29 March, 2024, 01:38

Grape Stomping, Craft Beverages, and Wine Dinners Await in West Virginia

Did you know West Virginia used to be one of the largest producing wine regions in the Pre-Civil War Era? A wide case of blight in the 1800s destroyed most of the area’s vineyards, and only today is the area beginning to make a comeback. Still relatively uncharted, now’s the time to explore this wine region and taste the distinct grape varieties that call it home.

West Virginia has a wide range of topography from the Ohio River and Potomac River Valleys in the west and south to the Allegheny Mountains in the north. Due to the cooler climates of this Mountain State, dessert wines and Rieslings do especially well here. If you’re planning a trip to West Virginia, we recommend some of the wine experiences below to make your trip extra memorable.

Try Cold Climate Wines

Located in southern West Virginia, Daniel Vineyards had the challenge of cultivating grapes at a high elevation with very cold temperatures. Over the years they have perfected the art of viticulture in a challenging climate, and now successfully produce 15 unique grapes that keep locals coming back for more. This year they are hosting their second annual Craft Beverage Festival, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste different wines and beers from craft producers across West Virginia. 

Stomp on Some Grapes

Grape stomping is one of those classic wine experiences that many people dream about, but few get to take part in. During Kirkwood Winery’s annual Grape Stomping Festival, they celebrate the community element of winemaking with a fun and vibrant family atmosphere where everyone takes part in the preservation of Appalachian viticulture. Apart from the wine, the festival also showcases live music, covered wagon rides, and a clogging show!

Sip & Savor

Nothing goes better with wine than a well-crafted meal. During Stonewall Resort’s Mō zāik Wine Pairing Dinner on August 17th, you’ll get to savor a four-course dinner of locally sourced ingredients paired perfectly with Mō zāik Wines, a collection of wines created by Scheid Family Wines of Monterey, California in partnership with BENCHMARK®. Mō zāik grapes are 100 percent estate grown and sustainably farmed, and the collection is made up of four carefully selected types of wine:

Mō zāik Sauvignon Blanc 

Fresh and vibrant, with juicy stone fruit, grapefruit tones and citrus flavors with a crisp, clean finish. 

Mō zāik Pinot Noir

Graceful and balanced, with red cherry, plum, and pomegranate with hints of toast and spice. 

Mō zāik Chardonnay 

Smooth and balanced, with pineapple, white peach and citrus flavors with subtle oak and nuance of vanilla. 

Mō zāik Cabernet Sauvignon

Rich and complex, displaying blackberry, cassis and mocha flavors backed by soft, silky tannins.

The culinary event will highlight all of the wines in the Mō zāik collection and take you on a delectable journey through plates like Smoked Duck and Goat Cheese Crostini and Chorizo and Melon Salad. 

Enjoy West Virginia

With beautiful West Virginia as a backdrop, Stonewall Resort reminds its guests that life should be a mix of playing and relaxation. The property itself lies on 1,900 acres of pure wilderness, which means you can easily spend your days exploring trails or lounging lakeside. Then when you’re ready to wind down your evening, pamper yourself with top-notch food and a glass of your favorite glass of vino. 

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