The newest winery in Northern Virginia, 29 Vines, is now open in the Town of Purcellville, and will host a Grand Opening on Saturday, Sept. 17. The tasting room is the first of its kind in the area, offering patrons a sampling of other Virginia wines in addition to its own, and blending wine education and entertainment in a relaxed environment.

Owners Matt and Mary Beth Barbagallo developed the vision for 29 Vines from wanting to share their passion for Virginia wines and wine education in an intimate and eclectic tasting room.

The Barbagallos dedication to sustainable production and operations allowed them to build their dream without taking out a loan, and keeping the total remodel of the building to under $3,000, a remarkable accomplishment. The new tasting room sits in the heart of Purcellville’s Historic District in a building that was once the town’s first movie theater.

“The central location of the building and the ease of travel on paved roads made it a perfect fit for our tasting room,” says Mary Beth. “The tasting rooms for many wineries are on vineyard property, and usually require travel on a gravel road. It was important for us to be accessible to our customers, even in adverse conditions.”

As a boutique winery, 29 Vines brings a fresh strategy to promote Virginia’s wine region.  Winemaker Matt Barbagallo produces less than 300 cases of wine and partners with wineries throughout Virginia to bring their wines into the 29 Vines tasting room.

Mary Beth says, “We view our tasting room as the place to go for Virginia wines. Our approach allows rural Virginia wineries exposure to Washington, D.C. area locals and visitors who may not otherwise be afforded the opportunity to travel and sample the exceptional wines the state of Virginia produces.”

I’ve had some very fine eastern pinot noirs in the last month or so, but none as impressively Burgundian as this. I picked up this bottle nearly 2 years ago while interviewing owner/winemaker Brad Knapp about his operation in the Lehigh Valley near Kutztown. Pinnacle Ridge specializes in chambourcin and is a member of the chambourcin wine trail, but this pinot surpasses anything from the east I’ve had so far. From the great ’07 vintage, the hue is a healthy ruby with no browning. The nose has black cherry, earth/truffle and a hint of clove and cardamom spice. On the palate, firm black cherry fruit is met with vibrant acidity and firm tannins, but lots of classic nuances of truffle and minerality. I’m reminded of the Chambolle-Musigny style; bright fruit with firm acid and some complexity without being too heavy or needing years to come around. This is just hitting stride and should last until 2015 or more if well-cellared.