I wrote about Barrel Oak Winery a few months back. Belated congratulations are in order to Brian and Sharon for the largest winery opening in Virginia.

I went out to visit them with the wine club a week after they opened and the winery is amazing. In his previous life Brian built houses and it really shows in the winery design, it is open an expansive with three floors, all of which will eventually have tasting stations.

In addition to a great interior, the stone patio is laid out nicely with great views of the rolling land behind the tasting room.

How do the wines match up to the winery? Very well. They have a wide range of wines to suit almost any palette. Three highlights of the tasting:

Seyval Blanc: A great summer wine. This was a light and fruity wine with hints of grapefruit and a clean taste that was easy on the tongue.

Tour'Ga Franc: This is a blend of 60% Touriga and 40% Cabernet Franc, an interesting idea with a cute name. Virginia Cabernet Francs tend to have a peppery taste to them, the Touriga helps to smooth that out and you get more of a cinnamon taste with a aromas of vanilla and plum. A very good wine.

Chocolate Lab: This port-style wine is a blend of Merlot, Muscat and Cabernet Sauvignon that is infused with cocoa beans. I am not really a fan of port, but everyone who tried the wine loved it. The wine has a unique taste, and the way the wine blends with the chocolate on your tongue creates a wonderful sensation.

Definitely check out Barrel Oak as soon as you get a chance!