Sabin Wine Journeys

October 23, 2024.   We chose a fine soft Fall day to drive west along State Route 50 on what is now called “Little River Turnpike” into Loudoun County to Chrysalis Vineyards in the Ag District.      First, let’s clarify that this is same Route 50 that was formerly called the John Mosby Highway and is not the Little River Turnpike that most long-time residents of Northern Virginia equate with Route 236.   It is Route 50 to be sure.   The vineyard entrance is directly on Route 50 just west of the town of Aldie.        Second, let’s address the rather awkward name “Chrysalis Vineyards in the Ag District.”   According to a 2023 government report, there are over 20 Agricultural and Forestal Districts (AFD’s) in Loudoun County.   “AFD’s are rural conservation areas reserved for the production of agricultural products, timber, and the maintenance of open space land as an important economic and environmental resource.”   A...

November 11, 2023.   Fall fell upon us last week with rain, dropping temperatures, and wind that seemed to herald the season.   But we took advantage of an Indian Summer day to make a visit to Quattro Goombas Winery near the town of Aldie.   More specifically, the winery is just north of Gilbert’s Corner on Route 15.   The short driveway into Quattro Goombas is heavily rutted so take it slowly and watch for craters. Quattro Goombas is the work of Jay DeCianno and his wife Judy.   They opened the winery in 2006 with another couple, the Camden’s, after they all moved here from Pittsburg.   The DeCianno’s have since bought out the Camden’s interest to become the sole owners of the winery.   Thus, what began as Quattro Goombas – four friends – might now be called “Due Goombas.”   Jay augmented the operations in 2014 by adding a brewery next door to the wine tasting room building.   You can freely move drinks between them.   Whiskey is also s...

  November 26, 2021.  A group of us tried out the newly-opened Old Farm Winery at Harland on a cold blustery day.   Old Farm opened on November 6th after several delays.   It is the second winery operation for Jon Hickok and the owners of Bull Run Winery.   The new winery is situated inside a new residential development called Hartland in the Brambleton section of Loudoun County near Aldie.   The property is one of the oldest farms in the county, dating back to the 1770’s with a farmhouse dating back to the 19 th century and a derelict barn.   Future plans for the farmhouse and barn are to renovate them for special events – like weddings.    Further, Old Farm plans to build a more substantial indoor tasting room and convert the current tasting bar to an outside venue only.    When we visited, part of the outdoor area was enclosed by a tent with heaters.   Fortunately, we reserved a table in the heated tasting area.   Al...