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Travel + Leisure
12-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
This Underrated Virginia County Has It All—Including Charming Hotels, Local Wineries, and the Newest State Park
Book a room at the newest addition to Leesburg's hospitality scene, Hotel Burg, which opens to guests in August. Visit one of the many wineries in the area—such as Breaux Vineyards in Purcellville or Good Spirit Farm Winery in Round Hill. Browse vintage furniture and home decor at Lucketts Store in Leesburg. Enjoy a lovely brunch at Magnolias at the Mill in Purcellville. Plan your trip to Loudoun County in the autumn, when the area's fall foliage is on full display. Virginia contains mountains, vineyards, small towns, luxury hotels, artistic hubs, and some of the most inspiring culinary scenes on the East Coast. While you could certainly traverse the Commonwealth to witness its multiplicity, you could also stick to one region—namely, Loudoun County. Often referred to simply as 'Loudoun,' Loudoun County is made up of a handful of towns and communities: Leesburg (the county seat), Middleburg, Purcellville, Waterford, Sterling, Round Hill, Lucketts, Hillsboro, Lovettsville, Hamilton, Ashburn, and Bluemont. 'As a business owner in Loudoun, I really appreciate the diversity. Each city or town has its own vibe and culture. I also like how each city has its own local flair and events that the community can support,' says Silas Redd, owner of Nostalgia Boutique and Mister on Main in Purcellville. 'Some people 'pit' eastern Loudoun versus western Loudoun,' Jody Brady, founder and director of the Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival, tells Travel + Leisure , explaining how eastern Loudoun is known for its suburban developments and shopping centers while western Loudoun has more farms and wineries. 'But I think Loudoun works because east and west mix all this up and make the county the dynamic, thriving place it is,' she says. And as Reagan Walker, owner of Waterford Reservations, shares, 'Whether you are into outdoor activities or culinary experiences, or you're a wine or beer lover, there is truly something for everyone.' Read on for our comprehensive guide to Loudoun County, Virginia. Guest room inside Hotel Burg. 'Charming bed-and-breakfasts abound in Loudoun, and an array of hotels line the roads near Dulles International Airport, but the most recent talk of the town is the new, elegant Hotel Burg in the heart of Leesburg's historic district,' says Brady. Set to open to guests this summer, the luxury boutique hotel will have a restaurant, The Huntōn, a cocktail bar, The Diana Lounge, and a rooftop bar. 'I have also loved visiting Lansdowne Resort. It is expansive, and the food is top-notch,' says Redd. The 500-acre, family-friendly property is located in Leesburg, and its amenities include three golf courses, a spa with 12 treatment rooms, and three outdoor pools. 'Of course, five-star Salamander Resort in Middleburg remains the top-tier stay in Loudoun,' says Brady. The resort is ideal for those travelers who enjoy balancing activities with relaxation. There's horseback riding, golf, tennis, and a pool, plus a full-service spa to retreat to when you're ready for some downtime. Hikers take in the view at Bear's Den Scenic Lookout. Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post via Getty Images It's not hard to find a way to stay active in Loudoun County, and one of the best ways to get in your steps and see the area is to hike. 'Walk a stretch of the Appalachian Trail and picnic at the Bears Den Overlook, or explore the trails at Sweet Run State Park, Virginia's newest state park,' says Brady. 'We have so many talented local musicians, and you can't beat the free summer music series in Hillsboro and Leesburg,' says Brady, who also recommends listening to music at Monk's BBQ or Wheatland Spring. 'Tarara Summer Concert Series is another favorite during the summer and early fall,' says Walker, describing 'one of the most beautiful concert venues' she's been to. 'Invite your friends and family and enjoy a variety of great bands throughout the season.' Places to grab a locally made drink abound in Loudoun County. Redd prefers Walsh Family Wine—and recommends a glass of their viognier—and Catoctin Creek Distillery, 'for one of their highly curated 'Dinner at the Distillery' events.' Walker suggests checking out Breaux Vineyards, where you're 'surrounded by exquisite views of the vineyard,' and 8 Chains North. The latter, she notes, is dog-friendly and a 'sure spot to stop if bringing your pup along.' Brady also has a few favorite spots, including Black Hoof Brewing Co. in Leesburg and Henway Hard Cider in Bluemont. 'In addition, most wineries and breweries have live local music and great food options on the weekends. Keep an eye out on their event calendars as most places host special events—festivals, wine dinners, and more,' says Walker. Every year, thousands of shoppers make their way to Loudoun County to attend the Purcellville VA Tag Sale. 'One of the largest events in Purcellville, this one-day event is a shopping and collectors' dream! Our local boutiques have special discounts, and there are over 150 vendors selling antiques, handmade items, etc,' says Redd. Aerial view of a Purcellville, Virginia residential area. 'Purcellville is probably my favorite. It feels like it is one of the last small towns in Loudoun that hasn't been overdeveloped. The community is really supportive of the restaurants, boutiques, and events,' says Redd. 'Downtown Leesburg has become such a fun place over the years, with so many wonderful restaurants, historic sites, shops, and live music,' says Walker. 'The town also celebrates First Friday; the downtown is buzzing with people enjoying live music, art exhibits, open storefronts, food, and drink.' 'Round Hill, Hillsboro, and Bluemont are Loudoun's three 'A.T. Communities,' a designation each town earned from the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for their commitment to the protection and promotion of the Appalachian Trail,' says Brady. 'These three communities work together to put on the annual Loudoun A.T. Festival in June with a full day of Americana music, trail talks, nature crafts, and an art show.' Walker also adds that Hillsboro has an annual Independence Day celebration, which she describes as a 'hometown experience full of life,' with 'fireworks, live music, food, wine, beer, and kids' fun.' 'I might be biased because I grew up in the town and now live two miles outside of it, but there is something magical about Waterford,' says Walker. 'It is filled with history, beautiful historic homes, and hosts the Waterford Fair annually. There is a lovely walking trail called the Phillips Farm Trail, which is a walk along the Catoctin Creek adjacent to the town.' There's no shortage of charm in Middleburg, a small town where equestrian heritage and storied history are on display around every corner. It's also home to several luxe hotels and inns; along with Salamander Middleburg, there's The Red Fox Inn & Tavern as well as Goodstone Inn & Restaurant. Interior shot of The Conche dining room. 'Magnolias at the Mill has always been a top choice of mine. Whether I'm celebrating a special occasion, meeting my girlfriends for brunch, or simply stopping in for a nice lunch or dinner, the experience is always top-notch,' says Walker. For what Redd calls the 'best BLT sandwich ever,' head to Market Burger Fries & Shakes. If you want a 'great home-cooked breakfast,' he suggests Purcellville Family Restaurant. Walker calls EagleTree Farm Winery & Restaurants a 'hidden gem.' 'Located outside of Leesburg, they offer a delicious seasonal menu with excellent service,' she says. While in Leesburg, stop by any one of Brady's favorites: Tuscarora Mill, SideBar, Shoe's Cup and Cork, or The Conche. 'I am a pizza lover, so one of my favorite stops is in the town of Hillsboro at Market in The Gap,' says Walker. She shares it 'has amazing wood-fired pizza made right in front of you,' a 'smaller cozy atmosphere inside,' and 'an outdoor area for seating in warmer weather.' If you find yourself in Middleburg, there are two iconic restaurants that come recommended by Brady. For the more traditional route, make a reservation at the Red Fox Inn & Tavern. In the mood for something more casual? King St. Oyster Bar, with its seafood entrees and happy hour specials, should do the trick. Variety of assortments in store of antique furniture. 'I am very into design and decor, so I absolutely love going to the Lucketts Store. They have so many amazing finds. I could literally spend all day there and will always find something to take home,' says Walker. 'Leesburg boutiques make for a wonderful afternoon of shopping, including Muz & Roz, wldwst, Misguided Angels, Birch Tree Bookstore, Brick & Mortar Mercantile, and Madisonbelle,' adds Brady. 'I love The Corner Store in Waterford. Pop in and explore amazing vintage furniture and locally produced and handmade goods,' says Walker. 'The store also has an excellent small menu created by Chef Estelle Richer-Legault. The freshness of the menu and experience are exceptional.' 'I like to score second-hand treasures in Purcellville at Nostalgia, Twigs, It's Bazaar, and Re-Love It,' says Brady. Redd is also a fan of Twigs. 'This place is the queen of unique gifts! Everything from jewelry and candles and soaps to tabletop books and womens wear,' he says, adding that Twin Flame Vintage, a 'kitschy boutique focusing on vintage clothing, housewares, home decor, and ephemera,' is another one that travelers should have on their list. If it's menswear you're after, take a peek at Redd's Mister on Main boutique housed inside its sibling store, Nostalgia. 'Elsass in Round Hill is one of my favorites,' says Redd. 'It's a former mechanic shop converted into an antique store specializing in French antiquities.' Elsass is open from Friday through Sunday or by appointment. According to Walker, the 'best goat cheese around' can be found at Georges Mill Farm Artisan Cheese in Lovettsville. Long Stone Farm is also on her shortlist; bring a cooler so you can keep the pork, eggs, and other perishable products you pick up cold. Autumn leaves in Loudoun County. LindasPhotography/Getty Images 'Fall is hands-down the best time to visit,' says Redd. 'There's nothing better than enjoying a local glass of wine and seeing the seasons change from the leaves on the trees and native plants.' Alternatively, says Brady, if you explore Loudoun in the spring, you may get to see the wildflowers at Balls Bluff or attend Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's Spring Native Plant Sale and the Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival in April. Walker, on the other hand, recommends planning your visit for late summer: 'The backdrop is so beautiful this time of year. If you visit wineries, the vines are so lush and beautiful,' she says. If you plan on flying to Loudoun, you'll want to choose Dulles International Airport (IAD) as your destination. From there, you can either rent a car or book a taxi or rideshare service. IAD is only about a 20-to-40-minute drive away from Loudoun, depending on where you're going within the county. There's also the option to come by train from D.C. There are three Metrorail Silver Line stations that serve Loudoun: Dulles International Airport, Loudoun Gateway, and Ashburn Station. The most convenient way to explore Loudoun County is by car. This allows you the freedom to visit the different towns that make up the county, popping into different restaurants, shops, and wineries. Just be sure to assign a designated driver ahead of time if you plan on indulging in any wine or other alcoholic beverages.
Irish Times
05-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Times
Objecting to ‘the look' of EV charging arms is like complaining about the upholstery on the Titanic
A decade ago, I lived in a cute town in northern California which enjoyed – or depending on your perspective, suffered under – the semi-desert conditions typical of the area. It had an average of 330 days of sunshine every year and in the worst ravages of winter, the temperature would plummet to 16 degrees Celsius. I stepped outside on my first morning, felt the warm air on my skin, looked up at the sky of unblemished cerulean, and had a single thought: 'great drying.' Alas, not in Saratoga. The town had a strictly-enforced local ordinance against drying your clothes outside. In this genteel place, the sight of knickers fluttering on the line was an insult to the landscape, a blight on real estate values and a possible red flag for a criminal disposition. (For context, Saratoga's main street was home to 15 wineries, a Starbucks and a shop that sold only gilt mirrors, but nowhere to buy milk without getting in your Dodge minivan and driving for 15 minutes. This was not, you understand, a community overly preoccupied with real world concerns like washing clothes or buying milk.) Instead of a clothes line, every household was equipped with a cavernous garage featuring a washer and dryer, as well as enough pallets of Costco tinned vegetables and loo roll to see them through the climate apocalypse they seemed to be doing everything in their power to facilitate. By the time we arrived there in 2015, a California Assembly bill, nicknamed the 'right to dry' Bill, had made it illegal for landlords and homeowners associations to prohibit drying your laundry outside. But unless you wanted to be the subject of anonymous tirades from your neighbours on you wouldn't risk it. In the LA Times, Meghan Daum mockingly foreshadowed the culture wars that would soon arrive to lock their jaws on to everything from gas hobs to face masks: 'Now that those real estate devaluing eyesores called clotheslines are protected, ratty porch sofas can't be far off. Then what? Large flocks of plastic flamingos staked into the ground? Every garden gnome and Bigfoot statue in the SkyMall catalogue?' READ MORE [ House raffles are a big, beautiful, awful sign of the times Opens in new window ] Ireland, I have often thought smugly since my return, wouldn't tolerate such pretentious, self-destructive nonsense as a ban on clothes lines. And then this week I read about the row over electric vehicle (EV) charging arms brewing between Dublin City Council and some householders in the capital. An EV-owning householder in Ranelagh has been ordered to remove an 'unauthorised' charging arm he had installed in his front garden when he bought their car two years ago. Although there are 'loads' of similar charging arms nearby, which swing out over the footpath and drop a cable down to the car, 'we're the only ones being targeted,' the householder told Irish Times reporter Jack White. He believes an example is being made of him by the council as a warning to others. Dublin City Council has said that the charging arms require planning permission. 'There was one complaint, I think the person complained twice, and they have to act. I'm just guessing someone didn't like the look of it,' he said. He has since applied for permission for retention. That this is coinciding with warnings by the Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) and the Environmental Protection Agency that we are way off track to hit our national target of a 51 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 is a symptom of our wilful disconnect on climate issues. On the one hand: most people want the Government to take action on climate. On the other: not if it means having to look out their window at cycle lanes or offshore wind farms or EV charging arms. And not if it means having to pay more for anything, ever. The CCAC suggested grants of up to €10,000 be made available to help low-income households buy EVs. It also wants the charging infrastructure rapidly improved. But right now we should be doing what we can to support – or at the very least just not put ridiculous roadblocks in the way of – householders who are coming up with their own inventive solutions to the non-trivial obstacle of having nowhere to charge their EV. An overhead charging arm seems less of a hazard than an alternative solution I have come across: a cable rolled across the footpath, protected by a rubber ramp. But until the infrastructure gets to the point where everyone who needs a socket can easily access one, people will do what they have to. Or – more realistically – they'll keep burning the fossil fuels. Six months ago, I switched to an EV from a diesel gulping ten-year-old BMW. There was a learning curve, as I wrote in these pages . But since we got the hang of it (really, since we got an at-home charger installed), the experience has been entirely positive. Previously, my typical spend on diesel was about €100 a month. In the month of June, the total cost of charging the car once a week at overnight rates of 0.13 cent was €16 – or €4 a charge. We're lucky to have off-street parking. I don't think I'd be quite so enthusiastic an EV owner if I had to rely on the public charging network. It's time we stopped behaving like wealthy Californians who find clothes lines offensive and started getting offended by the 'new norm' of European temperatures of 40+ degrees. If we're bothered by the aesthetics of charging arms or cycle lanes, how do we feel about neighbourhoods beset by falling trees, flying slates and flooding? This is no longer a looming catastrophe or a horrifying future vista; the climate crisis is here. Objecting to the aesthetics of EV charging arms is like complaining about the upholstery on the deckchairs on the Titanic.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Buyer Beware: The Alcohol Level on Your Wine's Label Might Be Lying to You
That '12% ABV' might not mean what you think. U.S. rules let wines under 14% alcohol vary by ±1.5%, so a bottle labeled 12% ABV could actually be anywhere from 10.5% to 13.5% ABV — a swing that changes both the buzz and roughly 20 calories per glass. Many wines miss even that generous target. Annual federal spot-tests show 1 in 5 bottles exceed the legal limit, yet enforcement is thin, giving wineries plenty of room to round up or down for marketing, tax, or cost reasons. U.S. labels lag the rest of the world. The EU and dozens of other countries allow only ±0.5% wiggle room (and often require fuller ingredient lists), underscoring how U.S. drinkers are forced take every pour on you be mad if you found that your favorite chocolate chip cookie had 20 more calories than the package indicated? Or if the light cocktail you ordered was poured strong enough to impair your judgment, coordination, and motor skills? That might be happening when you enjoy a glass of your favorite wine, even if you've done your research and read the label. One in three U.S. adults wears a fitness tracking device, according to a study conducted by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Nearly 80% review the Nutrition Facts panel regularly when deciding what food to buy, according to the USDA. More adults are making consumption calls based on what they believe to be a product's nutritional value, calories, and alcohol. But what if your wine label is lying to you? As it turns out, it may be. And it's perfectly legal for it to do so. 'There is more flexibility with labeling regulations in the U.S., compared to the much more strict European Union,' says Annie Edgerton, a wine appraiser, writer, educator, and consultant who works at Flatiron Wines & Spirits in New York City. 'And because producers long ago bemoaned the necessity and expense of having to print new labels if their ABV [alcohol by volume] differed slightly from one batch to another, the TTB [Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau] allowed for some wiggle room.' There's a lack of clarity all around. The TTB, a federal agency within the Department of Treasury, is responsible for regulating alcohol and tobacco products. The agency makes a series of opaque statements on its website regarding the stipulations around ABV levels. Requirements differ considerably, depending on the percentage of alcohol. Wines between 7–14% ABV aren't required to display a numerical alcohol content level, if it's labeled either 'table wine' or 'light wine,' according to the TTB. However, for imported and domestic wines labeled with numerical alcohol content levels, those between 7–14% are allowed 1.5% wiggle room, plus or minus the stated amount. So a wine that says it's 12% may actually be 13.5% or 10.5% ABV. And yes, that 1.5% changes the calorie count by around 20 calories per serving, but also potentially its effect on your body. For wines that contain 14% or more per volume, the wiggle room narrows to just 1%, which still presents a noticeable difference in nutritional value and impact. Related: What Determines How Much Alcohol Is in Wine? The reasons that wineries might print inaccurate information on their label are numerous. One may be marketing: More consumers now seek to decrease their alcohol consumption, so a 12.5% ABV wine may sound more compelling than a 14% bottling. Another may be cost: Wines with more than 16% ABV are taxed at a much higher rate than those lower in alcohol. Wines with 16–21% ABV are taxed at $1.57 per gallon for the first 30,000 gallons. If a wine is at 16% ABV or less, the rate drops to $1.07 per gallon for the first 30,000 gallons. It could also be tied to logistics: By posting an average alcohol content on wine labels at bulk, there is less need to revise or reprint those labels should future bottlings contain an allowable variation from that percentage. But whatever the reason, it still presents confusion for customers. It's also unclear how strict the enforcement is on those ABV percentages and allowable variances. Each year, the TTB conducts an alcohol beverage sampling program, where both random wines and risk-based samples are tested. Typically, this includes testing a few hundred products. Non-compliance rates are high, even with the allowable wiggle room. One recent assessment put violators at 20%, while another had the rate at 26%. Such leeway in the regulations, Edgerton says, can 'definitely be enough for sensitive drinkers to notice. But the majority of U.S. wineries produce under 1,000 cases a year, so most of them are 'small potatoes' and unlikely to be called to task.' While some may not willfully take advantage, enforcement is paper-thin, Edgerton says. Like an artisan cracker seller at a farmers market who claims their product to be gluten free, there's no way for consumers to verify it beyond simple trust. Winemakers like Brian Pruett of Dry Creek Vineyard in Healdsburg, California, go out of their way to ensure accuracy. 'We have an instrument in our lab that analyzes alcohol and is quite accurate,' says Pruett. 'We analyze each lot individually and then at every step of the blending process. We calibrate this instrument with an outside lab to ensure our numbers are accurate. There are times when we round up or down to the nearest half-percent, but we are trying to have the most accurate analysis on the label so that our consumers know exactly what's in the bottle.' Related: Why the U.S. Surgeon General Is Calling for Harsher Warnings on Alcohol As Edgerton says, other countries have less leeway on their printed numbers. Argentina, Brazil, Chile, the E.U., India, Israel, Korea, Mexico, New Caledonia, Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, and the U.K. only allow 0.5% room for error, according to an analysis from the American Association of Wine Economists. Canada, China, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan, and Thailand allow for 1% variance, while the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand allow for 1.5% deviation. 'The E.U.'s labels offer a lot more quantifiable detail of alcohol content, and actually how a wine is made, what it's made with and where it comes from,' says Alexandra Thomas, wine director and head sommelier at Chicago's Adalina. 'Labeling in the U.S. can be heavily mysterious with its contents and rely more on marketing. There are no transparency laws in the U.S., so wine brands can put other ingredients to manipulate, like color, dyes, and flavors; [or to] stabilize, like extra sulfites and preservatives; and even grapes they don't own or farm themselves without disclosing that.' Related: Shop Smarter: Here's How to Read a Wine Label Like a Pro American wine labels that bear an appellation only need to include 85% of their grapes from that American Viticultural Area (AVA). And despite the vintage or year stated on the label, they may contain up to 5% of grapes from another year. Only 75% of a wine needs to be from a certain grape to be labeled as a single-variety wine. What does this mean for consumers? Unfortunately, it's buyer beware. To purchase wines from estates you trust is one option, but that's not always realistic if you've dashed out 30 minutes before guests arrive for some 'emergency' supplies. In that case, you can ask for guidance at a bottle shop. In the end, unless you've got a hydrometer or refractometer to compare what's on the label with what's in your glass, you're going to have to trust the label and be aware that, in this case, numbers may indeed lie. Read the original article on Food & Wine
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Red or white? Sweet or dry? Best wineries in the Springfield area, according to readers
When you think of a winery, does central Illinois come to mind? Readers voted for their favorite wineries in the area, and the results have been announced. Here are the top three wineries in the Springfield area as voted by readers in the 2024 Official Community Choice Awards. Location: 12341 Irish Road, New Berlin Phone: 217-488-6321 More: More: Illinois' newest winery opens in New Berlin Location: 23753 Lounsberry Road, Oakford Phone: 217-635-9900 More: Location: 14096 IL-97, Petersburg Phone: 217-632-6003 More: More: Looking for a taste of fall? Check out one of these Springfield-area breweries and wineries The Springfield Community's Choice Awards celebrates the best businesses and organizations in the Springfield area each year. The State Journal-Register readers vote at in more than 140 categories for their favorites from bakeries and barbecue joints to banks and barbershops. Nominations for the 2025 Community Choice Awards began June 2 and run through June 23. Readers will be able to vote for their Springfield favorites in August. Winners will be announced in November. Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@ This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Readers vote for best wineries around the Springfield area
Forbes
15-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
14 Delicious Bourgogne (Burgundy) Wines From Five Different Regions
After recently visiting multiple producers and tasting 130 wines from the Bourgogne region in France, I selected the following 14 bottles from five of its wine producing sub-regions based on their overall quality and value. This renowned French wine region is now pressing to be called Bourgogne rather than its English translation of Burgundy (or Italian translation of Borgogna). The reasons are varied, including that most names of other French wine regions are not translated, and—intriguingly—that the color referred to as 'Burgundy' in English is called 'Bordeaux' in France and Italy. Bourgogne includes 84 distinct appellations, divided into Régional, Village (including Premier Cru) and Grand Cru distinctions, as well as over 1,800 climats—delineated vine plots with unique geological, exposure and hydrological characteristics that produce their own signature aromas/flavors. Prices for wines range widely within Bourgogne, and the region's overall cachet results in a small percentage of its wines commanding notably high prices (although Bourgogne produces 0.4% of the world's volume of wine, that accounts for 4% of global wine trade value). The selected wines below are listed from north to south, within the distinct sub-regions of Chablis & Grand Auxerrois, Côte de Nuits and Hautes Côtes de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Hautes Côtes de Beaune, Côte Chalonnais and Couchois, and Mâconnais. All wines listed below are made either from white Chardonnay or red Pinot Noir grapes (although a smaller quantity of often excellent wines are made in the Bourgogne using Aligoté, César, Gamay and other grapes). 'Value' is determined by my proprietary Vino Value algorithm that normalizes and combines subjective tasting scores with objective bottle prices (retail, at cellar door) to identify wines of good (♫), excellent (♫♫) and superlative (♫♫♫) value—providing optimal 'bang for the buck.' Note that prices are local in France, and will be higher in the U.S. due to various factors. Note also that these selected wines represent only a very small sample of many high quality wines of desirable value from Bourgogne. Porte Noël in the city of Chablis, Bourgogne, France Domaine des Malandes. Fourchaume. AOC Chablis 1er Cru. 2023. 93-94 points. €40.00/$45.60. Excellent Value ♫♫. From Amandine Marchive and Richard Rottiers, whose grandmother began making wines in the region 50 years ago. The family ages most wines in a 70/30 blend of steel tanks and 500 liter Burgundian medium toasted barrels with oak from the Vosges forest. This Chardonnay includes complex aromas of honey and layered tropicals from one of the warmest climats in Chablis. Slightly nutty flavors in a crunchy, enticing mouthful of caramel and slight green apples in this Chardonnay. 'Our goal is to harvest quickly,' Amandine explained. 'Otherwise if it is hot in August you can lose acidity; if it is rainy there is a threat of mildew. We harvest 30 hectares [75 acres] in eight days, hand picking for Premier and Grand Cru plots.' Amandine Marchive of Domaine des Malandes, Chablis, Bourgogne, France Domaine Verret. Chardonnay. AOC Bourgogne Côtes d'Auxuerre. 2023. 91-92 points. €12.00/$13.70. Good Value ♫. From an estate with 148 acres (60 hectares), this 12.5% Chardonnay is vinified 50/50 in steel and used oak barrels and includes aromas of herbs, green apples, myrtle and slight salinity. Chewy, oily mouth feel in this semi-complex wine with a finish that includes slight caramel and lemon/line flavors. Domaine Gabin et Félix Richoux. Veaupessiot. AOC Irancy. 2021. 92-93 points. €25/$28.50. Excellent Value ♫♫. Irancy is an outlier—a village and appellation producing only red wines within Chablis, which is renowned for its dominant white wines. The village includes 250 residents, of which 10 are winemakers. With vines located above the River Yonne, these second generation winemaker brothers grow Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and César—a rare grape with big clustered bunches. Most of their visitors come from Paris, which is only two hours away by train. This Pinot Noir from a cool year vintage aged two years in oak and includes classic Burgundian aromas, including black currants and black cherries as well as some flint and black pepper. Soft and silky tannins. Gabin Richoux of Domaine Richoux, Irancy, Chablis, Bourgogne, France Domaine Le Guellec-Ducouet. Clos Champ. AOC Gevrey-Chambertin. 2023. 96-97 points. €44.00/$50.20. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. This domaine is owned by two business partners—one a winemaker and the other with roots in banking. Michaël Le Guellec took control over vines controlled by his family since 1920, although previously leased out. They use no chemicals. 'We try to make wines fresh and fruity, which people like to drink soon,' Michaël explained. Wines are exported to Asia, Europe and the U.S. Vines that produced grapes for this 13.5% alcohol Pinot Noir wine were planted between 1933 and 1985. Classic Burgundian aromas, including black pepper and volatiles. Suave tannins in this powerful, hefty, structured beauty of a wine with spice rack and elegance on the finish. Compelling, classic and a bargain. Winemaker Michaël Le Guellec of Domaine Le Guellec-Ducouet in Brochon, Côte-de-Nuits, Bourgogne, France, Domaine des Beaumont. AOC Morey-Saint-Denis. 2022. 92-93 points. €43.00/$49.00. Excellent Value ♫♫. Brothers Tanguy and Exupèry, both in their 20's, are 8th generation producers for a family that owns a 13.5 acre (5.5 hectare) estate. The wine is produced from grapes from five different plots and includes edgy aromas of bacon, petrol and wild fennel. This is a dark and hardy Pinot Noir, reminiscent partially of a Colorino, with flavors that include black licorice and star anise. Firm tannic backbone. Pair with grilled beef. Keep going brothers— the results are well worth it! Brothers Tanguy (right) and Exupéry Beaumont, Domaine des Beaumont, Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte-de-Nuits, Bourgogne, France Domaine de Montmain. Les Jiromées Grande Tradition. AOC Bourgogne Hautes Côtes de Nuits. 2022. 92-93 points. €36.00/$41.10. Excellent Value ♫♫. This wine estate is located up a beautiful valley west of, and perpendicular to, the axis of the hills that form the Côte d'Or. All wines are aged in oak, usually 30% new. Thirty-five year old Mathieu Piedcourt, originally from Cahors, has turned the valley and winery into a popular destination for visitors and sells wines via a thousand member club as well as by direct sales and export. The story of Mathieu is too fantastic to share in this brief space. This Chardonnay spent two years aging in new oak barrels. Aromas are bright, powerful and succulent and include grapefruit, limes and white flowers. The juice is not filtered. 4,000 bottles produced. 'We love what we do and we love to share it with others. Last year we had 8,000 visitors. We receive you whether you buy wine or not. I love wines that are powerful but with finesse.' Mathieu Piedcourt of Domaine de Montmain, Villars-Fontaine, Haut-Côte-de-Nuits, Bourgogne, France Maison Louis Latour. Pinot Noir. AOC Bourgogne. 2022. 91-92 points. €20.70/$23.60. Good Value ♫. Louis Latour, a venerable estate that has been in business since 1797, produces not only wines from 119 acres (48 hectares), but owns a cooperage that produces some 3,000 barrels a year—and has done so for centuries. Except for those barrels used in house, all are exported internationally to countries that include Australia and Canada. This 13% alcohol Pinot Noir of solid value includes firm tension between acidity and fruit and is an easy drinking wine to start of a summer gathering. Consider pairing with a dish that includes fat to match its tannic backbone. Cellars with old bottles within Domaine Louis Latour, Beaune, Bourgogne, France Maison Shaps. Les Vaumuriens. AOC Pommard. 2022. 95+ points. €48.00/$54.70. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. Hanna Shaps has been managing this winery for her American father Michael who also produces wine in Virginia in the U.S. 'It's important to be a French-American producer and not an American-French producer,' Hanna explained. The maison is a negociant, and produce some 15 different cuveés and 20,000 bottles per year from four hectares (10 acres) the family owns. This Pinot Noir wine aged 15 months in 50% new oak. Includes sunny, bright, striking and elegant aromas that include sage and black pepper. A wine with heft and structure, shouldered tannins and flavors that include black peppers. A dark, edgy and textured Pinot Noir with sesame and soy on the finish. Hotel de Ville, Beaune, France Bernard et Florian Regnaudot. Clos des Loyéres. AOC Maranges 1er Cru. 2020. €18.00/$20.50. 95+ points. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. This domaine is named after the father/son, 3rd/4th generation winemakers. Florian spent time making wine in Winona, Minnesota in the U.S. The Maranges appellation will be the site for the January, 2026 Saint-Vincent Tournante weekend long festival of music, wine and food. From vines planted in 1931, this Pinot Noir wines includes aromas of blackcurrants, black pepper, tobacco and tar. This is a deep, dark, peppery and elegant wine at astonishing value. Gentle fruit and light, slick tannins. Florian Regnaudot of Domaine Bernard and Florian Regnaudot, Santenay, Côte de Beaune, Bourgogne, France Domaine de l'Evêché. Édition Limitée. Pinot Noir. AOC Bourgogne Côte Chalonnaise. 2022. 92-93 points. €25.00/$28.50. Excellent Value ♫♫. Quentin Joussier, fourth generation winemaker, works with his father Vincent, who bought the winery in 1985. The name of the winery translates to 'the bishop.' This Pinot Noir ages in new barrels and is only produced on years when conditions are optimal. Deep, rich aromas of red cherries, raspberries and some Dutch dorp licorice as well as wild fennel. Well integrated and elegant tannins and easy drinking. Quentin Joussier of Domaine de l'Evêché, Saint-Denis-de-Vaux, Côte Chalonnaise, Bourgogne, France, Domaine Michel Juillot. Clos du Roi. AOP Mercurey Premier Cru. 2024. 93-94 points. €35.00/$40.00. Excellent Value ♫♫. Beautiful cheery, light, floral aromas in this Pinot Noir. Precise and focused flavors include red cherries. Winemaker Maxime Rolant said that, 'For me, Mercurey is cherries.' No disagreement with that. Maxime Rolant of Domaine Michel Juillot, Mercurey, Côte Chalonnaise, Bourgogne, France Domaine Montbarbon. En Pommetin. AOC Viré-Clessé. 2023. 92-93 points. €21.00/$24.00. Excellent Value ♫♫. From this estate, on a clear day you can look east and see Mont Blanc, tallest peak in continental Europe. They have 32 acres [13 hectares] of vines, exclusively Chardonnay. Jean-Jacques Féral was a journalist before becoming a winemaker, and won an award for his winemaking in the Mâconnais region in 2022. He works with Martin Froppier. The estate provides vine cuttings to a nursery in the Savoie, which creates massal (rather than clonal) replacement vines for them. This Chardonnay ages eight months in 500 liter oak barrels as well as six months in steel. Aromas of mandarins and menthol and slight salinity. A rich, creamy, delicious wine that includes precise flavors of tropical fruits and slight honey. Pair with chicken, or a caramelized apple tart (tarte tatin). Jean-Jacques Féral of Domaine Montbarbon, Virè, Mâconnais, Bourgogne, France Domaine Auvigue. Au Vignerais. AOP Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru. 2021. 94+ points. €34.00/$38.90. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. The winery is located in a beautifully renovated centuries old church. Sylvain Brenas explained their thinking. 'The idea is to show a different style of Chardonnay. We are in the extreme south of Mâconnais, only a few kilometers from where the Beaujolais appellation begins.' This Chardonnay aged 16 months in a 50/50 combination of steel and oak. Aromas of salinity, pineapple, mangos. Crisp and creamy mouthful with slight menthol and guavas on the finish. Pair with scallops and shallots. Sylvain Brenas of Domaines Auvigue, Fuissé, Máconnais, Bourgogne, France Domaine Corsin. L'Exception. AOP Pouilly-Fuissé. 94-95 points. €39.80/$45.50. Superlative Value ♫♫♫. This winery, founded in 1864, gathers grapes from 40 separate plots. The hosts, including Pauline Mussy and Tiphanie Fortune, are casual, down to earth, warm and unpretentious. Their welcoming tasting room inadvertently resembles an Alpine ski lodge. This Chardonnay is made by winemaker Jérémy Corsin using grapes from three different plots and 70 year old vines. It is barrel vinified and barrel aged. Flinty, slightly salty and classic Burgundian Chardonnay aromas. Rich and creamy mid palate with crisp acidity and rich tropical fruits. Winemaker Jérémy Corsin with a bottle of 1997 Domaine Corsin, Mâconnais, Bourgogne, France
