Vertical tastings are an excellent opportunity to taste the same varietal wine from several different years. This allows the taster to realize how influential the weather is on the finished product. Vertical tastings are most often done as a special event. In a few cases, a tasting room may offer wine enthusiasts the opportunity to taste the same wine from two different vintages. At one winery we noticed a package of six bottles of Norton was available as a Vertical Tasting for purchase. This is also unusual. Watch for wineries that advertise Vertical Wine Tasting specials.

During January the James River Cellar Winery, in Virginia will be hosting two Vertical Wine Weekends. For this coming weekend (January 16^th and 17^th), a Merlot Vertical Tasting will be offered. On January 23^rd and 24^th, they will have a Cabernet Franc Vertical tasting. According to the information I have from them, “We will be tasting and comparing wines from our 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 vintages.” The cost for a vertical tasting is $10. Seems reasonable to me!

James River Cellars is located on the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail. The other wineries on the trail include Cooper Vineyard, Grayhaven Winery and Lake Anna Winery.

When you have the chance, be sure to try a vertical tasting. It will add to your wine experience.

Cheers! Kathy