Monticello AVA

Virginia wine country has a secret weapon in Cabernet Franc, and Barboursville – one of the state's most historic and respected wineries – showcases exactly why this grape thrives in the region. Founded by a friend of Thomas Jefferson (America's first notable wine enthusiast), Barboursville continues the tradition of proving that world-class wine can indeed be made on the East Coast. This Cabernet Franc captures the variety's elegant charm – more refined than its offspring Cabernet Sauvignon, with distinctive aromatic complexity that makes it endlessly fascinating in the glass. Virginia's climate allows for a perfect expression that balances ripe fruit with the grape's natural herbaceous character. There's a brightness and purity here that speaks to thoughtful winemaking and a genuine sense of place. For those who typically reach for European wines, this bottle offers a fascinating New World interpretation with Old World sensibility. It's American wine that doesn't feel the need to shout – it simply speaks eloquently.

Finding Nebbiolo outside of its Italian homeland is rare enough – finding one this compelling is rarer still. Barboursville Vineyards, founded by a friend of Thomas Jefferson, continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in Virginia wine country with this remarkable Reserve bottling of Italy's most noble red grape. Winemaker Luca Paschina, himself an Italian transplant, brings old-world sensibility to this new-world expression of Nebbiolo. The result honors the variety's distinctive character – those classic aromatics, firm tannins, and bright acidity – while expressing the unique terroir of Virginia's Piedmont region (a name it shares with Nebbiolo's Italian homeland). This isn't trying to be Barolo or Barbaresco – it's confidently its own thing, showcasing what happens when Italian tradition meets American innovation. For the curious wine lover looking to explore beyond the usual suspects, this bottle offers a fascinating detour into one of America's most historic wine regions.

Virginia might not be the first place that comes to mind for Pinot Grigio, but Barboursville makes a compelling case for why it should be on your radar. This historic estate, founded on land once owned by Governor James Barbour (a friend of Thomas Jefferson), continues to prove that Virginia can produce wines of genuine character and quality across a range of varieties. This Pinot Grigio stands apart from the ocean of bland examples flooding the market – it has actual personality and presence in the glass. Winemaker Luca Paschina brings his Italian heritage to bear, creating a wine that honors the grape's origins while expressing the unique terroir of Virginia. There's a richness and texture here that elevates it above simple porch-pounder status, though it certainly excels in that role too. Perfect for those looking to support American wine regions beyond the West Coast or for anyone who's grown tired of one-dimensional Pinot Grigio and wants to rediscover the variety's potential.