Williamsburg Wine

Gretchen Neuman
VinoVerve Editor

Tobin Logo via JohnMorrell.com

Tobin Logo via JohnMorrell.com

I have always wanted to go to Colonial Williamsburg. It calls a nerd like me. During the Bicentennial, we Miller’s got into the Tobin Packing Company car (Dad was a salesman for the company) that looked like a skunk (it was black and white with a Tobin’s decal on the doors) and drove down south… We didn’t stop at Williamsburg because there was an argument about whether we should stop at Kings Dominion. Plus we had already stopped at Mount Vernon.

When I am visiting Nanny and the cousins in Virginia Beach, I don’t get a chance to stop either. They keep me busy catching up. What I really need is to bring the girls with me so that I can use them as an excuse to go. Not that they are interested in Interpretive History. They might have had their fill of that in Salem.

What I was able to do while in Virginia was to make a stop at the grocery store. And there I found a decent selection of local wine (NOT an option at my local Jewel). So I picked up a couple of bottles.

WilliamsburgYesterday, we opened this one. Williamsburg Winery was created in 1985 by the Duffeler family and produced its first wine in 1988. The first wine produced was the Governor’s White. It is a medium-bodied semi-dry wine with grapefruit and Golden Delicious apple flavors (or maybe apple pear, I am undecided). The wine doesn’t list what varietals were blended to create it. But the winery grows Cayuga, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Traminette and Vidal Blanc in their vineyard. Judging from the flavors I would guess that Vidal Blanc was one of the primary grapes used for this wine.

Other wines produced by Williamsburg Winery include:

  • James River White
  • Plantation Blush
  • Susan Constant Red
  • Two Shilling Red
  • John Adlum Chardonnay
  • Andrewes Merlot
  • Arundell Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Acte 12 Chardonnay
  • Burgesses’ Measure Merlot
  • Henings Statute Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Seyval Blanc
  • Viognier
  • Merlot Reserve
  • Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve
  • Gabriel Archer Reserve
  • Virginina Trianon (a Cabernet Franc)
  • Vintage Reserve Chardonnay
  • Late Harvest Vidal
  • Blackberry Merlot
  • Raspberry Merlot
  • Spiced Wine

The wines range in price from $7.50 to $65.00 with the majority of selections in the $9.00 to $16.00 range. WIlliamsburg Winery can be ship to California, Florida, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Washington, DC, Texas, Virginia, Alaska, Colorado, Georgia, Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio.

Williamsburg Winery is NOT in the confines of Colonial Williamsburg but rather a couple of miles outside of the town. Along with the winery, the property is home to a hotel, Wedmore Place and the Gabriel Archer Tavern. It is located at:

5800 Wessex Hundred
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
757-229-0999
wine@wmbgwine.com

More Chicago Wine News

More information on Binny’s takeover of Sam’s…..  Time will tell how the consumers of Illinois will fare …

We Listen And We Care

Many of you have written and called us in the few days since we acquired Sam’s asking about your unredeemed reward certificates and birthday coupons. In the spirit of our new beginning together, and out of respect for Sam’s old customers, Binny’s will honor Sam’s rewards certificates and birthday offers through Nov. 15, 2009. This limited time offer is valid at Sam’s former locations in Lincoln Park and Downers Grove, and all previously stated exclusions and expiration dates still apply. We’re also happy to announce that effective immediately we can now accept all valid Sam’s gift cards.

Binny's CardQuestions have been pouring in (no pun intended) on the Binny’s Card. Signing up is quick, easy and very rewarding and can be done at any of our 24 Chicagoland locations. Benefits include a two percent rebate on wine purchases, a five percent discount on mixed case purchases and special email discounts and offers (including our much-anticipated 15 percent off everything in stock coupons). Visit a Binny’s near you for details.

A Word For Chicago Consumers

I got this in the email today:

|

A Special Message To Sam’s Customers‏
From: Binny’s Beverage Depot (info@binnys.com)
Sent: Fri 10/23/09 3:54 PM
To: gretchen@vinoverve.com

“I shop at Binny’s because they offer the lowest prices in
town, the biggest and best selection of wine, spirits and beer
and the most knowledgeable sales staff. As the former owner
of Sam’s, I should know.” –Fred Rosen

Dear Sam’s Customer:

Welcome to Binny’s. As you may have heard, Binny’s recently acquired Sam’s Wine & Spirits. The two companies have been serving Chicagoland for over a combined 120 years. But our focus is on the future and not resting on our laurels. We look forward to meeting you in person and under standing how we can better serve your needs. In the meantime, there are a few things you should know about us.

Our Vow: Everything you love about Binny’s and Sam’s will be available under one roof.

Our Vision: To be the ultimate destination for wine, spirits and craft beer lovers where shopping is a rewarding and enjoyable experience, not merely an errand.

Our Values: We are committed to serving every palate and pocketbook because whether you’re shopping for box wine or Bordeaux, new releases under ten dollars or priceless cellar selections, the red carpet gets rolled out to each and every customer.

Please let us know when we measure up–or when we come up short. Email us your feedback and questions to comments@binnys.com. Cheers!

I can only hope that now that Sam’s is gone, Binny’s will respect area consumers or reduce selection and raise prices? Time will tell…..