Wine Dogs See Red on Monticello Wine Trail

Eastwood Farm and Winery

Charlottesville, VA

On a crisp and clear fall evening, the Wine Dogs were treated to a red wine extravaganza sponsored by the Monticello Wine Trail and hosted by Eastwood Farm and Winery.

Coming on the tail of the 2025 harvest, the annual Red Wine Showcase offers insight as to why Wine Enthusiast named the Monticello AVA the 2023 Wine Region of the Year while sampling the "ghost of harvests past" from 18 of the region's leading wineries.

First to greet the Wine Dogs was hostess Athena Eastwood, joined by Gerry and Jim. Ecco enjoyed Eastwood's 2022 Petit Verdot, whose smokey elegance earned gold in the 2025 Governor's Cup Competition. Also previewed was the newly released 2023 Holiday Reserve Merlot, crafted to pair wonderfully with roasted meats and holiday stuffing.

Celebrating their first anniversary this month and already making a splash is Fallen Tree Vineyard. Ecco was welcomed by Tasting Room Manager Mikayla Thompson and owner Lisa Hale. Among their more unique reds was the 2021 Ferenz, a blend of Cabernet Franc and Chambourcin.

Cunningham Creek Winery has three winery dogs roaming the property. Was it coincidence that Ecco fell in love with the 2023 First Crush, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc with one of the dogs featured on the label? Thanks to Melissa and Tom for the yummy tasting.

Great to catch up with old pal Kephany Powell, now Tasting Room Manager at Chiswell Farm & Winery. She shared two Governor's Cup Gold winners. Ecco gave two paws up to the 2022 Cabernet Franc, while Terri raised her two "paws" for the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon.

What a treat to sample Afton Mountain Vineyard's T-19 with winemaker Damien Blanchon. This is a true terroir wine crafted from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot grapes all from the same two-acre bloc. Added bonus, Afton is very, very dog friendly.

Another familiar face was Blenheim Vineyards' talented winemaker, Kristy Harmon. Enjoyed the playful Painted Red (a blend of Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah) and loved the 2023 Cabernet Franc.

The standout from Grace Estate Winery was the 2022 "Slope of Grace" Cabernet Franc. Winemaker Robbie Corpora, a Nelson County native, explained that larger oak casks and extra time on leas lend a distinctive flavor.

Warm hugs and great wine from owner Andrea Nickels at dog-friendly Hardware Hills Vineyard. Ecco especially liked the 2023 River Bend Red, a flavor bomb combining Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. They have a cute guest cottage too!

Crafting a quality Pinot Noir wine from Virginia grapes is challenging, but Hazy Mountain Vineyards has delivered with the 2024 Pinot Noir Reserve (the grapes come from the Shenandoah AVA). Thanks to VP of Ricky de Jesus and VP of Production Jason Hayman for sharing.

Jefferson Vineyards was one of the first Monticello wineries the Wine Dogs visited at a Wine Bloggers conference 15 years ago. It continues to impress, especially the 2023 Cabernet Franc poured by Lauren.

Great wine and super hospitality have kept the Wine Dogs as Keswick Vineyards Wine Club members for over a decade. That hospitality was on full display at the Red Wine Showcase by our friend from the tasting room, Pamela, pouring the delicious 2024 Touriga. Keswick also used the occasion to debut "Journey to the Center of the Vine," an outstanding fortified wine displayed by assistant winemaker Sebastian Šrogl. 

The King Family Winery won the 2024 Monticello Cup and earned a coveted spot in the 2025 Governor's Cup Case with the 2021 Mountain Plain. The Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet France, Merlot, and Petit Verdot continues to impress. (Photo from the 2024 Red Wine Showcase).

  

The hybrids reign at Loving Cup Vineyard and Winery, one of the few certified organic vineyards on the East Coast. Owner Karl Hambsch explained the 2023 Lucky Break is a blend of Corot Noir and Marquette finished with 2 percent Norton and named after Riley the shelter dog who caught a lucky break after an accident and lived comfortably as Loving Cup's vineyard dog thereafter.

All aboard for the Lido Deck, a delightful methode-champagnoise style red from Stinson Vineyards! Winemaker Rachel Stinson says this blend of Tanat and Cabernet Sauvignon is her answer to a CabSauv that's too light. Ecco also enjoyed the 2023 Cabernet Franc.

Another surprising wine for Virginia - a Pinotage from Lovingston Winery. Owner/operator Wes Roberts says his fifth-generation South African winemaker planted the grape as an homage to his native country. The result from Virginia terroir is different from the South African version, but no less enjoyable. 

South African influence can also be found at Southwest Mountain Vineyards, courtesy of winemaker Boela Gerber. Ecco gave her paw up to the 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve.

At the Pippin Hill Farm and Winery table, production assistant Alexa treated Ecco to several gems. The rich 2019 Tanat had her tail wagging. 

Tasting Room Manager Ann and General Manager Lynn introduced the Wine Dogs to Valley Road Vineyards' impressive lineup of reds. The 2020 Petit Verdot earned gold at the 2025 Governor's Cup. The popular Torn Curtain is an approachable Chambourcin-based blend completed with Merlot and Petit Verdot.

In welcoming remarks, George Hodson of Veritas Vineyards and President of the Monticello Wine Trail said, "We are a very young and growing wine region, and we are doing great things!" And that's the word with the bark on it!