Several weeks ago I was poking around on the web looking for a source for a good local wine, a gift for a friend, when I ran across nearby Chateau Morrisette, a Virginia winery located on the Blue Ridge Parkway south west of Roanoke. A link on their web page took me to a write up about and schedule for “The Blue Ridge Wine Tail” – a weekend event sponsored by several local beverage makers in the area. Unlike many “wine trail” tasting events across the Blue Ridge region, this wine trail includes not only local wines, but hard cider, honey Meade, and locally brewed beers. One of the last “Wine Trail” events of the summer season was scheduled for the coming weekend. I couldn’t resist! The idea of all those different taste and a cruise along one of my favorite sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway! Man … it just doesn’t get any better than that!
The next day, I called Chateau Morrisette to schedule a phone interview for the Blue Ridge Post Radio Podcast about the event. (see podcast below) I was referred to Diane Flynt, owner and chief cider maker at Foggy Ridge Ciders near Dugspur, Va. one of the key sponsors. When Diane first told me Foggy Ridge Ciders was so far out in the backwoods of SW Virginia that the road …”had no lines” I wasn’t sure what to make of the charming, West Point, GA drawl on the other end of the phone line.
How many Georgia Peaches do you know who are passionate … about making Hard Cider .. and live in the VA boondocks!
We scheduled the interview for next day, early – before the sun took the dew from the orchard. After all there were apples to pick once the grasses were dry! You can listen to Diane’s passion for southwest Virginia and cider making below or at the Blue Ridge Post Radio program page. After the interview, I couldn’t wait for the coming weekend.
Saturday, first day of the two day event, started out less than perfect for a cruise along the parkway – rain – and inches of it. Rather than fighting the fog and rain up in the mountains, we took the less scenic route up the valley on interstate 81. After a few twist and turns along hwy 221, we found our way to Foggy Ridge Ciders and Diane’s crush pad and tasting room. (see the video below)
Small, but spotless, the Foggy Ridge cider house and products produced there were a pleasant surprise. Meeting Diane in person was the best treat of all. We sampled three very different ciders, from differing blends of apples grown locally, and a fourth cider/brandy blend. Appetizers chosen to accent the ciders were included as part of the modest ticket pricing ($30) for the five stop event!
Foggy Ridge Ciders is in fact located on back roads with no lines, but driving directions from the Parkway or the big city of Floyd, VA are straight forward. And even though the official “Wine Trail” is held only twice a season, the Foggy Ridge cider house is open regularly for visitors. The sponsoring group has also opened a tasting room in Floyd for those less interested in roaming around the SW VA backwoods!
We continued the Blue Ridge Wine Trail with stops at Black Snake Meadery, Chateau Morrisette, and Villa Appalacia, each a unique experience in Blue Ridge hospitality and brewing skills.
Unfortunately we were not able to make it to Shooting Creek Brewery or Anrim Wine Cellers – simply ran out of time. But the Blue Ridge Wine Trail is on the calendar for the coming Spring, an we will allow for a lot more time.
If you have an adventurous streak (for both wine and geography) … like we do … this is a weekend trip you will not want to miss!
Be sure to listen to to my interview with Diane Flynt (listen right here – or subscribe to the podcast) and check out video clip made while on the tour.
The Blue Ridge Wine Trail ... BRP Web Radio
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Until next time
DLW
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