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Wine Grapes

You know Merlot and Cab. Meet the ‘other red’ Chambourcin.

Most red drinkers start with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. Virginia’s Chambourcin is the under-the-radar hybrid that thrives here and pairs with real-life weeknight food. Learn what it tastes like, how to serve it, and where to find...

Finding Virginia’s Pinot Noir: Styles, Pairings, and the Producers to Know

Pinot Noir is a cool-climate classic that thrives in a handful of Virginia’s highest, breeziest sites. Here is how it tastes here, how to serve and pair it, and the producers to know—including houses crafting traditional-method...

The Spanish Invasion. Virginia Albariño Takes Gold in 2025

Albariño has crashed Virginia’s white-wine party in the best way. Clean citrus, seaside snap, and just enough stone fruit to make your heart flutter. Let’s toast the 2025 Governor’s Cup golds proving this Spanish original has a...

Viognier 101. Aroma-driven elegance from Condrieu to Virginia

Viognier is the white that seduces with perfume before a sip ever hits the lips. Apricot, peach, honeysuckle, and a hint of ginger define its signature style. In Virginia, this grape has become a calling card for wineries that favor richly...

Petit Verdot in Virginia: Flavor, History, and Smart Pairings

Petit Verdot is one of Virginia’s quiet powerhouses. This late-ripening Bordeaux grape delivers saturated color, floral aromatics, firm tannin, and structure that make it a favorite for both blending and varietal bottlings in the...

Port-Style in Virginia. History, Makers, and Perfect Moments to Pour

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...

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Guides to Wine

Exploring the World of Merlot: Flavor Profiles, Famous Regions, and Perfect Pairings

What does Merlot Taste Like?

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.

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