50 West Vineyard

 

February 12, 2022.  A group of us drove out to visit 50 West Vineyards near Middleberg on a breezy but pleasant sunny day.  50 West Vineyards is the smallest of five vineyards owned by Mike and Diane Canny.  The hub of the winemaking for these farms is Sunset Hills Vineyard in Purcellville, and 50 West opened as the second tasting room in 2015.  All of 50 West’s wines are produced at Sunset Hills.  We were honored to have a long convivial talk with Mike Canny sitting around our fire pit.  Much of this post will include our discussion with Mike.  We thank him for his time.  But let’s also give a shout-out to Molly for keeping our fire pit stoked!

The tasting room at 50 West is small and cozy inside, but there is ample room outside for larger groups, families and dogs.  Outside food is allowed or you may visit the food truck.  During the summer, there are festivals outside that use the large stage installed across from the tasting room. 

Mike began vineyarding in 1999, making is first sale to other wineries in 2001.  He was very thankful for the support of Bruce Zoecklein and Tony Wolf and the state extension services.  He also mentioned help from Doug Fabbioli, Dennis Horton, and Jim Law.  He suggested that the extension agents may be a good resource for volunteer opportunities in the vineyards.

In 2005 he opened Sunset Hills.  The Sunset Hills group of farms and wineries now grows 15 grape varietals, totaling about 80 acres of mature vineyards, on a couple hundred acres, located on five farms in Loudoun and Shenandoah counties.  The varietals are mostly vinifera with some hybrids.  Mike still sells to other wineries and carries the romance of operating a winery with him.  The Loudoun farms with their acidic clay soils produce different wines from the grapes produced from Shenandoah’s limestone soils so there is great variety even with the same grape clones.  Further, Virginia climate has been a challenge, according to Mike, as it typically produces either a good white wine year or a good red wine year – not usually both in one season.  So care must be taken in what is grown to be sure both sides of the palette are satisfied.  Operating a vineyard is expensive in Virginia, not only due to the land prices but the vagaries of the climate and weather events. 

                                                                             Mike Canny at 50 West February 2022

Mike sees climate change happening quickly and the increase in temperatures favors growing red wine grapes.  This is alright for business as many see red wines are the higher end offerings. 

Now for the wines - All of 50 West and Sunset Hills wines are 100% Virginia grown.  50 West offers three tasting flights, white, red and sparkling for $15 - $18.  Some substitution is allowed with wines from the “Elevated List.”  We recommend trying the Aldie Heights Cuvee if you can. 

We tasted six wines:

2020 Chardonnay.  Kim and Laura greatly enjoyed the Chardonnay.  Of the three Chardonnay’s available, the 2020 was perhaps the oakiest.  High ratings for the Chardonnay.

2019 Ashby Gap. A very approachable red.  This wine is the lightest red on the tasting menu.  It has a blackberry taste and light tannins.  Steve and Roger bought a bottle of Ashby Gap. 

2017 Chambourcin.  The 2017 has less tannin than the Ashby Gap. It is smooth with a lighter color and light cherry fruit.  It lit up the back of my tongue.

2019 Chambourcin.  Again with light tannins but some plum in the taste.  Not as balanced as the 2017 Chambourcin.

2019 Merlot.  Much less fruit tasted in the Merlot and tannins appear late.  Longer finish.

2016 Aldie Heights Cuvee.  Thanks to Mike for recommending this wine.  It was the most sophisticated of the reds with a blend, I believe, of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Tannat.