Lightwell Survey 'The Way It Was Before' Shenandoah Valley 2023

If asked about the birthplace of domestic winemaking in the United States, one might think to credit California, Washington, or our very own New York. While those states have historically dominated production, they actually are the relatively new kids on the block when placed into proper context. It is believed that domestic wine production began in Virginia in 1609, pre-dating the establishment of independence from the British empire. It’s important to note, the existing native vines in Virginia were not the same species as the European vines that the settlers were accustomed to. The resulting wines? Not their cup of tea. Flashforward to now (glazing over Thomas Jefferson’s attempt at importing Vitis vinifera, phylloxera, Prohibition, etc.), and the wine scene in Virginia is in the throes of a renaissance, honoring their homegrown hybrids and integrating international varietals as well. The friends at Lightwell Survey are passionately riding that wave, offering vibrant expressions of Virginia terroir that burst with gumption and moxie.This wine is straight out of Dexter’s laboratory - chambourcin grapes are floated in the juice of petite manseng, vidal blanc, riesling, chardonel, and traminette (what a mouthful). Flirty, fruitful, with neo-soulful depth, it could pass for a purpled-up, punk-ified Beaujolais nouveau. Electric cranberry kool-aid, with acid for days. Chill for the perfect unfined, unfiltered summer sip. Low-intervention/natural wine, vegan.