Crane Creek Vineyards

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Dec 11, 2017

Favorite Wine: Hellbender Norton

Norton Wine Review: Our first attempt at securing Crane Creek Vineyard’s Hellbender was not to be since they were already sold out in late summer, but a Fall release was promised. O.K., I know you are wincing from this Hellbender term, so understand that this wine is named for the rare, locally found, orange-red, 20" long, largest salamander in the western hemisphere. So mid-November, 2010 I drove again over two hours one way through beautiful mountain back roads to retrieve the announced release of their 2007 Hellbender. Crane Creek's wines are produced on a nineteen acre vineyard at 2100’ elevation with one acre set aside for these non-lyred Norton vines which were set out in 1996. Approximately 225 Hellbender cases annually can be produced if all goes well with the harvest. This was a no excuses dry 100% Norton wine with a typical initial Southern slight sour taste due maybe(?) to local soils and begging to be put away for four years or more. This Norton didn't portray being overly oaked in spite of the fact that it had been held in Pennsylvania Oak barrels (very similar to French Oak according to the vintner) for over 25 months. Weather, setting, host, visitors, a stunning black bean soup, two well behaved dogs, and a pleasantly different Norton made for a great day. I opened my first 2007 Hellbender bottle for 2012's Father's Day. Oh my, was this an outstanding vintage year! Since then we have acquired a 2010 case which we are now enjoying and last week we picked up Crane Creek's new gelatin fined 2015 vintage ($29) to 'lay down' for several years. When you go, be prepared to chose from fourteen wine alternatives. I was especially enchanted with their 2016 Virginia oaked $21 Enotah White Chardonel (a cross between Seyval Blanc and Chardonnay).

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Jun 13, 2016

I love the blush wines and enjoyed the beautiful mountain scenery.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Sep 13, 2012

If you are looking for a winery experience wherein you are invited and encouraged to hang out and relax, this is the place for you. Wines were very good. Suggestion to management: waive the tasting fee with purchase.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Mar 20, 2010

2010 - Spring

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Sep 18, 2008

Favorite Wine: Traminette

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Oct 06, 2007

They charge you for wine tasting? We bought 6 bottles and were a little offended at this charge.

Wine: Winery: Ambiance: Sep 26, 2007

You ha to pay for sampling. This was in insult when we left with 6 bottles of wine.