- Lambert's Vintage Wine - Terry Sullivan
Visitors to West Virginia or those traveling through can discover a winery to stop at and taste a wine or perhaps purchase a bottle of wine. Currently less than 100 acres of wine grapes are grown in West Virginia but that is expected to increase as more research is completed. Already winemakers discovered the need to source grapes or juice from outside the state.
Grapes do well on the slopes of mountains. If planted high enough, there is less of a chance of spring frosts as the colder temperatures slip past the vineyards into the valleys below. In addition, rain easily drains off of the soil. Native American grapes that do well in West Virginia include Niagara, Fredonia, Delaware and Concord. Some vineyards are also growing French hybrids that include varieties like Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Aurore and Marechal Foch. Research is being conducted on cold weather varieties such as Frontenac and St. Croix. Many West Virginia wineries produce fruit wines from apples, peaches, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries. Like many other regions, West Virginia has discovered that while many American talk about liking dry wines, they are actually asking for sweet wines.
American Viticultural Areas of West Virginia
West Virginia has three American Viticultural Areas. These AVAs are the Shenandoah Valley, Kanawha River Valley and the Ohio River Valley. The Shenandoah Valley AVA is also in Virginia while the Ohio River Valley AVA also covers parts of Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
History of the Wine Industry on the East Coast's West Virginia
West Virginia has a long wine history dating back prior to the Civil War. The remains of the first winery that dates back to the 1850’s can still be found in Dunbar near Charleston. Visitors will discover three cellars constructed of thick stone to cool and age wine. These cellars were built by The Dutch Hollow Wine Cellars. After the production of the wine, it would be taken by cart to Charleston and shipped to Cincinnati. Production stopped in 1861 when labor became too expensive because of the Civil War. Today the cellars are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Forks of Cheat Winery
Forks of Cheat Winery is located near the Cheat River thus the name Forks of Cheat. The winery and vineyards are set amidst the countryside with a few distant homes. Vineyards are placed on a hillside slope allowing the frost to settle into the valley below. According to the owner, Jerry Deal, he has never lost a grape crop to frost. Varieties that are included in the 15-acre vineyard include Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Baco Noir, Chambourcin, DeChaunac, Marechal Foch, Leon Millot and Villard. American grapes are Niagara, Catawba, and Van Buren. Fruit wines are produced at the winery with Forks of Cheat being the only West Virginia winery to produce pomegranate wine, according Jerry.
A large, colorful pavilion is available for events including weddings. The winery tasting room and pavilion are landscaped. Inside the tasting room, a second floor is a treasure trove for shoppers. This is called The Hobbit’s Attic. A delightful assortment of unique items are available to browse and purchase.
Lambert’s Vintage Wine
Lambert’s Vintage Wine located in Weston, West Virginia offers a delightful old world ambiance when approaching. This is the result of using large hand cut West Virginia stone to build each structure. The tasting room has a comfortable warmth to it created from the wood paneling and tasting counter created of wood. The large fireplace also enhances a good feeling. West Virginia artisans create the pottery sold in the tasting room.
Visitors traveling through West Virginia’s countryside may want to stop at a winery for a relaxing visit, taste wines and browse a bit. Have a camera handy for some photo opportunities.
Kathleen Sullivan - Kathleen Sullivan is the co-owner and writer for Wine Trail Traveler, a winery and vineyard virtual visitor center. The Wine Trail ...
