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Hillsborough Winery & Brewery- Hillsboro, VA
To be honest, I didn't like any of the wines I sampled at Hillsborough. That said, I would absolutely return to try their craft beer, because it's a beautiful property, inside and out.
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Blue Valley Vineyard- Delaplane, VA
The tasting room at Blue Valley feels brand new, despite being open since 2015. Open and airy, with fabulous views of the surrounding countryside, it is a welcoming space, perfect for wine tasting.
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Stone Tower Winery- Leesburg, VA
Set on 300 acres of atop Hogback Mountain, Stone Tower Winery has all the characteristics of a great winery. With scenery for days, two beautifully designed tasting venues, and plenty of outdoor space, it works even during these trying times of COVID and social distancing.
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Twigg Winery- Mechanicstown, OH
Twigg Winery is the kind of place that makes you fantasize about moving to the country…and eating a lot of peaches. Really- they have been in the fruit business since 1838. Grapes were introduced in 1998, making it perfectly logical to open a tasting room featuring cider and wine on one of the family farms. Impossibly scenic, with stunning sunsets, it’s the idyllic picture of country life- the part the doesn’t include backbreaking labor. Their dry barrel-fermented blend of Chambourcin, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, Elevation 1256′ (named for the farm’s elevation), is a fabulously delicious wine, a sharp departure from some of their sweeter offerings. At this time,…
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Casella Winery- Dennison, OH
Casella Winery may not grow their own grapes, but its scenic location, set amidst rolling farmland, makes it seem like they could. Boasting several varietals across the residual sugar spectrum, the wines here are made from grapes grown in California, Chili and Italy. The purchased juice is fermented and bulk aged, then bottled unfiltered. They do also offer a barrel aged Cabernet; although one of their pricier wines, it’s also one of their best. Located in a restored 1918 one room schoolhouse, with fabulous sweeping views, the cozy tasting room is a relaxing rural retreat.
