Fox Meadow Vineyards

I had the pleasure of being invited to the Grand Opening of Fox Meadow Vineyards by friends who happen to live very close by the mountaintop winery. It was a lovely day, and it was perfect to sample the delicious wines, nibble on sausage, cheese and chocolate and gaze out across the mountaintops of Manassas Gap.

For those that do not know, Virginia is quickly becoming famous for its wines, and one of the greatest things about living in Northern Virginia is that there are so many wineries close by. I even got married in a beautiful Mountainside winery, so the vino is close to my heart.

Fox Meadow does not yet offer its own red wines, but is selling another vineyards’ wine under its own label while Fox Meadow’s wines finish aging. But its white wines are available and they are very good, especially the Pinot Grigio. The Pinot is sweet and dry, and has an aroma of spring flowers and a hint of a Pear taste.

The Chardonnay was from last year’s harvest and you could taste the flavor of the oak casks quite well. However, I think it needs just a bit more age before it is really smooth.

There was a scrumptious 2004 Red Syrah wine that had the color of black cherries and was neither too dry nor too sweet. In fact, with a bit of chocolate on the palate, this wine turned into a wonderfully decadent beverage.

I got bottles of both the Pinot and the Syrah.

The winery is brand new, so the owners have not had a chance to finish decorating. But with the gorgeous mountain-top view, overlooking the vineyard and the dozen peaks of Manassas Pass, there is little need for any competing decor. If you get out toward Linden, or if you visit the Hartland Orchard (very popular for fruit picking!) you should take the time to stop by Fox Meadow Vineyards for a tasting.