Hillsborough Vineyards: A Gem of a Winery
The last time Vine Spot visited Hillsborough Vineyards, everyone was in costume and celebrating Halloween at Hillsborough 2006. What great fun we had and Vine Spot hopes to return to the Halloween at Hillsborough 2007. Now lets talk about this wonderful winery shall we?
Hillsborough Vineyard
Hillsborough Vineyards is located in Loudoun County and boasts some of the most stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding country side. Hillsborough Vineyards sits atop a vineyard fronted hill and the tasting room is housed in an eye catching renovated 19th century stone fronted barn. On the inside, guests will find a spacious tasting room that is nicely decorated, rustic, yet elegant and chalk full of small town character and appeal.
Bora and Kerem Baki enjoying the fine fruits of their labor
Hillsborough is a small family owned and operated winery that specializes in producing a limited amount of hand crafted and high quality blended wines. On any given visit, owners Bora and Zeynep Baki can be found in the tasting room alongside son and winemaker Kerem spreading good cheer and pouring their award winning wines.
Dezel studying the liquid gems on the tasting sheet...Yummy!
Wondering why Vine Spot refers to Hillsborough wines as liquid gems? Hillsborough wines are named after gem stones and for the small tasting fee of $3 you can enjoy the fine red and white collection. The wines, or should I say gems, offered during our tasting were the following: Carnelian 2005 (Chardonnay and Rousanne blend), Opal 2005 (Viognier and Chardonnay blend), Garnet 2004 (Classic Bordeaux blend), Ruby 2004 (Tannat, Touriga Nacional and Petit Verdot blend), Bloodstone 2004 (Fer Servadou, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat blend) and lastly, the sweet ending, the Moonstone 2004 (Late Harvest Viognier and Chardonnay blend).
The Opal and Carnelian were both smooth and refreshing with a nice creamed texture. The Opal 2005 in particular, offers an inviting bouquet and displays ripe tree fruit and subtle toasty flavors on the palate; the perfect mate to grilled fish, white sauce and pork and poultry dishes. One of Vine Spots favorites, the Bloodstone 2004, is a full bodied complex blend offering dark fruit flavors with nice cocoa and vanilla nuances. The Bloodstone is your steak or heavy dish wine and is simply yummy! The Ruby 2004 is on the fuller side of medium bodied and displays nice red to dark fruit flavors with pepper, spice and subtle oak flavors. This wine can stand up to most red meat and red sauce dishes, although Vine Spot enjoys the Ruby as a nice relaxing evening sipper. For the sweet ending, the Moonstone 2004 is just as sweet as it is fruity and offers inviting aromas and a silky smooth texture, making it the perfect ending to a tasty evening meal.
Relax in the comfy chairs and enjoy the beautiful view
After tasting, we enjoyed some friendly chat with staff and stocked up on a few of the liquid gems to add to the growing collection. Even though it was a bit chilly outdoors, Vine Spot still took a stroll out doors to enjoy the gorgeous Loudoun Countryside whilst relaxing outdoors in the comfy chairs.
View from the stone floored deck
Do plan a leisurely visit as Hillsborough offers light gourmet fare or you can pack a picnic basket to enjoy with Hillsborough award winning wines. There is ample seating indoors in the dining area or on nicer days, guests can sit at tables on the stone floored patio and enjoy the spectacular views. Trust me, spring time is a nice time for sitting outdoors at Hillsborough while enjoying your favorite liquid gem.
Beauty runs deep at Hillsborough Vineyards
I recommend readers visit Hillsborough Vineyards web site and check out the fun events they offer. This year Hillsborough will host a Mothers and Fathers Day brunch, a Barrel Tasting and a Spring Festival with Turkish BBQ; these are just primers, check their web site for all current and future events.
The Baki’s – Offering a Friendly Atmosphere & Excellent Wines
When readers visit Hillsborough Vineyards, please let the Baki’s know you read about them right here on Virginia Vine Spot!
Looking for something to do for Valentines Weekend? Hillsborough Vineyards is having Chocolate fondue for Valentine’s Day. There will be decadent chocolate covered fruit paired with Hillsborough’s Ruby and Moonstone wines.
Happy Sipping friends!
Dezel
