Stinson Vineyards, also in rural Crozet, is run by father-daughter duo Scott Stinson and winemaker Rachel Stinson Vrooman—her husband Nathan Vrooman of Akida Ridge joined them in 2015. The Vroomans embody the brightness of next-generation Virginia winemaking. "As the Virginia wine industry becomes stronger, we have more and more tools—and knowledge—at our disposal," says Rachel Stinson Vrooman. "There’s a lot of collaboration and experimentation going on right now." Stinson's 2015 Chardonnay is a Governor's Cup gold medal winner. Also try Stinson's smoky, dark and balanced Tannat, a particularly French-inspired wine.
Michael Shaps Wineworks tasting room is more on-the-scene than behind-the-scenes—guests sip wines in a working winery led by one of Virginia's most influential wine innovators and entrepreneurs. Trained by Burgundy, empowered by the new world, Shaps is a respected winemaker and consultant whose wines should not be missed. With 16 Governor's Cup nods, Shaps is the most-awarded in 2018. Try L. Scott 2013, a blend of Tannat, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot—a portion of proceeds benefit Project ALS in memory of Shap's brother.
Jefferson Vineyards is located between Jefferson's Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland with a vast lawn made for Adirondack-chair sitting and music listening. Several tasting options are available, but many guests choose to buy a bottle and get outside to soak up the view. Try the full-bodied Viognier—the current release, 2017, is available now, and the 2015 and 2016 vintages are both Governor's Cup winners.
There are dozens more excellent wineries in the area. For a plan-your-trip interactive map and listing of all tasting rooms, visit Monticello Wine Trail.
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Virginia's Award-Winning Monticello Region Is Your 2018 Summer Wine Trip