"Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures." - Michael Broadbent
This past weekend my husband surprised me with a private tasting with the owner, Tayloe at Upper Shirley Vineyards in Charles City, Virginia. Yet, that wasn't the only surprise waiting for me! My best friend Alisha and her husband were waiting for me on the steps of the vineyard. It was an absolute fantastic way to kick off my birthday week!
I'm really lucky to have a sweet husband who is so thoughtful to include one of my closest friends on an important milestone. Alisha and I have been best friends since college, and one of the many things we love is wine.
Upper Shirley is one of my new favorite vineyards in Virginia. The owner is amazing and is passionate about his wines. We were fortunate to learn about the vineyard and all that they are doing. It is rare that I like every single wine on the tasting, but this place made it happen! Not only were the wines amazing, but the food is to die for, and their chef is awesome! It is definitely worth a visit.
Today I'm sharing my top four picks from Upper Shirley along with Alisha's selection too!
My Top Picks
Read More"There's nothing better than a glass of wine, a girlfriend, and a long talk." - Karen Fairchild
This past weekend, I met up with my best friend Tiffany in Richmond, VA. We spent the day shopping, eating amazing food, and of course wine tasting!
Tiffany and I went to one of our favorite places, Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurants. We absolutely love visiting this wonderful spot. The wine tasting menu is amazing. There are so many options to choose from. No matter what your palette may be, you'll most certainly find a wine that is perfect.
Each month Cooper's Hawk releases a new wine that is so spectacular and unique! For this month the Cabernets is the featured wine. It is the perfect blend of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon! We both fell in love with it immediately. I even purchased a bottle to share with G!
Below Tiffany & I have selected our top five picks from Cooper's Hawk!
Tiffany's Picks
Tiffany loves sweet white wines and light bodied reds.
Read More"I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not." - Coco Chanel
Read More“I don’t want to talk. I want to eat too many fries and drink way too much wine ...” - Olivia Pope
One thing you will come to find out about me is that wine and I have a fantastic relationship! I love going to wineries and vineyards - not only to drink wine (duh!), but to learn about the wine-making process, and all of the varietals. Call me a wine snob, haha, but in the Gregory household we take it super serious. I'm breaking down my top 5 favorite Virginia wineries and vineyards - in no particular order of course, because all wine is created equal.
- Williamsburg Winery This winery holds a special place in my heart. G and I had our third date at this winery, and he asked me to be his girlfriend that day. We took our engagement photos there during the Spring in 2015. Also, my two best friends Alisha and Tiffany, helped my Mama throw me the most perfect bridal shower. Williamsburg Winery is in such a beautiful location, and tucked away in historic Williamsburg. Most importantly their wines are phenomenal. Fave Wine: The Adagio
- Upper Shirley Vineyards This vineyard literally blew me away. It is a fairly new vineyard, but my gosh their wines are fantastic. This vineyard is outside of Richmond, VA, and sits on one of the most gorgeous pieces of land ever. Also, be sure to check out their restaurant - it is amazing and super delicious! Fave Wine: The Tannat
- Saude Creek Vineyards The view of this vineyard is breathtaking, and the wines are simply to die for. The staff is super sweet and so knowledgeable. This vineyard also sits outside of Richmond, VA. Fave Wine: The Syrah
- Jefferson Vineyards Of course I cannot forget to mention this lovely vineyard. The Jefferson Vineyards was one of the first vineyards I ever tried when I was living in Charlottesville during undergrad. I fell in love with pretty much all of their wines, and the staff is so kind and accommodating. Fave Wine: The Meritage
- Stone Tower Winery When my best friend Alisha along with her husband took G and I to this gorgeous winery, we fell in love with this wonderful location. It is tucked outside of Ashburn, VA and my God the view is phenomenal. The wines are fantastic, along with their impeccable service. Definitely a must try! Fave Wine: Wild Boar Rose Cuvee
What are some of your favorite wineries?
XO, Analise
Photo Credit: Shannon Moffit Photography
Read More