October 2015$3.95

Explore the lake’s lively beer and wine scene

THE CAP & CORK

ISSUE

Plus:Cocktail Culture

at Davidson’s Upper Crust

BREWS WITH

VIEWS! Get away to the North Carolina

High Country

A first look inside our collaboration with

Cornelius’ Ass Clown Brewing Company,

page 40

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Travel

On the Hunt for Wineby KATIE COLEMAN

Loundoun County in Virginia, known as Horse and Wine Country, will have you hunting for the best bottles in the rolling hills outside the nation’s capital.

Nestled along the winding country road in the foothills of Virginia are several charming small towns that make up Loudoun County. This destination, also called Hunt Country, is known for its vineyards, rising beer scene, and farm-to-table fare, making it a respite for travelers who want to try a few things and enjoy the view while doing them. Washington D.C.’s wine coun-try isn’t far away. A direct flight to Washington Dulles International Airport takes just under an hour. From there, opportunities abound. Our suggestion: pick a town or region and spend the day exploring.

Make your home base Middleburg, a town in south-ern Loudoun County, about 30 minutes from the air-port. Middleburg is home to the luxurious Salamander Resort and Spa. The resort is on a 340-acre estate, and

the interiors were decorated with co-founder of BET and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts Sheila Johnson’s home in mind. Each floor of rooms reflects a different season, and even has original photography by Johnson on the walls. Complete with an impressive horse stable, the resort offers yoga in the barn and yoga on horseback, for the adventurous types. Sign up for a cooking course in the classroom adjacent to the Harrimans kitchen, or buy a s’mores kit for two and enjoy some time by the fire pits on the great lawn.

For the ultimate indulgence, schedule a day in Sala-mander’s spa. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment to take advantage of the amenities such as aroma-infused steam rooms, a vitality pool, heated loungers, and an outside pool with cabanas.

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Sunset Hills Vineyard

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Whether through a spa treatment or simply enjoying the back patio with a cocktail, relaxation isn’t hard to achieve.

When it comes to finding food, options range from farm delis to five-course meals paired with local wine. For something casual, Market Salamander offers fresh-made deli favorites in a cute storefront in downtown Middleburg. Visitors enjoy indoor or outdoor seating, or can order a basket to go.

For a taste of home, head to Purcellville’s Monk’s BBQ. This joint serves up smoked favorites from brisket and pulled pork to some of the best ribs you can find. Interested in bourbon? Monk’s has more than 80 labels.

It doesn’t get fresher than having a working

farm right behind the market storefront. That’s the case for Stoneybrook Farm in Hillsboro—a former market-stand-turned-cottage shop and deli. A group of farmers who ran the stand decided to upgrade to a brick-and-mortar storefront to sell Virginia fruits, vegetables, and other goods, along with serving deli sandwiches and salads. Opt for a seat outside over-looking the adjacent farm—you may get a chicken visitor while you dine.

The charming small town of Leesburg offers a walkable downtown with a variety of dining options. In the former People’s National Bank building is Lightfoot Restaurant, complete with many of the original fixtures, such as the vault door in the bar area. The elegant locale offers upscale fare like

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Lightfoot Restaurant

Salamander Resort & Spa The Wine Kitchen

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roasted duck breast with an orange reduction, potato gnocchi, and Brussels sprouts with goat cheese and bacon. The original board-rooms are even available for rent for private dinners.

Just down the main strip from Lightfoot Restaurant is The Wine Kitchen, a wine bar and restaurant offering wine flights and seasonal dishes. Find the perfect pair from their hard-to-find wines and items from the simple menu of local flavor. Choose from extras like cheddar biscuit nuggets and tomato waffle bread, or larger plates like caramelized gnocchi with a pea puree and domestic burrata with roasted peaches. If available, get the flight of bubbles—a selection of sparkling wines from around the world.

For a luxurious night out, make reservations at Harrimans Virginia Piedmont Grill, located in the Salamander Resort. The fine-dining establishment takes inspiration from the land it

inhabits and culls ingredients from the expansive Chef’s Garden. The dining room is round, offering guests impressive views of the great lawn, horse stables, and mountains in the distance. The pared-down menu offers interesting interpretations, such as the crispy sesame cauliflower (prepared in a sweet soy ginger glaze with preserved orange peel), and culinary classics like filet mignon with wild mushroom duxelle, potatoes “fondant,” and wilted spinach. Splurge for the seasonal tasting menu, a selection of five courses, with or without wine pairings.

Loudoun County features 40 wineries, the most of any county in Virginia, and 10 craft breweries. When it comes to having fun and socializing in this area, breweries and vineyards are a safe bet. The wineries are grouped into driving clusters to make it easier to see multiple in one trip. Here’s a selection from around the region.

Lost Rhino Brewing CompanyThis is one of the oldest breweries in the county. In

addition to year-round brews, it also features a limited release each month. Try the Native Son ale, made

entirely with Virginia products.

Adroit Theory Brewing CompanyLocated in Purcellville, this company focuses on small

batches and barrel-aged beers. Adroit Theory uses barrels from the nearby Catoctin Creek Distillery.

Stone Tower WineryStone Tower Winery is located in the Harmony Cluster in Leesburg. One of the largest wineries, Stone Tower is set to open a new facility this fall, including expanded

bars and venues for intimate, private tastings.

Doukenie WineryDoukenie Winery, in the Loudoun Heights Cluster,

is located in the middle of a 500-acre working farm. While at the tasting room, ask for the baklava (it’s not advertised and isn’t always available). It pairs perfectly

with Hope’s Legacy Raspberry dessert wine.

Sunset Hills VineyardThe Waterford Cluster includes Sunset Hills Vineyard, a winery known for its award-winning wines and is

located on a historic farm. The tasting room is housed in a restored 140-year-old Amish barn.

Greenhill Winery and VineyardsLocated in Middleburg and part of the Mosby Cluster,

this is one of Loudoun County’s newest wineries, having opened in 2013. The winery includes two

tasting rooms, one open to the public and one at the back of the property (The Manor House) reserved for

special events and wine club members. Check out their Blanc de Blanc, an award-winning sparkling wine

made using the champagne method. LNM

Lost Rhino Brewing Company

Stone Tower Winery

Doukenie Winery

Sunset Hills Vineyard Greenhill Winery and Vineyards

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