Wine Day

Yesterday we took a little break from farm chores to visit two wineries and one cidery.

Our first stop was Pippin Hill Farm Winery located off of Route 29 in Nelson County, Virginia.   According to their website they have been rated one of the best locations for a wedding and we could easily see why.  Someone with an eye for a view designed this place.  The Blue Ridge was at its glorious best, the tasting room was a stylish blend of rustic and modern.   We didn't get a chance to eat at their restaurant, but the food must be delicious - it was already busy at 11:30 on a Sunday morning!

From the parking lot, a view of the vines and Blue Ridge

Lantern lit path with a view of the Blue Ridge

Our next stop was right down the road at The Albemarle Ciderworks.  This was our first tasting visit to a cidery and the staff made us feel right at home.   Albemarle Ciderworks specializes in a dryer style of hard cider and we found that we prefer a sweeter style - but that did not mean we didn't find anything good.  While John preferred the Ragged Mountain blend and I preferred Jupiter's Legacy blend, we both agreed that Pomme Mary was our favorite.  I also have to add a note here about winery glasses.  We've been to so many wineries and wine festivals over the years that we no longer purchase those souvenir glasses, BUT, the Ciderworks uses adorable little pilsner style glasses that were traditionally used with cider.   I couldn't resist purchasing a pair.

If you haven't visited the world of hard ciders, we highly recommend a tour of the Virginia Cideries.  Visit Cider Week for upcoming events.

Cider Apples

Apple Trees ready for picking - love this ladder!

Something about apple cider really gets the palate ready for a meal.   After we finished chatting with the great staff at cidery, we made a quick trip into Charlottesville for lunch.    It was crazy crowded on The Mall but we finally settled on The Nook, a diner style restaurant with simple but delicious fare.

For those who have never been to Charlottesville, make a visit to The Mall one of your must do items.  The Mall is two historic streets that have been paved over in brick and completely closed to vehicular traffic.   Pull up a chair in one of the many seating areas, order a cup of joe and enjoy watching a wide variety of people.   With the University of Virginia so close by, you are almost guaranteed to encounter at least one Fine Arts student.  During our visit it was a trio of musicians.

The Mall

Replete from our hearty fare, we headed up into the mountains for a visit to Glass House Winery.   It was well worth the long winding drive.   If you love art, this is the place to go.   The water garden in front of the tasting room is full of unique sculptures and glass tiled mosaics.  In fact, the entire place is full of glass art tucked into unexpected little corners.   They also have art from local artisans available for purchase.    Entering the glass house is like entering an exotic little piece of paradise --- accompanied by wine and chocolate!  A perfect haven on dreary winter days.

Glass House also had some of the lovely uncommon wines we prefer - Traminette, Viognier and a DELICIOUS chocolate infused red dessert wine.   The owner's gourmet chocolates are a perfect compliment to the wines.  YUM!    And yes, we did pick up a dozen chocolates  ;)

Glass House vines

The Glass House tasting room --- busy, busy, busy!

All in all, it was a great day of beautiful Blue Ridge weather!   And here's our haul...

from L - R: Pomme Mary cider, Signora, Ancora Meglio (2), C-Villian