Rock of Ages Winery
by
K.L. Sullivan
Summary: The Rock of Ages winery has everything a visitor can ask for when visiting. Sitting back from the side of the road, the winery has an elegance to it that is inspiring. Once inside the winery, the friendliness of Linda Bowes (tasting room manager) adds to the wine taster’s pleasurable time.
From the road, the Rock of Ages winery sits back majestically overlooking acres of vineyards. The inside of the tasting room does not disappoint one. The tasting room is lavishly decorated with marble and ceramic tile and at the same time has a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Kevin Moore, owner and winemaker, grew up on the present estate property. He wanted to develop the old land, originally a tobacco farm, into a new use as a vineyard. Perhaps his motto says it all. “Bringing the old into the new.” The land is like a rock that can withstand ages of weather and use. Kevin took his inspiration from the land and called the winery and vineyard, “Rock of Ages.”
Walking to the double front doors of the winery provides an experience. Immediately in front is a large patio with a deck overhead. Ceiling fans will provide a relief on those hot summer days. Inside the door, one sees dramatic ceramic tiles, quartz and more. Behind the tasting bar is a large painting by a local artist. The painting features the new and the old. To the right are fields of tobacco and an old tobacco barn and on the left is the lake with children playing.
Through a door to the right of the tasting counter is a small balcony overlooking the winery area. From this vantage point visitors can view the stainless steel tanks and French, American and Hungarian oak barrels. This is one winery that has plenty of room to grow.
We discovered that Kevin and Kimberly own Hard Rock Marble & Tile. They used their knowledge and skills in designing and building the tasting room. Above the tasting room on the second level are tables and chairs. This area opens onto the tasting room below. Double glass doors open out onto a deck, where one can view the acres of vineyards and a lake used to provide water for the vineyards.
Rock of Ages winery was started in 2005 and opened in October 2006. Today they have 18 acres of vines. Grapes include Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Limberger, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Chardonel, Chardonnay, Viognier, Frontenac, Touriga, Petit Manseng, Traminette, Carlos, Magnolia and Noble.
The winery and vineyards are located on the Moore family estate where tobacco grew for generations. During the early 1900’s, Kevin’s grandfather, Earnest Moore, provided Communion wine for churches in the area. Kevin became interested in learning about vineyards and wineries and now has a degree in Oenology and Viticulture. The large event areas in the tasting room can hold up to 299 people. Two smaller rooms can provide additional event space. Events of all kinds take place here including weddings, wedding receptions, corporate meetings and parties. The winery also participates in special festivals including a Cork and Pork Festival for which they bottled a special wine. This wine was so popular that it sold out.
We tasted several wines including the Chardonnay 2005, aged in stainless steel. It had an apple nose, fruit flavor with apple on the aftertaste and was crisp. Old World Blend 2006 was a light translucent purple with a red fruit nose and flavor. It had a nice balance of fruit and acidity. Merlot 2005 was a red translucent color. It had a cherry nose and flavor with an aftertaste of fruit acid and tannins. Shiraz 2005 was a dark red. It has a red fruit nose, red fruit flavor with a nice balance between fruit acid and tannins. Muscadine Semi-Sweet had a light floral nose and a sweet taste that dried on the aftertaste. Sweet Muscadine was floral with a hint of grass on the nose. It had a sweet grape taste and aftertaste. The acid balanced well with the sugar and the wine was not syrupy.
When you visit Rock of Ages winery, schedule enough time to view the beautiful architecture of the building, browse the gifts and enjoy the experience. The tasting room offers several places that you can sit, enjoy wine and take in all the beauty.
GPS N 36° 17.340' W 079° 03.973'
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