Vineyard Meets Bistro

Our Foodie Field Trip to Virginia wine country continues with a visit to Early Mountain Vineyards, the latest addition to the Monticello Wine Trail-- Steve Case (co-founder of AOL) and wife Jean bought the Sweely Winery Estates in November 2011. After major renovations, they reopened June 2012 as Early Mountain Vineyards, a social enterprise re-investing all profits into the Virginia wine region. They offer a much wider range of wine-tasting and dining options than the typical vineyard, in hopes of enticing guests to hang out for a while rather than vineyard-hopping.

The tasting room has a stand-up bar for those interested in a more traditional, on-the-go experience, as well as plenty of seating and a large fireplace for those wishing to settle in for a bit. Those seeking outdoor seating can choose from multiple patios and a hillside terrace with fire pits, Adirondack chairs, and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to their own, Early Mountain's tasting room offers wines from all over Virginia wine country on a monthly rotating basis--currently, nine different vineyards are featured. A plus for guests, since the vineyards aren't exactly within walking distance.

The dining experience at Early Mountain also offers more options than most vineyards. In addition to snacks, cheeses and charcuterie, their marketplace menu features a selection of gourmet panini and more substantial dishes, including smoked gouda mac & cheese and meatloaf with roasted fingerling potatoes. Not to mention decadent desserts like a salted caramel cheesecake. Local ingredients are heavily featured, underscoring Early Mountain's dedication to Virginia's food purveyors and artisans.

All of today's photos courtesy Gary Barnhart Photography

Do you know of any delicious destinations that we should feature? Email Alia.Khan@bisnow.com with suggestions.