Sabin Wine Journeys

September 16, 2022.   It was one of those perfect Virginia late summer days – puffy clouds in a bright sky, low humidity.   We could think of nothing better than to drive out to Leesburg in Loudoun County to sample some wine.   Kim and I last visited Casanel Vineyard and Winery in 2016 but made no notes about it.   Time for another visit.   As far as driving is concerned, we would advise approaching Casanel from the West off of Route 7 rather than from the Southeast from Routes 15 and 622.   The Route 622 approach is on a very narrow rutted gravel road.   The approach from Route 7 is mostly on paved roads in better maintenance.      “Casanel” is a contraction of Casey and Nelson De Souza, the founders who bought the property in 2006 and had their first Estate Crush in 2014.   We were sorry to hear that Casey DeSouza has passed away. But Nelson continues to work the vineyard and to take care of much of the interior work for guests.   In fact, the whole family participates, including t

March 18, 2022.   Kim and I continued our drive on a warm late winter afternoon by stopping at Firefly Cellars in Hamilton, Loudoun County.   Firefly is close-by the intersection of Route 7 and Route 9 at Paeonian Springs.   It was the former Hunter’s Run Winery that was purchased and renovated by Pete and Patty Pierleonardi, owners of Pest Management Services, Inc.   It re-opened in May 2021 with daughter Andrea Zaidi and her brother Zach Pierleonardi in charge.   According to Andrea, Firefly produces between 2,000 and 3,000 cases a year.   Juice is from vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley.   Firefly uses the services of w inemaker Randy Phillips with Cave Ridge Winery in Mt. Jackson, where the wine is produced and bottled.   Firefly does not bottle on at the Hamilton location.   Sounds like a custom crush business.    Firefly has an adults-only tasting room while families and pets are welcome on the deck and in the backyard.   There are nice swings and even a tetherball to play.  

March 18, 2022.   Kim and I took advantage of a gorgeous late winter day to drive out to Breaux Vineyards near the town of Hillsborough, Loudoun County.   According to WIKIPEDIA, Breaux Vineyards is one of Virginia's largest grape growers and supplier of wine grapes, bulk juice, and bulk wine to other East Coast U.S. wineries.   Breaux states that it is “100% Cajun owned and operated,” having been founded in 1997 by Paul Breaux, Jr., and now being run by Jennifer Breaux, who is the President and General Manager.   Approaching the winery from the valley, you ascend a steep drive to an elevation of 700 to 950 feet presenting a view of the Blue Ridge and Short Hill Mountains.   It is fun to watch the cloud shadows trace across the hillsides. The main buildings and the outbuildings give you a definite Italianate feel.     Inside, there is a New Orleans vibe, from the filigree iron work around the tasting room to the crawfish company logo, paying tribute to Mr. Breaux’s Cajun heri