ROAD TRIP
BOB TAGERT Photo: Lani Gering
W Photo Courtesy Moonshadow
Photo: Lani Gering
The Cottages at the Mimslyn Inn
26 | July 2021
ith the warm weather and summer upon us, we decided to retrace our steps over the years in the Blue Ridge and follow the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop. The “Loop” is the brain child of Karen Riddle, who along with her husband Ralph own Shadow Mountain Escape, an adults only getaway. More about that when we cross the mountain. The Loop actually runs along the east and west sides of the mountains and Skyline Drive. Coming from the D.C. area along Route 66, the jumping off point for the loop will be Front Royal. Taking Route 522 south the first stop will be Chester Gap Cellars. The winery site is over 1,000 feet in elevation. The views are fantastic while you taste estate grown Viognier, Roussanne, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and other fine wines. The site provides high elevation with an eastern exposure and welldrained rocky soils. Perfect growing conditions. The next stop on Route 522 is Dida’s Distillery and Rappahannock Cellars. This sprawling estate is one of Virginia’s most popular wineries and in the past four years, one of the most unique distilleries. Twenty five years ago John Delmare left his winery in the Santa Clara Valley and moved his family to the Blue Ridge and started his next life with Rappahannock Cellars. Four years ago John’s
son Allan spearheaded the founding of Dida’s Distillery. Living the mantra “Pressed not Mashed” Allan took what they already had and started making small batches of Brandy, Vodka and Gin. With the necessary ingredients readily at hand, Allan began to use their award winning grapes to make his new product. After four years, This “Hidden Gem” has found a life of its own and attracts folks from all over the region. Continuing on Route 522 you will come to the small town of Flint Hill. Here you can find a bite to eat at The Blue Door Kitchen and Inn. Currently only open for dinner, Chef Andrea has partnered with local farms and markets to fill their kitchen with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Speciality cocktails are offered at the bar where you can also enjoy the view of their patio and garden. Next to The Blue Door is Griffin Tavern, a family style restaurant in a renovated 1880’s house. Years ago, when we first started frequenting Rappahannock county, Griffin Tavern was the only place that had a bar. Times have changed, but still one of the best. Continuing on 522 you will come to Route 211 where you will make a right toward Sperryville. On the way you will come to the town of Washington, Virginia. Here you will find the internationally renowned Inn at Little Washington, a world class Inn. Here you will also find Gay Street Inn. A little farther down 211
you will find Gadino Cellars. In 1989 Bill and Aleta Gadino bought 15 acres and began planting vines and for the next 12 years they managed the vineyard from afar as “weekend warriors”, traveling from their home in Fairfax County. Today Gadino Cellars makes awardwinning wines for the rest of us. If Bill happens to be at the winery when you are there, strike up a conversation and listen, and learn. He is a wealth of knowledge! Continuing on 211 you will find Quievremont Vineyard & Winery, an artisanal vineyard crafting estate wines in the French style. Their focus is on classic, Bordeaux-style wines. Current grape varieties include Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Petit Manseng. A little farther down 211 you come to the cool town of Sperryville, but first we will take a side trip to two excellent wineries. Taking 522 out of Sperryville and turning on the picturesque Route 231 you will come to Sharp Rock Vineyards. Owners, Jim and Kathy East take great pride in being a small, artisan winery that crafts 12 award-winning wines each year from fruit that they handselect and pick from their own vineyards. All of their wine is sold at their renovated 100-year-old barn winery and tasting room. Continuing on 231 you will come to the very small town of Etlan. Making a right on Old Town Crier
