Winery Wednesday-White Hall Vineyards

 It was a peak leaf day in Central Virginia, and Huz and I got lucky when the Random Winery Generator popped up with White Hall Vineyards in the White Hall area of Crozet. 

Wednesday afternoons are really such an ideal time to go to a winery, if you can manage it. We often have the place to ourselves, and that held true at White Hall. We brought a picnic lunch and had our choice of perfect spots to enjoy the repast. Dappled sunshine under a golden Oak tree with a view of the colorful mountains fit the bill. 

The tasting room is spacious, with a window looking into the actual winery, with the fermentation tanks. Seating was outside, which on such a glorious day suited us well. I don't know if they increase indoor seating during the cold weather, with Covid still raging. It would be wise to call first to inquire. 

The tasting menu had 9 different wines. The model was to choose a flight of 4 for $12, and you could choose any 4 of the 9 wines. 

Huz chose the 2017 Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Petit Verdot, the 2017 Edichi (also a Petit Verdot) and the 2017 Soliterre, a white dessert wine. 

He also found the Edichi to really shine as a dessert wine, a rich red that would be enhanced by something like a flourless chocolate cake. 

He liked all the wines a lot, but highest marks were given to the 2019 Petit Verdot, which we brought home, for $22 a bottle.

My flight was a 2019 Chardonnay, the 2017 Estate Chardonnay, 2020 Sugar Ridge White and 2020 Breakheart Rosé. This last was a dry rosé, and named for the road bordering the winery, it won't break your heart. 

The 2019 Chardonnay was a delight. Easy to drink, enhanced by the sweet, salty and sharp flavors of our picnic, I began with this one, and would have been happy to just stay with that! I also gave high marks to the other three in my flight. We brought home some of my favorite Chardonnay at $20 a bottle. 

In all, White Hall wines earned consistent high marks, with all wines getting 3 or 4 ****.

Midway through our flights, the tasting room host brought out two little holiday cocktail tasters, made with the Soliterre dessert wine. They were sweet and delicious, with bubbles added and festive floating cranberries. The Soliterre is an affordable $12 bottle, and this little cocktail in a flute or coupe would be a smart way to start off a holiday party or dinner. 

It was a wonderful place to while away an autumn afternoon and we were all smiles. 

What a view!!

 

White Hall Vineyards: hours 11-5

Wines: ***+

Atmosphere/location: ****

Food- NA, but they do encourage bringing a picnic.