Wine Selections at Grapes in the Garden

Caret Cellars

2014 Chardonnay - The yellow green hue of this elegant stainless steel and American oak-aged wine first catches your eye. The creamy rich, nutty aromas of apple blossom and pear leap from the glass and give a hint of the taste of butter, citrus and grapefruit laced with slight minerality on the palate. The balanced tannins and dryness of this wine make it excellent for pairing with Chesapeake seafood such as oysters (both raw and roasted) and rockfish. Its lingering finish allows one to savor the flavor of shrimp scampi or a citrus cooked chicken.

2015 Chardonnay Reserve - Barrel fermented in American Oak with additional malolactic fermentation to add a long, buttery finish, this is a special Chardonnay with a strong sense of fruit on the nose, including apple, pear and citrus. On the palate it is flinty with notes of tropical fruit, hazel nut and plenty of oak. Medium bodied with a golden hue, this wine pairs well with nutty cheeses, creamy pasta, pork and, especially, seafood dishes of shrimp, crab and smoked salmon.

2015 Viognier - Delicate fruit aromas of apple, pear and citrus with subtle notes of orange blossom, guava and herbs. A golden wheat-colored wine of medium body, it has a soft, crisp acidity with a rich mouth feel. Expect flavors of apple & pear, pink grapefruit, minerality and white stone fruit over layered with notes of honeysuckle, guava and mango. Serve with seafood, soft flavored cheeses and poultry. To preserve the delicate nose and flavors of this wine, do not over chill.

2016 White Merlot - A rare white made from 90% Merlot, 5% Viognier, and 5% Chardonel in the European Vin Gris style, offering an answer to the question of what to pair with dishes such as crab cakes, Crab Imperial, or any dish with a white or Alfredo sauce. Its pale color embodies a bouquet of fruit, apricot and white peach. A silky smooth fruity taste, a balance of citrus and stone fruits, is supported by balanced tannins and an off dryness (1% residual sugar). The moderate finish allows for a wonderful blending of the tastes of this White Merlot and seafood.

2014 Merlot - A silky smooth wine with flavors of soft, dark cherry and tobacco, this dark violet Merlot was aged ten months in French oak, giving it rich aromas of oak, cedar and a hint of cloves on the back end. A wine for hearty beef, smoked meats or sharp cheeses, it goes extremely well with wild game such as venison and wild turkey. Moderate tannins and a lingering finish are definite assets to this wine. Cellar friendly, it can definitely be aged to enhance its already balanced taste.

2014 Sangiovese - This dry, earthy wine with a mellow smokiness was aged on French oak and cries out to be paired with heavy Italian meals, barbecue or hearty game dishes like venison. With a garnet hue, the rich bouquet offers aromas of leather and a smoky earthiness. The oak balance and smooth tannins support the taste of dark cherry and leather leaving a smooth, lingering finish. This wine is a Classico Chianti old world style wine!

Caret Sunset - Comprised of 67% Sangiovese, 28% Vidal Blanc and 5% Chardonel, this wine shows the flaming red color of a sunset at Caret and exhibits an off-dry sweetness along with the tartness of black cherries. With its lingering finish it is an excellent aperitif for pairing with cheesecake, cannolis, or Tiramisu. Try it while relaxing on the patio and watching the sunset in the evening.

Horton Vineyards

Viogner - Exotic honey and tropical fruit aromas jump from the glass. Full bodied, viscous mouth feel. 95% Viognier, 5% Roussanne

Rkatsiteli - Still very rare in the U.S. but one of our most popular wines, Rkatsiteli produces an aromatic white wine redolent of orange zest and honeysuckle. A very rare wine for the wine afficionado. Just say R-Kats!

White Eclipse - Sweet Sippin' White - Floral notes of apricots and pears with a citrus fruit finish. Wine for "good times!"

Cotes d’Orange - New world offering of a traditional Rhone style wine meets South Africa in Virginia using 55% Syrah, 29% Pinotage, 16% Mourvedre. A smooth and spicy red with a nose of candied horseradish and dried orange peel. Juicy and drinkable.

Cabernet Franc - This wine was 100% steel fermented and then barrel aged (new and once used American & French oak) for 8 months. Aromas of violets and tar combine with spicy oak flavors in this robust wine. Horton Cabernet Franc was the first in the United States using the traditional blending variety, Tannat. The result is a wine with a firm structure, ripe fruit and a spicy finish. 79% Cabernet Franc, 14% Tannat, 7% Merlot

James River Cellars Winery

2015 Chardonnay - A slightly less traditional version of producing chardonnay: it is less acidic, and more smooth, than most “no oak” versions of the same. As golden and bright as late morning sunshine, the orange citrus of the nose may lead to the idea of an inconspicuous juice glass or coffee mug, to kick start the day.

2016 Petit Manseng - A lighter wine pleases the palate with honey, apricot, and pear flavors, and has an unexpected lemon zing coming through on the finish. A cheery vintage, it perfectly compliments a lightly spiced asian dish, due to the wine’s spicy undertones and balance of alcohol.

2015 Vidal Blanc - This grape, developed in an attempt to create a base for cognac, is more frequently made as a late harvest ice wine in the Northern U.S.. We produce ours off-dry, which highlights more of the developed maturity; a slightly more responsible choice.

2013 Monitor v. CSS Virginia - Originally a commemorative label for the American Civil War Sesquicentennial, “Monitor” has now taken over our Meritage (American Bordeaux-style) blend, moving forward. This blend is both provocative and approachable, much like many guilty pleasures in life. Blend: 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot

2015 Rad Red - A playful, mouth-watering temptation, this blend will leave you thirsting for more. Some ripe berry flavors here, other earthy or herbaceous flavors there, this blend is an excellent choice for a multitude for red sauce pasta dishes, or for game night at the neighbors’. Blend: 50% Chancellor, 35% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon

Mattaponi Winery

Wabamin – Niagara grape, National Award Winner

Golden Horse Shoe – Sweet nectar finish

Chambourcin – Semi-dry American grape w/tart finish

Miskwamin – 100% Concord Wine

Odeimin – 100% Strawberry Wine. International and National Award Winner 5 years in a row

Sangria Sunshine

Potomac Point Winery

La Belle Vie White - a crisp and refreshing wine that is perfect for sipping on the patio. We loaded up the varietals to enhance all the fun fruit flavors. This slightly sweet white boasts hints of honeysuckle and orange peel.

Reserve Chardonnay - Lush ripe pear and peach with buttery tones. Very harmonious and bright, with perfectly engaged acidity. The finish is silky and pleasing with a lasting impression of lemon crème

La Belle Vie Rose - Attractive color with a strawberry cream nose. Hints of raspberry, candied red fruit, and watermelon. A creamy & round texture lead to a refreshing, clean finish

Coyote Cave 2014 - Flavors of black cherry and plum with layers of spice. A full mid-palette, fine tannins, and creamy notes lead to a pleasant finish

Viognier - Perfumed nose of pineapple and light floral notes. It retains great balance and is vibrant with a well-defined finish.

Abbinato - Intense aromas of cherries, rose petals and dried herbs with hints of sweet tobacco. Medium bodied wine with silky tannins and a clean refreshing finish.