March 10 2014

Vineyard Times: The Good Life

It’s Marvelous Monday and I’m trying to refrain from crawling back into bed to doze off and make up for the hour we lost. Oh well, I’ll take this day light savings thing because more daylight is a plus.

Marvelous is a day spent with a shining group of gals nestled away in the stunning Blue Ridge mountains at a family-run vineyard.

On Saturday afternoon, we spent the day at Veritas Vineyard & Winery. The name is derived from the Roman historian Pliny The Elder’s observation, “In vino veritas,” meaning, “in wine there is truth,” and that truth comes from the grapes grown at Veritas.

The vineyard is carefully tucked away in the idyllic mountains of Charlottesville where a long road weaves through the fields of grapes, ending at a large and inviting tasting room filled with a musty, sweet and complex cork-scented aroma.

Upon arrival, the tasting room staff greeted us as we took in the elegant chandeliers, glossy wooden tables, tall stunning red ceilings, long velvet curtains, ample cushy seating, and the stone fireplace.

We ordered a few bottles of wine to share, selecting the “White Star,” a blend of Viognier, Traminette, Chardonnay, and Petite Manseng, with layers of peach, apricot, mango, pineapple, tangerine and coconut. It’s described as a complex but palate friendly style of wine, recommend in its youth to truly reap the tropical flavors and satisfy the taste buds.

The spirits and tannins were surely flowing.

Craving something to accompany the fruity wine in our bellies, we decided to order a tasty cheese plate. The plate came with 3 gourmet cheeses, homemade apple chutney and a warm baguette.

After noshing, we felt it only right to make our way to the cozy wooden deck to take in the luscious views, especially after weeks of chilly temps. The deliciously warm sun was the icing to our already decorated cake.