Vineyard VIEW
Justice Is Served At Blue Valley Vineyard
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t the ripe old age of nine, Yianni (John) Zissios began learning the age-old art of wine making during visits to his grandfather in Greece, the land of his forefathers. Today, decades later, John, his wife Helen and their son, Stergio, preside over the impressive family owned and operated Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery, among the bucolic hills of Delaplane in Fauquier County. Twenty-three years ago, the family stumbled upon a large and beautiful tract of land, once home to John Marshall, the great former Chief Justice of the United States, falling in love with its similarities to their Greek homeland. They negotiated the purchase of 63 acres with the intention of it becoming their home. However, as time passed, Stergio convinced his parents the property would be the perfect location for a wonderful vineyard and, ultimately, a winery and tasting room. Today, four years after its grand opening in April, 2015, Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery is a serious player in the Virginia wine producing industry. They bottle 10,000 cases a year for
Photos by Peter Leonard-Morgan
By Peter Leonard-Morgan
The barrel room at Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery. customer consumption at the tasting room, purchase by wine club members, enjoyment during the many on site private occasions and distribution to half a dozen states and counting. They now have 100 acres, with 18 under vine. Varietals include Muscat Ottonel, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Chardonnay whites plus Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin reds. Blue Valley also produces a Rosé with a sparkling Blanc de Blancs in the works. The 27,000-square foot winery/tasting room was designed and built by the family, and welcomes visitors throughout the week, year round as well as playing host to some 20 weddings a year and numerous special corporate occasions. Below ground is an imposing high-ceilinged winery building, dug underground to ensure temperature consistency. It houses
The tasting room has an inviting sparkle. 32 stainless steel tanks custom-made in I asked Stergio about their recent South Africa, 280 French oak barrels and collaboration with the Great Meadow an extensive array of equipment required Twilight Polo season. in order to turn grapes into wine. “This is an excellent way for us to During my visit to Blue Valley, I met promote our brand locally to a clientele with Stergio and learned how family which enjoys leisure activities in means everything here. And family Fauquier County,” he said. extends to the employees and customers, And that is certainly happening as where a primary philosophy is to treat more and more county residents and wine everyone as if they are, indeed, family. connoisseurs from further afield learn about Stergio said many regulars become Fauquier County’s largest vineyard/winery. members of one of their two wine clubs— Blue Valley Vineyard the Cave Club which requires a commitment to purchase one case of wine per and Winery year, and the BV Wine Club, where cus5535 Blue Valley Way, Delaplane tomers collect three bottles every quarter. 540-364-2347 Distribution has become a major part Open Friday through Sunday of the business, with wine outlets such as 11 a.m. to 7 p.m Total Wine & More as well as restaurants Open Monday through selling significant quantities around the Thursday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. country.
THOMAS & TALBOT REAL ESTATE Middleburg, Virginia (540) 687-6500
BOLINVAR
Middleburg ~ Magnificent Estate on 100 acres. The stone house boasts 22 elegant rooms, 9 fireplaces, high ceilings, all superbly detailed and beautifully appointed. Brilliant gardens surround the heated pool. Fabulous 11 stall stone stable with 2 staff apartments. Riding ring, green house all in pristine condition. Additional 227 acres are available. $8,495,000
POSSUM HOLLOW
Delaplane ~ Estate on 27 acres of rolling countryside with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The all brick 3 level residence features 5 BR and 5 BA, spacious rooms and huge floor to ceiling windows. The grounds include a pool with stone terraces, a center aisle stable, a huge indoor riding arena and a tenant/guest house. Ideally located with easy access to to the nation’s Capital. $ 1,150,000
For more information on these fine properties contact
Mary Ann McGowan 540.687.5523 Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Jim McGowan 703.927.0233
Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Brian McGowan 703.927.4070 Licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.
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Country ZEST & Style | Fall 2019
8/6/19 3:56 PM