The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards is located just off of Route 7 in the quaint, historic town of Hamilton, Virginia, about 10-15 minutes west of downtown Leesburg. Ten breathtaking acres surround a beautifully restored hundred-year-old stone and wood dairy barn, which has been transformed into a tasting room. There are plenty of places on the back deck, patio or the grounds overlooking the pond to sit back and savor a glass of wine!
I visited The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards with other members of the Virginia wine bloggers community, including Kurt and Carol (Wine about Virginia), Kirsten (Cellar Blog), Stacy and Sean (Virginia Wine Know), Julie (A Rousing Vine), Anthony (Virginia Pour House), Paul and Warren (Virginia Wine Time), and Hagen (Loco Wino).
Owner Craig Garten took us on a tour of the property. The property is very expansive with many different things to see and a lot more that is in the works. The deck and patio offer gorgeous views of majestic mountain landscapes that are just perfect with a glass of wine.
Winemaking
Craig told us that The Barns currently has 2 acres of the total of 10.5 acres under vine (1 acre with Petit Verdot and 1 acre with Viogner Their 10.5 acres currently), but The Barns sources all their fruit from 5 acres in Charlottesville, with the exception of the Chardonnay, which The Barns buys from Loudoun growers. The wine is made by renowned winemaker Michael Shaps of Virginia Wine Works. The team also consulted with Ben Renshaw of 8 Chains North for site layout. At 1000 currently, the team at The Barns hopes to grow to 3000-4000 cases annually.
Winetasting
We tasted the following wines
2011 Chardonnay $22.00
This classic barrel fermented style (aged 6 months in American and French neutral oak) has nicely integrated flavors that blend with the apple and pear nuances to produce a full bodied wine. A great match with grilled poultry and heavier seafood dishes. A really strong start.
2011 Viognier $18.00
The Viognier was aged 9 months in oak. Bright fruit notes of peach and apricot along with a crisp, clean mouthfeel make this a perfect wine to pair with shellfish seafood and warm weather entertaining.
2011 Rose $18.00
The Rose is made from Cabernet Franc and aged 8 months in barrels. Has some interesting pepper flavors coming through. A bit effervescent on the palate. Very nice summer wine.
2011 Cabernet Franc $22.00
Has a 10% Chambourcin. Bright red fruit aromas of strawberry, cherry and cranberry that are complimented by soft oak notes. Gently extracted in order to make this a fresh, young drinking style of Cabernet Franc, the wine exhibits supple tannins, fresh red fruits and good balance. A great summer red wine that will pair well with a wide variety of dishes, from grilled tuna or pork chops to pasta.
2011 Meritage $26.00
This reserve blend is highlighted by the three varietals that each offer distinct nuances. Aged in 50% new French and American oak, the wine exhibits all the characters of a classic Bordeaux blend. A complexity of aromas that feature berries, toasted oak, vanilla and spice are backed by a moderately tannic, but well rounded wine. The combination of these elements provides for a wine that will improve over time and would be best served between five and ten years from its vintage date.
2011 Merlot $22.00
A medium bodied red with fresh red fruits and a touch of oak. Balanced with a combination of raspberry, cherry and red current notes. Ten months in French and American oak have added volume and richness. Made in a more approachable style, this wine is a good match for meats and pasta.
2011 Petite Verdot $24.00
This wine shows dark fruit notes of blackberries with some overlapping floral and spice notes, as well as vanilla and toast. Nicely extracted and deep in color and body, the wine has depth and structure. The dark fruits work with the new oak and tannins to provide for a complete wine. A young wine that will benefit from time in the bottle, it will be a great match for heavier meats and game.
Location: 16804 Hamilton Station Road, Hamilton, VA 20158
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