Inside A Historic Mansion Turned Tasting Room In Alexandria

We're spotlighting Sonoma Cellar for Virginia Wine Month, a time to enjoy not only wines made in the Old Dominion but the local businesses that serve them up.

ALEXANDRIA, VA—It's the middle of the playoff series between the Nationals and Cubs, and people are heading to the Old Town Alexandria bars at the end of the work day. When I stepped into Sonoma Cellar, I found there are no TVs. Yet the cozy tasting room was filled with customers at the bar and the patio.

Owners Elizabeth and Rick Myllenbeck tell Patch they run the business on the wine experience, not the bar experience. The Northern California natives opened the tasting room after feeling nostalgia during their move to Alexandria. The store, which recently celebrated its second anniversary, offers a variety of wines that Alexandria residents normally can't get at the average bar.

In fact, they would have to travel to Loudoun County—and California—to get these wines. "We try to shop around, try to find wines you don't find anywhere else," Elizabeth told Patch.

The tasting room is located in a former mansion built in 1810, and the owners had to carefully convert it from a retail space to restaurant. It's still maintained historic features, including fireplaces you can spot around the restaurant. "Our guests appreciate the effort put into preserving the building," says Rick.

And of course, guests appreciate the wines and delicious pairings like fish tacos. Here are some suggestions they have to try for Virginia Wine Month, from Virginia-made treasures to California exclusives.

1. Viognier by North Gate Vineyard

There's a reason this Loudoun County Wine is in the governor's collection. Says Elizabeth, "It's like my cold weather wine." The wine has floral notes followed by sweet tropical flavors and a touch of spice, making it pair well with crab cakes.

2. Petit Verdot by 868 Estate Vineyards

You don't need to venture out to Loudoun County to try this wine. It's perfect paired with with meats like beef or lamb.

3. Claret by Linden Vineyards

A blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, this Virginia wine is perfect with all things barbecue.

4. Zinfandel by Wild Hog

This little-known winemaker from Sonoma Valley only puts out 250 cases a year. It's an exclusive offered on the tasting menu at Sonoma Cellars.

5. Cabernet Sauvignon by Muscardini

This is the first place on the East Coast to introduce this Sonoma Valley wine.

Even after Virginia Wine month ends, Sonoma Cellar has plenty of events for wine lovers. There's a monthly "Grape Expectations" Book Club for wine-related reads, Taco Tuesdays, Cigar Nights, tastings with the winemakers themselves and more.

Follow Sonoma Cellar's event calendar, Facebook or Twitter @mysonomacellar for their latest events and offerings. If you come across the owners, you might even get a tour of the historic building.

Do you have a suggestion for a business spotlight in Alexandria? Email the editor at emily.leayman@patch.com.

Images courtesy of Sonoma Cellar