The landscape and climate of Virginia offers countless choice sites for vineyards. Each of the state’s main regions boast vineyards and wineries. Dave and I have been living in Virginia for 9 years now, but this was the first time we got to visit a Virginia vinery. We chose the family owned Pilip Carter vinery in Hume, VA. We scheduled our visit a month ahead, but weather wasn’t great this day. Nevertheless, we had an amazing time.
Just arrived, at the lobby.
The vinery was pretty empty because of the rainy weather, so we started our testing right away, while waiting for our tour.
There are few places that can boast the rich depth of American wine history that the Philip Carter Winery reflects. The family name carries a two hundred and fifty-three year legacy dating back to 1762 as producers of the first internationally recognized fine wines in America. Philip Carter Winery is seated on 27 acres among rolling hills and vineyards in the heart of Fauquier County’s Wine Country. Here we are exploring inside the lobby.
Dave seems happy with his glass of wine.
The wine glasses are complementary when you buy a tour, so we will own 2 Pilip Carter glasses after the tour.
We ended up having a private guided tour, since nobody else showed up. Yay!
This is where the beginning of the wine process takes place.
Walked into a testing room at the end of the winery tour.
A view from the window. Spectacular landscapes, picturesque vineyards and fascinating people make up Virginia’s wine industry.
Getting ready for the wine testing.
We were offered about 11-12 wines, from white to reds and finished with a port type of wine, which was amazing. My favorite white wine was 2014 Governor Fauquier. The Governor Fauquier is an off-dry wine made from 100% Vidal Blanc. The nose consists of pineapple, pear, peach, mango, and honey. Citrus, melon and apple refresh the palate.
Dave’s favorite red wine was 2014 Corotoman. Philip Carter Winery’s Corotoman is a blend of Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The medium acidity and low alcohol balance well the soft structure of the tannins.
After the wine tasting we were given a picnic basket, complete with all the makings of a great picnic (picnic blanket, cutting board, crackers, salted meat and cheese and yes, of course…more wine).
Picking up a picnic basket.
Started raining again. Still pretty.
It would have been a very nice picnic outside if not for the rain. 🙂
Having picnic inside. Nice quiet atmosphere with light music at the bar. The winery wasn’t crowded at all and we had a very intimate experience.
Took a couple pics of the vineyard before leaving the winery.
A lot of grapes were still on the vines.
Still raining. Leaving the winery.
Getting an umbrella ready for the walk to the parking lot.
