Winemaker Jeremy Ligon Raises the Bar at Barrel Oak Winery in Virginia

It’s always a pleasure to learn about then taste wine from my home state, Virginia. Although I live in sunny California where so many wines are stunning, I must admit that there are many excellent examples of our favorite beverage within the Virginia wine industry. One of those producers includes Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery led by Jeremy Ligon, second generation winemaker with whom I had a recent chat.

Located in the Piedmont region, a few hills east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Barrel Oak Winery near Delaplane is a welcoming spot that was dubbed “Most Family Friendly Winery in the World” by Wine Enthusiast. Owned by Kavelle and Ken Bajaj from Upperville, Virginia since 2022, Barrel Oak Winery consists of 30 acres at the estate and a sister site of 11 acres “down the road.” Vineyards are planted on soils of clay, granite, and gneiss that is rife with minerals. Ten varietals including Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Norton are cultivated. From these grapes, seven reds, seven whites, a sparkling, and two dessert wines are bottled with 12K-15K cases produced.

Jeremy Ligon Finds the Path to Barrel Oak Winery

During my conversation with Jeremy Ligon, I can see why many flock to Barrel Oak. Jeremy’s enthusiasm is infectious, his love for the area reflects his heritage, and his expertise in winemaking is noted in each of the three wines I tasted (sent as samples).

A native of Clover, Virginia, “I started getting into managing our family’s vineyard. Once I started doing that, I went to all of the big Virginia vineyard meetings and I was the youngest person there. I started soaking it in and realized that this was something that I really wanted to explore. At the time, Bruce Zoecklein, who spoke at all of the meetings, was running a graduate program at Virginia Tech. I talked to him and said that I want to learn more and that I want to become a winemaker and champion for Virginia Wines. At this time I was 18 years old. He said that if I want to learn how to make great wine, I needed to go to Fresno State,” explained Jeremy.

Jeremy earned his B.S. in Enology with a minor in Chemistry from California State University in Fresno. He returned to Virginia in 2012 and in 2014, he was named the #1 Up-and-Coming Winemaker in Virginia to Watch by Scoutology.com. Jeremy continued to hone his skills at various wineries until joining Barrel Oak in 2021.

At the time, over 30 wines were in the winery’s portfolio. “We have streamlined the list to around 15 wines that offer approachability and elevated craftsmanship,” remarked Jeremy. When asked about his style of winemaking, he shared that “my mentor told me that if I make all the wine for what I like to drink, I better be ready to by it! I’ve never forgotten that.” He continued. “I’m trying to do the work in the vineyard and not overpower the grapes in any way. I’m trying to lift them. With that said, I’ll do what I have to do from year to year to make the best wine. So I think in Virginia, the seasons change so much that you have to be a little bit versatile to make a really sound quality product every year. I blend traditional with modern winemaking techniques.” For more about Barrel Oak Winery, discover the website HERE.

Three Wines from Barrel Oak Winery Reflect Jeremy Ligon’s Approach to Winemaking and the Region’s Terroir 

Understanding Jeremy’s story, his approach to winemaking and the region’s terroir made it that much easier to taste three wines sent to me and share my thoughts.

Barrel Oak Sauvignon Blanc 2024 ($35) was joyful, fresh and flavorful. Aromas of grapefruit spritz, herbs, grilled lemon and yellow florals wafted from the glass and I was ready for the first sip. On the palate, bright acidity lifted notes of stone fruit including apricots, peaches and juicy pears along with more herbs. A lovely finish was the capstone and each sip was a complement to our board with an array of cheeses. If you love a softer style of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, you’ll appreciate a glass of this.

A wonderful surprise was Barrel Oak Seyval Blanc ($30). This variety is a French-American hybrid that adapts well to cool climates; we can find this grape in the United States, Canada, and England. Incredibly aromatic, I noted herbs, grass, orange blossoms, dried apricots, melon, and peaches leading to flavors of much of the same. With vibrant acidity and a moderate finish, the chilled Seyval Blanc was a brilliant pairing with soft cheeses followed by a light pasta dish and a warm evening on the patio.

Award winning Barrel Oak Meritage 2023 ($40) was an easy drinking red blend of Petit Verdot and more. On the nose, aromas of violets and rich dark red fruit such as currants and cherries made an enticing entry. Moderate tannins and acidity framed flavors of eucalyptus, hint of smoke, flint, and black fruit. This wine paired beautifully with a selection of pizzas and our friends.

“At Barrel Oak, we can be family friendly and dog friendly, AND we make excellent wines. We can be your go-to Virginia wine and have fun with it. You don’t have to come in a three-piece suit – just come with your dog and enjoy a beautiful glass of wine in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take it in.” See you there!

Cheers! ~ Cindy