLOSED for the holidays December 24th - January 1st Hours Friday 12-6pm, Saturday 12-7pm, and Sunday 12-6pm

434-964-9463 (WINE) 1465 Davis Shop Rd, Earlysville, VA 22936 www.harkvineyards.com

HORTON VINEYARDS

Knots & Shuttles Red Sparkling Red sparkling was inconceivable many years ago and it is still rare. Knots and Shuttles is Horton’s flight into red sparkling. It is a dry red wine, deep garnet color with berry aromas ad a lingering effervescent finish. Knots and Shuttles is also the last installment of the Gears & Lace, Steam Punk line of wines. Overall- a fun and unique wine that will pair well with your Christmas dinner! Open Daily from 10 am – 5 pm

6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville, Virginia (540) 832-7440 www.hortonwine.com

PIPPIN HILL FARM & VINEYARDS

2021 Blanc de Blanc This 2021 vintage turns any occasion into a celebration. It’s made like champagne, offering zesty aromas layered with creamy and citrus flavors of pineapple, brioche and meyer lemon. The finish is lean and lively, with equal parts acidity and dryness. The driest of our three Chardonnays, this finely bubbled beauty will dress up your charcuterie board, or brighten up seafood.

Plan to Visit: Pippin Hill is a culinary vineyard in the heart of Virginia’s wine country. There are two types of standard reservations available for food and wine pairings: Indoor Table or Covered Veranda for table service. Walk-ins are welcome for lawn seating. Reservations via Resy are recommended for Indoor and Veranda seating. For the ultimate wine tasting experience, check out Pippin Hill’s elevated wine tasting and tour experience, offered select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Learn more at pippinhillfarm.com. Hours Mon - Sun 11am - 5pm* *See Our Calendar for Early Closings. We are Closed the first Monday of every month. Sundays- Live music on the hill! Each Sunday from 1-4 PM, Pippin Hill welcomes local musicians to perform on our Veranda. Check our website for varying artists. Dec 21st & 22nd – Kid-friendly cookie decorating class + Wreath making workshop Dec 24th – 26th – CLOSED for the holidays January 1st – 8th – CLOSED for the holidays

REVALATION VINEYARDS

2021 Petit Manseng Our 2021 Petit Manseng is a full-bodied dry wine that can be enjoyed alone and with a wide range of foods from Thai curry to turkey and sweet potatoes. A red wine drinkers’ white wine with good aging potential. Featuring aromas of honey, lemon, and papaya merging into white flowers and toasted brioche. Hints of ginger and caramel. Stop by the tasting room to enjoy this wine by the bottle or in a flight. Gifting The holidays are here, and we’ve created a gift box with three of our most popular wines. Our Holiday Gift Trio includes our 2018 Vidal Blanc, 2021 Rouge de Rouge, 2019 Novum (our white port-style wine) and a reusable Revalation wine disc for drip-free pouring. Exclusively available in our tasting room. Visiting Revalation Vineyards is a familyowned vineyard, located in Madison’s Hebron Valley. Our property offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains from the porch of our 1830’s log cabin tasting room. Enjoy our wine by the bottle or choose one of our flights which feature five different wines. Reservations are requested for indoor, porch or outdoor seating and can be made on our website. Walkins are welcome whenever space is available.

Hours Nov. 1 – Apr. 30 Hours: Friday 12 – sunset, Saturday/Sunday 12pm to 5pm Seasonal Hours: Friday, Dec. 23 – Sunday, Dec. 25 Closed Monday, December 26th Boxing Day OPEN Friday, Dec. 30 – Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023 Open regular hours