Star in the Valley Estate Winery

November 23, 2024.  It takes just minutes to drive to Star in the Valley Estate Winery, northwest from the town of Strasburg in Shenandoah County.  The grape vines were dormant when we passed through them up a steep hill; the air a seasonable Fall coolness, strong winds marshalling clouds through in their own Thanksgiving Day Parade overhead.  The sun flashed around like a search light on the mountainsides illuminating the grey denuded trees holding onto their last colors.  At an elevation of over 1300 feet, the tasting room and production building for Star in the Valley looks back at Signal Knob which is part of the mountain range that splits the Shenandoah River into its northern and southern forks. 

Star in the Valley Winery has its name from the glorious night viewing of the heavens made possible by the elevation and the undeveloped park land that surrounds the property.  Owner and winemaker Shane Waller and wife Cara have their home and are raising their kids down the hill from the business.  They have the skies to themselves. 

Each of their wines are labeled with different constellations and planets.  And bottles also carry the zodiac sign for law – the constellation Libra – reflecting that Shane and Cara are both attorneys for the Federal government.  Cara grew up on a large farm in Michigan that grew 40 acres of grapes, among other crops.  She wanted the farm life for her family.  Shane and Cara bought the 70-acre farm in 2013 and had their first harvest in the terrible year of 2018 when they lost half their crop to the rains.  They initially planted 7 acres but since have grown the acreage to 15 acres with plans to go up to 25 acres.  The Waller’s have even employed some sheep who keep the weeds under control.  All of Star in the Valley’s wines are estate grown – thus all within the Shenandoah AVA.  All of their 1,500 annual case production is made in a production facility behind the tasting room wall. 

In spite of their small production, Star in the Valley has participated in the Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition and has won gold, silver, and bronze medals in the past two years. 

The tasting room opened in 2018.  It has windows on three sides looking to Signal Knob.  The back wall is papered with a blowup of the night sky taken by night sky photographer Daniel Stein.  The easy chairs inside are plush and cozy.  No fireplace.  We suspect that when winter comes it could be a little drafty in the tasting room. 

 

 

Outside there are chairs and picnic tables along terraces for small gatherings and an open covered area clinging to the slope. 

Children and families and dogs are welcome at Star in the Valley.  Take note: there is no food for sale at Star in the Valley.  Plan to bring your own vittels.

Star in the Valley is an intimate place.  They might be able to accommodate a small private party, like a baby shower, but certainly not a large formal wedding or corporate event.  There is no kitchen after all.  Shane does not envision ever having a large operation.  With that said, there are some larger events at the winery.  In particular, the annual Christmas Market featuring craft vendors from the Strasburg area, mulled wine, and live entertainment.  The sixth anniversary of the Christmas Market happens on Saturday, November 30, 2024.  You should check it out!  No reservations or tickets needed, and the winery is open late that day.    

We had the pleasure of visiting with servers Tabitha and Erika behind the bar.  We thank them for their hospitality and welcoming spirit. 

 

Tabitha and Erika

Kim had a glass of white wine while I had a red wine tasting.  The wine was reasonably priced for Virginia wine which helped some of our scores.  Here are our comments:

2022 Chardonel.  Chardonel is a hybrid of Sevyal Blanc, itself a hybrid, and Chardonnay, developed at Cornell and released in the 1990’s.  This wine has some of the green apple of Chardonnay and some if its vanilla.  But Kim found it weak and rated it a C.

The four red wines I tried separated into two that were quite good and two that were not. 

2023 Cabernet Franc.  The Cabernet Franc is medium bodied, strong bright cherry fruit.  Not totally dry with .2% residual sugar.  Not much pepper and no green pepper at all.  Pretty good with pizza or barbecue.  I rate it a B. 

2023 Field Star Red – labeled “Sixth Harvest.”  More complex than the Cab Franc, medium to full-bodied, more tannin and a darker cherry and some earth and spice notes.  A blend of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  Only $20.00 for a bottle.  I rated it a B+ and bought a bottle.

2021 Atlas.  My first nose of the Atlas red blend was of burnt rubber.  I later amended it to pine or pine resin on the nose, alright if you like Retsina, but not otherwise.  Technically it is 60% Petit Verdot, 40% Cabernet Franc.  Dark fruit on the palate and mild tannins.  At $32 for a bottle, I rated it a C. 

2021 Petit Verdot.  Erika told me that the Petit Verdot was “earthy” and had some “barn yard.”  I concur that it was earthy.  Again, with the burnt rubber- pine resin nose but not as prominent as with the Atlas.  15% ABV is pretty high.  Medium body and balanced tannins once you get past the nose.  I rate it a B-. 

Tabitha said that Star in the Valley had been ranked as the best picnic spot.  While we couldn’t verify, this winery is undoubtedly a great place to have an informal outdoor meal while the world rolls across the mountains.  The wines seem built for picnics.  Stop by and see.