I like Finger Lakes wines, especially Riesling and Gewurztraminer. But there are other examples to be sure from throughout the east coast of good versions of those varietals. Virginia has proven it can grow those grapes well.
Afton Mountain Vineyards is one of Virginia's pioneer farm wineries, with the oldest of their vines dating back to the 1970s. They make Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, of course, but they also make wines found at few other Virginia wineries, such as Gewürztraminer and Sangiovese.
Elizabeth and Tony Smith own Afton Mountain Vineyards. They both grew up in nearby Albemarle County and were married on June 4, 1983. Elizabeth and Tony moved to the Tidewater region of Virginia, where they both worked and raised their two children, Hunter and Tess. The Smiths have thoroughly enjoyed their return to the Charlottesville area and are having fun in their venture.
Hunter, the Smiths’ son, has been the Marketing Manager for Afton Mountain Vineyards since the summer of 2009. Hunter has a B.S. in Business Marketing. Hunter and his wife, Danielle, moved from Suffolk, VA to join the family business in 2009. Danielle graduated from Old Dominion University and works in downtown Charlottesville. Danielle also helps with events and in the tasting house. Hunter and Danielle had a baby girl, Ava, in October of 2011.
So Dominique and I shared this bottle of wine with a friend of ours. We had it fairly well chilled, which is how I like whites. I know most experts would tell you it kills some of the flavors when you do that, but I like my whites cold.
Anyway, this wine has a great nose, with lots of floral aromas and tropical fruits frothing out of the glass. Bright tropical fruit up front. Refreshing and delicious. A hint of perceived sweetness, but it's a dry wine. This was an exceptional wine. Wonderful. As good as any Gewurztraminer out there. It can hold it's own.
Congratulations to the Smiths and everyone at Afton Mountain!