Things we love...Parts 4& 5

This will be EASY...and maybe I am cheating a bit by not just listing 'WINERIES' as one item, BUT...they are all so different, we like them for VERY different reasons. So I think it's justified...read on for our faves!

the view at Blenheim

69. Barboursville Vineyards. This one is the farthest from us - but if you are coming or going from DC like 90% of our guests, it's literally ON YOUR WAY. And it's a 'don't miss this' kind of place, especially if you are new to VA Wines. Some of the best are made here - Octagon of course. The restaurant is wonderful. The ruins are legendary. And there is an inn on the grounds, which I am also sure is lovely! Our own winemaker Gabriele Rausse began his storied career in Virginia as the guy this family recruited from Italy to grow great grapes and make great wine. The current winemaker, Luca, is a local celebrity.

68. King Family Vineyards. To the west of us, this isn't necessarily convenient for our guests to visit while they are here for the weekend. But this blog is to tempt you into wanting to enter the contest and WIN HIGH MEADOWS...so of course it goes in. Great views, polo matches (fond memories from my college days in Sarasota, at Ringling School of Art & Design), a beautiful fireplace for winter tastings...this makes a great drive when we need to just get out of our own space and relax.

67. Veritas.  Also over in Crozet, an amazing venue for brides, delicious wines, one of my FAVORITE sparkling wines Fizz, and they have their 'Starry Nights' music series every summer. Go at least once!

66. Pollack. Another place over in the western part of the county...we like to make a day of King, Veritas, Pollack, and the next ones...

65. Cardinal Point. One of my personal favorites, and they have a sweet farmhouse available as a homestay! Great wine for just about any reason.

64. Flying Fox. Really pretty views, and visiting this winery gives you a reason to hope that the chef/owner of...

63. Le Bleu Ridge B&B has her food truck open, Le Chic Picnic. If she isn't open near the winery, then she might be up at Bold Rock Cidery...wherever you find her - HAVE LUNCH. Whatever is on the menu will be awesome. She has won the Bed & Breakfast of Virginia Cooking Challenge for the last 2 years...and I was a judge one year. She is French, so maybe it's the accent. I don't know, but her cheese souffle was heavenly. So if she is open, go.

62. Hilltop Berry Farm & Winery. So maybe wine snobs will think any other-than-grape, fruit-based wine is no good....but I beg to differ. Maybe not paired with a steak, sure...but as a light dessert accompaniment? Sorry, I think it's perfect. Plus, they make MEAD here! Honey-based, it's delicious. AND...I LOVE to cook with these wines!! They have fresh fruit flavors that really make anything special. The labels are as lush and pretty as the wines, too.

61. Because after all this wine tasting, if Le Chic Picnic isn't open, there is also Basic Necessities over this way, which is a French wine lovers dream shop...cute shop, interesting wine selection, cheese counter, local breads and a lovely little menu. Our go-to place for food when in the Western part of the county.

60. Pippin Hill. Stunning views. The only vineyard I can think of that actually has a kitchen too. And oh, what a kitchen! The food is stunning, little delicious bites that pair nicely with the wines. You will soon start to feel like you never want to leave, though closing time does eventually come. This place is perfect on it's own, AND only a hopskipandjump from High Meadows...so we enjoy it for lunch more than we should admit to.

59. Jefferson Vineyards. This one is nearly always packed, BUT...late winter, it's between us and Charlottesville, and not so crowded - and definitely worth a visit to taste the new wines.

58. Trump Vineyard. Actually, my favorite thing about this winery is the patch of wineberries just off the parking lot in late July...but the Cru is a delicious after dinner wine and this is the best place to get it. The staff is great, and the patio is nice for picnics.

57. Virginia Wineworks. LOVE LOVE LOVE this place...it's not the fanciest tasting room, and there are zero views...BUT, you are in the actual winery, among the beautiful barrels and tanks. And, you can stop at

56. First Colony. New owners took over a couple of years ago, and the changes have been extraordinary! From the amazing thatch roof, interior renovations, and still always excellent winemakers and staff - this is one of the closest wineries to us, therefore my go-to when I need a nice bottle of wine in the eve.

54. Blenheim. This place has the best views, hands down. It's also one of the closest to us, I can be there in less than 10 minutes, driving the beautiful backroads. The art is ever-changing, and always great. The winemaker is a lovely person, making lovely wines, and a woman to boot. The wines are ALWAYS very drinkable - I've never had a Blenheim wine I didn't like. Did I mention the view? Apart from winemaker Kirsty...

also on staff is Tracy Love

- who always boggles my mind with her foodie knowledge, event stylings, and all-around great taste. That will lead me to

53. Hill & Holler. Not a winery at all, but a roving farm-to-table dining event company, run by the above mentioned Tracy and friends. The food is always stellar, and the wine pairings perfection. The Hill & Holler team knows their stuff, and I look forward to being able to attend more of their events when I'm not so busy with High Meadows...and the next owner should make time to go to at least one of the dinner events. In fact, maybe we should go together next spring! Future Winner, it's a date!

52. Thistle Gate Vineyard. On the other side of Scottsville, this vineyard sits by itself - but it's so worth the effort to visit this solitary gem. Some of these reds are so rich and yummy, they might be my favorite wines for fine dining enjoyment...Thistle Gate Cab Franc, and a steak at The Smokehouse Grille in Scottsville...pure local deliciousness.

51. Gabriele Rausse. This lovely Italian winemaker is legend in Virginia. He planted many, many vineyards - including High Meadows in 1986. He was our winemaker here for years, and we have many fond memories of the High Meadows Pinot Noir Vin Gris. Now, you can visit his winery for very limited hours - and if you are lucky, get a chance to meet the man who made making wine in Virginia possible.

It's a long list, but you can see why we can't simply group them all together and call it a day! Whoever is the lucky winner of the essay contest, the one who will take over the property at High Meadows...whatever their plans - wine in Virginia has been a part of our history since Thomas Jefferson, and we are lucky today to enjoy such a variety of wines, winemakers, and wineries! Cheers!