Hark Launches a New Tasting Room (and Why You Need to Get There)

Gorgeous weather on Saturday, after so much stormy weather, I was ready to be outside with amazing wine and food. Bonus: Hark posted that the Catering Outfit was going to be there with oysters and lots of other yummy stuff. You bet I was gonna be there for this.

Hubby was occupied out of town for car repairs all day, so I made plans to meet a friend for wine and enjoyment. This worked out great. Despite my very best effort to be their first customer, an exceptionally slow driver on Earlysville Road and Markwood Road delayed my arrival and I ended up being the second customer. I knew what I wanted so I put in order number one anyway, so I think I still win.

Anyway, the tasting room is off the chain amazing – I liken my initial impression to be similar to Crimson Lane – gorgeous architecture and finishes, well worth the wait, and an ideal setting for a perfect wine experience. It’s not overwhelmingly large, so an intimate experience is guaranteed. One side of the building (with the patio) is a wall of windows facing the vines and mountains. Take full advantage of these views to relax and unwind.

I knew I wanted the 2023 Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, and I got the oysters for good measure, so I walked right up to the bar. I think co-owner Aaron Hark took a photo of me with my ice bucket and “Table 1” placard, which I’m waiting for on social media.

You probably know I adore their wines. I’ve written about Hark several times, and they’re among my favorites locally. While it’s a 45 minute drive from my house, it’s worth every moment on the road (even behind the road-rage encouraging driver I met earlier today) because a good time with great wine is a sure thing.

The whole experience has been well-designed. They’ve expanded the team significantly, and everyone has been trained to manage the experience well. My oysters arrived and I was able to enjoy the Rosé with them.

My friend and I enjoyed the Rosé, which is bright but with balanced acidity, and has a depth of flavor due to the complexity of the amazing 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice berry flavors show up, especially some strawberry and even raspberry hints coming in. This pairs amazingly well with oysters, and I loved this, as did my friend Steve.

I ended up ordering a crabcake slider to enjoy with the remaining Rosé, while Steve got us some deviled eggs to share. As we finished the Rosé, I ordered a bottle of the 2023 Cabernet Franc to share – this wine I first tried at AJ’s house and it continues to impress.

This Cabernet Franc is lovely – very fruit forward, very fresh and joyous, none of the pyrazines that make me think of green peppers and fresh cut grass. I think this is a favorite Cabernet Franc for me, because it’s young and fresh and can be drank all by itself, or paired with food. While I love depth and complexity in my wine, I also love red wines that simply burst forward with joy, and that’s what this represents to me.

We ordered a baguette to finish up and soak up some of the wine we drank. We’d been talking with two couples seated near us about the wine, other wineries nearby, and life in general, and sharing some of the wine with them, and Steve decided that in addition to his case of 2019 Cabernet Franc Reserve (really smart call right there!) he’d get a bottle of the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon for us to share with our new friends. This wine was just gorgeous. This is the silky Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon that I so adore – it has a lovely mouthfeel – complex but not overwhelming – not oaky (or at least not that I could detect) – and just wonderful. I brought a bottle home to decant with our steaks on the grill and it went beautifully with a nice rare cut of filet. I’m eagerly anticipating the 2023 vintage for this.

I ran into Aaron in the tasting room again and complimented him. This tasting room is a stunning piece of architecture. I really feel like this is another one of those places where the wonderful team, the great clientele and the awesome wine come together to make a fantastic time. I continue to be impressed by Hark, and it feels like they get better every time I visit.

The current lineup at Hark is very strong – I encourage you to stop in to check out the new space and the tasting lineup. You will not be disappointed.

Speaking of things not to miss out on, grab yourself a pride shirt since it’s June – show your pride and your love of Virginia Wine. Two great things that go great together!