WineFan at The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards

As you drive down Route 9 in Loudoun County Virginia, you will find a plethora of wineries to visit. You would need more than a day to taste at them all. But, one that should not be missed is The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards. Among the newer wineries in the area, The Barns just celebrated their one year anniversary. And, they seem to have a good bead on things.

The tasting room is set inside of a barn that was built more than 100 years ago. The original floor is still intact, and the sound it gives off definitely lets you know the floor is classic. The floor below the tasting room is a marvelous set up for a wedding reception or company dinner by accommodating more than 100 guests. A patio with two levels offers a great view of the mountains, pond and fields from the top level, and shade on warmer summer days on the bottom level. In addition, there’s a small loft which sits above the tasting room affords a more intimate tasting experience.

The vineyard is located on more than ten acres of land. Two acres are dedicated to Petit Verdot and Viogner vines. A large field provides a great backdrop for the porch, and a place for kids to play while mom and dad enjoy their wine. The environment is very family and dog friendly. The owners and their family are readily available to answer any and all questions. The staff’s demeanor demonstrates the environment provided, and it’s quite pleasant.

The wines are well crafted, a testament to the winemaker’s skill and passion. The Rose is particularly good — French style and dry, it’s made from Cabernet Franc — it exudes light fruit flavors of strawberry and red cherry. The HSV Harmony Red Wine Blend is perfect match for almost any type of food; Pizza and BBQ both sing harmoniously on the palette when paired with this wine.

Notes exported from our WineFan app follow. Cheers!

At the The Barns At Hamilton Station Vineyards in Hamilton, Virginia on 8/15/2013, we tasted six delicious wines:

84 Points for the 2012 Chardonnay
Tart and crisp. Green apple flavors. Easy drinking Chardonnay.

84 Points for the 2012 Viognier
Less than 1% residual sugar. Clean flavors make this dish a great compliment to shellfish or just sitting on the patio on great day.

86 Points for the 2012 Bank Barn White Wine Blend
2.5% residual sugar. Citrus flavors. Great with spicy foods.

89 Points for the 2012 Cabernet Franc Rose
Dry crisp rose. Light fruit flavors. Traditional French style rose.

90 Points for the 2011 HSV Harmony Red Wine Blend
A great wine with or without food. Dark fruit up front with a smokey finish. Medium body but strong character due to Petit Verdot and Tannat.

87 Points for the 2011 Petit Verdot
Intense dark fruit with hints of tobacco. Lighter Petit Verdot that can be had by itself or with gamey meats.

To collect and share your own wine ratings, get WineFan for your iPhone, or WineFan Pro for your iPad and iPhone.