Arterra Vineyard
- One of the multiple wineries in the town of Delaplane, in northwest Fauquier County, just southwest of Sky Meadow State Park. Owned by Jason and Sandy Murray. The winery is also an art studio, Hawkmoth Arts, featuring Sandy’s works. Opened in 2015.
- Wine. Tier II. Organic wines. Arterra produces primarily reds, including a Tannat and a Malbec to go with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and a Hawkmoth Reserve blend. The Tannat is also made as a late-harvest sweet wine. The winery also has apple and blueberry-apple wine. Grapes are primarily from sister vineyard Seven Oaks in Purcellville, though production at Arterra’s vineyard is maturing.
- Setting. Nice view of the woods around the property, though not of the mountains one sees from some other vineyards in the area. Woodhouse cabin style tasting room features handcrafted art including the bar countertop. One can take advantage of the combination winery and arts model here, by signing up for the Eco Art and Wine Experience, which says you will “Play with Clay While Connecting with your Creativity.”
- Stories. A bit of France in Fauquier County – Paris (Virginia). If you don’t fancy an hour’s drive back to Washington after a day in Northern Virginia’s vineyards, then a night in Paris may be just the ticket. Less than five miles from Alterra, bordering Delaplane to its north, is none other than the city of Paris! Ok, maybe not a city. Or not really a town, either. Let’s settle for calling it the village of Paris. Once known as Pumpkinville, the main landowner in 1819 – Peter Glascock – happily renamed the place in honor of the returning and victory-touring Lafayette. Paris does, one has to admit, have a bit more cachet as a destination than Pumpkinville. And a night in Paris means a night at the Ashby Inn, a northern Virginia classic. The Ashby Inn was originally built as a residence in 1829. The location was an important crossroad for those travelling between Winchester and the District of Columbia. George Washington, as well as Lafayette, visited the village, and General Stonewall Jackson rested on the original porch of the Inn when en route to the First Battle of Manassas the night of June 17, 1861. The Ashby Inn & Restaurant opened in 1984, and has since been a regional favorite for country dining, farm-to-table culinary concoctions, and relaxed overnights. The restaurant is committed to supporting farmers and artisans that live and work in this region. For the latest fashions, well, maybe try the other Paris.