A sunny Saturday in early May led us through the rolling hills of Virginia to two charming wineries, each with its own story to tell—and flavors to share.
First Stop: Winding Road Cellars With the breeze drifting through the vines, we sampled five distinctive wines that showcased Winding Road’s handcrafted touch. Whether it was a crisp white or a bold red, each pour revealed something about the land and the winemaker’s vision. The tasting room carried a relaxed, unpretentious energy that made lingering easy.
Then Onward to Philip Carter Winery Rooted in Virginia’s wine heritage, Philip Carter offered four expressive pours that leaned into tradition and elegance. The estate’s sense of history felt woven into the experience—from the classic structure of their blends to the grounds that invited slow wandering between sips.
Back in 2015, tucked along the Virginia countryside, Winding Road Cellars poured a lineup that ranged from the rustic to the refined. While tasting notes were scarce, the experience still managed to tell its story—one sip at a time.
2008 Chambourcin – Tart, tart. The phrase says it all. High-acid and unapologetic, this Chambourcin came out swinging. A bold start, if a bit brash. At $6 a glass or $24 a bottle, it packed a punch without breaking the bank. Rating: 90.
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon – Butter. Surprising to find that in a Cab, but it gave the wine a round, soft edge—possibly from oak aging or a mellow bottle life. Unexpectedly smooth, with a touch of luxury. $7/$38. Rating: 91.
2007 Cabernet Franc – No notes, but no slouch. This one aged gracefully. While my pen was silent, my rating wasn’t—92 suggests it charmed its way onto the podium. Likely a mix of black cherry, spice, and soft tannins. $7/$29.
2012 Tribute – The name says it all. Offered only by the bottle at $28, Tribute felt like Winding Road’s statement piece. A blend crafted to commemorate something meaningful—its structure hinted at ambition, and my score agreed. Rating: 92.
2010 Chardonnay – Full-bodied and my favorite. Creamy, tropical, and confidently round—this Chard delivered. At $6 a glass or $27 a bottle, it offered elegance without pretense. A fitting finale to the tasting flight. Rating: 92.
Our second stop of the day brought us to a winery steeped in Virginia’s vinous heritage. Philip Carter’s lineup leaned into expressive aromatics, thoughtful winemaking, and a few surprises that still linger on the palate years later.
2013 Viognier – White peach, pear, and a floral breeze. This Viognier opened with honeysuckle and stone fruit, then settled into a medium-bodied palate where pear took the lead. A 60/40 oak-to-steel blend gave it both weight and lift—malolactic fermentation adding creaminess, stainless steel preserving a crisp finish. A classic pairing for lemon pepper chicken. $10/$29. Rating: 89.
2013 Rosewell Rosé – Roses, ripe strawberry, and a twist of spice. Aromas of cherry blossom and vineyard roses gave way to a palate led by strawberry and a whisper of cinnamon. You called it “Different but Good”—and that tracks. This dry rosé had enough body and acidity to shine as a summer aperitif or alongside goat cheese. $9/$24. Rating: 90.
2013 Governor Fauquier – Tropical fruit meets orchard freshness. Made from 100% Vidal Blanc and finished off-dry, this wine danced between pineapple, mango, and honey on the nose, and citrus, melon, and apple on the palate. Stainless steel aging kept it bright, while 2% residual sugar added just enough sweetness to balance the acidity. A little sweet, I noted—and award-winning to boot. $9/$24. Rating: 91. Awards: Silver – 2013 San Francisco Int’l Wine Competition; Silver – 2013 Atlantic Seaboard; Bronze – 2014 Virginia Governor’s Cup.
2013 Shirley Chardonnay – Bold, creamy, and built to linger. Named for the historic Shirley Plantation, this Chardonnay was aged 80% in French oak and underwent 70% malolactic fermentation. Apple and lemon led the nose, evolving into coconut and buttered popcorn. Creamy mouthfeel, bright fruit, and a long finish made this a standout. I rated it highest—and the judges agreed. $10/$28. Rating: 92. Awards: Silver – 2014 San Francisco Chronicle; Bronze – 2014 Virginia Governor’s Cup.
Two Wineries, One Memorable May Day
May 9, 2015 was a study in contrast—and harmony. Winding Road Cellars offered a rustic, no-frills charm, where the wines spoke softly but carried structure and intent. Philip Carter, by comparison, brought a touch more pageantry and polish, with expressive whites and a winemaking style steeped in detail.
From a tart Chambourcin to a creamy Chardonnay, a dry rosé to a tropical Vidal Blanc, the journey between the two tastings painted a diverse portrait of Virginia wine. Each glass held more than just flavor—it held place, season, and memory.
Sometimes, the best tastings aren’t about fanfare or flawless notes. They’re about stopping along the road, letting the sun hit your back, and discovering new favorites in places you weren’t expecting.
