Speaking of Chardonnay, here’s a gem from the neighboring state of Virginia. This wine was surprisingly excellent for its age. Dark in color with low acidity and some really nice citrus flavors. Had we known the historical value prior to opening, we may have put it aside for a special occasion.

While doing some research on Piedmont Vineyards & Winery, we came across some information that’s worth highlighting. And that’s the importance of women in the Virginia wine industry! Check out the link here to see what we mean.

Here’s a little excerpt from a blog we found on the history of Piedmont Vineyards and Winery. (My Vine Spot – Dezel Quillen)

” Piedmont Vineyards and Winery is situated upon the attractive and historic Waverly estate, which dates back to the 18th century. For nearly three decades of the property’s more recent history, it operated as a dairy farm. In 1973 a local horsewoman would change the fate of the dairy farm forever when she established Piedmont Vineyards.

The horsewoman, Elizabeth Furness, a well-traveled and scholarly woman, is considered to be one of the early pioneers of Virginia’s wine resurgence. According to Piedmont’s winemaker John Fitter, Elizabeth Furness planted 15 acres of vines in her latter years consisting of Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, and Semillon. Over the years, the Semillon died out and the Seyval Blanc was regrettably pulled up, but the Chardonnay, although lower in yield, is still producing great Chardonnay today. The efforts of Elizabeth Furness during an experimental time in Virginia viticulture inks her name in the pages of Virginia history as establishing the first commercial planting of a vitis vinifera variety in the Commonwealth. Because of her efforts, Piedmont Vineyards boasts the oldest Chardonnay vines in the state today and has won numerous awards under winemaker John Fitter and the quality of the mature fruit. 

Thank you Piedmont Vineyards for paving the way for Chardonnay in VA, now the most widely planted variety in the state.