This weekend I traveled to DuCard Vineyards in Etlan with one grape on my mind: Norton.
The oldest native grape in America, Norton can trace its history all the way back to the 1820s. Prohibition practically wiped it out until winemaker Dennis Horton resurrected the grape in the late 1990s.
It has since been championed by a network of passionate wineries.
The "mini-festival" I attended featured bottles from DuCard, 53rd Winery, and Nokesville Winery across several vintages. The through-line between all of them was bold dark fruit with tart acidity. They also had a distinct earthiness that was brambly and somewhat savory.
My ‘Bottle of the Week’ is an award-winning Norton from the event that I can’t stop thinking about.
If you want to try the grape yourself, Chateau MerrillAnne is hosting its annual Great Norton Gathering on September 26.
In this week’s edition
🎉 Events: Pearmund’s end of summer BBQ, Virginia Mead & Honey Festival, Valley Road's 10th Anniversary Weekend, Bull Run Wine Festival, and more
🍾 Bottle of the Week: DuCard Vineyards 2023 Norton
🏆 Awards: Slater Run named a Next Wave Winery of the Year finalist by VinePair
🍷 New Releases: Pippin Hill's Le Cirque 2021, Lost Mountain 2023, and La Grange's new Rosé
📰 News: Jen Breaux to lead the Virginia Wineries Association, Veritas officially changes hands, and more
🌱 Behind the Scenes: The reds are coming! The reds are coming!
💰 Deals: Barrel Oak's early holiday gifting
Events
This Week (September 16-22):
Sangiovese Master Series: What makes Chianti so lovable? Join 50 West Vineyards in Middleburg for a deep dive into one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions on September 18 and 19.
End of Summer BBQ: Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run is hosting an End of Summer BBQ Lunch with Roger Sherman and The District Pit on September 20 at noon.
Virginia Mead & Honey Festival: Mountain Run Winery in Culpeper is hosting the Virginia Mead & Honey Festival on September 19. Nine Virginia meaderies will be pouring alongside guest speakers, live music and food trucks.
Harvest Lunch in the vines: Walsh Family Wine hosting a Harvest Lunch on September 20 with a behind-the-scenes look at the crush pad mid-harvest, paired with a proper sit-down lunch among the vines.
Next Week (September 23-30):
⭐️ Valley Road's 10th Anniversary Weekend: Valley Road Vineyards is marking a decade with two events worth knowing about. On September 25, they’ll host an intimate anniversary dinner from Chef Kari Hogan of The Local. On September 26, two seated sessions offer a Cabernet Franc vertical across four vintage, including their sold-out 2023 Cabernet Franc Reserve, winner of the 2026 Virginia Governor's Cup.
Bull Run Fall Wine Festival: The Fall Bull Run Wine Festival returns September 26-27 at The Winery at Bull Run. More than a dozen wineries are pouring, including Barrel Oak, Pollak, Ovoka Farm, Ingleside, and North Mountain Vineyard. A portion of proceeds benefits military survivor families.
Great Norton Gathering: Chateau MerrillAnne in Orange is hosting the 2026 Great Norton Gathering on September 26, featuring pours from 53rd Winery, Woodbrook Farm Winery, Nokesville Winery and Piedmont Meadows Winery.
Bottle of the Week
DuCard Vineyards — 2023 Norton
Central Virginia • Norton • $45
Why it’s here
The 2023 earned Gold at the American Heritage Wine Competition. Ten months in French oak gives the wine structure without burying the variety's signature savory depth. If you missed the Norton MiniFest last weekend, this is your next best move.
Tasting notes
🍇 Dark cherry & blackberry • 🌿 Earthy, savory finish • 🪵 Toasted oak • 🫐 Dried blueberry
Awards & Reviews
Slater Run is a Winery of the Year finalist: Slater Run Vineyards has been named a finalist for VinePair's 2026 Next Wave Winery of the Year. Winners are announced October 15.
Southern Revere wins Brewery of the Year: Southern Revere Cellars was named 2026 Brewery of the Year at the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging and Travel Association's Ordinary Awards. It’s a fitting honor for a winery that takes its brewing as seriously as its wine. They're celebrating this weekend with Oktoberfest.
New Releases
Pippin Hill Le Cirque 2021: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards has released their Le Cirque 2021 — a Bordeaux-style red blend leading with Tannat that’s aged 21 months in oak, with layers of dark cherry and warm spice. Named for one of the most iconic spaces on the Pippin Hill property near North Garden.
Lost Mountain 2023: Lost Mountain Vineyards has released their 2023 Lost Mountain, described as rich and layered. The winery calls 2023 a "Goldilocks" vintage.
La Grange 2025 Rosé: The Winery at La Grange has released a new 2025 Rosé showing citrus and floral aromas.
Wine News
Jen Breaux is the new president of the VWA: Jen Breaux of Breaux Vineyards in Purcellville has been named president of the Virginia Wineries Association. The announcement landed in the Virginia wine community over the weekend.
Veritas has new owners: Veritas Vineyard & Winery in Afton has been officially sold to Veritas Legacy Partners LLC, per Alexandria Living. Head winemaker Emily Hodson stays on, and the tasting room, inn, and private events all continue without interruption.
Virginia wineries are hitting the market: Northern Virginia's ownership shift continues. A NoVA Magazine roundup of wineries currently for sale includes the Meriwether Vineyards Group — containing Pearmund Cellars, Vint Hill Craft Winery and Effingham Manor & Winery. Also on the market: Firefly Cellars in Hamilton, a boutique winery-and-Airbnb on 3.5 acres.
Nokesville Winery opens a dedicated tasting room: Nokesville Winery — the Prince William County family operation run by Dustin and Tara Miner— has opened a new stand-alone tasting room after years of operating out of a converted space next to their home, per Alexandria Living.
Behind the Scenes
The reds are coming
After weeks of early-ripening whites, Virginia's winemakers are turning their attention to the late-ripening reds.
In Central Virginia, Barboursville Vineyards — one of Virginia's most storied estates — reports their Cab Franc clusters are dark, ripe, and nearly ready. And Horton Vineyards reports harvest is in full swing, carefully tracking lots as they come in.
At Walsh Family Wine in Northern Virginia, the team pulled Chardonnay after a rainy morning and has already moved on to their Tannat.
Meanwhile, Chatham Vineyards on the Eastern Shore is picking their Merlot early specifically for rosé, chasing bright acidity and fresh fruit.
Deals & Promotions
Barrel Oak holiday gift boxes: Barrel Oak Winery is now accepting early inquiries for their 2026 Holiday Gifting Collection — award-winning Virginia wines (including Double Gold medalists) shipped in curated boxes with a handwritten gift note and estate tasting card.