Finally getting a chance to sit down and reflect on the winery trips offered at the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference.

One of the most anticipated events planned by Zephyr Adventures  in conjunction with  The Virginia Wine Board, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau was the side trips to our local wineries.  Adding to the fun and suspense was not knowing our destination until everyone was seated on the bus and the doors had closed!

 The exuberant presence of Maureen Kelley, Director of Economic Development & Tourism for Nelson County was a huge tip off for me! Kneeling on the bus seat facing the rear with a mischeivous twinkle, she reminded me of the kid you wanted to sit with on the way home from school!  Proud of her county and it’s “fruits”, Maureen  brought a crate overflowing with white and yellow peaches from Saunders Brothers Orchard in Nelson County.   Secretly, I had been hoping to get on the bus to Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards because I knew the food was going to be over the top, but after meeting Maureen and tour co-host, Danielle Emerson,  Public Relations Specialist for Virginia Tourism Corporation, I  knew it was going to be a blast! We stopped at Flying Fox, moved on to Cardinal Point and finished with lunch at Afton Mountain Vineyards.

 Flying Fox

First stop after driving out 250 and down 151 towards Wintergreen was the quaint tasting room for Flying Fox!  My husband and I  had previously visited Flying Fox Winery on a stormy summer evening where a local artist was having a wine & cheese party showcasing her work!  I was distracted by pleasant company, wine tasting and art and unfortunately never sat down and wrote about the experience.

 Lynn Davis and husband Rich Evans  named their winery after the running fox weather vane perched on top of the main building at their vineyard.   After a hard day working on the vines and a glass of wine, he looks like he is flying above the vineyard!  Lynn and Rich are personable and devoted to making your visit a memorable one.  Hospitality abounds and you won’t be sorry you popped in on your travels through Nelson County.  I really enjoyed their 2009 Viognier which won a Gold medal at the 2010 Virginia State fair.  The 2010 Rose is excellent chilled on humid Summer day in Virginia and the 2008 Trio was well received by fellow wine bloggers.It is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.    I picked up a bottle of the Rose for my daughter in law to enjoy at a later date….and  if  Bed and Breakfasts are your cup of tea, an overnight at Le Bleu Ridge B & B next door is perfect. Stroll over to the tasting room for a glass of wine by the fireplace.