A group of Virginia wineries that banded together to advocate for farm-based and rural businesses is not only doing that, but also releasing an annual red blend.
Nine wineries located within close proximity of one another formed the Loudoun Heights Agritourism Council in 2019, which 868 Estate Vineyards Marketing Director Nancy Deliso told Vintner Magazine had really begun to find its stride as an advocacy group after its first year.
“The camaraderie of the group increased in importance at the very beginning of the pandemic when so many things were uncertain,” Deliso said. “We have joined together on marketing initiatives and, for the second year in a row, creating a red wine together.”
Eight Northern Loudon County wineries — Notaviva Farm Brewery and Winery, Bozzo Family Vineyards, Breaux Vineyards, Hillsborough Winery & Brewery, 868 Estate Vineyards, Maggie Malick’s Wine Caves, Doukenie Winery, and Two Twisted Posts Winery — contributed estate-grown Loudoun County wines to create this year’s blend. The 2020 Valle Tranquilo includes Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat.
The method of choosing the blend came down to a vote.
“Our process narrowed down the choices to two blends, but in the end, there was overwhelming agreement on which one we loved — a true ‘winemaker’s blend,’
complex and nuanced,” said Kerem Baki, owner and winemaker at Hillsborough Winery and Brewery. “It really exemplifies the great wine that is being produced in the Loudoun Heights terroir and the friendship between the vineyards.”
The new release involved the wineries’ community in an additional way this year, holding a label art competition.
Loudon artist Jill Braban emerged the victor over 29 other artists who competed and was honored at the bottle release event last week.
As for the wine itself, the 192 cases produced will be released for sale in the tasting rooms of the LHATC members. A portion of the proceeds raised from wine sales will support future initiatives of the LHATC, including fundraising for charitable causes within the county.
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