DRINK
WORDS + PHOTOS BY KELSEY COCHRAN
In case you needed an excuse to drink more wine, join us on District Fray’s social distancing-approved wine trail. We’ve rounded up five wineries in the DMV that will appeal to all sorts of wine appreciators. Each review of the selected wineries serves to give readers an overview of why we think you should go to said winery, and which wine was our favorite. Whether you’re an aficionado yearning to learn more, a sweet wine lover, a newbie to the wine world or just looking to get out of the city for a day, these local wineries promise to give you a top-notch experience.
For The Wine Nerds About an hour outside of the city, hidden in the historic town of Middleburg, Virginia, Washingtonians will find Greenhill Winery and Vineyards. When patrons cruise up the long driveway, they may have trouble keeping their eyes on the road as they take in the beautiful vines and hillside surrounding them. The vineyard sits on a sizable 120 acres, though only about 30 or so are under vine. The rest of the space is occupied by Greenhill’s working farm, where cute white cattle and strong polo horses graze. Though the farm is beautiful, the main draw to the winery is not its views. Guests of Greenhill are treated to an experience promising not just good wine at a nice setting, but the ability to learn as much about wine as they want. “Our mission is to connect with people, have an actual conversation about wine [and] share our enthusiasm for how we create wine – all the way through the process to sharing the product with people so they understand everything that goes into that bottle and enjoy it at the same time,” says Jed Gray, Greenhill Winery and Vineyards’ general manager. “We do a lot of little things to make sure that comes out in our everyday existence.” Tasting room guests are free to ask as many questions as they like of the staff about how the wine is made, what the blend is, how the vintage compares to other vintages and so on. 36 | SEPTEMBER 2020
Gray ensures that all staff are well-educated on wine and the winemaking process so they can converse with guests instead of merely reading off prewritten tasting notes. This depth of knowledge is refreshing for someone who has a background in wine and wants to know more than simply what tasting notes we’re supposed to be getting from a wine. Barrel Club members receive an even more in-depth look at what goes into Greenhill’s wines: the opportunity to taste wines straight out of the barrel as they age, partake in blending classes and simply have a much more comprehensive understanding of the winemaking process. As the name suggests, they are able to take home a barrel once it has been retired. My wine nerd needs were met and then some. I plan on visiting again this fall for more great wine and great education. Favorite Wine: 2019 Viognier This wine is aged in stainless steel and showcases a light floral bouquet of orange blossom that leads into an expressive palate and offers notes of stone fruit and clementines with a bright acidic finish. Learn more about Greenhill Winery and Vineyards at www.experiencegreenhill.com, or follow them on Instagram and Twitter @greenhillwine. Open Monday to Thursday noon to 6 p.m., and Friday to Sunday noon to 7 p.m. 23595 Winery Ln. Middleburg, VA. Linganore Winecellars.
