Charlottesville’s Winery Loving Cup is Virginia’s First Organic Vineyard

Virginia’s first certified organic vineyard is right here in Charlottesville! A must try we decide. On Sunday afternoon we follow the small sign on 29 South down a beautiful dirt road. Just when we start wondering if it’s worth the drive, an idyllic setting unfolds, it’s Loving Cup.

Owner and Winegrower Karl Hambsch welcomes us to the new and inviting tasting room. A tasting includes 4 wines. The 2013 Loving Cup White is dry, bright and crisp with a backbone of minerality. Flavors of pear, white peach and lemon zest yield to a long, clean finish of tropical fruits.The 2013 Dudley Nose Rose has cherry notes and a nose of strawberries. The 2012 Loving Cup Red is a medium-bodied red blend of Marquette and Corot Noir. Bright notes of cherry dominate the flavor profile with notes of plum and spice rounding out the palate. The 2013 Loving Cup Sweet Reserve is a blend of Traminette, Vidal Blanc and Aromella. The wine is sweet and floral with aromas of rose geranium, pear and honeysuckle. Spice components include clove, anise and caraway. The perfect wine to pair with spicy Asian food.

The covered outdoor patio overviews the 4 acre vineyard. While we kick back and enjoy a bottle of white, we watch Karl’s dad work in the vineyard. It adds up to the experience. We highly recommend a visit to this small, family owned and run winery that does something many thought was impossible, making fine organic Virginia wine!

The winery is at 3340 Sutherland Road. Tasting room hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from April through December. For more information, visit LovingCupWine.com