Lake Anna Winery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: When visiting historic Fredericksburg or Lake Anna, make plans to stop at Lake Anna Winery.
Lake Anna Winery is a family owned and operated winery. The winery is managed by the second-generation family. With 13 wines on the current wine list, visitors are sure to discover a wine they enjoy.
A partial wall divides the tasting room and event room. The ceiling is A-shaped with several ceiling fans. A brick fireplace adds to the ambiance of the event room. The tasting room has an array of gift items available. Consider a gift basket. Two styles are available: the Lake Anna Gourmet basket for $48 and the Lake Anna Virginia basket for $40. These baskets have containers so that one can purchase the desired wine to add to the basket.
The idea of planting grapevines on the Spotsylvania farmland was sparked by Bill Heidig when he visited France in 1981. In 1983 Bill and Ann planted Seyval Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. When the vines began to produce fruit, the Heidigs sold the grapes to other wineries. Eventually, the desire to build a winery led to the renovation of a 1940’s dairy barn. The renovation was completed in 1990. The Lake Anna Winery bottled its first commercial vintage in 1990 and continued to sell grapes.
Today the winery has 20 acres of vines consisting of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. There are small blocks of Gewürztraminer, Traminette, Chambourcin and Cabernet Franc. They also source grapes from Virginia growers. Graham Bell is the winemaker and produces 7,000 to 8,000 cases.
In 1999/2000 Eric Heidig, a son of the Heldigs, became a wine consultant. Eventually Eric and Jeff, (another son) decided to purchase the winery from their parents. Since that purchase, the two brothers have added the tasting room and event center.
White Wines
The tasting began with the Seyval Blanc 2008. The aroma had nuances of green apple while the taste also had green apple nuances with citrus notes. The finish was crisp with apple nuances. Bellhaven Chardonnay 2008 was in stainless steel tanks. The aroma and taste offered apple nuances. The taste was smooth and there were notes of apple and pear on the finish. Chardonnay Barrel Select 2007 was in oak barrels for ten months. The aroma had apple nuances while the taste and finish had notes of apple and caramel.
Red Wines
Cabernet Franc 2005 is a sienna translucent color. The aroma offers notes of pepper while the taste is of dark fruit with pepper nuances. The wine finished with tannins and dark fruit nuances. Énigme is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Traminette, Petite Verdot and Chambourcin. This wine was a dark ruby color. The aroma and taste were of black fruit. The finish was crisp and fruity. To add to the concept of énigme, there is a crossword puzzle on the bottles front label with clues on the back label.
Specialty Wines
Essensual 2006 was an ice wine-style dessert wine produced with Vidal Blanc. The taste was deliciously sweet. The wine had a crisp finish that cut the sweetness making it well balanced.
Events
The winery has numerous events throughout the year. Inside, the event room can comfortably hold 120 while events occurring both inside and outside can range from 300 to 400 people.
When visiting Lake Anna, remember Lake Anna Winery is only three miles away.
Lake Anna Winery
5621 Courthouse Road
Spotsylvania, Virginia 22551
GPS: N38º 06.727’ W77º 45.976’
Visit these Virginia wineries and wine tour groups that partner with Wine Trail Traveler.
 |
 |
 |
 |
