Chrysalis Vineyards in Middleburg

To hear Jenni McCloud, owner of Middleburg's Chrysalis Vineyards, tell it, the Norton can do just about anything but cure your sciatica.

"It's totally resistant to Phylloxera; in fact, it is the most disease-resistant vine grown for any kind of grape production in the world, whether for wine, raisins or for table food," McCloud explained recently. "It also makes really robust, differently flavored red wines, whether light, fruity wines like Patio Red or our Locksley Reserve, which can age for 20 or 25 years."

Then she adds: "And it's ours."

By ours, she means North America's.

The Norton is one of about two dozen species of grape native to the continent and the only one found to be suitable for making fine wine. Its proponents, though, would say it's much more than suitable, calling exceptional.

Chrysalis Vineyards has collected many awards for the wines it has managed to produce from the Norton and has made reestablishing the grape a key aspect of its mission. But that's not the only unusual species of grape they grow–with the Spanish Albariño, Petit Manseng and Graciano also appearing among the vineyard's crop.

The winery itself sits on 412 sprawling acres that roll throughout the foothills near Middleburg. The Tasting Room offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and a new one, abutting Rt. 50, is currently under construction. An impressive selection of ribbons and medals adorn the many bottles on display, including not only those based upon the Norton, but others as well.

The Tasting Room opens daily from 10:00am to 5:30pm.  An Estate Tasting costs $5 and features 7 wines in a 7-oz. glass. The Reserve Tasting for $10 features 12 wines, a 10.5 oz. glass and a more elite selection.   On busy weekends tastings are held every 10 minutes, rolling through a series of outdoor tents.

The patio, winery and vineyards are available for special events and Chrysalis hosts events throughout the year. See their Web site for more details: www.chrysaliswine.com.