Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Fadra Nally
When you think of winemaking, you probably immediately envision the rolling hills of Tuscany or the vast stretches of wine country in Northern California. But as any wine enthusiast knows, you can find local wines made in almost any region of the world.
In recent years, Loudoun County, Virginia, affectionately known as DC’s wine country for its close proximity to the city, has made an impact on the wine scene with its rich soils and rolling hills.
Recently, I was immersed in this wine scene for the first time at a wine tasting dinner where I rubbed elbows not only with the who’s who of Loudoun County winemaking but some prominent winemakers from Uruguay.
First, let’s start closer to home.
Wine from Northern Virginia? What Loudoun County Has to Offer
Just in Loudoun County alone, you’ll find 50 different wineries ranging from the Maryland border all the way down to west of Dulles International Airport. Not only do they make wines in this region but they grow many of their own grapes (with over 1000 acres of vines).
You’ll find wine for a more sophisticated palette, with a variety of classic varietals like Viognier, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. But you’ll also find a willingness to grow beyond the classics and experiment with a grape varietal like Tannat.
This new-to-me grape is a deep red varietal high in antioxidants and extremely versatile. As I sat across from Doug Fabbioli of Fabbioli Cellars, who some might say is the godfather of winemaking in Loudoun County, he educated me on the versatility of the grape which can range from bold and fruity to dry and herbal.
I was able to experience all of the flavors of Tannat as it was not only the star of the wine tasting but the reason for the wine dinner.
The Loudoun County Connection with Canelones, Uruguay
Situated 20 minutes north of Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, Canelones is a major agricultural state (or “department”) in the country. It’s also a prominent region for winemaking.
And it’s that one particular grape, Tannat, that has brought Virginia and Uruguay together for a mutually beneficial partnership. These two areas are the only local regions outside of France that currently grow Tannat grapes, with it being an especially prominent grape used in winemaking in Canelones.
What started as a Loudoun County Sister City partnership with Canelones, Uruguay, has become a cultural exchange. In addition to experimenting with similar grapes, the two regions also share a similar climate.
Through this partnership, the two regions have been able to exchange ideas and techniques for winemaking in their respective regions. And with the regions existing in opposite hemispheres, they’ve been able to turn that exchange into hands-on learning when harvest season rolls around.
The harvest season in Canelones, Uruguay, for grapes is from late February to early April whereas the Loudoun County grape harvest season generally runs from late August through late September or early October.
To take advantage of the staggered harvest seasons, three Loudoun County winemaker interns visited Uruguay in Spring 2024 and for the Fall 2025 harvest season, Loudoun wineries hosted four Canelones winemakers.
A Joint Cultural Celebration with Uruguay Winemakers
This winemaking knowledge came to a seasonal end at a wine tasting dinner at Stone Tower Winery, celebrating this unlikely partnership and cultural exchange with Uruguay winemakers.
My job was easy – come join the fruits of their labor, enjoy a locally prepared meal, and sample eight different wines, four from Loudoun County and four from Uruguay. I was able to chat with local winemakers (who are a very festive group, even before the wine started flowing!) and listen to the reflections of the Uruguayan winemakers who were headed home the very next day.
Visiting winemakers included:
- Valentina Palleiro, Winemaker, Representative of Bodega Juanicó- Deica.
- Omar Moizo Visintin, Winemaker and owner of Bodega Familia Moizo.
- Fernando Mauricio Beltrán Alfonzo, Winemaker, Representative of Bodega Finca Piedras – San José
- Federico Bentancor Luzardo, Winemaker, Representative of Asociación de Enólogos del Uruguay
It was clear that this local connection was valued by all parties and the benefits were not only mutual but treasured as an experience they plan to continue into the future.
As for the tourism aspect of the partnership, it not only opened my eyes to the still-burgeoning wine regions of Loudoun County but also encourage me to put Uruguay on my bucket list.
With an appearance by Daniel Castillos, Ambassador of Uruguay to the United States, it’s obvious that this partnership is just one small way to strengthen the relationships between both countries.
Visiting Loudoun County Wineries
If a trip to Uruguay isn’t high on your list yet, you can get your own taste of Tannat a little closer to home by paying a visit to one of the over forty Loudoun County wineries.
My first visit to this winemaking region was for the winemakers’ dinner at Stone Tower Winery, a beautiful vineyard and winery with tasting rooms, outdoor gathering areas, and event space for a large event (up to 300 people) or a more intimate dinner like the one I was attending.
If you’re visiting Loudoun County, check out the Loudoun Wine Trail Guide and book an overnight stay so you can sip and enjoy safely!
