By Nancy Dunham
The infamous traffic snarls are worse in stormy weather. If you’re like me, you’ll want to end the day of sightseeing and shopping with some R&R at dinner.
In the past five years or so, the
D.C. Metropolitan area has become renown for world-class dining. The problem, of course, is that many of those restaurants are packed with customers and require reservations weeks in advance.
One of the best places we’ve found — an honest-to-goodness locals’ favorite — is a charming destination with hardy food, lush wines and crackling fireplaces, just part of the warm extras that add to the comfy ambiance.
The Winery at La Grange is the county’s only established winery. Housed in a red brick three-and-a-half story manor house built in the 1790’s, the winery has quickly become a destination for those who love to savor wine paired with scrumptious food. Of course it also pulses with the historic flavor of families who once lived there and past sojourners that enjoyed good food, wine and companionship.
When we visit it feels as if we’re personal friends of the owners. It’s obvious others feel the same, as evidenced by the comfy casual atmosphere. At each table you’ll see guests chatting companionably; playing one of the available board games; curled up in a chair reading a book from the library; or just taking advantage of the wireless connection to check their e-mail or browse the Web; and of course, there are plenty of folks enjoying the food and wine pairings.
On select dates this month and next, guests at The Winery can enjoy delectable bowls of steaming hot chili and any one glass of the establishment’s classic wines.
You’ll likely want to sample at least a few other wines as well.
The Winery at La Grange has a current inventory of 5,500 cases of wine that include: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Viognier, Rosé of Merlot, Cuvee Blanc, Norton, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Meritage, Tannat, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and a Port-styled wine with the fun name of “Snort.”
We always buy a few to take home and enjoy.
“Chili Night” at The Winery at La Grange is $15 per person from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the following Fridays: Jan 22, Jan 29, Feb. 5, Feb., 12, and Feb. 19, Feb. 26, March 12 & March 26. For more information and reservations, call 703-753-9360 or go to the Web site at www.wineryatlagrange.com.