Sabin Wine Journeys

  Barboursville Vineyard and Winery.    July 6, 2021 Barboursville Vineyard and Winery is one of the oldest operating wineries in the Commonwealth, having been established in 1979 as the U.S branch of the Italian wine company Zonin.   Francesco Zonin is still the president.   Gabriele Rausse, formerly the winemaker, is also secretary.   The winery overlooks the vineyards and the ruins of Governor James Barbour’s estate, designed by Thomas Jefferson and completed in 1821.   The property includes a gourmet restaurant, Palladio, and lodging in the 1804 Inn and Cottages.   Barboursville is one of the most highly awarded wineries in the Commonwealth and a large producer as well.   I rate the wines highly but the atmosphere of the tasting room marginal.    First, the tasting room experience.   The tasting room was small and cramped.   We visited on a weekday, and even then the space was crowded.   I can only imagine t...

  Horton Vineyards.     July 6, 2021 The night before our visit to Horton Vineyards, we stayed in Charlottesville.   We drove up to the Barboursville/Gordonsville area on the beautiful Stony Point Road – Route 20.   I highly recommend this approach to put you in a wine tasting mood, compared to the hectic Route 29.   Horton Vineyards has been around since 1989 and is a well-respected brand.   The vineyard and facilities sit on flat land outside of Gordonsville, a short distance from Barboursville Vineyards and Burnley.   The view is not remarkable.   The winery occupies a faux-chateau complete with turret.   The tasting room had few places to actually sit, as COVID-19 restrictions were still in effect here.   To consume our flights, with the cheese and crackers we brought with us, we had to go upstairs to a poorly appointed somewhat dingy loft room that overlooked the tasting room – folding chairs and old stuffed furniture....

  Stone Mountain Vineyards   July 5, 2021 Stone Mountain Vineyards is perched on top of a mountain (Wyatt Mountain?) near the hamlet of Dyke, hard by Brokeback Mountain Road -believe it or not. This is one of the highest wineries in the State. To get here, you must traverse a single lane gravel mountain road with treacherous sheer drops on one side and wheel-eating ruts on the other.   On our ascent, descending traffic had to back up the mountain to allow us to pass, the road was so narrow in places.   Word of advice: Don’t use your GPS or WAZE to get here; those are unreliable in this area.   Better get directions from a local, like we did from Ellen Moss.   After that driving stress, the view from 1,700 feet is spectacular across the valley to Piney Mountain and the Southwestern Mountains in the distance.   We strongly advise having a glass of wine to celebrate your arrival.   The view is worth the trip.    Jim and Deanna Gephart ...

  Moss Vineyards July 5, 2021 The small winery of Moss Vineyards is in Nortonsville, Greene County.   We found out about Moss through a virtual tour Barry conducted for The Hospitality Information Service (THIS) which highlighted the architecture of the place.   The vineyards sit on a hill overlooking a gap near Conner’s Ridge in the Blue Ridge Mountains.   The winery facilities were designed and built by Barry Moss, architect, artist, and co-owner of the vineyards with wife Ellen.   The buildings are bright white and stark against the green of the surrounding hills.   There must be an incredible view from here when the fall foliage comes.   We are very thankful to Ellen for spending some time with us. Moss produces up to 1,000 cases a year from 9 acres on site and from sourcing from within the Monticello AVA.   The winery began in 2008 according to Virginia State records.   The vineyards are planted on a hillside that ranges from 800 t...