Lamb Chili and 2012 Whites

As many of you know, I enjoy visiting Bluemont Vineyards every few months or so. This month, my visit came about because I heard that Jennifer, a local farmer, had once again made her delicious lamb chili!

On weekends, Bluemont serves a small meal, as well as the customary meats, cheeses, and bread. I have had many a yummy meal there, but my favorite one is the lamb chili. My first taste of the chili was two years ago, and I have gone back every year when they serve it in January and February. I even bring an extra container so I can bring some home for lunch the next day. LOL

Since it had been a few months since our last visit, Dan and I decided to do a tasting before digging into our chili. I am very glad we did so, because I got to meet Jen (the assistant wine maker, not the local farmer). When Jen and I started talking about wine and wine blogging, she said she had to take us over to the barrel room to try some of the new 2012 whites that were almost ready to bottle. So, after our tasting, Dan, myself, and my friend Katie (who was with us that day) walked over to the barrel room with Jen.

Jen showing off the barrel room
Our first 2012 wine was their Viognier. It was so crisp and refreshing. I can still taste it today. Mmm… Next, we tried the 2012 Petit Manseng which was a little more subtle and lingering than the Viognier. Finally, we got to try a Rose made from Cab Franc grapes, which will be another great spring/summer picnic wine. All three of the 2012 wines were very good, and I am already counting down the days until their release this spring!

For anyone who would like to try the lamb chili, be sure to follow Bluemont on Facebook or Twitter, because they’ll announce when it is available again in February. They will also announce the release of their 2012 wines there, and I definitely recommend trying them. :)

Bluemont Vineyard and Great Country Farms

One of my favorite places to visit is Bluemont, Virginia. Just a half an hour outside of Leesburg, this is a great destination for adults, kids, and dogs. The reason this location is so fantastic is that it is home to both Bluemont Vineyards and Great Country Farms, and the best part is that they are right across the street from each other!

My most recent trip to Bluemont included my friends Nikki and Renee, and their children. Since it is such a great place, more friends and family joined in, and we had quite an energetic group!

If you have children with you, I suggest beginning your day at Great Country Farms. For a small entrance fee, you can have hours of playtime on their countless mazes, slides, jumping pillow, and more. It’s a great way to wear out the kids, as well as get you a free tasting at Bluemont Vineyards. :)

Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the kids playing on the farm. (Notice that some of the “kids” are not quite kids. heehee)

The giant jumping pillow


Playing on the Spider web


Double-barrel slide


We played at Great Country Farms for hours, and we barely touched all the activities. The farm also has pick-your-own events throughout the year. I’m planning on going back soon for strawberries. :)

Once the kids are sufficiently worn out, I recommend driving across the street and up the mountain (it is rather steep, but if my mustang could make it, your car can too!) to Bluemont Vineyards. There are some play areas around the building if the kids still have energy, or you can get some crackers and cheese plates for everyone to snack on. Bluemont also serves different meals over the weekend. It changes week-to-week, but you can always call ahead to find out what is being served. My personal favorite is the Lamb Chili that they make in February. It is so good that I called ahead to reserve three servings this year!


Even if you have been once before, I recommend doing the wine tasting (remember, it’s free with the entrance fee at the farm!), because they tend add new wines each year. On this trip, Dan and I picked up bottles of their Meritage, Farm table red, Petit Manseng, and the Blackberry dessert wine. Even though we did not buy a bottle on this trip, I highly recommend the Strawberry dessert wine. It smells like the best strawberry jam and tastes just as good.


With the weather quickly turning to spring and summer, make sure to put Bluemont on your list of local places to visit!