Albemarle County is catching on fast! I try to arrange self-guided wine tours for friends and clients with location and proximity in mind. Now, the newly formed Appellation Trail has done just that! By organizing a mapped tour of four ( soon to be five wineries ) a logical sequence of wine tastings is simplified for tourists and locals. Loudoun County has a similar set up for 27 wineries broken down into “clusters” for easy touring. Wikipedia describes an appellation as a legally defined and protected geographic indication used to identify where grapes are grown. It is also defined as a geographical name (as of a region, village, or vineyard) under which a winegrower is authorized to identify and market wine according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Playing off of the name of the nearby Appalachian Trail, the “AT” is a unique wine route that connects five artisanal wineries in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains: White Hall Vineyards, Mountfair Vineyards, Glass House Winery, Stinson Vineyards & Moss Vineyards (opening 2012).
This Saturday April 16th is the celebration of the” official opening” of The Appellation Trail!
Appellation Trail Grand Opening Winery Events on April 16th:
Vertical tasting of 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 Petit Verdot, paired with cheese (12:00 to 3:00pm)
Pre-Release Tasting of the 2009 Engagement Blend with live music!
Be sure to stop by & join them on the patio for a delicious glass of wine while taking in the beautiful views & the sweet tunes of THE LOST SOULS!
Tank tasting of 2010 Viognier with Live music — The Stoned Masons (3:15 to 5:45pm)
Winery Preview Opening featuring Gryffon’s Aerie meats & mini-burgers. Preview four of their seven wines! The 2010 Sugar Hollow White, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Sugar Hollow Red will all be available to taste and purchase. Additionally, they will be featuring Gryffon’s Aerie meat and miniburgers – stock up on pasture-raised, heritage beef, pork, and sausage!
Charlottesville UnCorked 
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