By Gail Lambert
Wineries are much-beloved places to relax and enjoy the taste of an essence of nature. Even better,
Valhalla Vineyards sits atop a mountain at 2,000 feet in elevation with views of the
Roanoke Valley mere minutes from the Star City. With leaves beginning to blaze, the views are even more spectacular, but the wine is what it’s all about.
And what wine it is! The vineyard is producing world-class, award-winning cabernet sauvignon, merlot, chardonnay and many more; Valhalla is the first vineyard outside California to produce Alicante Bouschet. The secret lies in the climate and decomposing granite soils similar to the
Rhone Valley of France. Owners James and Debra Vascik claim the premier terroir on the East coast.
The vineyard is open through December 20 on weekend afternoons, although closed on Fridays during November and December. Tours include the vineyard, winery and Barrel Cave, where barrels of wine are stored 60 feet underground for steady humidity, cave-cool year round temperatures, and darkness for the proper aging of wine. Tastings take place at the Cellar Door, built in 2004.
Also taking place at the Cellar Door are the Wine Maker Dinner Series, featuring the Harvest Gourmet Wine Dinner on October 16 and Holiday Gourmet Wine Dinner December 18. Executive Chef Jason Pollard, previously of
Fess Parker Winery in California, will preside over the food with wine and fun to match. Call for reservations, 540-725-9463.
For more information, contact Valhalla Vineyards, 6500 Chestnut Road, Roanoke, VA 24018. Visit:
www.valhallawines.com