Trump Winery
by
Kathy Sullivan
Summary: A visit to Trump Winery offers visitors picturesque views of Virginia’s countryside including the renowned mountains. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy tasting the quality wines made by the longtime winemaker. The surrounding property includes: Albemarle Estate, Grand Hall, the Barn and Pavilion and a Chapel. This review article focuses on the Trump Winery experience.
A visit to Trump Winery will take visitors to a dedicated wine tasting facility that focuses on wines and the wine tasting experience including views of the vineyards and landscape.
The winery, vineyards, and additional properties were purchased in 2011 by Eric Trump, who is the president of Trump Winery. Today, wine tastings take place in a unique facility that reminds one of an elegant white cottage. The main room, with a long wood counter, has a wood decor including walls of dark honey-colored wood. The area offers a sophisticated but warm and friendly setting. Two small and cozy rooms are adjacent to the tasting room.
At the far end of the tasting room, an open door leads to a covered area with numerous tables and chairs. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy a glass of Trump wine and purchase a selection of food to enjoy while appreciating the views of the large vineyards in the distance. Just beyond the outdoor seating area are two raised gardens with an assortment of vegetables and herbs including: tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, basil and lavender.
Beyond are the prolific vineyards and a large pond. In the distance is the Grand Hall where large events are held. Those who walk closer to the vineyards will have views of the magnificent renowned estate mansion. The Albemarle Estate at Trump Winery is now a hotel. The onsite Chapel, available for weddings, is hidden in a grove of trees. Numerous chairs are located above the pond where wine lovers can enjoy wine paired with the panoramic views.
Vineyards
The current winemaker is Jonathan Wheeler who has been producing wine here since 2006. The property consists of approximately 1,300 acres with 210 acres of vineyards. Grape varieties currently planted include: Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Malbec, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. The winery also sources grapes from the West Coast.
Trump Wines
Our wine tasting began with the effervescent Sparkling Blanc de Blanc 2010. This sparkling wine was produced in the traditional method and included 36 months of secondary fermentation. The wine was 100% Chardonnay. This wine offered a light yellow color with steady streams of tiny bubbles. The aroma included notes of apple and pear. There were also notes of citrus with some freshly baked bread. The finish was crisp and cleansing, making the Blanc de Blanc a great way to start a wine tasting.
Chardonnay Monticello AVA 2016 was a yellow color. The aroma was of apple and pear. The taste offered a velvety mouthfeel with notes of apple and pear and some citrus. The finish was pleasant with fruit yielding to some vanilla. Suggested pairings included seafood and salads. For every bottle of this Chardonnay sold during the third quarter of 2017, Trump Winery donates $1.00 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Each quarter, the winery designates a wine and charity.
Viognier Monticello AVA 2015 was produced using 30% oak. The wine was a yellow color. The aroma included floral and yellow stone fruit notes. The mouthfeel was smooth and full-bodied. The taste included notes of apricots and peaches. The crisp finish offered long yellow stone fruit notes. The aftertaste included hints of mineral. Pasta and scallops are suggested pairings.
CRU was produced with 100% Chardonnay. This wine with 18% alcohol was fortified with brandy. The wine had 14% (140 g/L ) of residual sugar. The winemaking protocol included aging this dessert wine in used bourbon barrels. The resulting wine was a dark yellow/gold color. The aroma was of dried fruits. The mouthfeel was very smooth and the wine was full-bodied. The taste offered notes of yellow stone fruits. The finish was long with dried fruit notes. After tasting the CRU, a staff member added a bit of the Blanc de Blanc to the CRU. The result was a delicious drink, reminding us of a yummy mimosa.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 was a barely opaque ruby color with a dark pink rim. The aroma offered notes of raspberries with a hint of oak. The taste included raspberry notes with some leather and blackberries. The wine was medium to full-bodied with medium bold tannins. Fruit and spice notes were on the finish. Suggested pairings included hard cheeses and braised red meats. The 2015 Meritage was a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The result was a dark opaque ruby color. The aroma was of dark fruits and the taste offered notes of cherry and blueberry with a hint of leather. The wine was full-bodied with bold tannins.The finish included notes of fruit and baking spices. Pairing suggestions included steak and roasted duck.
Events to Support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Trump Winery supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2017 events to support this worthy cause include a Behind-The-Scenes Tour in August, the 4th Annual Race and Taste 10K in November and Carols For A Cure at the onsite Chapel with a reception to follow at the Barn.
While traveling through the Monticello area of Virginia, plan your schedule to include time to taste wines at Trump Winery. Be sure to add extra time to enjoy a glass of wine while relaxing with picturesque views of the vineyards and surrounding countryside.
Trump Winery Tasting Room
3550 Blenheim Road
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
GPS: N37º 56.3304’ W78º 29.9422’
Article written August 2017.
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