A Visit to Boxwood and RdV Should Be Savored Slowly By Peter Leonard-Morgan
Virginia wine aficionados are incredibly fortunate that the Commonwealth boasts no fewer than 276 wineries, an increase of over 20 percent in just four years. And while that number is well below ten percent when compared to California, it’s the growth in quality as opposed to just plain quantity that’s becoming apparent. Loudoun and Fauquier county wineries are among the quality leaders, with numerous excellent reviews. Two such properties are Boxwood Winery, just outside Middleburg, and RdV Vineyards near Delaplane. Boxwood Estate Winery was founded in 2004, on a property previously owned by the venerable General Billy Mitchell and acquired by Rita and John Kent Cooke, the son of former Washington Redskins owner, the late Jack Kent Cooke. Rita’s children, Rachel and Sean, run the winery with their stepfather, John at the helm. Boxwood began making wine in 2006 when renowned wine consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt joined the team. Starting from a goal to create an exceptional wine producing property, 17 years later the results are evident, with 26 acres of vines, plus a striking and unique winery/tasting room designed by renowned Washington D.C. architect Hugh Newell-Jacobsen. Boxwood’s tasting room guests experience a contemporary, modern ambiance, sipping five wines produced from seven grape varietals, all estate-grown. Boxwood’s wine club is cleverly three-tiered— Gold, Platinum and Diamond—catering to various budgets and “thirsts,” from a $60 purchase commitment every six months to $240 twice a year in return for bottle and case discounts plus complimentary tastings of various levels, depending on the program selected. Rachel was the driving force and sole petitioner behind the establishment of the Middleburg AVA, or American Viticultural Area, from which numer32
Country Spirit • Fall 2018
PHOTO BY PETER LEONARD-MORGAN