In 1990, John Kluge – one of the world’s richest men – gave his divorced wife, Patricia, a huge settlement which included the Albemarle County property where she later opened a vineyard and winery. By 2006, Patricia’s attempt at establishing a profitable winery business collapsed and the property went into bankruptcy. The Trump family, recognizing a truly outstanding piece of property, purchased the 1,300-acre estate and resurrected the winery.
I had never visited the Kluge Estate, nor the Trump Winery, until Nancy suggested we drive out there for a glass of wine and some lunch last weekend. I figured this would cost an arm and a leg, but it didn’t, and it turned into a most enjoyable Saturday afternoon.
The estate is sited on what I consider the most spectacular part of all of Albemarle County and that’s saying something. The winery sits on a gentle hill overlooking lakes, pastures and 227 acres of vineyards. As such, Trump Winery is the largest vineyard in the East Coast and turns out some 36,000 cases of wine per year. The grapes used for the wines are 100% estate grown in Monticello, meaning the vines are cultivated on Trump Winery property. The accolades have been many including the 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition award for the winery’s 2014 Sparkling Reserve, Best in Class-Brut, Double Gold. At 97 points, it scored higher than any of those from Napa, Sonoma, Spain, Italy, Australia, and Champagne.
As we toured the sprawling facility, one word describes the Trump Winery – flawless. Everything about it is first-class.
At our table, we decided on their Rose Wine because we wanted something chilled to go with our lunch. We chose the Trump Winery Rose Monticello with a hint of strawberry, lemon juice, pink grapefruit and watermelon and a slight touch of yellow plum and rose. It was so refreshing, we ordered 2 more bottles to take home – and they sold them for just $22 a bottle. The sandwiches were also delicious and very affordable. I had a Roast Turkey Sandwich on Homemade Artisan Bread with a delicious sauce and side of creamy potato salad at $16. Nancy wolfed down every bite of her Italian Sandwich and enjoyed the bread so much, she ordered a loaf to take home.
We sat in one of the dining rooms overlooking the massive spread and there is no finer view of Albemarle County – period. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and wonderful afternoon experience. I highly recommend a visit, with wine and lunch at the Trump Winery. We will definitely return.
I realize many would not set foot in a place with the Trump name, but all politics aside, if Barrack and Michelle had a place like this with unsurpassed views, award-winning wines, and scrumptious lunches, I would be a regular customer.
