Wine Column 2025

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THE WINE DOWN

WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES?

53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD

A note from W inegrower and Owner, Dave Drillock

The Medalists from the Virginia Governors Cup Competition were announced recently. A broad array of winners suggests the quality of Virginia wines keeps improving and expanding! For Fifty Third Winery, we were awarded 3 Gold medals, 2021 Rock Ridge, 2021 Romulus (both red blends) and our 2023 Albarino. Our 3 Silvers medalists were 2023 Chardonnay, 2021 Merlot and 2021 Norton. Stop by for a taste and see how good Virginia wines can be.

We invite you to visit our serene, meadow-like location in rural Louisa County. We pride ourselves on being genuine and approachable, eager to share our passion for wine without any scripted lines or memorized facts—just a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Over the coming months, we’ll host several special tasting events. For more details, please check our website at www.53rdwinery. com or call us at 540-894-1536. We look forward to welcoming you to the winery, and we truly appreciate your business and support.

Upcoming events:

March 21st - our Woman in Wine, Winemakers Dinner. The dinner will start off with a special meet and greet with our winemaker, Chelsey Blevins followed by a curated meal, paired with our wine, by Sauce Catering. Ticketed event.

March 28th - we will have our Chambourcin vertical tasting and food pairing event. Will include a discussion on this much maligned grape and its rising prominence in the wine world. Ticketed event

Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm 13372 Shannon Hill Rd Louisa, VA 23093 (540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com

DUCARD VINEYARDS

2022 Veni, Vini, Vino! With aromas of pear and white flower followed by brightness and minerality, this white wine blend exhibits structure and a firm acidity. Pairs well with light cheese, seafood, and nothing at all. This wine is a Double Gold Winner in the 2024 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and is available in our tasting room and online.

We are open 7 days a week throughout the month of January, with live music every weekend! Make sure to keep an eye on our website and social media pages for the most up to date listings of our upcoming artists.

Fridays - Friday Night Out! Every Friday night through the summer we feature half price wine flights, live music, food for sale, and grills available for use until 8:00pm.

Weekends - Live music all weekend long! Check out our lineup on our website!

March 30th - We are excited to welcome back Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja, DipWSET, to DuCard for a unique Chocolate and Wine Program. This class has become a beloved tradition at DCV.  Ann and DuCard owner, Scott Elliff, select each pairing and share the reasons why they work. Head to our website to reserve your spot.

Open daily Mon-Thurs. 12-5 pm Fri. 12-9 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm

40 Gibson Hollow Ln Etlan, VA 22719 (540) 923-4206 www.ducardvineyards.com

EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY

Women’s History Month

This March, we’re proud to honor Women’s History Month at Eastwood Farm and Winery, a women-owned business with a passion for great wine and community. Join us for an exciting lineup of events. Just 5 miles from Downtown Charlottesville, enjoy award-winning wines like our Best In Class 2023 Petit Manseng and Double Gold 2022 Petit Verdot, on tap beers and ciders, and delicious lunch and dinner menus all week, including our new warm crab dip, toasty flatbreads, chocolate fondue, and much more! Open seven days a week.

Upcoming at the Winery:

Low-Country Shrimp Boil | Fridays In March

Get ready for a delicious, flavor-packed Shrimp Boil Feast every Friday night in March! We’re bringing the best of Southern tradition right to your plate with succulent shrimp, juicy sausage, tender corn on the cob, and perfectly seasoned potatoes – all served hot and ready to enjoy in a relaxed, fun atmosphere with live music from 5-8pm on the stage in our tasting room.

Women Wine Trail Weekend | Friday, March 21 - Sunday, March 23

Friday, March 21: Women Winemaker Pop-Up with Free Tastings 5-8PM, Live Music by Lina SaRoza 5-8PM & Friday Night Shrimp Boil 4-7:30PM

Saturday, March 22: Live Music All Day! Jim O’Ferrell from 12:30-3:30PM and Stillhouse Sound from 5-8PM

Sunday, March 23: Women’s Day Maker’s Market 12-5PM, Live Music by Heidi Riddell 1-4PM, Meet The

Join us for the popular Eastwood After Dark featuring upbeat, danceable music on Saturday nights from 5-8pm (in addition to our more mellow Saturday afternoon music program). Eastwood also hosts a range of live performances by talented local and regional musicians every Thursday and Friday night. See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.

Every Thursday: Live Music 5-8PM or Music Bingo 6-8PM

Thursday “Thank You” Community Day at Eastwood—$5 Taps (Beer & Cider)

Every Friday: Live Music 5-8PM Low-Country Shrimp Boil 5-8PM

Every Saturday: Live Music 12:303:30PM + Eastwood After Dark with Live Music 5-8PM

Every Sunday: Music Bingo, Paint & Sip, Maker’s Market or Live Music (See the Winery Calendar on our website for details.)

What about the kids?

Kids can share in the experience with their own juice tasting flights and cheese boards!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK!

Winery Hours: Sunday-Wednesday (125 PM); Thursday-Saturday (12-8 PM)

HARDWARE HILLS VINEYARD

Cottage White

This beautiful blend of Petit Manseng, Seyval Blanc, and Vidal Blanc make for the perfect introduction to warmer weather, outdoor gatherings and porch sipping! Full of character, this lightbodied wine demonstrates finesse with citrus notes of lime and orange blossom and light undertones of peach and pear with a lush and uplifting crisp apple finish. Pair it with citrus chicken or fish or enjoy without food anytime! This is a new Hh fav!

Ready to try a local winery that offers a break from a large formal setting? Hardware Hills is a petit family-owned and operated vineyard and winery. Just minutes from historic Scottsville, guests can enjoy first class hospitality and very often are greeted by owners Andrea and Rob who can be found at the tasting room sharing stories with guests who quickly feel like friends of the family! We are expanding our hours starting in April, so make plans to Head for the Hills and come spend a relaxing day among the beautiful vines.

Eastwood Women In Wine Tasting Event with Free Tastings 12-5PM

Paint & Sip | Sunday, March 30

Grab a glass of wine (or your favorite drink!) and let your creativity flow in our relaxed and fun Paint & Sip classes. Whether you’re an experienced artist or a first-time painter, the talented instructors of Blue Ridge Brushes will walk you through the painting process as you create your own masterpiece. Ticketed Event - Reserve Your Spot On Our Website

Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration | Fridays In April

Beginning Friday, April 4, our Virginia Oyster & Wine Celebration will be back every Friday night!

An Urban Winery Experience: Tour and Taste Five Wineries Under One Roof at the Virginia Wine Collective | Wednesday, April 16

Join us at the Virginia Wine Collective for an intimate wine tasting and tour. You will move in small groups around the production facility to visit each winemaker, while sharing a glass of wine and discussion before moving to the next party of the facility. This event is part of the 13th Annual Tom Tom Festival and all details may be found on our website. Ticketed Event - Reserve Your Spot On Our Website

Easter Celebration & Maker’s Market | Sunday, April 20

Fun for the whole family this Easter Sunday at the winery. Celebrate the joy of Easter with a fabulous market featuring delicious food, refreshing drinks, and unique creations from local artisans. We’ll also have special activities for kids like our Easter Egg Stroll and live music by John Kelly from 1-4PM.

MUSIC AT EASTWOOD THIS MONTH!

We look forward to welcoming you to our cozy tasting room, seven days a week. Join us for award-winning wines, beer, and cider, as well as a delicious seasonal menu by Chef Andrew Partridge that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Delight in lounging on our enclosed & heated veranda with a glass of our gold medal 2022 Meritage Reserve. Or, stay inside and enjoy live music with a seasonal toasty flatbread or our scrumptious Cast Iron Baked Brie. Escape to Virginia Wine Country, only five miles from Downtown Charlottesville. Open year-round, seven days a week.

Pet friendly and large groups are welcome. Ample indoor and outdoor seating.

Rt 20 near the intersection with Avon Extended (5 mi from Downtown Mall) Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com

March marks the completion of our long-awaited tasting room expansion. We are so excited to share this 2400 square food event space with the community. Perfect for business retreats, parties, weddings, birthdays and celebrations! Check it out on our website!

Hours:

Thursday 4 – 7 p.m. (new in April 12 – 8 p.m.)

Friday 3 – 8 p.m. (new in April 12 – 8) Saturday 11 – 5 Sunday 11 – 5

March 15 – 31 – Women in Wine Trail! Come experience all the wineries with women at the helm. We will be offering team-selected flights all month and a special DIY floral class! Check it out!

Friday, March 21- Live Music with Theocles Herrin at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 22 – Pop Up with Buck Wild Hat bar. Make your own trucker hat 1 – 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 27 – Hardware Hills Book Club at 6 p.m.

Friday, March 28 – Live Music with Matt Johnson at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 – SPECIAL HOURS (we have a wedding!!) 11 – 3 p.m.

Friday, April 4 – Live Music with Ian Vest at 5:30 p.m.

Save the DATES!

Saturday, April 5 – GRAND OPENING AND RIBBON CUTTING!

Come see our new venue officially opened to the public! Food truck, live music with Back 40 East Band, and ribbon cutting festivities at 4 p.m. Wine club special reception at 3 p.m.

Saturday, April 12 – HILLSIDE SPRING MARKET DAY – over 25 vendors, food truck, Jimmy O live music and a GREAT day to hang out at the Hills! 11 – 5

Saturday, April 19 – Adult Egg Hunt at 1:30. Leave the kids home and come explore the vineyard for the elusive prize eggs!

Sunday, April 27– Wedding Expo and Bridal Fashion Show 12 – 4 p.m. Come spend an afternoon meeting with wedding pros for all of your local bridal needs!

5199 W River Rd, Scottsville, VA

434.286.4710 www.hardwarehills.com

KESWICK VINEYARDS

Come Sip, Play, and Unwind at Keswick Vineyards!  Join us at Keswick Vineyards for an unforgettable experience! Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, we’ve got something for everyone.

Wine by the Glass, Bottle & Flight –Explore our award-winning wines with the option to enjoy a glass, bottle, or a tasting flight. Perfect for discovering your new favorite!

Guided Tastings – Available 7 days a week, our knowledgeable staff will walk you through a tasting experience like no other.

Mini Golf & Dog Park – Bring the whole family (including furry friends!) and enjoy our scenic mini golf course and dog park.

Wine Slushies, Local Beer & Cider –Cool down with refreshing wine slushies or sip on local beer and cider.

Live Music – Every Saturday from 12-4 PM, enjoy live tunes while sipping your favorite Keswick wine. It’s the perfect way to spend your weekend!

Wine Club Exclusive: Consensus Wine Blending Party – Wine Club members, join us for a fun and exclusive Consensus Wine Blending Party this March! Reserve your spot for one of three dates at keswickvineyards. com. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to create your own blend! Not a member join online or in the tasting room in person!

We can’t wait to share the beauty of Keswick Vineyards with you!  Cheers to great wine, good company, and a whole lot of fun!

Wednesdays - Wine Down

Wednesdays 5:30-8:30pm

Weekends - Live Music from 12-4

pm (check out our website for the schedule!)

Hours:

Monday- Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm

1575 Keswick Winery Drive Keswick, Virginia 22947

Tasting Room: (434) 244-3341 ext 105 tastingroom@keswickvineyards.com www.keswickvineyards.com

PRINCE MICHEL VINEYARDS

Tres Bien

2025 Governor’s Cup Gold  Our Tres Bien is delightfully sweet and crafted from late season Petit Manseng grapes, with a residual sugar content of 11%.  Pouring a golden amber hue and shimmering with hints of honey and sunshine.  The nose is vibrant and aromatic, offering intense aromas of ripe tangerine zest, apricot, honeyed citrus and tropical fruits.  Rich and luscious with a velvety texture that coats the palate. Flavors of honeyed apricot, candied orange peel, and ripe peach dominate layered with notes of toasted almonds and exotic

spices.  The wine’s natural sweetness is beautifully balanced by a refreshing acidity, which ensures a clean but lingering finish.

Discover Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery, an iconic East Coast estate. Family and pet-friendly, it’s one of the oldest and largest wineries in the Commonwealth.  Also, home to Tap 29 Brew Pub, serving local craft brews and delicious pub-style food seven days a week.

Located in the heart of Virginia Wine Country, our elegant winery on Route 29 between Charlottesville and Washington DC offers wine tastings, tours, shopping, and scenic picnic spots daily from 11am.

At Prince Michel Indulge in a spectrum of wines, from luxurious craft picks such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Manseng, to distinctive options like our Sweet White Reserve from our Rapidan River series. Don’t miss our crowd-favorite Decadence Chocolate or a refreshing wine slushie for a delightful twist.  We have something to offer for every palate!

Live Music every Friday – Sunday! (Music lineup on our website)

Friday 5-8 p.m.

Saturday 1-4 & 5-8

Sunday 1-5 p.m.

Open 7 days a Week at 11 a.m.

154 Winery Lane, Leon, VA  22725 (540) 547-3707

www.princemichel.com

A Woman-Owned Business

REVALATION VINEYARDS

2019 Novum

This white port-style wine, made from Vidal Blanc (85%) and Viognier (15%), was aged for 58 months in cognac barrels. It is oxidized by design as the barrels were not topped off. Anticipate aromas of hazelnut, orange, caramel, and apricot. Aromatic with a dry alcoholic finish of candied fruit (raisins and candied citrus peel) and hazelnut. Enjoy on its own or add tonic and a slice of lemon for a delicious alternative to a gin and tonic.

March Hours: Friday 12pm to Sunset; Saturday 12pm to 6pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm; Monday and Thursday by reservation only.

Until April 30th - Exhibition of artwork by Stephanie Mendlow.

March 7th  - Book World Meets Wine World at 6 pm: Author Caroline Topperman will present her book Your Roots Cast a Shadow. A benefit for the Literacy Council of Madison.

March 21st - Sip & Learn: Jill Trischman-Marks’ presentation, Botanical Garden of the Piedmont (BGP): Building A 21st Century Public Garden for Now and the Future, will start at 6:00pm. Come and mingle at 5:30pm!

March 28th - Book Club @ The Vineyard starting at 6pm: This is Happiness by Niall Williams.

April 4th - Book World Meets Wine World at 6 pm: Author Elizabeth Massie will present her book Night Benedictions. A benefit for the Literacy Council of Madison County.

May 4th - En Plein Air: Artist Day at Revalation. Artists are invited to create art in the vineyard from dawn to dusk and exhibit their work from 5pm to 7pm. Artist tickets available on our website.

2710 Hebron Valley Road, Madison, VA 22727 540-407-1236 www.revalationvineyards.com

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