I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since I first planted vines at our Madison County country property.  This year we at DuCard Vineyards will be celebrating our 10th anniversary as a Virginia farm winery.  Time flies of course.  Back then, the industry was mostly individual entrepreneurs like me – just guys with a few acres wanting to make some great wine and hoping some tourists roaming the countryside would stop in, try it and take some home. 

There are more and more options for local consumers today.  Farm wineries like us, of course, but also other types of wineries. And there are also countless new categories of alcoholic beverages:  cideries, urban microbreweries, ‘farm breweries’ and distilleries.  

The more options, the more challenging it is to differentiate yourself and appeal to a particular ‘niche’ market of some kind.  At DuCard, we have emphasized being a boutique winery. We operate in a ‘green’ and sustainable fashion in a gorgeous mountainside setting.  We offer artisanal, high-quality wines made from grapes grown and lovingly tended and controlled by us and made the old-fashioned way in small quantities that are sold only on-site at our tasting room. 

October is an exciting month for Virginia wineries. Winemakers are busy assessing their harvest as the last fruits are plucked from the vine, the statewide celebration of Virginia Wine Month begins, and the last of the seasons wine festivals are being held.

In regions like Virginia, more and more vineyards are becoming conscious of organic wines. Wineries are carefully fine-tuned and improved to reduce the use of synthetic chemicals. This is why the percentage of organic wines from Virginia has increased dramatically in the past few years.

This history of the use of the word Meritage in labeling wines really is fascinating. The brainchild of a group of American vintners, who wanted a way to identify and promote American wines that used the same grapes as those used in Bordeaux.  A contest was held to come up with a name to call this American blend. Of the more than 6,000 entries received, Meritage, a completely made up word to combine the words Merit and Heritage was chosen. It is pronounced like heritage, with an M.

Cabernet Franc is a red wine, made from a grape of the same name. Aside from being a unique and delicious grape in its own right, it’s claim to fame is as that it is a parent of the much more well-known grape Cabernet Sauvignon. Apparently a happy accidental crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in a French vineyard sometime in the 1700’s resulted in the ever-popular Cabernet Sauvignon. Interesting right?

Many of the wineries in the region are not only amazing places to enjoy a glass of your favorite red or white vino but to stay for a while and enjoy a good meal. In fact, some of the wineries are known for having the best food in the area, with notable chefs and delicious meal choices that pair amazingly with their specific wines.

Wineries are a great place to visit to learn more about some of the finest wines in the country and to even see how they are made.

This is no different in Virginia, but one thing that stands out about the wineries in this state are some of the fantastic views you can enjoy while sipping away at the best that Virginia wine country as to offer. 

Here are three Virginia wineries with the best views of wine country:

Virginia is known for its rustic views and mountains that overlook beautiful vineyards. This is a perfect destination for a glamorous wedding ceremony. Vineyard weddings are known for its luxurious nature. And, if you are in Virginia there are few vineyards you must visit and pick for your special day. Just makes sure you don’t fall in love with the wines on your big day!