Pearmund Cellars
by
K.L. Sullivan
February 2009 update:
Pearmund Cellars has been voted ‘Virginia Favorite Winery.’ The winery currently produces 7,000 cases of wine. Since we visited, they have added a fireplace and a bigger outdoor porch. Chris Pearmund is also concentrating on a new winery, Vint Hill Craft Winery. This new winery will focus on allowing participants to create their own barrel of wine. Vint Hill Craft Winery is taking reservations in March 2009 and will use the 2009 harvest. The wine will be finished in 2010.
The next day we arrived at Pearmund Cellars, just a few miles from LaGrange. We drove along a long driveway, winding through the countryside with grapevines on each side. It is easy to imagine how this will look when the grapevines leaf out. We had an 11:00 appointment and while we waited to talk with the owner, Rick who had been present the day before at LaGrange walked by. Rick provided more detailed information, answered our many questions and gave us a sample of a Riesling from a tank. White wines are fermented in stainless steel tanks except for some Chardonnays.
The tasting room at Pearmund Cellars is bright and cheerful with a large tasting counter. Across from the tasting counter is a cozy spot where one can relax and enjoy a glass of wine. Tabletops made from wine barrels, add to the atmosphere of the room. On the walls are paintings by local artists that are available for purchase.
This is one of the few wineries we have visited, where there is a children’s area supplied with toys. This is a great idea, especially for parents who want to stop by to purchase a wine or wine accessory gift.
We stayed a Pearmund Cellars for longer than we anticipated, due to the friendliness and willingness of Chris Pearmund and Rick Tagg to talk to us. Chris is a big promoter of the wine industry. It is really great to meet someone who is willing to share his extensive knowledge in order to help other businesses.
While we were visiting at Pearmund Cellars, we met a couple in the early stages of developing their own vineyard and winery. They were there to get advise from Chris. Their first planting will take place this spring. It usually takes five years before grape vines reach full production. We will keep in touch with them and let you know on this website the different stages their winery will be going through.
Before we left Pearmund Cellars, we stopped at the tasting bar to try their wines. The wines included Estate Chardonnay, Viognier, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Lisa's Merlot, Ameritage, Ameritage Reserve, Petit Verdot, Late Harvest Vidal and Vin de Sol. There is a $3.00 tasting fee or $5.00 if you want to keep the glass.
Pearmund Cellars
For more information: Pearmund Cellars
Visit these Virginia wineries that partner with Wine Trail Traveler.
