Phase 3 Re-opening Winery Visits

by Richard Leahy | Jul 4, 2020 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, Winery Review

According to Governor Northam, Virginia has moved into Phase Three of re-opening, which means wineries can welcome visitors again, although social distancing and masking is still required. Not all wineries are following the same model. Some require reservations to...

Tasting Notes on Ankida Ridge’s New Releases

by Richard Leahy | Jun 12, 2020 | Events, Tastings/Evaluations, Winery Review, Winery Visits

Ankida Ridge Vineyards, the “jewel of Amherst County” (my phrasing) has just released their new 2017 vintage Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and 2016 Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine. The 2017 vintage was a fine one in Virginia, for both reds and whites. The...

Wines of the Week: DuCard (VA) Traminette “Shenandoah” ’19 and Left Foot Charley Pinot Blanc ’18, Old Mission Peninsula, MI

by Richard Leahy | May 16, 2020 | Regions & Terroir, Tastings/Evaluations

Here in Central Virginia, we’ve gone from a serious (and damaging) frost last Sunday night, to temps in the upper ’80s by the end of the week, so a big transition from drinking reds to whites. The first of these Wines of the Week is DuCard (Madison Co.,...

DuCard To Host 3 Wine Virtual Tasting, Food Pairings Online Mon. 5/11

by Richard Leahy | May 4, 2020 | News/Announcements, Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, Winery Visits

Looking for a way to boost your home cooking and wine knowledge? Join DuCard Vineyards for a Virtual Tasting & Food Pairing/Demonstration Event – Monday May 11th, 7pm!     Three wines will be featured at the DuCard Virtual Tasting and Food Pairing /...

Wine of the Week: Veritas Petit Verdot 2010, Paul Shaffer 4th Ed.

by Richard Leahy | Apr 13, 2020 | Tastings/Evaluations, Varietals, Virginia Wine

Emily Pelton, winemaker at Veritas Vineyards, has earned a reputation for top Petit Verdot. Regular readers may recall that Veritas won the Monticello Cup almost 2 years ago for their 2015 Petit Verdot. I had tasted the Veritas Vineyards Petit Verdot 2010 Paul Shaffer...

Lemons into Lemonade: Inspiration from Wineries and Licensees Coping with Covid-19

by Richard Leahy | Mar 25, 2020 | Uncategorized, Virginia Wine

Wine may be more important for us now than ever, not just for its physical pleasures, but for being able to celebrate something that has always transformed our humdrum ordinary lives, whether it’s making a humble weekday dinner so much better, or connecting with...