Fox Meadow Winery
Looking out over the mountains from the expansive tasting room at Fox Meadow Vineyards, one might think this land was destined for viticultural use. Unlike many Virginia vintners, when Dan and Cheryl Mortland set out to get into the Virginia wine industry they did not own land in Virginia. Seeing an opportunity where many would see a challenge, the Mortlands set out to find the best possible location for their new adventure.
“Location, Location, Location” is the mantra of many real estate professionals. The same can be said for vineyards. The nature of the soils combined with the elevation and orientation of the vineyards have as much, if not more, to do with the wine that is produced than any of the work conducted in the winery. It is an old saying in the wine business that you can make bad wine from good fruit but you can’t make good wine from bad fruit.
“We got started in this enterprise knowing what we did not know,” says Dan Mortland, “So we reached out to those in the state that had first hand experience in viticulture, winery design, and wine making”. The result was the selection of a 50 acre site at an elevation of 1,700 feet with breathtaking views of up to seven mountain ridges. Located off I-66 just 60 miles west of the nation’s capitol, Fox Meadow is an easy day trip from Alexandria.
Fox Meadow’s first vines, planted in April 2003, were Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. The vineyards have an easterly orientation to provide warming sun in the morning and to promote gentle breezes in the afternoon. This orientation coupled with the elevation helps hinder the development of certain grape diseases.
The property was once a part of historic Freezeland Orchards, an apple farm that at one time had seven hundred acres of production. Founded in 1906 to satisfy the British demand for Virginia apples, Freezeland Orchards also saw the value of high elevation agriculture citing specifically the reduced risk of spring frost as such cold air can’t sit on a mountainside as it can in a valley.
The fruit from the vineyards was outstanding so it was with great anticipation that the 2005 vintage was released. The Chardonnay was particularly exceptional with touches of pear and fig in addition to mild tropical (pineapple) undertone in the flavor profile. The Pinot Grigio was also a strong performer with showy citrus and a minerality that reckons back to the Old Country.
In a gross generalization, new Virginia wineries tend not to be known as strong red wine producers in their first few years of operation. Fox Meadow shatters that old wives tale, with their deep rich red wines featuring full bouquets and a lingering, memorable finishes. Just this summer, Fox Meadow Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Franc won “Best in Show” in Third Annual Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. This wine with its black cherry notes and spicy oak tones was selected from 450 wine entries from 102 wineries in thirteen states as the finest vintage in the competition.
The winery and tasting room opened to guests in 2006. With soaring ceilings and rich oak hardwood floors the tasting room beckons the weary traveler to stay and enjoy the views from the floor to ceiling windows. On warm days, “Friends of the Fox” gather out on the expansive deck to enjoy light picnic fare along with the award winning wines. In the next few weeks, a new enclosed portion of the deck will be finished including a wood burning stove to warm even the coldest of the midwinter storms.
Great wines and great views are only part of the Fox Meadow story. To develop wines of distinction requires passion, courage and faith. As a family owned and operated winery, the entire Mortland family embraces the joys and challenges associated with the winery business. Dan, who spent a career in the electronics assembly industry, is now most often found behind the tasting bar sharing the Fox Meadow story and expanding on the hard work that goes into each hand crafted bottle. Cheryl, a wine professional in her own right, works the tasting room to ensure each guest is provided for with hospitality. Out in the vineyard, their son Bob is inspecting the trellis wires and fences before the heavy weather creeps in. Together, the Mortlands are building new traditions at 1,700 feet in Linden.
Please remember winter is a slower time for Virginia wineries. Many wineries have reduced hours or even close in the winter months. It is a good idea to call first, especially if there is any inclement weather in the forecast. In January, Fox Meadow is only open on the weekends from 11-5.
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