Our Reds and Chef Stamer’s Lasagna

The mantle over the large stone fireplace

Naked Lunch

by Steve Chase

We headed out Leeds Manor Road from Paris today to grab some lasagna and wine at Naked Mountain Vineyards.  For those who have not driven this route, it is a spectacular short drive that crosses the northern start of the Blue Ridge. Perched on the south end of the drive in Markham, Naked Mountain is a small and cozy place that is a big contrast from some of the other local wineries that are often crowded and loud.

The view from the winery house is spectacular, looking down towards Shenandoah National Park.  While the deck is an excellent place to hang out with a glass of wine, we opted to eat indoors with some rainy weather looking imminent.  After tasting three decent reds, we decided on a bottle of the somewhat complex cross-vintage Raptor Red and the Scarlet Oak Red a very tasty Rhone-style red.  Chef Eric Stamer makes a great lasagna, both meat and vegetarian.  The large portion had just the right balance of pasta, filling, and cheese, topped of with a ladle full of well-simmered marinara.

We left with a few bottles to bring home, and think that lasagna at Naked Mountain could become a regular habit.

We are delighted to have Steve Chase share his thoughts on our visit to Naked Mountain, photography by Karen and Doug

The bar scene

A view of the warm inviting winery