Chrysalis Vineyards

Chrysalis Vineyards is set in the beautiful Virginia Piedmont. The tasting room is medium sized. During the warm weather months, the tastings are done outside, at one of several tented outdoor tasting bars.

I have visited Chrysalis several times, and on each occasion, the staff was friendly and each person who poured was very knowledgeable about the wines. They have many different wines, including some Spanish and French varieties that are not too common in Virginia. Chrysalis is very proud of its various Norton wines, and with good reason. I know I said I am not a wine critic, and I'm not, but Norton is my favorite red, and Chrysalis doesn't disappoint! Norton is known as the native American grape. The folks at Chrysalis will give you a brief history of the Norton grape while you're tasting the wine.

The tasting room has several refrigerators with water, various cheeses, and organic eggs. They also have crackers and chips for sale, as well as different sauces for purchase. They also have several different pieces of jewelry for sale in a display case.

Chrysalis hosts several events throughout the year, including a wine and jazz festival.

Observations:
~ Chrysalis is a very dog-friendly winery. Visitors (both two-legged and four-legged) are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy it on the patio or at one of the various picnic tables on the grounds. Four-legged visitors must be kept on a leash, of course.
~ During the warm weather months, be prepared for an outside tasting experience. One of the outdoor tasting stations is a bit of a walk from the tasting room, so be prepared for a walk through the grass to get there.
~ Very friendly staff.
~ Excellent website with lots of great information about the vineyards and their wines.
~ Wine glass with Chrysalis logo included with tasting fee.

Travel:
You'll be traveling a little over a mile on a rocky dirt road to get to the winery. The dirt road has several bumps along the way, and several "washboard" areas also make for a bumpy ride. You will need a car wash after visiting Chrysalis, but it is definitely worth it!!

Website:
http://www.chrysaliswine.com