Valley Road Vineyards

At this point, we had been driving about 2 and a half hours since leaving DC, and were excited to begin our Charlottesville weekend! Valley Road Vineyards was our first stop. The winery was easily accessible from the main road in Afton, and the first thing we noticed was the impeccable view. Before getting our drinking on, we took the dogs for a short walk around the property. We couldn’t resist the ample photo ops with the stunning mountain views, complete with a wooden platform designated for showcasing the spectacular valley pond and distant crests. They recommend using their hashtag #ValleyRoadViews when you share your perfect insta.

Upon entering the pristine tasting room, it was obvious this place was fairly new. In fact, it opened just a little more than a year before our visit. Considering it was only 11:00 (they open at 10:30), the small tasting room was quickly filling up. There was a row of glasses for an anticipated party bus, which happened to roll in soon after us. Bus tours are allowed as long as you or your driver gives the winery a heads up.

Side note: Ladies – might we recommend the PERFECT bachelorette party? Get yourself a driver who knows the area (and tasting room managers), and spend the day getting tipsy drinking fine wine and exceptional beer. Afterwards, you can drop the class, and get your drink on in downtown Charlottesville. We speak from experience, as this was how we celebrated our best friend Madeline‘s last fling before the ring.

We meandered on over to the marble tasting bar, and got settled in. The Valley Road tasting included 6 wines and a sweet. Somehow, we managed to zip through the pours. I’m not sure if we were extremely eager to have wine, or if the folks next to use were setting the pace. Overall, the Viognier and Meritage were our favorite. The Viognier has floral aromas that offered a crisp taste. We wouldn’t consider the dry but fruity white wine to be sweet, but instead refreshing. The Meritage is a Bordeaux-style wine that is very common in this region. The Meritage we tasted was a blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, 16% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon. Many people pronounce it wrong, often making it rhyme with “garage”. Impress your friends by saying if correctly. The proper pronunciation should rhyme with “heritage”. You’re welcome.

Because the winery is so new, their own vines won’t be ready for another 3 years. In the meantime, they use local grapes from wineries in the area. We were tempted to buy the rosé because it was a BOGO special in celebration of Virginia Wine Month. The price of one bottle was $17, and you could get a second half off. However, we ended up leaving empty handed. Being so new and not yet having their own grapes, we felt that Valley Road Vineyards is still establishing their identity. We’re excited to see the great things that will come for the vineyard. Another trip in a few years is certainly warranted.