Jason Burrus
winemaker, Chrysalis Vineyards, Middleburg
From Virginia: 868 Estate (Purcellville) Chardonnay. “Winemaker Carl DiManno and I went to UC-Davis together. We had a Loudoun County Winemakers Association meeting and all of us were supposed to bring a bottle to show what we were doing. He brought that.”
Guilty Pleasure: Browsing at the Harris Teeter in Purcellville. “I love trying to find good wines in the $10-15 range. Ten years ago I wouldn’t go to the supermarket … but stores are now starting to focus more on local, unique wines. Store manager [Nate Durbin] is also their wine buyer, and we chat nearly every other day.”
Splurge: Clos Du Val Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009. “If they do one thing well, it’s this. It’s always been one of my favorites.”
Kerem Baki
winemaker, Hillsborough Vineyards, Purcellville
From Virginia: Doukenie Winery (Purcellville) Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio. “Just excellent wine.”
Guilty Pleasure: Kirkland Signature Sauvignon Blanc Ti Point (New Zealand). “I don’t see it often, but if I ever find it at Costco, I buy a few bottles. New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is the best value in the world in wine.”
Splurge: Chateau O’Brien (Markham) Tannat. “[Winemaker] Jason Murray’s reds are so smooth. Tannat works best with simple food, like chicken or grilled vegetables with olive oil.”
Doug Fabbioli,
winemaker-owner, Fabbioli Cellars, Leesburg
From Virginia: Linden Vineyards (Linden) Sauvignon Blanc. “I’m pretty much a red guy. I certainly appreciate good whites like this one.”
Guilty Pleasure: Homemade wine cooler made with local red wine, lots of ice, a good splash of ginger ale and a slice of lemon. “Some may see this as a sin, but it sure is refreshing.”
Splurge: Catoctin Creek (Purcellville) gin on the rocks with a lime. “When it comes to indulgent purchases, it very hard for me to indulge on myself.”
Lori Corcoran
winemaker-owner, Corcoran Vineyards, Waterford
From Virginia: Chrysalis Vineyards (Middleburg) Viognier and Albariño. “I pair it with salad and bring it on picnics.”
Guilty Pleasure: NV Col Mesian Nove Cento Dieci Spumante Rosé Brut. “I love bubbles, going out or just sitting at home. It doesn’t have to be expensive.”
Splurge: Vintage port. “Dow’s from 2000 and 1997 are really good. And it’s great because you buy a bottle of 10-year tawny and it takes a month to drink it. Just have a little taste here and there.”
Stephanie Gadino Pross
assistant winemaker, Gadino Cellars, Washington
From Virginia: Glen Manor (Front Royal) Sauvignon Blanc. “The varietal is harder to find in Virginia, and this one is incredible.”
Guilty Pleasure: Gadino Luminoso (blend of Petit Manseng and Vidal Blanc). “We are guilty of drinking a lot of our own products. Luminoso is just sweet enough that it’s dangerously easy to drink. You can go through several bottles and wonder what happened.”
Splurge: French Viognier and Spanish Albarinos. “Our favorite wine shop is Vinosity in Culpeper. They have a great selection.”
(June 2014)
