Feb 19, 2020

Riding and Wining Away The Winter Days

Its National Drink Wine Day, and here at Altor headquarters we want to let you know about one of our favorite self-guided biking wine tours.

We are lucky to call Loudoun County, Virginia home, with the county’s rolling hills boasting more than 40 wineries, leading Conde Nast Traveler to describe the area as the new Napa Valley.

The area has been re-branded DC’s Wine Country, and a growing list of entrepreneurs have flocked to our neighborhood, making it a premier wine and cycling destination right outside Washington, DC. Virginia’s farm winery act helped pave the way decades ago, allowing winemakers to sell their products directly to retailers and consumers. Making pit-stops at some of Loudoun's top stops for wine lovers, our wine and cycling tour is not the only blend you will enjoy on this trip.

Brunch at Shoes Cup & Cork

17 N. King Street, Leesburg, VA, shoescupandcork.com

Plan to stop first at Shoes, the kitchen uses local and sustainable products, with a focus on Virginia beer and wine. Dine in the quaint little café, originally an old shoe repair shop, with the original shop features integrated into a mix of eclectic vintage décor, or go through the long narrow ‘Alley’ to the backyard and visit the Secret Garden, with an outdoor Bocce Court and plenty of ‘chill’ seating. The staff are happy, service is leisurely. Order the Mimosa served in cute glass milk bottles poured into champagne glasses, the Smoked Salmon Plate, with the perfect toasted-on-the-outside-chewy-on-the-inside yummy bagel done just right. Also, the Quinoa Kale Salad is delish and perfect for the gluten-free crowd.

Tip:
-Visit the Secret Garden
-Gluten free items
-Dog and kid friendly

Credit: Fabbioli Vineyards

Wine Tasting & Food Pairing at Fabbioli Cellars

15669 Limestone School Road, Leesburg, VA, Fabbioliwines.com

The Fabbioli Vineyard is unique in their approach to tastings in that they mix a food bite with a sip of wine. Seven Fabbioli wines paired with Seven gourmet bites. Bites are made in house with ingredients grown on the premises or sourced by local vendors. We loved this tasting because it allowed us to understand the pairing of wine with food later at home. The ‘Sip-Bite- Sip Experience’ demonstrates how the food interacts with the wine and changes on the palate. And since the pairing changes every month, upon return it will be a different experience all over again. The staff are very knowledgeable and guide visitors through the experience with warm friendliness. The “Something White” Is crisp and wonderful, the Una Pera is a unique wine made with pears that are grown on the land, and the Paco Rojo is the perfect red table wine. They also offer a couple of ciders. Grab a few bottles, purchase a food plate, and chose a place to sit and relax with your friends, your family or your furry friend. Soak in the sunshine and the clean country air.

Tip:
-The Indoor area is for tastings only.
-Food pairings can be adjusted for allergies.
-Lots of outdoor seating in sunny or shaded areas.
-Kid and dog friendly. Also, adult only areas.
-There is food for purchase, and dining tables
-Bring comfortable walking shoes to explore the vineyard, to stretch your legs.

Credit: Winery32

Taste the Peach Sangria at Winery 32:
32 Acres, 32 Years, 32 Peach Trees

15066 Limestone School Rd, Leesburg, VA 20176, Winery32.com

Winery32 uses their own home grown peaches to make their signature wine. Family owned and operated, their wine tasting includes three red and three whites. They are known for their killer Chambourcin. The peach sangria is delicious. We prefer hanging out on the deck sipping a glass and taking in the lake view and wild-life, absorbing the peaceful serene vista. They also offer a bistro menu, frequently served to you by the owner and chef. You can get real food, like pasta, tacos, turkey chili, which can be key to help soak up the alcohol and help getting back on the bike to ride home.

Tip:
-Gorgeous views with lots of photo ops
-Wine labels are the work of the owners daughter

Photo Credit: Lost Creek Winery

Wrap up at Lost Creek Winery

43285 Spinks Ferry Rd, Leesburg, VA 20176, LostCreekWinery.com

This boutique culinary winery is nestled in the woods, between Rt15 and the Potomac. Every single wine is consistently tasty. Offers outdoor seating under wisteria vines, a wine tasting bar, and table service. Executive Chef Landon Barnes, a West Virginia native who features farm-to-table menus driven by hyper-seasonal local menu of ‘small plates’ — everything ranging from home-made hummus to gilled-cheese with ham and petit Basque cheese garnished with grilled pear – to a heartier stew. Wines are tasty and award winning, the top red blend, Echelon, the first vintage, 2016, was awarded a double-gold in the San Francisco International wine competition and scored 90-points from James Suckling. Delicious food and wine pairing with a knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Tip:
- Sunday’s brunch is offered between 11a-5p.
- For groups of 4+ make reservations.
- Cozy fire inside on cold days.

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