There are a zillion wineries and vineyards in Virginia. We may run out of eggs at the grocery store, but we’ll have plenty of wine for the foreseeable future. A good many of these venues offer both tastings of their wines and food as well. Most are good, but one is exceptional. And that’s Cross Keys Vineyards in Mt. Crawford, in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley.
When a lazy and an open Sunday afternoon comes our way, Nancy and I often head for Cross Keys, especially when Jimmy O is strumming his six string and singing all those great songs of our past.
Last Sunday, we made the trip across the mountain in time for the Sunday Brunch. We wolfed down oozy Reubens, Crispy Club Sandwiches and spectacular Sidewinder French Fries. It was perfect.
Cross Keys is a bit over 20-years old. The land for Cross Keys was purchased in Augusta County in 1999 and they planted their first 3 acres of grapes, a Petit Verdot, in 2001. Today the Cross Keys vineyard has 34 acres of 13 different varietals of 100% estate grown Virginia wine.
They also serve a lot of great food with both inside and outside dining in a spectacular setting. But Cross Keys doesn’t have a cook in the kitchen, they have an accomplished Chef, Leonel “Leo” Velazquez, 42. A Cuban American, Velazquez, has worked in restaurants across Southeast Asia, trained as a chef at Disney World and worked at Hershey resorts. His food is superb. Hand-helds, soups, salads, entrees – all excellent, and to go with the food, Cross Keys offers many reasonably delightful wines. The Joy Red and the Joy White are among my favorites.
For a wonderful experience in both food and drink, consider the 45-minute drive across the mountain to Cross Keys. You won’t be disappointed. And by the way, call ahead for a reservation as they are often booked.
The address is 6011 Timbe Ridge Rd. in Mt. Crawford (near Weyer’s Cave). Call them at 540-234-0505 or go to