Veramar Vineyards visit
Last Friday we decided to take full advantage of a mildly cool, but sunny day and visit Veramar Vineyards. Veramar Vineyards is located in Berryville , VA and situated upon a beautiful and picturesque 100 acre estate. Veramar is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and sits at the base of the Shenandoah River and offers spectacular views of the Virginia countryside in her finest and most natural form.
Cabernet Franc 2005
Veramar is a family run, third generation winery operated by Della and husband James Bogaty. Their son, Justin Bogaty, is the winemaker and to the wineries acclaim, their wines have received numerous awards in international and local competitions.
Entering the winery you will find an elegant and beautifully decorated tasting room with attractive décor and high ceilings. For the upcoming cooler months, there is also a fireplace that will assist in keeping you warm and snug while savoring your favorite glass of wine.
Tasting Room
We were warmly greeted by Della at the tasting bar and enjoyed chatting with her about anything wine related. She was kind enough to share the history of the winery with us and the Bogaty winemaking and business philosophy that has made Veramar such a successful winery for its youthful age. For those with a penchant for history, the Bogaty family winemaking heritage goes back several generations to the Italian Alps where family members still operate small vineyards today.
Tasting bar
Moving to our tasting, the following wines were poured: Chardonnay 2005, Seyval Blanc 2005, Riesling/Vidal blend NV, Cabernet Franc 2005, Rooster Red (Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc and Merlot blend), Aurora Corona (semi sweet dessert wine), and last but not least the D’Ora (dessert wine).
We enjoyed each wine poured, along with Della’s charming descriptions of each. Wines that stuck out on the palate were the Chardonnay 2005, light straw gold in color displaying a muted tropical nose with similar flavors and toasted notes on the palate. The Cabernet Franc 2005, ruby in color displays dark fruit and violet aromas with red fruit and spice flavors on the palate; I would bring this Cabernet Franc to the altar with a lamb or veal dish, yummy indeed! The Rooster Red is also a very nice blend we enjoyed, which was smooth and displayed nice integrated flavors of berry, spice and sweet oak on the palate. The D’Ora is a pleasant dessert wine that was more fruity than sweet with a nice aromatic nose and lush tropical fruit flavors on the palate.
charming and relaxing
Have you heard the phrase, “Membership has its privileges”? In fact it does, Niki became an Estate Club member and we were immediately presented with two bottles of limited production reserve wines only available to members. Wines received were the Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 and the Tres Blanc, a Chardonnay, Riesling and Vidal blend. Veramar also does a limited production Norton 2005, which is also reserved for Estate Club members only. Membership does have its privileges and I would suggest readers click here to find out more about the club and its many benefits.
Pond view
Outdoor lawn view
After our tasting we enjoyed a glass of the Cabernet Franc 2005 and Seyval Blanc 2005 and walked about the attractive grounds and found a pair of comfy outdoor chairs by a nearby pond. While sitting out and enjoying the wonderful surroundings, I was left to wonder if English novelist James Hilton was speaking of this place when he coined the term Shangri La in his book Lost Horizon. Shangri La, in the book symbolizes peace on earth and a place of harmony, happiness and joy, all of which can be found at Veramar along with quality wines.
My new little cute & furry friend
In closing, I strongly recommend readers visit Veramar Vineyards and check their events page as there are some pretty fun wine events coming up. With breath taking views, a friendly staff, and a selection of quality wines, you can certainly find your piece of Shangri La at Veramar Vineyards. When you do decide to visit please let them know you read about them on Virginia Vine Spot.
PS… Say hello to my little furry friend for me whe you decide to visit.
Happy Sipping!
Dezel
