When I pulled up to the small parking area in front of Solomons Island Winery, I became very aware of the fact that it was a private residence. Only the signs for the tasting room and the small vineyard gave any hint that it was something more. When I got out of my car, I noticed a Border Collie sitting by the door watching me. To me, that’s usually a good sign.
I followed the tasting room signs to the side of the house and entered into what looked to be a sunroom that overlooks a swimming pool and small vineyard. I was immediately greeted by the winery owners’ daughter, who was pouring the samples, and a couple who came from Virginia to explore the Patuxent Wine Trail.
The tasting room is small, and I wonder how crowded it gets on weekends. On a Wednesday afternoon, it was just right. The conversation flowed along with the wine, and we all talked and laughed like friends. And we were friends, at least for that moment.
Solomons Island Winery is mostly known for its popular Solomons Island Mist wines – light, fruity wines with a lower alcohol content that are easy to sip on hot days. You can choose for your tasting to sample these, or go with their premium wines.
Since I prefer my wines more on the dry side, I went with the Premium (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir). Two of these wines, I was told, are from New Zealand, since the winery is unable to grow the grapes. The Chardonnay is local. All are delicious.
I was also given a sample of the Solomons Island Mist Pineapple Pinot Grigio, and it definitely tasted like summer. On a chilly autumn day, the dry wines suited me more. For a finishing touch, I was given a taste of their special seasonal Chocolate Meritage Sauce – a deliciously syrupy blend of chocolate and their Meritage wine. Oh yes, I could drink that straight from the bottle. (They have a limited supply, so I can’t guarantee it will be available by the time you read this.)
After giving some love to another dog that came out of the house to greet us in the tasting room, I said goodbye to my new wine friends. I wish I could have stayed longer.
http://www.solomonsislandwinery.com