Guides to Wine

Celebrate Thanksgiving with perfectly paired Virginia wines! Discover expert tips on pairing soft Merlot with roasted turkey, zesty Albariño with creamy sides, and floral Viognier with spiced sweet potato casserole. Highlighting Barboursville, Horton, and Early Mountain Vineyards, this guide ensures every dish shines alongside Virginia’s top wines. Make your Thanksgiving unforgettable with local wine pairings that elevate your holiday feast.
 

Port began on the steep schist of Portugal's Douro. Today, Virginia winemakers channel that tradition with their own fortified reds and whites. Here is your playful, practical guide to who makes port-style wine in the Commonwealth, how it tastes, when to pour it, and what to serve alongside. Social sharing outro snippet: Cozy night, crackling fire, a square of dark chocolate, and a glass of Virginia port-style wine. Perfection. Save this guide for your next sweet sip.

Snow day in Virginia. Perfect. Stoke the fire, grab a throw, and pour one of these five bold local reds that bring heat, spice, and soul to a frosty afternoon.

Discover the sweeter side of Virginia wine country with a deep dive into late harvest bottles—lush, golden pours that balance honeyed richness with bright acidity. Learn how these wines are made, what they taste like, and why Virginia’s Petit Manseng might just rival Europe’s finest dessert wines.

Discover the art of pairing wine and chocolate, a perfect indulgence for fall and Valentine’s Day. Explore tips for matching flavors and get inspired by DuCard Vineyards’ annual event featuring expert selections from Lindt Master Chocolatier Ann Czaja.

Celebrate October Virginia Wine Month by exploring local wineries, enjoying harvest festivals, and supporting Virginia’s thriving wine industry. Discover the best events and activities in Virginia this October.

Explore the origins and history of Meritage wine, learn about its differences from Bordeaux, discover what red Meritage is made from, and find out the best U.S. regions and food pairings for enjoying this classic American blend.

Explore the world of Merlot, a beloved red wine celebrated for its smooth texture, rich fruit flavors, and versatile food pairings. Learn about its unique flavor profile, from plum to dark chocolate notes, and discover famous Merlot-producing regions like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, Central Virginia, and Washington State’s Columbia Valley. With recommendations on the best food pairings, this guide is perfect for wine lovers looking to deepen their appreciation of this classic grape.

Discover Virginia Cider Week, a November celebration of the state’s rich cider-making tradition. Enjoy cider tastings, orchard tours, pairing dinners, and workshops, highlighting the best of Virginia’s craft cider industry.

Explore the lasting effects of the film Sideways on the wine industry in this insightful article. Discover how the movie's infamous dismissal of Merlot reshaped consumer preferences and sparked a resurgence of quality-focused production, particularly in Virginia. From the dramatic sales shifts to the emergence of outstanding wineries, this piece delves into the evolution of Merlot and highlights the region's finest producers crafting exceptional wines. Join us on a journey through the cultural impact of Sideways and the resilience of Merlot.