Greenhill Winery and Vineyards

April 1, 2022.  Kim and I revisited Greenhill on a blustery April Fool's Day.  Greenhill was founded in 2007 by David Greenhill who took over the property formerly known as Swedenburg Winery just outside of Middleburg on Route 50.  You may recall from the Bureaucracy page that Juanita Swedenburg had a seminal role in challenging restrictions on the interstate commerce of Virginia wine. 

Greenhill produces 100% Virginia wine, from 13 acres in Middleburg and 14 acres elsewhere in the Commonwealth along with connections with Walsh Family, Whitehall, and other vineyards.  In 2018, Greenhill announced that Michael Shaps would be its new winemaker.  However, the current Greenhill website and most articles since 2018 show Ben Comstock as the winemaker.  It is not clear what, if any, relationship continues with Michale Shaps.  Since our last visit a number of years ago, a new sunny tasting room has been added with a view across a sweeping hill and pastures.  Outside food is allowed and some limited food selections are available (cheddar cheese with lavender?).  The Virginia Wine Pass is accepted for a small bottle discount. 

We only tried two wines on this visit so this is not a real representative sample.  It would be worth another visit.

Chardonnay 2020.  Kim rated this as an A-.  Crisp and not too buttery.  It has strong aromatics.  Kim found it much better than her usual Chardonnay but at $54.00 is was perhaps not worth it.

Cabernet Franc 2019.  This was a good Cabernet Franc, subdued pepper, moderate legs, and some burn on the finish - a good finish. 

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