Wine
Virginia: Cabernet Franc and Beyond
An all-levels guided tasting exploring Virginia wines, with a focus on Cabernet Franc and regional styles.
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About this course
This guided tasting examines Virginia as a developing fine-wine region through a selection of white, red and Bordeaux-style wines. It opens with Albariño, Chardonnay and Petit Manseng, then compares Cabernet Francs from different producers, vineyard sites, vintages and winemaking approaches. The tasting concludes with Commonwealth Crush and Lightwell Survey’s Let’s Be Friends and Barboursville’s Octagon. Discussion covers Virginia’s climate, geography and the characteristics that have made Cabernet Franc a notable regional variety.
What you'll learn
- Describe key characteristics associated with Virginia Cabernet Franc, including acidity, red fruit, floral aromas and savoury complexity.
- Compare Cabernet Franc wines made by different producers and from different vineyard sites, vintages and styles.
- Distinguish the contrasting profiles of Virginia Albariño, Chardonnay and Petit Manseng.
- Examine how Virginia’s climate and geography influence the style of its wines.
Is this course right for you?
Listed as suitable for all levels, this tasting is intended for both learners encountering Virginia wine for the first time and those who are already familiar with the region. Participation centres on guided tasting and comparison of the wines presented.