Winery Wednesday on a Thirsty Thursday- Stinson Vineyards and Knight's Gambit Vineyard

 Huz got a day off on a Thursday!

With that in mind, and knowing there are plenty of local wineries that are not open on Wednesdays, but start their hours on a Thursday, we skipped Winery Wednesday to adventure instead on Thirsty Thursday. 

It was a overcast, and periodically rainy autumn day, but the Random Winery Generator did not disappoint, and gave us a trip to the scenic White Hall area for Stinson Vineyards.

The logo for Stinson is a three car garage, because the family used the "garagiste" spirit of French home wineries and built their winery in a garage. The garage just happens to have amazing views of the mountains.

Now there is a tasting room attached to the garage, and I think you can airbnb on the property, but they still make the wine there in the garage. It is quite close to the road, and you can hear cars, but otherwise it is peaceful and beautiful. 

There are 4 flights available. I had Flight #1 for $10, three wines; 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, 2020 Rosé of Tannat and 2020 Sugar Hollow White. Of these, the Sugar Hollow White, a Vidal Blanc, was my favorite, earning ***.  Huz chose Flight #3  for $14, with a 2019 Merlot, 2017 Meritage(a blend) and 2017 Tannat. He liked the Meritage and Tannat the best, giving them ***. 

Food was not really presented at Stinson, although you may be able to peck out some cheese in a fridge somewhere. Also, the vintage Wyant's Store is walking distance, and they have a sweet little deli, plus snacks and ice cream in a throw back to early 20th century commerce. Even closer- literally next door, is the Piedmont Store. This also is worth investigating if you can eat things (unlike me.) 

Stinson Vineyards:

Wines:**+

Atmosphere/location: ***

Food: N/A

We must have been feeling footloose and fancy free after our trip to Stinson, because on the way home, Huz said, "Do you want to try Knight's Gambit?", naturally, I was in. 

We turned off the road to follow the signs to Knight's Gambit Vineyard and drove in just as the winery worker was changing the sign at the road from "Closed" to "Open". We were the first, and only customers of the hour. Knight's Gambit opens later than many other wineries, and stays open until 7pm, making it a decent choice for evening activity. 

Knight's Gambit feels more casual. There is a therapeutic riding program stables right with the tasting room, so I got to combine two always favorites- wine and horses- in the same lane. 

The tasting room worker was chatty and friendly, so I got my horse questions answered- and yes there was a big fancy dressage horse out in a pasture who had been donated to the program. Delightful. There are long views of the mountains, and several winery dogs, who joined right in our fun. 

Huz and I chose to share a flight, as it was 6 wines. 

 

Winery Wednesday or Thirsty Thursday also gives me a chance to wear clothes that are not for either riding or working construction. And, with a nip in the air, I get to celebrate dressing for autumn! This adorable coat was acquired on an adventure with Middle Sis, from a cute store called "Live Trendy or Die"  in Lynchburg Va. So, had to send Sis a selfie. 

A 2019 Montinore Pinot Gris from Oregon's North Willimette Valley was a substitute for the house Pinot Grigio that was already gone. Unusual to substitute in another region and winery offering instead of just making it a flight of 5? 

2019 Chardonnay, 2020 Rosé, 2019 Cab Franc, 2019 Meritage and 2018 Alexandra's Cuvée (a Petit Verdot) rounded out the flight.  We sat out on the front porch, boots on the rail, ponies to peek at and mountains as a back drop. Not too shabby. 

We brought home a bottle of the oaky, earthy Chardonnay, and the Cuvée, Huz's favorite. 

Food was not a purpose here, although they kindly included some oyster crackers and a few Hershey's Kisses- dark chocolate, on the flight tray. 

Knight's Gambit: later hours than typical

Wines: **+

Atmosphere/ location: ***

Food: N/A