Sabin Wine Journeys

  Ashton Creek Vineyard.   August 20, 2021 It is startling to find a vineyard growing right on busy Route 1 but there, up a little hill, is where you will find Ashton Creek Vineyard.   Come through the front door and the traffic noise is hushed.    Starting in 2012, Ashton Creek has grown to control several vineyards throughout the state.   All wines are from Virginia grapes and 95% of the juice is from estates owned or controlled by Ashton Creek.   The facility has a nice tasting room and an adjoining special events/wedding venue.   As quiet as the tasting room is, I would advise against an outdoor wedding here because of the traffic on Route 1.   You don’t want an 18-wheeler blowing it’s air horn during the “I-do’s.”   The vineyard does not allow outside food, but does have a good menu for a winery.   We had crab dip, chicken salad, and a BLT. The crab dip and BLT were great; the chicken salad was not worth the price.   Ashton Creek also features cider (we did not try the cider

  Reynard Florence.    July 7, 2021 The last winery/vineyard we visited on this trip was Reynard Florence Vineyard in Gordonsville/Barboursville.   We really must tip our hats to owner Roe Allison, who opened for us even though we completely mis-read the Vineyard website.   They are open on Wednesday’s by appointment .   We originally planned our visit to Reynard Florence for July 5, a holiday Monday when they were scheduled to be open.   We slipped the visit to Wednesday and forgot about their opening schedule.   In any case, Mr. Allison ended a business call to open the tasting room for us and served us some wine as his two Welsh corgi dogs, Ti-Rey and puppy Brixy, played at our feet.   We are very thankful to Mr. Allison for this and his hospitality! Reynard Florence formed in 2010 and has expanded to include over two acres of Grenache, Petit Verdot, and Merlot.   Roe Allison is also the winemaker while their website mentions assistance from vineyard consultant Chris Hill and