The Hague Winery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: The Hague Winery’s tasting room located in Hague, Virginia opened in May 2009. Those who like history will enjoy visiting the winery built on Buena Vista that dates back to 1835. Plan to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it on the patio. Experience a delightful day with quality wines at The Hague Winery.
A trip to The Hague Winery with its recently added tasting room and wines to taste was delightful. Nearby vineyards were anticipating warmer spring weather so they could burst forth with buds and more growth. The atmosphere is warm, friendly and relaxed. While visiting The Hague Winery you are likely to meet Steve or Cynthia Madey in the tasting room.
The Hague Winery Background
Steve Madey is enthusiastic about his winery and vineyard dream. He has focused on owning a winery since before he planted the existing vineyards. For several years, he had access to the Library of Congress and researched wineries and vineyards. As he became more involved with learning about vineyards and wineries, he took classes with Jim Law of Linden Vineyards in Virginia as well as classes at UC Davis in California.
Steve and Cynthia Madey purchased the property of Buena Vista in 2000. The property included a two-story house, cottage, tenant house and barn dating back to 1835. The Madeys were the first to own the property outside of the original family.
Steve researched the history of the property that had remained in the family for 11 generations before the Madeys bought it. The research showed that the original owner, Colonel Brown, grew peaches here after the “War of Northern Aggression” frequently referred to as the Civil War. The peaches grew well here. Steve knew that grapes and peaches have the same basic temperature needs and this was an indication that he could successfully establish vineyards on the property.
Vineyards
In 2005 and 2006, the Madeys planted five acres of Cabernet Franc, Chardonel, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Muscat. In the future, they will add four more acres of grapes. By 2007, with the help of Lucie Morton as a vineyard consultant, the vineyards were producing quality fruit that other wineries purchased. Steve believed that was a good sign and he should start his own winery.
Tasting Room
The tasting room is located in a renovated barn with an extended addition. Behind the tasting counter the wall of the restored barn is painted blue. Three small tables are available in the tasting room. Two large walls of windows allow one to enjoy views of the countryside. A large patio with an additional tasting counter offers wrought iron tables and chairs, a great place to relax and enjoy a bottle of wine. The patio located at a higher elevation than the vineyards offers a lovely view of vineyards and Virginia's countryside.
While in the tasting room be sure to browse the selection of foods and wine accessories available for purchase. Visitors are encouraged to purchase bread and cheese to enjoy with the wines or to bring a picnic lunch from home. The winery is pet and child friendly.
Wine Bottle Label
The wine bottle label is an image of the front vestibule of the house with the grape variety mentioned on the label. This is an interesting room. On each side of the vestibule a series of windows from floor to ceiling frame the deck. The two lower windows can be raised creating a doorway to the deck.
White and Rosé Wines
Chardonel 2008 was a straw color. The aroma offered floral notes while the taste had floral and citrus notes. The finish was crisp and citrusy. Suggested pairings included shellfish and seafood. Rosé 2008 was produced with Cabernet Franc. The color was similar to peach skin. There were nuances of strawberries throughout the wine. The wine finished crisp and dry.
Red Wines
Merlot 2009 was ruby with red fruit and plum notes on the aroma and taste. The finish was fruity with soft tannins. Petit Verdot was a dark purple that offered dark fruit nuances throughout the tasting. The finish was fruity with tannins. Cabernet Franc 2008 was a dark ruby color. There was an aroma of dark berries and spice. Mild tannins and pepper notes were on the aftertaste. Meritage Reserve 2008 was dark ruby. This wine was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. The wine offered a black fruit aroma. The taste was of black fruit and oak nuances. Tannins were on the fruity finish.
Dessert Wine
Cynthia Dessert 2008 offered an aroma and floral taste especially orange blossoms and honeysuckle. The orange and peach finish yielded to honey. The wine was sweet, crisp and dried on the finish.
Enjoy a visit to The Hague Winery, taste quality wines and enjoy the delightful countryside.
The Hague Winery
8268 Cople Highway
Hague, Virginia 22469
GPS: N 38° 04.309’ W 76° 39.348’
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