Southern Scribes Blog

Is making wine a science or an art?

Stephane sample some wines.

During my last day at the winery, I was able to see the other side of  wine making and have a little fun sampling….why not!  The harvest was done and it was time to follow Katell, the winemaker, and ask lots questions including punching down, fining, yeast, fermentation, temperature and chemistry. During the afternoon I was able to spend time with Jonathan, the winemaker for sparkling wine, and learn about their Blanc de Blanc, Brut. 

At The Dining Room at Woodlands Inn we have been awarded Five Stars, Five Diamonds and Charleston’s Restaurant of the Year but when it comes time to select a wine By The Glass, we select for the taste.  That’s why we serve Virginia’s Kluge Blanc de Blanc Brut 2005, the domestic sparkling wine winner from the blind sampling picked by the staff. 

In my opinion a winemaker has the same job as a painter, he/she needs to bring to the glass of wine the best of the vineyard and make people dream about their visits.  We drink wine for health purposes, for our heart, for relieving stress and, for most of us, amateur to wine connoisseur it’s about the memories.  When you visit a winery that provides warmth, hospitality, and great wine you will tell your friends about your experience.  When Salamander Resort & Spa opens in Middleburg, VA, near Washington D.C., it will be the best destination on the East Coast for wine, food and lodging.

My time is over at the winery and hope that if you read this blog you will consider a visit  to a Virginia winery, particularily in Charlottesville, Middleburg or Loudoun County.