by Richard Leahy | Nov 5, 2025 | XXVirginia Wine
The Shenandoah Cup Celebration is Friday, November 14 from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns. The Caverns’ long-running Shenandoah Uncorked wine festival will take place at American Celebration on Parade across the street the next day, from 11 am...
by Richard Leahy | Aug 22, 2025 | Regions & Terroir, Tastings/Evaluations, Wine of the Week
Regular readers of this blog know that I am not only a BIG fan of fine, cool-climate Riesling, but of well-cellared Riesling over 10, and ideally at least 14 years old. Twenty-four years ago, I had the privilege of participating in the twenty-fifth anniversary tasting...
by Richard Leahy | Aug 12, 2025 | Tastings/Evaluations, Virginia Wine, Winery Visits, XXVirginia Wine
Most visitors to Virginia wineries welcome learning more about wine than they knew before, and if done right, wine education as a scheduled event at a winery can be fun, educational and open new perspectives for winery customers. It can also increase customer loyalty...
by Richard Leahy | May 30, 2025 | Tastings/Evaluations, Wine of the Week, XXVirginia Wine
May 30th, 2025 I’m pleased to say that the winemaking talent of the new winemaker Boela Gerber at Southwest Mountain Vineyards stands up to his reputation as one of the top winemakers from South Africa. I’ve only tasted three of his white wines so far, but...
by Richard Leahy | May 29, 2025 | News, XXVirginia Wine
Eric Asimov, the wine columnist for the New York Times since 2004, has written that Virginia has officially (and finally) arrived as a serious wine region, in his May 28th column for the Times. “Over the last 10 years or so [Virginia] has gained confidence,...
by Richard Leahy | May 22, 2025 | Regions & Terroir, Virginia Wine, XXVirginia Wine
On May 18th, I went to Fox Meadow Vineyards on (aptly-named) Freezeland Road, at over 1,800 ft. elevation near Linden, VA to attend a tasting of neighboring vineyards that grow or source fruit from high-elevation vineyards, and also share proximity to natural...
