Leesburg Vintner

Nobody has ever mistaken me for a wine snob. You will not hear the phrases, "oaky aftertaste" or "smooth finish" coming out of my mouth. I enjoy wine, I know what I like, but I'm not deeply involved in it.

While I don't expect to become a sommelier, lately I've made a point of supporting local wines. Since moving back to Loudoun County two years ago, I've made a point of checking out the many wineries the area has to offer. However, most of the wine I buy for home still comes from the grocery store.

Leesburg Vintner, however, is helping me change that. Before I did a story on them back in December, I naively assumed that the only way to get local wines was to go directly to the wineries. While that's still a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon (or a Friday), Leesburg Vintner provides a much more convenient location.

Their wide selection of wine includes not just wines local to Loudoun County, but all of Virginia. All of your favorites are there (I was especially excited to see 's cabernet), or if you need a recommendation, owner Mike Carroll is usually in the store and more than happy to help you out.

I love Virginia wine, but I love a bargain even more. The reason I chose this week to do my column on the Vintner is because right now, they're having a huge sale on Virginia wines. Stop in any time between now and the end of the weekend, and you'll receive 15% off of all Virginia wines.

Now's the perfect time to start supporting not only your local wine makers, but your local wine seller.