Winery Visit- Grayhaven Winery

      On March 3rd, a couple of friends and I went to Grayhaven Winery in Gum Spring, VA near Richmond on our way to the Outer Banks for spring break.  This winery was different than any other we had been to before.  When we pulled into it, we realized that it was not a very upscale or done-up winery.  In fact, when we arrived, there was only a small sign with the winery’s name at the end of a gravel driveway.  Along the drive way were old children’s toys and a rusty playground.  Needless to say, it was very eccentric. 

The small sign at the entrance of the winery.

     When we walked into the winery building itself, our tasting guide, Bunni, cheerfully greeted us.  The feel of the place was relaxed and enjoyable.  Bunni explained to us that this winery opened in 1978, held the 6th oldest root stalk in Virginia, and that during a drought a few years ago, when many wineries around the country lost their vines, Grayhaven was able to send them some of their own.  She was excited about the winery and went on and on about how much she loves her job. The winery, though small looking, actually produces 4,000 cases a year, over 33 types of wine a year, and grows 26 varietals of grapes- more than any in Virginia.  She explained to us that most of their wines are unfiltered so there are sediments but that those add to the flavors and “chew” factor.  They only oak 4 or 5 of their 26 varietals and they do this in an unusual way; instead of using oak barrels, they actually use oak chips that they mix with the wines. 

The small, cozy tasting room at Grayhaven Winery.

       Unfortunately, this winery did not offer a guided tour.  For the tasting, we sampled 5 different wines made at the winery.  Here is my review of the wines:

Moonlight white Pinot Gris- This wine is unfiltered and lightly oaked.  I must say that I did not enjoy this wine at all.  It was very light and dry, to be honest it smelled like wet dog which masked all other scents.  Our tour guide really likes this one though, so to each his own! ($16.00)

Eventide Sangiose Rose-  I liked this wine.  It is very versatile according to Bunni and it can go with bold flavors as well as delicate foods.  It was fruity with a cherry nose and had a flavor that was interestingly buttery.  It goes well with chocolate ($20.00).

Trekker Marechal Foch 2011/ Cabernet franc 2009 blend-  This wine is nicknamed the "angry Frenchman" because it is a hard grape to grow.  The nickname comes from General Marshall, a general during the French Revolution. This had blackberry on the nose, was very dark in color but light bodied and very drinkable.  Unfortunately, flavor falls right off after swallowing ($24.00).

Sojourn Marechal Foch/Petit Verdot 2012- In this wine, the Petit Verdot softens the flavor which makes it pleasant on the nose and somewhat spicy.  It tastes somewhat spicy as well but fruity with a tart/citrus component as well.  Overall, it had a very complex flavor, was medium bodied, and woodsy at the finish rather than citrusy.  It can go with meat and even barbecue ($26.00).

Rendezvous- This wine is 100% Petit Verdot and comes from both 2010 and 2011vintage grapes.  The 2010 grapes bring a fruity component and the 2011 brings a smokey and spicy, less fruity component. It is between a medium and full bodied wine and smells milk chocolatey.  The smell is sweet but it  doesn't necessarily taste sweet; it was very well-balanced.

The collection of wines that we tasted at Grayhaven Winery.

We had a really good time at Grayhaven Winery that day.  Despite how different the winery was from any we had visited before, it was fun and enjoyable!

Me and my friends standing outside of the Grayhaven Winery.