EagleTree Farm Vineyard

August 26, 2022.  The approach to EagleTree Farm Vineyard and Restaurant is down a narrow partially paved and rutted road just south of Lucketts.  But at the end of the road and the end of a day of tasting, it was surprising to come upon this accomplished restaurant in the middle of a field. 

Lori McKeever is the moving force behind the operation and, with her husband and chef, Jeff Judge, handles the five acres of vines, production of wine on-site, and finally the restaurant itself.  From the five acres, all of EagleTree’s wine is from estate grown grapes.  In 2014, Lori moved from McLean, Virginia, where she ran McKeever’s Pub, to the Loudoun County property.  I believe that EagleTree is under LJ, Inc., with Lori and Jeff as President and Vice President, respectively. The operation is more restaurant than winery and the restrictions are consistent with what you would expect at a restaurant: no pets, no food or coolers, no strollers inside, children to be accompanied at all times.  There are no firepits or outside heaters for the colder months.  During the height of COVID, Lori told us that she would serve to patrons tailgating in the parking lot.  Not sure if that continues.  Besides the main building, EagleTree sports a pavilion for outdoor dining.  The wood-fired pizza oven is out at the pavilion.  We tried Jeff’s sausage pizza – delicious! (watch out for the red peppers).

                                              Lori McKeever with patrons (picture from WUSA9)

Being a winery, you owe it to yourself to get a tasting flight, so here it is:

Chardonnay 2016.  Kim found this to be a clean unoaked Chardonnay with medium body and alcohol.  I thought I got a faint barnyard scent.  Kim rated this a B+.

White Talon NV.  This is a Chardonnay-Viognier blend.  Not as sharp or distinctive as the 2016 Chardonnay.  Viognier mellows things out.  Good sipping wine.

Merlot 2015.  Color is crimson with a little orange around the edge.  Light red fruit.  Some vanilla.  Soft tannins.  Low to moderate alcohol and a hint of sweetness.

Talon 2017.  This is a medium-bodied red blend of Cabernet Franc and Tannat.  Light fragrance.  Good with rich meats.

Port.  The EagleTree dessert wine very mild and unassuming.  It doesn’t hit you like Port-styled offerings at some other Virginia wineries.  Plan to come out to EagleTree when there is a chill in the air.  This Port-style wine will help what ails you.

 

Location: 15301 Limestone School Rd, Leesburg, VA 20176, USA

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