Unicorn Winery: Traminette 2011

 Tonight we pulled a 2011 Traminette from our wine cellar.  Traminette is made at Unicorn Winery.  Traminette is full bodied, lightly oaked, with slight hints of vanilla, butterscotch and apricots. It has wonderful fruit flavors the pair nicely with seafood, Smoked Gouda.

Find out more about Unicorn Winery here: http://unicornwinery.com/the_vineyard.

Check out the picnic basket options from Unicorn Winery.

Traminette and Blues on a Saturday Afternoon

Everyone asks me why I tolerate such a long commute from Warrenton, Virginia up to Washington DC everyday.  I ask why anyone would want to live in DC , when they have all the beauty and treasures of Virginia at their doorsteps.  One of the greatest treasures about Virginia is that you are only minutes from a world class winery, from most parts of the state.  Here in the heart of Mosby's territory we have several unbelievable vineyards.  Today I decided to take a break from the hustle bustle of RTE 29 and 66 and enjoy a bottle of Traminette by the pond at Unicorn Winery.  With the kids off exploring the treasures of the vineyard, I am enjoying a live blues band playing on the deck of the winery and taking  a minute for myself to unwind and watch the Spring come to life.   The vineyard is still waiting on bud break here at the vineyard, but the pond at unicorn is alive with activity of coy fish coming to the surface for food, frogs are warming in the sun and lonely turtles coming up to enjoy the company.  Cutting my thoughts short, I have attached some photos from today's journey.  Enjoy and stop by when you have a chance.

Tasting at Cana Vineyards

Cana Vineyards opened in 2011 and expects to be producing a suitable grape in about 4 years. Cana takes its name from the bible. The vineyard had 8 wines to taste.  They included the Apple Wine (which I considered the best), the Raspberry Apple Wine, the Traminette, Riesling, Viognier, Rose, Cabernet Franc, and Le Mariage.  They are growing Petit Manseng and Viognier grapes on the grounds.  Overall, the vineyard was a beautiful place that sits atop a hill in Middleburg, VA. This area is also known for the Gray Ghost, John Mosby. The area offers other places worth seeing, such as the Red Fox Inn just down the road from the vineyard.   http://www.canavineyards.com/