Looking for the perfect one day getaway on the cheap? Then I have the perfect place for you. It involves three of my favorite things: Wine, cheese, and truffles–sounds expensive but it’s really not–and let’s not forget about the wine..ow wait I already mentioned that. For less then a tank of gas you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and head on over towards fresh clean air filled with nature beauty and fine WINE.
Chrysalis Vineyards has established a series of superlative vineyards rolling across more than 71 acres in the foothills of the Northern and Blue Ridge&Bull Run Mountains, with additional plantings to come. Chrysalis offers a plethora of alternative vinerfa varieties, some of which include: French Viognier, Petit Verdot, Tannat, Fer Servadou, and Petit Mansang; the Spanish Alabarino, Tempranillo and Graciano. 
Perhaps one of the most exciting grape varietals they offer is Virginia’s very own grape, Norton.Throughout the 1800’s, and up until Prohibition, Norton was recognized internationally for its distinctive robust reds with overtones of berry and pitted fruits. Building on its resurgence in popularity, Chrysalis Vineyards is committed to restoring Norton to its rightful position of prominence among fine wines.
Located outside the village of Middleburg in the beautiful Virginia Piedmont, Chrysalis Vineyards is becoming one of the finest estate wineries on the East Coast. WIth 71 acres of vineyards, specializing in unusual Spanish and French varietals and the native Virginia grape, Norton, in addition to substantial plantings of traditional grapes. Chrysalis combines the best of modern techniques with the traditional hand-crafted winemaking methods of the Old World.
For just $10 you can enjoy a reserve tasting. I sampled 10 different wines –both red and whites. My absolute favorite was the 2010 Mariposa–a a true dry rose layered with concentrated flavors of raspberries, strawberries and cherries with a defined acidity that makes it a great food wine, as well as a refreshing quaffer on a hot day.
Sarah’s Patio Red and White were fan favorites–also known as “patio pounders”. Yes the name says it all. They are delicious wines to take home and spend an evening outside on the patio with good friends and food. And if your’e looking for something more robust then the 2006 Petit Verdot has delicious flavors of peppery jam and chocolate notes. Paired with a nice cheese spread with goat cheese, blue cheese, rosemary, thyme and some sea salt crackers and you have yourself a delicious snack. And you must sample all this while taking in the breathtaking beauty of the vineyard.
Wanna share your one day getaway? E-mail us at press@dconheels.com. Tell us your favorite one tank trip and will feature it on our site. Happy trails! Explore, discover and indulge!
Besos xoxoxo,
Vanessa Camozzi is the founder of DC on Heels.
