Jul 31stBarboursville Vineyards

Many of you will know, from my book and my blog, that Barboursville Vineyards is our favorite winery. From our first visit twenty years ago to our most recent visit last week, we’ve never been disappointed with the wine, the ambiance, the scenery, or the winery experience.

Barboursville Vineyard is located on an 850 acre estate in Orange County Virginia. Just seventy-five miles from the nation’s capitol and twenty-five miles from Charlottesville, the county is steeped with history.  The Barboursville estate is also full of history. Originally home to Governor Barbour, the home on the estate was designed by Thomas Jefferson. Next door to the home was an Inn from 1804 to accommodate the Governor’s visitors.

The Zonin Family Wines and Estates has eleven Italian properties, with 4,400 acres under vine. In the 1970’s, they decided they wanted to expand their properties to the United States. In 1976, Gianni Zonin, the President of the company, and his wife Silvana were visiting Monticello and finding the land in central Virginia to be what they were looking for, they bought the Barboursville estate. They planted Cabernet Sauvignon and two years later produced three bottles of wine. From then, more vines were planted, and wines continued to be made. In 1990, Zonin brought Luca Paschina to Virginia as a consultant. Paschina became the winemaker and general manager and has led Barboursville Vineyards to its place as one of the states finest and most respected wineries.

Barboursville Vineyards is the state’s largest estate winery, with 200 acres of grapes producing over 40,000 cases a year. Their wines have been served to Queen Elizabeth, requested for the wedding of Prince William and Kate, served at a Presidential Inauguration dinner, and awarded medals at domestic and international competitions.

Visitors to Barboursville Vineyards can tour the vineyards and winery, dine at the Palladio Restaurant, stay at either the 1804 Inn or one of the five cottages on the grounds, or stroll around the ruins of the home of Governor Barbour. The tasting room welcomes those wanting to try their many wines. From the crisp, flavorful Sauvignon Blanc to the full-bodied Octagon, their wine list offers something for everyone.

If you’re in Virginia, be sure and stop for a visit. If you’re not, you might want to plan a trip. It’s worth it.