An elegant wine with several years of aging potential.
Color: Intense with purple reflections.
Nose: Fresh, young, hazelnut, plum, a hint of rose petal, raspberry, tobacco, rosemary. An interesting nuance of tomato which is characteristic of the varietal.
Mouth: Elegant, fine rounded tannins, beautiful attack, leather note, good length, well balanced, note of violets, slightly mineral finish.

100% Tannat

With grape tons of enthusiasm and some years of experience under their belts, two Virginia wine young professionals are bringing new life to North Gate Vineyards. 

Since they posted about their opening in March, I have wanted to check out Walsh Family Wine. Vacuuming and laundry were done early and off I went to the wilds of western Loudoun.

There’s a story about this place. It was North Gate Vineyards, but in 2018 the Walshes purchased it and set up shop. What they have done in a short period of time is pretty fantastic. The property is gorgeous, and they’ve created a nice spot to unwind and relax. Most importantly, the wine is good too.

Come experience the magic of Upper Shirley Vineyards, a one-of-a-kind estate, winery, restaurant and wedding venue perched above one of the most scenic bends on the James River. Here in Tidewater Virginia the hours unspool at a more gracious pace. Senses awaken, and stress melts away, leaving you space for more meaningful connections with friends and family.

30 minutes from downtown Richmond, and 35 minutes from Williamsburg, located just off Route 5 and the Capital Bike Trail, Upper Shirley Vineyards is ensconced in a rural wonderland. The estate boasts history and scenic beauty on an epic scale and an embarrassment of culinary riches—bottomland produce, fresh-caught seafood—and world-class wines made from our own estate-grown grapes. 

Located in Delaplane VA, Arterra, which means “Art of the Land” is both winery and gallery. Winery owner Sandy Gray-Murray is also an artist and runs Hawkmoth Arts. So, while you’re getting your wine on, you can also enjoy (and shop for) Sandy’s beautiful art which encompasses a variety of media from ceramics to paintings to etched glass.

When I am in the mood for good wine but not in the mood to drive, Paradise Springs is my answer. Not only is it close to DC (it's actually the closest winery to DC), but the wines are extraordinary! In fact, five of their wines won gold medals at the 2018 Virginia Governor’s Cup!

Come and visit our unique man-made wine cave on our 215-acre estate, nestled at the foot of Short Hill Mountain, adorned with several ponds and gently rolling hills. All of our wines are estate grown in our 20-acre vineyard and include Bordeaux-style blends.