After six years of hard work and determination, and a lifelong passion, Molon Lave Vineyards is a dream come true for the Papadopoulos family. Originally from Greece, where grapes and wine have been part of the culture for centuries, Louizos, a fourth generation jeweler, located in Northern Virginia, presents a fusion of European winemaking traditions melded with grapes grown in the State. Only an hour’s drive from where it all began with Thomas Jefferson, Virginia, the first State to embrace growing grapevines, has become one of the most notable states in the nation for fine quality wines.
Our vineyard consists of nine acres on which we grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viognier, Chambourcin, Riesling, and Pinot Gris. Our goal is to plant up to twenty acres in the next couple of years.
Our award-winning Winemaker, Louis Papadopoulos, and owner of Mediterranean Cellars has made wine for all of his adult life and brings his experience and eclectic taste to the Molon Lave team. Slip away for a few hours to the quiet and beautiful countryside of Rappahannock County, VA and become part of Gadino Cellars La Famiglia.
Molon Lave is owned by the Papadopoulos family, the same folks who own Mediterranean Cellars, just a few miles up the road. The family’s Greek heritage is evident throughout: the winery’s name is the battle cry of Spartan King Leonidas, leading the outnumbered warriors in the Battle of Thermopylae; the decor and music are Mediterranean; and the rose is called Kokineli, a traditional Greek rose table wine, reminiscent Retsina, with a dry herbal taste.
The white paddock-style winery building has a big, wrap-around porch. The scene is pastoral, looking out over a large pond and the vineyards beyond. Fireplaces are inside and out.
The Wines: When we visited, the winery was tasting …
Kokineli (a Greek retsina-style rose table wine), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Viognier, Chambourcin, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
The library of photos for the iPhone App (and the slideshows on these pages) is constantly growing as we visit wineries around the state. All original photography by Rick Collier is available for sale or license. View the collection at:
.jpg)
.png)
Subscribe by Email
No Responses to “Molon Lave Vineyards”