Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery

April 1, 2023.  Kim and I took a chance on a foreboding forecast of rain and 50 mile per hour winds to venture down Interstate 95 to Stafford County’s only winery, Potomac Point.  The winery sits on the Widewater peninsula which some of you may recognize as the place where we have the Sabin River House.  In fact, we have stopped by Potomac Point several times over the years, usually coming at the beginning of a weekend to get some liquid sustenance for our ministrations to the house. 

Potomac Point sits on 23 acres of rolling hills a short distance from the Potomac River.  Lots of forests about.  Skip and Cindi Causey opened the winery and vineyards in 2007 after touring vineyards in New York state, California, and Italy.  You can see a Tuscan influence in the winery building, patio, and bistro.  

 

Potomac Point has five acres under vine at the Stafford property and may be expanding that with a couple of additional acres in the future.  Those five acres produce less than 20% of their total output of wine.  Most of the juice comes from vineyards in Loudon and Nelson Counties, which contribute grapes of power (Loudon) and delicacy (Nelson).  Altogether, Potomac Point volume is around 7,000 cases per year. Skip Causey is currently holding down the post of winemaker, in addition to being owner and current president of the Virginia Vineyards Association.  Get some relief, man!  Helping Skip is assistant winemaker, Jordan Cleary, and second assistant winemaker, Ehran.  We thank Skip for spending some time with us during our visit, explaining the wines, and giving us a preview of what may be happening in the Industry this year.  [Watch for developments in our Bureaucracy page.] 

The tasting room is cozy and mirrors the Italianate feel. 

 

Off to one side is the bistro that serves a decent menu.  We recommend both the crab dip and lamb balls from the bistro along with a nice glass of wine.  The fireplace was going when we visited.  Outside food is prohibited in the tasting room and bistro, but, weather permitting, you can bring our own food for outdoors picnics.  Dogs are okay outside.    Down the corridor, past the patio is the banquet hall for weddings and private events. 

 

According to Skip, Potomac Point almost does too well in the wedding business.  Last year was as a banner year.  When we visited, several couples were busy tasting food options for weddings at the winery.  I think Skip has some concern to avoid being overrun by weddings.

Now we come to our tasting experience.  The Potomac Point website recommends making a reservation for a tasting, regardless of group size.  Thus, spontaneity comes with a risk of being turned away.  We elected to have the “Grand Cru” tasting at $20.00, and we split the tasting duties along white and red lines.  Thanks to Ehran for walking us through these libations.  If you prefer more popular easy sipping wines, then the “Premier Cru” tasting may be your choice at $15.00.  If you can’t stand for long, you may try to get a tasting flight served in the bistro.  Here’s what we tried:

La Belle Vie Rosé 2021.  This is a blend of Syrah, Viognier, and Petit Syrah.  Unfortunately, Kim gave it a “D.”  I thought it was better than that.  Dry but not really popping as a good summer rosé might.

Petit Manseng 2021.  Kim rated this wine a “C.”  This had more acid and brightness than the Rosé with honeysuckle notes.

Viognier 2020.  Kim rated this wine a “B.”  It has more controlled acidity so as not to tart-out the floral notes.  Good balance and finish.

Chardonnay 2020.  Kim also tried the Chardonnay.  She thought it was very good but balked at the $20.00 price. 

Merlot 2020.  The Merlot includes a little Petit Syrah for tannins and color.  It is oak-aged.  Low tannins, some finish.  Light fruit, light bodied and light acid all around.  I rate it a “B.”

Cabernet Franc 2020.. The Cabernet Franc moves toward an earthy taste.  Strong pepper on the nose.  Brighter, more tannin; acid gives way to some sweetness on the finish.  Medium bodied.  I rate it a “B.”

Heritage 2019.  This is Potomac Point’s “Bourdeaux blend” with the usual suspects contributing: Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  It is a full bodied wine, with strong tannins and some molasses-like sweetness.  I still rated it a “B.”

Petit Verdot 2019.  This wine carried a strong and unexpected taste of tart fruit.  Full-bodied but not overpowering with the fruit kick; lots of legs; strong tannins.  100% Petit Verdot.  I rated it an “A” and bought a bottle.,

Rabelos Reserve NV.  Our last wine was Potomac Point’s Port-style Rabelos Reserve produced with help from the Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg..  Rabelos is a blend of Syrah, Pinotage, and Tannat.  With 20% ABV, lots of legs as can be expected.  I got chocolate on the nose, dried fruit on the palate.  The wine is not overly sweet and the alcohol gives it a nice tingle.  Would be a good fireplace wine even though I found it a little flabby overall.

If you’re looking for a respite from the slog that is I-95, consider the peace at Potomac Point.

 

Location: 275 Decatur Rd, Stafford, VA 22554, USA

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