vaporization DRINK CHANELING THOMAS JEFFERSON ON THE WINE TRAIL.

Kluge Estate

t’s not often you get to blend your overseas (and interstate) to gain the relevant In 1773 Jefferson met Fillipo Mazzei, own variety of red — the precise experience to tackle such a demanding job. an Italian winemaker and industrialist measurements, the expert palate, Today she not only works the vineyards but whose plan it was to produce wine, oils and the endless combinations… it’s a also mans the purpose-built tasting facility, silks for the colony. Jefferson immediately wonderI winemakers get any sleep at all. giving visitors a one-of-a-kind winery invested in the company and Mazzei planted Perched on the second floor of Bleinheim experience. “Often people don’t know it’s 400 acres of vines alongside Jefferson’s Estate (owned by none other than music me,” she laughs. “I’m not really what they Monticello estate. For various reasons — maestro Dave Matthews), it’s hard not to expect when they think “winemaker.” But transportation limitations, local wildlife, appreciate the stunning scenery, the historic this interaction with the customers allows vine disease — the property was never able surroundings and, of course, the high caliber me to get an honest opinion of our wines, to yield enough to produce wine. of wines available in this region. Over half of and to me that’s all that matters.” Having Over 200 years later, another passionate ’s 2,000 vineyard acres grow within worked in some of the great wine regions in Italian winemaker by the name of Gabriele the Monticello AVA, and on this particular the world, Harmon is one of many who are Rausse — now considered the father of occasion a lucky few were about to experience taking up the Virginian viticulture cause. viticulture in Virginia — brought Jefferson the endless trials and tribulations needed to Thomas Jefferson first envisioned and Mazzei’s dream to fruition, replanting produce an award-winning blend. Virginia to be a premier wine making region the vineyards first established in 1774. Resident winemaker Kirsty Harmon some 200 years ago. He believed it could Facing many of the pioneers’ difficulties, took us through several amateur blenders produce wines that would stand shoulder Rausse poured over Jefferson’s notes looking coming up trumps with a winning to shoulder with those from the Old World. for answers to the perplexing problems combination of the vineyard’s Petit His endless quest for knowledge saw him he faced. Even today, Rausse continues to Verdot, and Cabernet travel the globe in search of innovations in read over Jefferson’s 20,000-odd letters, Franc. Born in the Netherlands, Harmon, the fields of agriculture, viticulture, science, searching for wisdom. “All the answers you Bleinheim’s wine wizard, has spent the archeology and the arts; visiting many need are there,” he explains. And he’s right: majority of her life in Virginia, heading wineries in the process. Jefferson Vineyards, open to the public,

MARCH 2010 180 sustenance now produces award-winning Pinot Grigio, , , Viogneir, , and Cabernet Sauvingnon under the guidance of general manager Chad Zakaib and winemaker Andy Reagan. Down the road from Bleinheim, not far from Jefferson Vineyards, Kluge Estate sits nestled in looming greenery, picnic tables inviting passersby to stop in and say “hi.” Owned by Patricia Kluge, whose personal journey from crop to harvest, and endless survey work to produce production, has been a labor of love, not without its fair share of blood, sweat and tears. The winemaking business is a tough one and the feeling of camaraderie among the 22 Virginia wineries does not go unnoticed. Another family affair, her husband takes care of many finite details when it comes to retail and wholesale production while daughter Kirstin recently released a skincare Kluge Estate range produced from the grapes themselves, called Skincare from the Vineyard. King Family Vineyards, on the northern Monticello wine trail, is a must- stop for visitors. Guided by the charismatic David King, the King family moved from Texas seeking the quiet “country” life, soon, however, the challenge of the vine came a-calling. Enlisting the services of countless experts, the King family decided to do everything from the ground up, from post to pillar, so to speak. Their vineyard produces top-notch wine of almost 100 percent estate- grown fruit. With old-school hospitality in abundance, King Family Vineyards also provides unique entertainment, in the form of weekly polo matches where the public are invited to pull up a picnic basket and cheer on the vineyard’s team. Check the website for polo season dates. By far the granddaddy of Virginia winemaking, was established in 1976 and continues to be a Monticello House big draw card, set upon the estate of the Virginian governor during the War of 1812. Owned by the largest family-held winemaking enterprise in Italy, it also has a magnificent bed and breakfast on site, decked out in the very finest antiques, which sits next to historic ruins. Award- winning wines, picturesque backdrops, fantastic on site restaurant… what more could you want? Whether you decide to travel the north, south, east or west trail, Monticello has something for everyone with one thing in common: a dedication to make the very best wine available. Although many continue to experiment with differing varietals there is no doubt a from Virginia is hot property. The colder climate matched with the lands elevation is proving to be a winning combination. Thomas Jefferson would be proud. ANGELA GILLTRAP Monticello Visitor’s Center

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