Sabin Wine Journeys

October 26, 2023.   If you look at a map of the Monticello Wine Trail, Woodbrook Farm Vineyard in Orange is at the farthest northeast limit, off the beaten path for those wineries.   And yet to get there from Charlottesville is a pleasure because you are on Route 20 most of the journey – through Barboursville and past Montpelier Station.   When you arrive, what you see first, coming over a hill, is the back-end of a somewhat dilapidated barn.   Please don’t be put off by first impressions.   Drive around to the entrance to see what Twyman Family has in store.   Noel Twyman was a professional steeplechase rider in the 1980’s; the barn was originally his training barn.   Daughter Vaughn Jenkins and son Robert Twyman, co-owners, kept their father’s silks as the winery logo and retained about a quarter of the barn in its original state.   They converted the rest of the barn into a beautiful tasting room with light blonde exposed woods and surroundin...

April 14, 2022.   We drove some 23 miles off of the beaten path from Culpeper to reach Chateau MerrillAnne Vineyard in Orange.   The trip was worth the drive.   And we appreciate Kenny White, the owner, being such a great host opening for us and being flexible as we did get lost a couple of times on our way.   This small winery opened in 2012 with Kenny and his wife, Emily, in charge.   They renovated an old corn crib into the tasting room which is a cozy space.   Most wineries have dog mascots; this one has cats.   If you like cats, this is your winery.   The White’s are in the process of building a new outdoor space to better accommodate visitors who want the country air.   Outside food is allowed, and there is plenty of space for picnics.  They accept the Virginia Wine Pass for discounts on tastings and bottle purchases. Chateau MerrillAnne has five acres under vine at the Orange location but sources most of its fruit from leases or...