What began in 1773 as an ambitious experiment— when the future third president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, enlisted Italian viticulturist Filippo Mazzei to cultivate vitis vinifera( the common grape vine) on 2,000 acres near Monticello— has evolved into one of the country’ s most exciting wine regions. Though rooted in hope, Jefferson’ s plantings succumbed to grape diseases and, as legend has it, the trampling hooves of a Hessian general’ s horses quartered on the estate during the Revolutionary War. Today, |
however, Virginia stands as a rising star in American winemaking. With eight distinct American Viticultural Areas and more than 300 vineyards stretching from the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains, the state blends old-world varietals with newworld innovation. Wine-lovers will find bold Bordeaux-style reds, crisp viogniers and expressive blends that reflect the region’ s diverse topography, microclimates and ever-growing community of vintners working to place Virginia on the national— and global— oenological map. |
Blenheim Vineyards, Charlottesville
To experience a star-powered winery, head to Blenheim Vineyards, roughly 20 minutes south of Charlottesville. This laid-back estate is owned by none other than charttopping musician Dave Matthews, and it’ s as down-to-earth and inviting as his music. At the center of the 40-vineyardstrong Monticello Wine Trail— named Wine Enthusiast’ s 2023 Wine Region of the Year— Blenheim’ s sun-drenched patio offers a charming perch to try the 2021 painted white, a bright blend of viognier, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay.
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illustrations: Lis watkins |
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