Within the last year, my friend Kathy has started exploring wine and trying to find wines she likes. Luckily, she recently saw a great Google Deal offer to visit Lost Creek Winery. New found wine interest plus “Google Deals” incentive make for a fun, “bondiful” (Kathy’s created word from college) adventure.
The deal Kathy found was even better than we thought. At first, it seemed like for $10 you could get two tastings, souvenir wine glasses, and a $15 voucher to the gift shop, which came to a $34 value. It ends up, that we had to spend $34. When it was all said and done, we got two tastings, two souvenir wine glasses, a $15 bottle of wine, and some Boursin, all for $15. Quite amazing.
That was the Google Deals rave, now for the winery. Lost Creek Winery is just outside of Leesburg, VA. It shares a road with another winery and I believe there was also another along the way, meaning that if you are inclined you can make a day of it. According to the young woman who greeted us, Lost Creek is a family run winery; the girl herself was the granddaughter of the founder. She was too young to do the tasting, so it was led by another young woman. Although maybe not as thoroughly trained and informed about the wines, she was absolutely lovely and the teacher part of me was happy to help someone practice.
The tasting includes three whites, one apple and grape wine, a Rose, three reds, and two specialty wines. According to Kathy who scoped the internet buzz out, the reviews online say that whites are better than the reds. I’d agree. The three whites are a “Spring Time,” Chardonnay, and Vidal Blanc, plus the “Sweet Summer,” which is 75% grape and 25% apple. The “Spring Time” and “Chardonnay” were both tasty; the “Spring Time” in particular was a little tangy, tart, and orangey. My favorite of the whites was the Vidal Blanc, which had a very fresh finish.
The deal Kathy found was even better than we thought. At first, it seemed like for $10 you could get two tastings, souvenir wine glasses, and a $15 voucher to the gift shop, which came to a $34 value. It ends up, that we had to spend $34. When it was all said and done, we got two tastings, two souvenir wine glasses, a $15 bottle of wine, and some Boursin, all for $15. Quite amazing.
That was the Google Deals rave, now for the winery. Lost Creek Winery is just outside of Leesburg, VA. It shares a road with another winery and I believe there was also another along the way, meaning that if you are inclined you can make a day of it. According to the young woman who greeted us, Lost Creek is a family run winery; the girl herself was the granddaughter of the founder. She was too young to do the tasting, so it was led by another young woman. Although maybe not as thoroughly trained and informed about the wines, she was absolutely lovely and the teacher part of me was happy to help someone practice. The tasting includes three whites, one apple and grape wine, a Rose, three reds, and two specialty wines. According to Kathy who scoped the internet buzz out, the reviews online say that whites are better than the reds. I’d agree. The three whites are a “Spring Time,” Chardonnay, and Vidal Blanc, plus the “Sweet Summer,” which is 75% grape and 25% apple. The “Spring Time” and “Chardonnay” were both tasty; the “Spring Time” in particular was a little tangy, tart, and orangey. My favorite of the whites was the Vidal Blanc, which had a very fresh finish.
The reds were a Merlot, “Chambourcin Gold,” and a Reserve. Both the Merlot and the Reserve (a Cab and Merlot blend), had a nose that reminded me a bit of butter and cheese, which kind of turned me off. I overheard another one of the employees tell the people he was doing a tasting for that the Chambourcin has been described as a “Church Wine,” and I think that is a good description.
Of all the wines, my favorite was the Rose. Normally, I’m not a Rose girl; but, I really enjoyed Lost Creek’s mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot. It wasn’t sweet, and had a great sipping quality.
Lastly, the two Specialty Wines are “Courtney’s Christmas” and “Late Harvest Alyce.” “Courtney’s Christmas” is a mix of Merlot, Cab Sauv, Chardonnay, and
Lastly, the two Specialty Wines are “Courtney’s Christmas” and “Late Harvest Alyce.” “Courtney’s Christmas” is a mix of Merlot, Cab Sauv, Chardonnay, and
Chamrbourcin and is infused with cinnamon and cloves. Lost Creek's suggestion for “Courtney’s Christmas” was to serve it poured over pound cake, and I think cooking with it would work. To drink it was a little too much like liquid potpourri. I liked the “Late Harvest Alyce” more. Normally, I don’t enjoy ice wines because they are just too sweet. Lost Creek lets you taste it with chocolate and that creates a very unique tasting experience. In pairing it with the chocolate, it doesn’t seem as sweet and notes of peer and spices come through. I’d recommend an outing to Lost Creek. The Rose and whites are fantastic, and I like the intrigue of the Specialty Wines even if they didn’t win me over. Plus, it has a lovely atmosphere. All the people who worked there were happy and enthusiastic. The tasting room itself has a beautiful fire place and options of interesting cheese, meat, and bread nibbles to go with the wine. The outside has great trellises and wondering vines. Overall, a good place to go, with or without an incentive from Google Deals.
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