Sabin Wine Journeys

July 8, 2022.   Pollak Vineyards is around a twenty minute drives from Stinson Vineyards on the other side of Crozet.   Pollak is a mid-sized Virginia vineyard/winery, classy but understated in its appointments.   Dick and Margo Pollak first planted in 2003, produced their first vintage in 2005, and opened their modern tasting room in 2008.  In size and quality of wine, I think of Pollak as one of Virginia's best. There is a fireplace in the two-story tasting room for the colder months, and great views across the meadows and pond to the vineyards beyond whether sitting on the sofas inside or on the wrap-around porch as we were on that lazy Friday afternoon.   Definitely worth a re-visit in the Fall to catch the foliage. Pollak has 35 acres under vine separated in eight plots.   The plan is to expand to 40 acres.   According to their website, they are growing nine varietals in those acres.   All of their wine is estate grown, except for an experimental Nebbiolo.   I estimate the

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

  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.   All seating is at picnic benches.   You might want to bring a stad

  The Winery at Bull Run.  October 14, 2021.   Continuing our October Wine Month celebration, Kim and I visited the Winery at Bull Run in Centreville.   Bull Run is the center of a large operation.   Opened in 2012 by Jon Hickok, Bull Run reports that with 225 acres, it is the largest operating farm in Fairfax County.   The winery also has an estate vineyard known as Rock Mill located in Little Washington, VA, with over 40,000 vines sitting on 115 acres.   Bull Run operates Sunrise Ridge Winery in Gainesville (see previous post) and the soon-to-be-opened Old Farm Winery in Aldie (expected opening date is November 20 th - watch for that post).    According to its website, Bull Run wines are 100% Virginia grapes, which is glorious.   Bull Run also claims to be the closest winery to Washington DC (Woodlawn Press microwinery in the Alexandria part of Fairfax County might dispute this). The tasting room at Bull Run is full of dark wood looking out across a covered patio to slopes feat