October is Virginia Wine Month and that coincides with the first-ever Virginia Norton Wine Tour that commences the weekend of October 18 and continues through November 10. The Norton Network, a collective of Virginia Norton growers, wine producers, and advocates, formulated the tour in order to to highlight the "exceptional qualities of this historically significant native grape across 22 Virginia wineries and vineyards that either grow Norton or feature it prominently in their wines. Each weekend, participating wineries within a select radius will host events and offer promotions to showcase the diverse expressions of Norton wine — from fruity rosés to bold reds". 
At the BevFluence Baltimore Speakeasy we had a glimpse of the Norton Wine Tour by sampling an array of Norton wines from Horton Vineyards, Chateau MerrillAnne, and Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard. This started as a general presentation and tasting to media participants and carried over to a dinner featuring a library tasting showing the age-ability of the Norton grape. At this dinner of industry professionals we opened the Horton Vineyards 1995, 1999, 2001, and 2010 Norton wines and interestingly all were agreeable with the 1995 and 2010 showing the best integration of acids and velvety chocolate and black fruit. 
Besides its age worthiness, the Speakeasy participants also learned about the grape's history and versatility (see below for short history). Chateau MerrillAnne believes there is great potential in Norton/Vinifera blends as evident through their 2021 Marquis Rouge. There's great texture, a full mouthfeel, and length to this 50% Norton, 25% Petite Verdot and 25% Tannat blend. We also received a mini-vertical from Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard of their 2020 Extended Barrel Aged Norton and 2021 Norton (not exactly a vertical - but close). Not unexpected, the 2020 is tamer (although still acidic) with more rounded fruit and tannins whereas the acidity in the 2021 is more prevalent. Horton Vineyards provided more versatility in the Courage Port (Multiple vintages of Norton Port blended together with a dash of Tannat.). And being a novice cocktail operative at the Bartender Lab, I took the Courage and added a dash of Bourbon with a pinch of Caramel flavoring. It worked nicely. Hope to see you on the Norton Wine Tour.Norton or Vitis Aestivalis is a native North American grape officially discovered in 1823 (or between 1818 and 1828) by Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton (1794-1842), a physician from Richmond. Dr. Norton cultivated and nurtured this new species in a small plot of land known as Magnolia Farm, just northwest of the city of Richmond. The grape, now named after the Dr., was not created intentionally, but resulted as a chance pollination, possibly between Pinot Meunier and a now extinct hybrid known as Bland.
German immigrants bring cuttings of Norton from Virginia to the Midwest - particular Missouri where Norton wines win international acclaim. After prohibition it is thought that Norton vines were lost completely, until 1965, when Jim Held, having newly re-opened Stone Hill Winery, discovers pre-Prohibition Norton vines (dating back to the Civil War) on a nearby property and brings the variety back to commercial use. In 1988, Dennis Horton, originally from Hermann and founder of Horton Vineyards, requests a shipment of Norton vines from Stone Hill Winery, bringing the grape variety back to its birthplace.
The Virginia Norton Wine Tour schedule:
October 18 – 20
Arterra Wines, Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery, Bluemont Vineyard, Cana Vineyards & Winery, Casanel Vineyards and Winery, Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District, Fleetwood Farm Winery, Philip Carter Winery, Rappahannock Cellars, and Slater Run Vineyards.
October 25 – 27
Chateau MerrillAnne, DuCard Vineyards, Fifty-Third Winery and Vineyard, and Horton Vineyards.
November 1 – 3
Hampton Roads Winery and Spinning Jenny Vineyard.
November 8 – 10
Nokesville Winery, Paradise Springs Winery, Piedmont Meadows, Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard, The Winery at Bull Run, and Twin Oaks Tavern Winery.
Update:
Norton Wine Tour 2024 🍇
Join us for the first leg of our month-long celebration of Virginia’s native grape, Norton! We’re kicking off the Norton Wine Tour 2024 with Northern Virginia Cluster 1. Stay tuned here for all the latest updates on special promotions and events taking place on October 18th.
📅 October 18th
*Arterra Wines
— Be the first to experience Arterra’s latest release of their Norton, fermented in clay amphora. This ancient winemaking method enhances the beautiful and distinct characteristics of Virginia’s native grape, elevating it to new heights.
Arterra is also unveiling their Ancestral Chardonnay, a skin-contact white made without added sulfites, also fermented in clay amphora. This traditional technique delivers an unforgettable taste you won’t want to miss.
Join Arterra for this exclusive release weekend and celebrate these extraordinary wines!
https://www.arterrawines.com/
*Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery
— Join Barrel Oak from October 18th to 20th for the highly anticipated release of their 2021 Reserve Norton and 2023 Sparkling Norton! Savor curated flights paired with delectable bites, all crafted to elevate your tasting journey. Stay tuned for more details!
https://barreloak.com/calendar/
*Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg
–Visit Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg for a special Norton event from October 18th – 20th. Experience an exclusive vertical and preview tasting of their exquisite Estate Norton, and, during the Norton Wine Tour weekend ONLY, enjoy a limited release of the 2022 Estate Norton!
https://canavineyards.com/calendar/
*Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District
Get your tickets today for the Flagship Wine Dinner featuring Norton at Chrysalis Vineyards! This exclusive event (for adults 21+) promises an unforgettable evening where you’ll savor past and present vintages of their finest Norton wines, perfectly paired with a delicious appetizer and a sumptuous four-course meal. Don’t miss this chance to indulge in a culinary experience that celebrates the rich flavors of Norton!
Ticket Options:
Wine & Dine Ticket: Includes dinner and wine pairings.
Just Here to Dine Ticket: Includes dinner only.
For more information and to purchase your tickets today, follow the link below:
https://www.chrysaliswine.com/events/U-Pick-Norton-Day---Winery-Tour
*Rappahannock Cellars
–Head to Rappahannock Cellars for a special “Celebrate Norton” event from October 18th – 20th! Throughout the celebration, take part in a vertical tasting of Norton wines and explore their other Norton offerings, including port, sparkling red, and a refreshing Norton sangria!
https://www.rappahannockcellars.com/Events
*Slater Run Vineyards
Slater Run Vineyards will be offering free barrel tastes of their Norton Port-style wine during the Norton Wine Tour’s Northern Virginia cluster weekend. The wine is currently aging in barrels with an expected release date of fall 2025. Stop by the Tasting Room for a complimentary barrel taste during the weekend of October 18 – October 20!
https://www.slaterrun.com/
📅 October 19th
*Arterra Wines
— Be the first to experience Arterra’s latest release of their Norton, fermented in clay amphora. This ancient winemaking method enhances the beautiful and distinct characteristics of Virginia’s native grape, elevating it to new heights.
Arterra is also unveiling their Ancestral Chardonnay, a skin-contact white made without added sulfites, also fermented in clay amphora. This traditional technique delivers an unforgettable taste you won’t want to miss.
Join Arterra for this exclusive release weekend and celebrate these extraordinary wines!
https://www.arterrawines.com/
*Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery
— Join Barrel Oak from October 18th to 20th for the highly anticipated release of their 2021 Reserve Norton and 2023 Sparkling Norton! Savor curated flights paired with delectable bites, all crafted to elevate your tasting journey. Stay tuned for more details!
https://barreloak.com/calendar/
*Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg
–Visit Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg for a special Norton event from October 18th – 20th. Experience an exclusive vertical and preview tasting of their exquisite Estate Norton, and, during the Norton Wine Tour weekend ONLY, enjoy a limited release of the 2022 Estate Norton!
https://canavineyards.com/calendar/
*Casanel Vineyards and Winery
–On October 19th and 20th visit Casanel to celebrate their 16th Anniversary!! Casanel is so excited to celebrate 16 years with all of you!
During this celebratory weekend, enjoy live music from Alex Barnett on Saturday, October 19th, from 2 to 5 PM, and from Nick Staver on Sunday, October 20th, from 2 to 5 PM.
On both days, seize the chance to bottle your own sparkling wine! They will have both a Chardonnay (traditional blanc de blanc) and their sparkling Norton. Elliotte will explain how they make sparkling at Casanel and let you dosage, cork, and finish your very own bottle of spark!
Please sign up for 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM. The cost to participate is the purchase of a bottle of spark. Interested in bottling your own spark? Email anna@casanelvineyards.com.
Throughout the two-day celebration, Casanel will offer a specialty flight of wines made completely from or featuring Norton for $18.00!
Ready to learn more about Casanel? Join Anna for free tours of the vineyard and winery with a special focus on our Norton grapes at 12 PM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM. Email anna@casanelvineyards.com today to reserve your spot.
https://www.casanelvineyards.com/upcoming-events
*Chrysalis Vineyards at The Ag District
–Celebrate the harvest season at Chrysalis Vineyards on Saturday, October 19th (rain date: October 20th)! During their first-ever Norton U-Pick Day, enjoy a hands-on experience with a light harvest, winery tours, and wine tasting of wines in various stages of production.
Tickets:
25lb U-Pick & Winery Tour Ticket: Includes admission, hayride, up to 25 lbs of Norton grapes to harvest, and a wine tasting.
U-Pick Norton – Child/Young Adult Ticket: Admission for those under 21, includes hayride and the opportunity to assist with harvesting.
For more information and to purchase your tickets today, follow the link below:
https://www.chrysaliswine.com/events/U-Pick-Norton-Day---Winery-Tour
*Phillip Carter Winery
–Visit Philip Carter Winery for a special vertical tasting celebrating Virginia’s native grape—Norton! Experience a unique tasting featuring three library Nortons paired with a delightful morsel. Plus, enjoy our exclusive ‘this weekend only’ Norton bottle discount!
|https://pcwinery.com/
*Rappahannock Cellars
–Head to Rappahannock Cellars for a special “Celebrate Norton” event from October 18th – 20th! Throughout the celebration, take part in a vertical tasting of Norton wines and explore their other Norton offerings, including port, sparkling red, and a refreshing Norton sangria!
https://www.rappahannockcellars.com/Events
*Slater Run Vineyards
–Slater Run Vineyards will be offering free barrel tastes of their Norton Port-style wine during the Norton Wine Tour’s Northern Virginia cluster weekend. The wine is currently aging in barrels with an expected release date of fall 2025. Stop by the Tasting Room for a complimentary barrel taste during the weekend of October 18 – October 20!
https://www.slaterrun.com/
📅 October 20th
*Arterra Wines
— Be the first to experience Arterra’s latest release of their Norton, fermented in clay amphora. This ancient winemaking method enhances the beautiful and distinct characteristics of Virginia’s native grape, elevating it to new heights.
Arterra is also unveiling their Ancestral Chardonnay, a skin-contact white made without added sulfites, also fermented in clay amphora. This traditional technique delivers an unforgettable taste you won’t want to miss.
Join Arterra for this exclusive release weekend and celebrate these extraordinary wines!
https://www.arterrawines.com/
*Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery
— Join Barrel Oak from October 18th to 20th for the highly anticipated release of their 2021 Reserve Norton and 2023 Sparkling Norton! Savor curated flights paired with delectable bites, all crafted to elevate your tasting journey. Stay tuned for more details!
https://barreloak.com/calendar/
*Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg
–Visit Cana Vineyards and Winery of Middleburg for a special Norton event from October 18th – 20th. Experience an exclusive vertical and preview tasting of their exquisite Estate Norton, and, during the Norton Wine Tour weekend ONLY, enjoy a limited release of the 2022 Estate Norton!
https://canavineyards.com/calendar/
*Casanel Vineyards and Winery
–On October 19th and 20th visit Casanel to celebrate their 16th Anniversary!! Casanel is so excited to celebrate 16 years with all of you!
During this celebratory weekend, enjoy live music from Alex Barnett on Saturday, October 19th, from 2 to 5 PM, and from Nick Staver on Sunday, October 20th, from 2 to 5 PM.
On both days, seize the chance to bottle your own sparkling wine! They will have both a Chardonnay (traditional blanc de blanc) and their sparkling Norton. Elliotte will explain how they make sparkling at Casanel and let you dosage, cork, and finish your very own bottle of spark!
Please sign up for 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM. The cost to participate is the purchase of a bottle of spark. Interested in bottling your own spark? Email anna@casanelvineyards.com.
Throughout the two-day celebration, Casanel will offer a specialty flight of wines made completely from or featuring Norton for $18.00!
Ready to learn more about Casanel? Join Anna for free tours of the vineyard and winery with a special focus on our Norton grapes at 12 PM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM. Email anna@casanelvineyards.com today to reserve your spot.
https://www.casanelvineyards.com/upcoming-events
*Phillip Carter Winery
–Visit Philip Carter Winery for a special vertical tasting celebrating Virginia’s native grape—Norton! Experience a unique tasting featuring three library Nortons paired with a delightful morsel. Plus, enjoy our exclusive ‘this weekend only’ Norton bottle discount!
https://pcwinery.com/
*Rappahannock Cellars
–Head to Rappahannock Cellars for a special “Celebrate Norton” event from October 18th – 20th! Throughout the celebration, take part in a vertical tasting of Norton wines and explore their other Norton offerings, including port, sparkling red, and a refreshing Norton sangria!
https://www.rappahannockcellars.com/Events
*Slater Run Vineyards
–Slater Run Vineyards will be offering free barrel tastes of their Norton Port-style wine during the Norton Wine Tour’s Northern Virginia cluster weekend. The wine is currently aging in barrels with an expected release date of fall 2025. Stop by the Tasting Room for a complimentary barrel taste during the weekend of October 18 – October 20!
https://www.slaterrun.com/
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