Camille Berry - All Comments

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Melissa Graeff — Sat, 19 May 2018 17:06:17 GMT

I'm surprised some or all of this well-written feature has not been incorporated into the North America study guide where Virginia merely merits a mention in "other wine-making regions." Maybe a future expanded guide?

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Karen Morrison — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 04:30:38 GMT

Camille, finally a Somm who takes the VA seriously! Thank you for writing this piece and reminding us of how important VA is. I live near Virginia and see so many vineyards so the subject matter is personal for me. Thanks again!

RE: Divine Inspiration: Influence of Monastic Orders

Stacy Ladenburger — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 16:45:46 GMT

Thanks, [mention:c27dd07117cf4520b572791928130830:e9ed411860ed4f2ba0265705b8793d05]. For those looking for more updated information, keep your eyes open for an article from Rod later this month, and for his new book, "French Wine: A History," out on October 11!

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Paul Schmitt — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 19:22:18 GMT

Thanks for the contribution and attention to a less well known wine region. I have family in North Carolina often drive up the Shenandoah south to NC. Like Virginia, North Caroline is working hard to replace their tobacco agriculture with wine. In Yadkin Valley I have visited a number of wineries. Like Napa or Sonoma, you drive on to the properties and see rows of grapes and even drip lines. As you noted, with the humidity and amount of rain they get during the growing season creates a challenge; both with the lower yields, about half (2-3 tons per acre) vs. Napa or Sonoma, as well as the hang time and days of sun light . The latter may work to their advantage in obtaining more moderate sugar levels and corresponding alcohol levels (typically 13.5%). It's my understanding, that much of these issues are due to a lack of prevailing moderating west wind from the ocean that are enjoyed by Bordeaux & European wine countries in general, California/Washington, South America, South Africa and east coast locations of Australia which dip down in to the ocean.

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Brandon Anderson — Thu, 29 Sep 2016 15:29:31 GMT

This article is awesome and very helpful for someone who has just moved to D.C. Just starting to bone up on Virginia wines as it is relevant but also enjoyable! Thank you, Camille.

One thing, a map detailing the AVAs would be helpful.

RE: Divine Inspiration: Influence of Monastic Orders

Rod Phillips — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 21:08:15 GMT

Sorry, but this repeats too many myths and unsubstantiated claims about monks and wine. It's based on scholarship that's way out of date, and isn't a reliable guide to the role of monasteries/monks in the history of wine in Europe.

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Alexa Land — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 18:29:45 GMT

Great article! I'm currently living in VA and get surprised every festival with our local offerings.

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Gray Randolph — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 20:30:31 GMT

Thank you Camille for a great article! As a Jefferson descendant I am very proud of the progress of Virginia wines. Just this past week I tasted a Cabernet Franc from Michael Chaps that blew my mind. Also of note are the wines of Afton Mountain. Tony and Elizabeth Smith have poured their souls in to that place and it shows in both the wines and the facility...go check it out. They are great friends.

Jefferson was a visionary, some say his greatest contribution was UVA. The Va Tech fans continue to argue against that! Clearly there is no argument that his contribution to wine in America, (oh and that thing called the Declaration of independance) was enormous.

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Daniel Unsun Jung — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 23:47:51 GMT

Great article!! I visited RdV last year and drank really nice Cabernet with Jarad Slipp. The wines are pricey but really good.

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Jeffery Pyke — Mon, 12 Sep 2016 04:12:07 GMT

Great contribution! Thank you!

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Jose Carlos Delgado — Sun, 11 Sep 2016 17:51:20 GMT

Great article Camille. Loved the history portion the best.

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Jonathan Hedgpeth — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 18:47:49 GMT

The axiomatic gist of "grows together goes together" is very applicable to the Virginia Honey Baked Ham when paired with the shining , unctuous petite manseng, viognier and chardonnay expressions from the Monticello and Middleburg AVAs, especially so from the higher altitude producers Glen Manor, Linden and Chester Gap. Front Royal could very well classified as its own internal sub AVA of Middleburg, captivating environs and gleaming glasses of gold.

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Karl Kazaks — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 01:51:27 GMT

Thanks for the writeup!

As I live in Virginia, please allow me to add that the Rocky Knob AVA has two wineries but not many vineyards. Despite having a showcase vineyard, Ch. Morrisette sources its fruit from throughout Virginia, as well as from other states. Villa Appalaccia's primary vineyard is on Bull Mountain, not at its winery.

Also, there is a wide variety of soils in the commonwealth, including limestone, which is found in its highest concentration in the Shenandoah Valley. To a large degree, the land with limestone soil is used for other agricultural purposes besides grape growing.

Both Valhalla and Villa Appalaccia are for sale if anyone would like to become a Virginia vintner!

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Hunter Hammett — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 23:14:47 GMT

Very concisely written, Camille! Congratulations on your great work!!

RE: The Wines of Virginia

Kelly Wooldridge — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 18:11:25 GMT

What a great piece! Thanks for the insight, Camille, well-written and concise. I'll add this information to my notes!