There are now over 300 wineries in Virginia with a new one opening seemingly every week. The experts say that our Commonwealth has the perfect soil and climate for growing quality grapes. I’ll leave that to the pros since I thought Boone’s Farm was pretty good if you got it cold enough. But I do enjoy visiting Virginia’s wineries. It’s a good way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, especially when Jimmy O is strumming his guitar and belting out Neil Diamond and Elvis ballads. We found out that Jimmy was playing at Brix and Columns Vineyard near McGaheysville last Sunday and we made the pleasant drive into the valley just for that occasion – plus, we had never been to nor had ever heard of Brix and Columns Vineyards.
It turned out that the vineyard is in a beautiful setting, and the wine was very good. Again, I’m no expert, but we tried a bottle of their 2022 White Brix, which is a blend of three grapes and tinted with a slight flavor of honeydew melon and green apples. We wanted something not too dry, but not too sweet. This was perfect, well balanced, and very refreshing.
I also liked that the winery is in McGaheysville, a little closer to Charlottesville than many of the other Valley Wineries. It was an easy 45-minute drive from north of town. I was also pleased that their wines were modestly priced.
Brix and Columns Vineyard planted their first vines in 2016 and are currently growing eight varietals. The vineyard is fast becoming a go-to venue for weddings and other private events. Brix and Columns Vineyard is located on 1501 Dave Berry Rd. in McGaheysville, and it’s a winery well worth a visit, and double so when Jimmy is on their stage.
