Wine Column 2025

Page 1


THE WINE DOWN

WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?

53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD

A note from Winegrower and Owner, Dave Drillock

We are a Winery that just wants to be a Winery! That was my answer to a customer about my thoughts about owning a winery for almost ten years now.

We invite you to visit our serene, meadow-like location in rural Louisa County. We pride ourselves on being genuine and approachable, eager to share our passion for wine without any scripted lines or memorized facts—just a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Over the coming months, we’ll host several special tasting events. For more details, please check our website at www.53rdwinery.com or call us at 540-894-1536. We look forward to welcoming you to the winery, and we truly appreciate your business and support.

Upcoming events:

May 3rd : Special Release of our 2024 Albariño

For $17/person, enjoy a wine tasting in the pavilion with our Wine Club members, and spend your day at 53rd!

Food Truck: Salty Bottom Blue Oysters Live Music: Carter Freeman

May 10th : Live music with Jim O’Ferrell

May 17th : Wine Club Day!

Food Truck: Hibachi Mobile Live Music: Mike Proffitt

Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm • Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm 13372 Shannon Hill Rd Louisa, VA 23093

(540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com

DUCARD VINEYARDS

2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve

With an intense garnet color and earthy aromas of currant, plums, and fennel, the 2023 Cabernet Franc Vintner Reserve is robust

and smooth. Expressions of clove, black cherry, and pink peppercorn with classic chalky tannins offer a welcoming first impression. This wine is a gold medal winner and included in the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case. It is available in our tasting room and online.

We are open 7 days a week throughout the month of January, with live music every weekend! Make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media pages for the most up to date listings of our upcoming artists.

Fridays- Friday Night Out! Every Friday night through the summer we feature half price wine flights, live music, food for sale, and grills available for use until 8:00pm.

Weekends- Live music all weekend long! Check out our lineup on our website!

May 18th – Wine Education and Exploration of Rosé for Virginia Women in Wine Members

Open daily

Mon-Thurs. 12-5 pm Fri. 12-9 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm

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

EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY

SPARKLING

Celebrate the spring season with a glass of our sparkling brut Blanc de Blancs and oysters on Friday nights! Salty Bottom Blue will be here every Friday night this spring serving their

delicious raw and grilled oysters, which pair beautifully with a glass of our gold medal Sparkling Blanc de Blancs. Made from Virginia Chardonnay, it is dry and crisp with notes of almond and lemon zest. Delicious to enjoy on its own, with Salty Bottom Blue oysters, a toasty seasonal flatbread from Chef Andrew, or with one of your other favorite menu items. Let us pop the cork on a bottle for you!

Upcoming at the Winery:

Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration | Every Friday In May

Our Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration is back every Friday night! The oysters are prepared by Salty Bottom Blue. Enjoy them in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with live music from 5-8pm on the stage in our tasting room.

Paint & Sip | Wednesday, May 7

Grab a glass of wine (or your favorite drink!) and let your creativity flow in our relaxed and fun Paint & Sip classes. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time painter, the talented instructors of Blue Ridge Brushes will walk you through the painting process as you create your own masterpiece. Ticketed Event - Reserve Your Spot On Our Website

Mother’s Day Weekend | Thursday, May 8 - Sunday, May 11

Celebrate Mom with Music Bingo on Thursday night, Oysters on Friday night, Live Music all weekend, and a special Mother’s Day Market and Make-Your-Own Flower Bouquet on Sunday!

Thursday, May 8: Music Bingo 6-8PM & $5 Taps (Beer & Cider)

Friday, May 9: Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration 5-8PM, Live Music by Eli Cook 5-8PM

Saturday, May 10: Live Music All Day! Porch Dogs from 12:30-3:30PM and Mike Burris Trio from 5-8PM

Sunday, May 11: Mother’s Day Maker’s Market 12-5PM & Live Music by Jim Richardson 1-4PM, Make-YourOwn Flower Bouquet Pop-Up 12-3PM (Until Sold Out)

UVA Graduation Weekend | Friday, May 16 - Sunday, May 18 Cheers, Graduates! Your hard work has paid off and now it is time to celebrate! Join us for our Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration on Friday night and Live Music all weekend.

Friday, May 16: Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration 5-8PM, Live Music by FarAway 5-8PM

Saturday, May 17: Live Music All Day! Matthew O’Donnell from 12:303:30PM and Kat & The Travelers from 5-8PM

Sunday, May 18: Live Music by Brian Franke 1-4PM

Memorial Day Weekend | Thursday, May 22 - Monday, May 26

Memorial Day is a time of reflection, gratitude, and gathering. Join us all weekend for Live Music & Special Events. And, ask about our Pay It Forward beverage program at the bar.

Thursday, May 22: Live Music by Michael Clem 5-8PM & $5 Taps (Beer & Cider)

Friday, May 23: Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration 5-8PM, Live Music by CSharp 5-8PM

Saturday, May 24: Live Music All Day! Heidi Riddell from 12:30-3:30PM and The Near Passerines from 5-8PM

Sunday, May 25: Paint & Sip 12-2PM & Music Bingo 2-4PM

Monday, May 26: Open 12-5PM

MUSIC AT EASTWOOD THIS MONTH!

Join us for the popular Eastwood After Dark featuring upbeat, danceable music on Saturday nights from 5-8pm (in addition to our more mellow Saturday afternoon music program). Eastwood also hosts a range of live performances by talented local and regional musicians every Thursday and Friday night. See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.

Every Thursday: Live Music 5-8PM or Music Bingo 6-8PM

Thursday “Thank You” Community Day at Eastwood—$5 Taps (Beer & Cider)

Every Friday: Live Music 5-8PM Low-Country Shrimp Boil 5-8PM

Every Saturday: Live Music 12:303:30PM + Eastwood After Dark with Live Music 5-8PM

Every Sunday: Music Bingo, Paint & Sip, Maker’s Market or Live Music (See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.)

What about the kids?

Kids can share in the experience with their own juice tasting flights and cheese boards!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Winery Hours: Sunday-Wednesday (12-5 PM); Thursday-Saturday (12-8 PM)

We look forward to welcoming you to our cozy tasting room, seven days a week. Join us for award-winning wines, beer, and cider, as well as a delicious seasonal menu by Chef Andrew Partridge that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Delight in lounging on our enclosed & heated veranda with a glass of our gold medal 2022 Meritage Reserve. Or, stay inside and enjoy live music with a seasonal toasty flatbread or our scrumptious Cast Iron Baked Brie. Escape to Virginia Wine Country, only five miles from Downtown Charlottesville. Open year-round, seven days a week. Pet friendly and large groups are

welcome. Ample indoor and outdoor seating.

Rt 20 near the intersection with Avon Extended (5 mi from Downtown Mall) Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

HARDWARE HILLS VINEYARD

River Bend White

This blend of Vidal Blanc with Seyval Blanc is just perfection for the warming days of Spring. Pairing well with chicken or fish dishes, this PinotGrigio-like wine is also wonderful as a porch sipper! Stop in a try it in a flight and find out how

Spring has sprung in the vineyard and when you stop by to look at the previously sleeping vines, you’ll now see bright green pops of budbreaking color. It is a precious time in the vineyards throughout Virginia as the threat of evening frosts can be a concern against these tender growing shoots. We are pleased to share that our newly expanded tasting room is open and ready for visitors! Please stop by and check out this new space. And if you have a special event in your future, please talk with us about how we can help make it spectacular!

Hours:

Thursday 4 – 7 p.m. (new starting in May 10: 12 – 8 p.m.)

Friday 3 – 8 p.m. (new starting in May: 12 – 8)

Saturday 12 – 5 (new starting in May: 12 – 8)

Sunday 12 – 5

Events: (all are listed on our FB events page and at www. hardwarehills.com/events for more details)

SPECIAL DINNER EVENT MAY 5TH! Hybrids, hybrids, hybrids! Why all the talk about hybrid grapes lately?

Kick your wine IQ (and your palate) up a notch at this first-ever Hybrid Fête at Hardware Hills Vineyard.

Fête is of course French for PARTY, and that’s what this night’s all about – festivities and French Hybrids!

If you don’t know much about these very special grapes, you will by night’s end after tasting wines from around Virginia crafted from French hybrids and paired with a delicious multi-course dinner (check out the delicious menu!), hearing from a lively panel of winemakers, and having the chance to purchase the wines to take with you.

Tickets can be found https:// virginiawomeninwine.com/event

May 4th 2:30 p.m.

Mom and Me Mother’s Day Cookie Design Workshop with Broody Hen Bakery: Come join us at

Hardware Hills Vineyard for a funfilled afternoon of cookie decorating with Broody Hen Bakery! Create a special treat for mom to a creative experience where you can learn how to decorate cookies like a pro. No experience necessary, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm!

During this hands-on workshop, you’ll receive expert guidance from Angela of Broody Hen Bakery. She’ll provide all the tools and materials needed to create beautiful and delicious cookies that your mom will love. Each participant will go home with 10 GOURMET cookies. And we can tell you... these cookies are NO JOKE, so good and worth every penny!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to create a delicious and memorable gift. Secure your spot today for a sweet and unforgettable Mother’s Day celebration! Children over age 10 are welcome to join participants under one ticket. Each ticket is good for 10 cookies.

LIVE MUSIC FRIDAYS at the Hills!

May 2 -- Micah Vogt

May 9 -- F.O.G. Band

May 16 -- Rick Hollowell

May 15 -- WILD WILD WEST

Trivia Night -- bring your group of 6 for a hilarious night of brain teasing fun, wine, and food!5199 W River Rd, Scottsville, VA

434.286.4710 www.hardwarehills.com

KESWICK VINEYARDS

Come Sip, Play, and Unwind at Keswick Vineyards!  Join us at Keswick Vineyards for an unforgettable experience! Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, we’ve got something for everyone.

Wine by the Glass, Bottle & Flight –Explore our award-winning wines with the option to enjoy a glass, bottle, or a tasting flight. Perfect for discovering your new favorite!

Guided Tastings – Available 7 days a week, our knowledgeable staff will walk you through a tasting experience like no other.

Mini Golf & Dog Park – Bring the whole family (including furry friends!) and enjoy our scenic mini golf course and dog park.

Wine Slushies, Local Beer & Cider – Cool down with refreshing wine slushies or sip on local beer and cider.

Live Music – Every Saturday from 12-4 PM, enjoy live tunes while sipping your favorite Keswick wine. It’s the perfect way to spend your weekend!

We’re thrilled to offer a special bundle featuring Keswick Vineyard’s 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2023 Viognier — both of which earned prestigious Gold Medals at the Governor’s Cup!

This exceptional duo showcases the best of Virginia’s wine scene: the bold, rich flavors of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the crisp, aromatic profile of the Viognier. And for a limited time, you can grab both bottles for only $99!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic deal — experience the gold standard in Virginia wines today!

Wednesdays - Wine Down Wednesdays 5:30-8:30pm

Weekends - Live Music from 12-4 pm (check out our website for the schedule!)

Hours:

Monday- Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm

1575 Keswick Winery Drive Keswick, Virginia 22947

Tasting Room: (434) 244-3341 ext 105 tastingroom@keswickvineyards.com www.keswickvineyards.com

PRINCE MICHEL VINEYARDS

Rapidan River Sweet White Reserve

Celebrate spring and Easter with the refreshing taste of our Rapidan River Sweet White Reserve, April’s featured Wine of the Month. This delightful white wine offers vibrant notes of ripe peach, apricot, and honeysuckle, all perfectly balanced by a crisp, clean finish—making it the ideal companion for springtime gatherings.

Whether you’re setting the table for Easter brunch or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, this wine shines alongside dishes like glazed ham, roast chicken with herbs, carrot cake, or fresh fruit salad.

April Special:

$22.99 / 750 ml

20% OFF for Wine Club Members 15% OFF for Non-Members Discount valid April 1–30

Experience More at Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery!

Nestled in the heart of Virginia Wine Country, Prince Michel is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth. Open daily from

11 a.m., we offer wine tastings, shopping, tours, scenic picnic areas, and so much more.

Be sure to explore our wide range of wines—from bold reds and crisp whites to our fan-favorite Decadence Chocolate wine and refreshing wine slushies. Plus, enjoy craft brews and elevated pub fare at Tap 29 Brew Pub, open seven days a week.

Weekly Events:

Live Music every Friday–Sunday (music lineup at princemichel.com)

Monday Night Trivia | 6–7:30 p.m.

Tuesday Beer & Wings Specials | 3–5 p.m.

Thursday Happy Hour | 3–5 p.m.

154 Winery Lane, Leon, VA  22725 (540) 547-3707 www.princemichel.com

A Woman-Owned Business

REVALATION VINEYARDS

2024 Hera Crisp, refreshing, crowd-pleasing bubbles for any occasion. This near-equal blend of Albariño and Vidal Blanc has aromas of green apple, pear, lime and nectarine. The mouthfeel is fresh with notes of citrus. Its acidity will match salty cheeses, salads, fried chicken, and fish dishes as well as lean meats without heavy sauces.

April Hours: Friday 12pm to Sunset; Saturday 12pm to 6pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm; Monday and Thursday by reservation only.

Until April 30 - Exhibition of artwork by Stephanie Mendlow.  May 2nd - Book World Meets Wine World at 6 pm: Author Lynn Wyvill will present her book Morning Light, Quiet Nights. A benefit for the Literacy Council of Madison County.

May 4th - En Plein Air: Artist Day at Revalation. Artists are invited to create art in the vineyard from dawn to dusk and exhibit their work from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. Artist tickets available on our website.

2710 Hebron Valley Road, Madison, VA 22727 540-407-1236 www.revalationvineyards.com

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Wine Column 2025 by C-VILLE Weekly - Issuu