304tarak
The wine tasting was ok, not a lot of selection that we prefer. We had purchased a groupon/living social deal which included free wine glasses and a cheese platter. The cheese platter was one package of gouda...we could not eat. We enjoyed the free music.
je1058
I say "WOW" because we tried DuCard about a year and a half ago and it didn't really impress us, but we didn't dislike it. So, we decided to go back yesterday, this time with friends of ours who have done vineyard visits in many states. Needless to say, we were all very impressed!They do have a great assortment of reds, which are nicely done. Their tasting room is built with lots of reclaimed wood, which makes it special and ads a very nice touch. The beautiful lady in the tasting room hosting and providing tastings was great to chat with and understood wines, which helps when talking wines, rather than talking to someone just going off of a "cheat sheet" of what to say with each pour.My only recommendation would be to offer more wines with the tasting. Of all their wines, they weren't tasting any of the expensive ($50) bottles. We would have loved to try some with the plans to buy some. We did enjoy what we tried though.We also liked their policy of giving a free tasting for every two bottles. This is a great policy since we go to wineries with the intention of buying a bottle and enjoying their venue, whereas some just go with the idea of doing a tasting. So, charge those who have no desire to buy bottles and give free tastings to those who do buy - luv that plan!Their grounds are beautiful.... the pretty mountain stream running through the property is beautiful too.Looking forward to going back!
AdamRuby
Tucked behind Old Rag, DuCard is a great find. The wine was excellent, the gentleman serving us the wine was knowledgeable and open to questions. Good bread and cheese for a snack, live music and adirondacks to sit in outside as well as a very bright tasting room inside - perfect!
lovetotravel560
We stopped by several vineyards on our trip to Virginia and this one by far had the best wine. It is made by a French man from Burgundy. He knows how to make wine! The owner did our tasting and was informative and delightful. It is a small winery but they do a better job than places we've been to that are much bigger. There is indoor and outdoor seating.
StevenR206
Thanks for coming back to see us, and for your feedback. We are excited about the Barrel Room Food & Wine Pairing Program and are sorry it didn't hit a home run for you. For others who read this, the menu features a crabcake with our wonderful Viognier and a variety of foods produced by our neighbors (we're big supporters of local agriculture and think it's fun and interesting too) - cheese, summer sausage, chocolates and the chutneys and tapenade that you mention - paired with other current red and white releases.. And some other items that we rotate depending on wine availability. Actually we taste 6 wines in the session, including a sneak preview of one of our current vintage wines that is still in barrel. We only know of one other local winery that has done this kind of program (they have discontinued it), and their price was double what we're charging. For us, it provides the kind of intimate experience and connection that is a trademark of our boutique operation.We appreciate your comments and are always working to improve what we do, in the vineyard, in the winery, in the tasting room and in our special programs. I look forward to your next visit and expect I'll be here then to personally welcome you back, again..
CCC_wanderlust
A group of friends and I stopped by DuCard as part of a bachelorette weekend winery tour. It happened to be the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, and there was an Irish band playing. They enhanced the festive air. The place was busy and we stayed at the bar for the wine tasting. The lady behind the bar explained to us where the name "DuCard" comes from. This was a nice stop and I would come back here again.
lbrown0100
Found DuCard while staying in the area. Outstanding service and great tasting wines. The view of the mountain is not to be missed. We enjoyed are sever she was very knowledgeable and informative about the wines and the history of the winery. Thanks for a great time.
613Barb
We have more control over the Viognier quality, thanks for the compliment, than the stinkbug population. Citronella candles outside didn't seem to help that day I guess. Do come back and see us again please. Scott
StevenR206
My wife and I made our first visit to DuCard on somewhat of a whim; we saw a sign and decided to give it a shot. We were not disappointed. The wines were good; a few rather unique. The staff was excellent and took time to describe the wines and processes involved. After we had already purchased four bottles and were on our way out, we were greeted by the owner, who was most friendly and gracious. He provided us with a list if all of the events planned -- quite an impressive array -- and thanked us for coming. All in all a very pleasant experience. We are looking forward to our next visit. Well done, DuCard!
stan1223
Wines aren't world class, but not bad and reasonably priced. The staff, the view, everything is spot on.
travelgal1220
An off day, big time as most folks laud our consistently high quality. Everyone likes what they like, no problem there. Please come back again for a free tasting, any time and we'll see if the wines show better then.
RandyGSprignfield_VA
I stumbled across this vineyard while on my way to hike the White Oak Canyon trail. The two vintners working there at the time were from Bordeaux and South Africa, and they obviously knew what they are doing. Great customer service, also!Everyone who reviewed this place seems to like the “Gibson Hollow White”. Keep in mind that wines change from year to year (depending on the weather during the growing season, etc.), but I agree Gibson Hollow was one of the best whites that I have tried for the money. In fact, I liked every wine that I sampled here. The bottles here might a little more expensive compared to some of the other local vineyards ($20-$40 a bottle), but you pay for quality. If you don’t want to splurge on a bottle, then buy a glass, some cheese (locally made and also good) and have a picnic on the patio with the Shenandoah National Park in the background. The staff will warm up a baguette for you.
FunVaTravelMom
So excited for Thanksgiving because we found Gibson Hollow White! So glad we found them in the Charlottesville Welcome Book! Thanks!
Cathems
We had an awesome afternoon listening to local music and enjoying DuCard's wines. Each wine was delicious and surprising flavor for a "younger" winery (2 yrs old). These wines have great potential and the staff was very learned about the wines. This winery is nestled in the mountains (hike Old Rag and refresh yourselves with a visit to this winery). We liked the smaller venue and limited wines, paired with local cheeses and warm baguettes. Well worth the scenic drive and a perfect day trip from Richmond VA!
buymeaticket
To be honest, most of the central-Virginia vineyards I've visited are in gorgeous locations. You just can't beat them. And DuCard is no exception. I really like their Gibson Hollow White. To sit outside with a glass, plus a warm baguette and some cheese, with my dog beside me, listening to live music — there's not much better on a fall day. The owner stopped by and was really friendly. My recommendation: Check their website (http://ducardvineyards.com/) to see what's on their calendar, and plan your trip around that. They seem to have lots going on. And if you can visit during peak fall colors, well, that's a bonus.