Diane and I traveled to Blacksburg to see our son who plays in the VA Tech marching band. (Aside: VT beat App. State 66-13!) On the way, we decided to make an unofficial winery stop. We learned of a new winery that's not even on the map yet. It's called Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard, near Charlottesville. We did our tastings sitting outside looking at a beautiful view of the mountains. The tastings are done waiter-style, at a table. The wine was wonderful. The food was delicious. The service was great.
After the game, we went to Am Rhein Cellars, about 45 minutes from Blacksburg. This was a second unofficial visit. (We went there last summer with our boys.) Am Rhein was doing an event called a midnight stomp. They did tastings, had food, took pictures of grape stomping (ala Lucy), and had live music. Am Rhein may be a little out of the way, but it's worth the trip. We love their wines. We had a bottle of their Traminette, perfect for a summer evening. I also really enjoyed their Melange, a light red wine. Paula Am Rhein was a wonderful hostess. Considering that a thunderstorm came through for about an hour and a half, delaying the band and keeping all of us under tents, it was a fantastic event.
