Breaux Vineyards
Credit : Loudoun County CVB and Chambourcin , reflecting Fabbioli ’ s passion for experimentation and commitment to innovation .
Conversely , Jennifer McCloud , another prominent Loudoun County winemaker , chose to stake her claim on history rather than innovation per se . In 1998 , after acquiring a picturesque tract of land nestled in the bosom of the Bull Run Mountains , she established Chrysalis Vineyards with a focus on the Norton grape , the native American variety first developed by Dr . Daniel Norton in the 1820s . Under McCloud ’ s guidance , Chrysalis Vineyards has become a pioneering force in reviving and championing the Norton grape , which she designated and trademarked as ‘ The Real American Grape™ ’.
Through meticulous research and experimentation , McCloud and her team showcase the potential of this native varietal , crafting wines that capture the essence of Virginia ’ s soil , climate and , perhaps most importantly , history . Today the winery is part of a 412-acre working farm known as the AG District which is home to the world ’ s largest planting of the Norton grape and encompasses two other food businesses — the Locksley Farmstead Cheese Company and the Little River Bakehouse . For her efforts in reviving the Norton grape and her commitment to preserving Virginia ’ s viticultural heritage , McCloud has garnered acclaim as Chrysalis Vineyards has become a shining symbol of Loudoun County ’ s dedication to authenticity .
The pioneers collectively carved a path that has since been followed by a wave of new winemakers who have come to prominence in Northern Virginia in recent years . Take for instance , Slater Run Vineyards , a solar-powered winery in majestic Upperville , Virginia started in 2010 by Christopher and Kiernan ( Slater ) Patusky , and Kiernan ’ s parents Bob and Alice Slater , continuing a 300-year tradition of farming by the Slater family along Goose Creek . With more than 12 acres of vines , including Pinot Gris , Chardonnay , Sauvignon Blanc , Cabernet Franc , Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot and Petit Verdot ,
One such winemaker is Jim Law , a pioneer of Virginia winemaking , who is often credited with putting Northern Virginia on the wine map . In the 1980s , Law recognized the region ’ s potential and established Linden Vineyards on the site of a long-abandoned apple orchard in the Blue Ridge Mountains . With a deep understanding of terroir , Law introduced European winemaking techniques to create wines reflecting the unique characteristics of the land and by 1987 Linden Vineyards released its first commercial vintage . Since that time , Linden Vineyards has gone on to produce internationally praised single vineyard bottlings of Chardonnay , Sauvignon Blanc , and Bordeaux variety red blends that are among the finest wines produced in the region . Meanwhile , Law himself is revered , nay idolized , by local winemakers for his commitment to his craft , which has also earned him plaudits from noted wine writers including Jancis Robinson , editor of the authoritative The Oxford Companion to Wine , and longtime Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntyre , who once described Law as “ the Virginia wine industry ’ s oracle .”
Creek ’ s Edge Grapes
Credit : Loudoun County CVB
Another influential figure , and indeed pioneer , in Loudoun County ’ s winemaking scene is Doug Fabbioli , who along with his wife , Colleen Berg , established Fabbioli Cellars on a 25-acre parcel of land in the southern Lucketts area , just north of Leesburg in the early 2000s . Notable for producing superior red wines , particularly Merlot and Cabernet Franc , Fabbioli Cellars has also won multiple awards for a diverse range of wines including Petit Manseng , Tre Sorrelle , Tannat
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