Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Summer/Fall 2014 by VistaGraphics

Tonight’s the night Twilight cocktails and conversation

Virginia Festivals & Events Your guide to what’s going on

Green on the vine A look at Virginia’s first organic vineyard

Summer/Fall 2014

MR J.

VWL 01 COVER SU_FL14d2.indd 1

lers • Two V ir rk a p

parklers •T ia s n w gi

r Cheers! r

Virgin Two ia s

Walking, wining Dining With and dining in We eat our way through Charlottesville Alexandria and environs

l i f e

• rs

Announcing the winners in our Seventh Annual VWL Wine Classic Awards

g o o d

ginia spar kl Vir e

Simply the Best!

t h e

C e l e b r at i n g

Scan this QR Code for our Free Mobile Guide To Virginia Wineries

7/10/14 2:06 PM

ME 3TITIME

WIN IN NNER

Nati Na tional tion on n Ret etai aile leer off the hee Year Awa Award rd

Virginia’s Largest Selection of Wine, Beer and More Under One Roof – at the Lowest Prices!

Total Wine & More.® The selection is incredible. Total Wine & More is like no other wine store you have ever visited. Each of our stores carries over 8,000 different wines, 2,500 beers and more. With 100 superstores, we have the buying power to bring you the best wines at the lowest prices. Our wine team is the best trained in the industry. Just think of them as tour guides guiding you through the great wine regions. They are committed and dedicated to bringing you the Total Wine Experience.™ ALEXANDRIA | CHANTILLY | FAIRFAX | FREDERICKSBURG MANASSAS | McLEAN | SPRINGFIELD | STERLING

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SU_FL14.indd 2

www.totalwine.com

7/11/14 9:20 AM

2015

Readers’Choice

AWARDS

Which Meritage holds the most merit? Which Norton never ceases to knock your socks off? What is the hippest, greenest or most romantic Virginia Winery? What Wine Festival is marked on your calendar months in advance? It’s time again for our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. We again open our forum to you, the true Virginia wine lover, to see what is on your mind and in your glass.

Winners will be published in the upcoming Spring/Summer 2015 issue of Virginia Wine Lover Magazine, and polls close on October 15, so… VOTE NOW!

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SU_FL14.indd 3

7/11/14 12:48 PM

contents

Contents

Home Of The Horse & Hound Wine Festival, Second Sat. in July

Winery & Orchards

1218 Elmos Rd, Bedford, Va. 24523 540-586-3707

Summer Fall 2014

We are minutes away from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the D-day Memorial More than just Fine Fruit Wines. We offer A Country Store with, Fresh Fruits in season, Cider, Gifts, Canned Goods, T-Shirts and more!

Feature

All with that old fashioned homemade quality and taste that you love.

Free Tastings Daily: April - December Weekends: January - March Noon to 5 And you can bring your own glass!

Nothing but the best

We raise a glass to the VWL Wine Classic award winners

By Patrick Evans-Hylton

Departments 6 Publisher’s Note 9 Editor’s Note

www.PeaksOfOtterWinery.com

POPPING THE CORK 10 Cuvee – VWL mixes it up with top Virginia winemakers

12 Cork Report – A full pour 16

of wine-related news B loggers Imbibe – Cyber sips and tips from the blogosphere

A PERFECT PAIR 22 Taking The Party Outside: Evening entertainment is easy with simple eats, simple drinks

A FORK And THE ROAD 25 Charming Charlottesville: A look at Mr. Jefferson’s city – and environs – through a foodie’s eyes 32 Awesome Alexandria: A weekend of exploring charming Old Town by foot

GRAPEVINE SalemRoanoke County Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc.

For Advertising & Distribution Information 757-422-8979 ext.156 or tracy@vgnet.com The annual subscription rate is $9.95. For subscription orders and changes of address, call (757) 422-8979. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Virginia Wine Lover, 1264 Perimeter Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.

44 Winery map 46 Winery list 48 Wine events

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SU_FL14.indd 4

7/11/14 9:21 AM

F�� own Po�nt V�rg�n�� W�ne Fest�v�� Presente� b�

S�tur��, October �8 & Sun��, October �9, 20�4 �� own Po�nt P�rk Downtown Norfo�k W�terfront, V�rg�n�� produced by

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SU_FL14.indd 5

7/11/14 2:24 PM

pub note

Publisher’s Note

Two times a charm for Coastal Virginia WineFest

t may still be a while before we put away holiday decorations and vow to lose a few pounds in our New Years resolutions, but here at Virginia Wine Lover magazine and our sister publication, Coastal Virginia Magazine, we are starting to think January. That’s when the second-annual Coastal Virginia WineFest takes place. Mark your calendars now for one of the state’s premier celebrations of Virginia vino; the event gets under way Jan. 17 and 18 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Look for many of the favorite components from last year to return, including dozens of Virginia wineries offering samples and vintages for sale, a craft beer garden, and scores of vendors showcasing the best in arts, crafts and awesome edibles. We’ll have live music and the popular grape stomp competition where local celebrities stomp it out in a grape barrel to see who can deliver the most juice for the coveted Grape Stomp Championship trophy. Coastal Virginia Magazine food editor (and VWL executive editor) Patrick Evans-Hylton will again host educational and entertaining wine lectures over the two days of the events where experts in the wine and food industry share their sage advice. We are working on the line up now and know that it will be another great event for Virginia wine lovers near and far. We hope to see you there!

Randy Thompson randy@vgnet.com

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SU_FL14.indd 6

7/11/14 9:25 AM

VOLUME 7

Issue 2

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com 1264 Perimeter Parkway, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454 757-422-8979

CHATEAU MORRISETTE Winery and Restaurant

Publisher Randy Thompson Editor-in-Chief Melissa M. Stewart Executive Editor and Culinary Events Manager Patrick Evans-Hylton Associate Editor, Web, Angela Blue Contributing Editor, Frank Morgan Contributing Writers Patti Hinson, Pam Riley Interim Editor, Chelsea Sherman Corporate Art Director Holly Watters Creative Director David Uhrin Associate Art Director Matt Haddaway Production Manager Stacy Graef Contributing Designers Chris Meligonis, Don Spencer, Kaye Ellen Trautman, Brian Woelfel Web Design and Development Web Creative Director Chris Murphy Web Developer Kristy Codgill Web Marketing & Promotions Manager My Nguyen Director of Photography Jim Pile

Rustic, Southern Elegance on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Photographer Mike Mercker

MP 171.5 Blue Ridge Parkway • Floyd, VA

Contributing Photographers Patrick Evans-Hylton, Frank Morgan, Pam Riley Photo Editor Jim Pile

540.593.2865 • THEDOGS.COM

Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Sales Manager Jay Bellamy Account Executives Christie Berry, Lori Conti, Elizabeth Cummings, Eileen Dalby, Kim Lyda, Kevin Rose, Kathy Talmage, Brenda Whitlow, Samuel Wilson Sales Coordinator Tracy Thompson Associate Account Executives Felicia Ruffin Circulation Manager George Carter Special Events & Style Coordinator Pamela Hopkins Event Marketing Specialist Natalie Giles Virginia Wine Lover is published by www.VGnet.com VistaGraphics Staff Production Manager Robin Cather Accounts Receivable Margaret Hawkins Controller Anita Burns Administrative Assistant Tracy Thompson Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited. Opinions in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent management views. Contributing photography supplied by Thinkstock.com

Think you’ve seen it all?

memberships:

VIRGINIA WINERIES ASSOCIATION For advertising & distribution information please contact Tracy Thompson at (757) 422-8979 ext. 156 or tracy@vgnet.com

Celebrating The Good Life

S TA U N T O N , V I R G I N I A

www.frontiermuseum.org www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SU_FL14.indd 7

7/11/14 12:49 PM

www. barboursvillewine.com

NOW IN RELEASE OUR 12TH EDITION OF THE WINE THAT BUILT THIS AGING CELLAR, AND THOSE OF MANY WINELOVERS IN VIRGINIA. WITH MORE THAN 30 GOLD MEDALS IN PREVIOUS VINTAGES, TWO MONTICELLO CUPS, AND CONSTANT HIGHEST RATINGS IN WINE COMPETITIONS AND CRITICISM, THIS 2009 VINTAGE BRINGS THE VIRGINIA GOVERNOR’S CUP TO US FOR THE FOURTH TIME. IT IS ALL ONE WOULD EXPECT.

We had so much fun last year,

we’re doing it again!

Coastal Virginia Magazine Presents... 2nd Annual

Saturday & Sunday January 17-18, 2015 Virginia Beach Convention Center

ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS INCLUDING:

Live music. Grape Stomp CompetitionWatch as local celebrities stomp it out in a grape barrel to see who Celebrate can deliver the most juice for the Good Times and coveted Grape Stomp Fine Virginia Wines. champion trophy. Offering wine tastings, a craft beer garden Educational seminars along with numerous other vendors and lectures. showcasing the best in arts, crafts And More! and scrumptious edibles.

To see a video of last year’s event and for more information and vendor opportunities visit coastalvirginiawinefest.com or contact Pamela Hopkins, Special Events & Style Coordinator, at pam@vgnet.com or 757-422-8979 x 104.

CoastalVirginiaWineFest.com 8

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SU_FL14.indd 8

7/11/14 1:14 PM

Editor’s Note

ed note

The Best is here, and to come

ven after seven years, there is still a Christmas-like anticipation as we prepare each year for the Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Wine Classic. For weeks ahead of the actual judging, box after box of wines arrive at our office, and our special events manager, Pam Hopkins, carefully opens each, categorizing the vintages. A few days before, we are out walking through the beautiful River Stone Chophouse in nearby Suffolk, going over details with their awesome staff, including managers Kati Viar-Newman and Ken Dodd. And the morning of there is so much activity you can’t stand still in one place too long or you’ll get run over. Volunteers arrive to unpackage and open the wine that has been delivered, arrange glasses, and set up flights. Judges arrive, and we go over the details of the day over a light breakfast. Then the fun part – the tasting. Wines come out blind in flights, and we scribble down our findings on a modified University of California at Davis 20-point judging sheet. Tasted flights and judging sheets are whisked away, and we start anew until each vintage has been evaluated. And now, in this issue, we share those findings with you. As we finish this issue of VWL we look ahead to the next best thing – our Best Of Readers’ Choice Awards. This is the time for you to be the critic and tell us your favorite wines, wineries, getaways and more. Results will be posted in our Spring/ Summer 2015 issue; online voting begins July 7 and runs through Oct. 15. Be sure to vote online. Best,

Patrick Evans-Hylton patrick@VirginiaWineLover.com

It’s a very good year for a Virginia winery tour.

Enjoy the state’s spectacular scenery, world-renowned wines, and the company of friends with a James Limousine Wine Tour. We provide complete wine tour planning service for parties of any size in Richmond, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, and Newport News. Sit back, relax, and raise a glass to a great Virginia wine experience. 888-522-1540 | www.JamesLimousine.com | DMV #664 www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SU_FL14.indd 9

7/11/14 12:50 PM

Popping the Cork VWL mixes it up with three top Virginia winemakers

ATTIMO WINERY Dr. Rik Obiso, director and winemaker, has been making wine since 1990. It started as a hobby, then an obsession.

Photo

“We started Attimo Winery from the ground up in 2007 and opened to the public in 2010, so about four years. “I have a doctorate degree from Virginia Tech in Biochemistry and Microbiology. I’ve made wine at other wineries now in five different countries and in four different states, learning several distinct styles of wine making.”

courtesy

Open Monday-Thursday and Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Attimo Winery 4025 Childress Rd., Christiansburg; 540-382-7619; www.AttimoWinery.com

ROCKBRIDGE VINEYARD Parke Shepherd “Shep” Rouse III, owner/winemaker of Rockbridge Vineyards, has been making wine for 35 years. He has a master’s degree in enology from University of California at Davis. “Rockbridge Vineyard is regarded as one of the finest small wineries in the commonwealth, and is the fruition of [my] dream to make fine wine in [my] native state of Virginia. “ —SR

Rockbridge Vineyard 35 Hill View Lane, Raphine; 540-377-6204; www.RockbridgeVineyard.com

Photo by

peh

Open Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday and Monday, noon - 5 p.m.

THE WILLIAMSBURG WINERY Matthew G. R. Meyer, winemaker and executive vice president of Williamsburg Winery, has been making wine for about 20 years. He has been with Williamsburg Winery since 2002.

cour

o tesy Phot

“I have degree in oenology and viticulture from University of California at Davis. After graduation I worked in Napa Valley and the Sierra Foothills. In addition to making wine in Williamsburg I will be making wine in Mendoza, Argentina and Burgundy, France. My wines have been recognized in every major wine publication and numerous international and national awards.” —MM March - December, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily; January and February, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday The Williamsburg Winery 5800 Wessex Hundred, Williamsburg; 757-258-0899; www.WilliamsburgWinery.com

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 10

7/11/14 9:31 AM

Cuvee

In each we talk to three winemakers to find out more about their winery, their winemaking philosophy, and get some useful tips in the enjoyment of their juice. THE WINERY Overview: “Attimo is dedicated to celebrating the everyday moments in life. Our goal is to put our customer’s experience first and to promote an experience in food and wine in a relaxing, yet classy atmosphere. We aim to make distinctive awardwinning wine that is balanced and reflects quality.” —RO Highlighted events: • Red and white wine winemaker’s dinners; Murder Mysteries • Tasting room; tastings at the bar or seated • Patio space and picnic area Food provided ThursdaySunday THE WINERY

THE WINERY

Overview: “The Williamsburg Winery, one of Virginia’s most acclaimed wineries, was established in 1985 by the Duffeler Family. Wines produced here are appealing to wine enthusiasts as well as occasional wine drinkers. The winery’s flagship wine Adagio was awarded the 2014 Virginia Governor’s Cup as the state’s highest rated wine.” —MM Highlighted events: • Adagio Release Party - Sunday, Oct. 5, 2014 • Holiday Celebration - Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 - a celebration of local foods paired with wine • Space available for weddings, meetings and other special events

Blaze: Vidal blanc, dry white wine made in traditional Kakhetian style and aged on skins. Spicy, peppery, and fiery. This wine is blaze orange and drinks like a heavy red.

Recommendations: Sonnet 98: Vidal blanc, off dry, aged in light toast American oak, which draws out subtle vanilla undertones with a grassy and floral aroma.

AD 325: Chambourcin, dry red wine made in traditional Kakhetian style and aged on skins with extended maceration and ageing. Smooth, intense, earth and creamy. —RO

Masquerade: Chardonnay, dry, aged in VSOP American oak, vanilla, buttery, and strong classic chardonnay flavors. batch methods, the full intensity and tenor of each wine is captured.” —SR

2012 White Riesling: Hints of orange blossom & green tea with honey.

Highlighted events: • Winemaker’s Dinner, Aug. 23 • Sunday’s Uncorked; twice monthly music events • Picnic area • Special events barn • Pet-friendly grounds

2010 DeChiel Cabernet Franc: Smooth elegant fruit, well balanced with supple tannin.

Offerings: “We currently offer 22 wines, red, white, rose’ and dessert.” —SR Recommendations: 2012 Pinot Blalnc de Noir: Peach nose, light body, reminiscent of Champagne but no bubbles.

2010 Extra Virginia Claret (Norton): Luscious native Virginia fruit with hints of Allspice and plum. 2011 Vd’Or Dessert Wine: Exquisite & intense honey and mandarin orange. Perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. —SR

• Two restaurants on property: Gabriel Archer Tavern and Café Provencal • Wedmore Place hotel located on property Offerings: “We have 26 wines total; eight whites, 13 red, 2 rose and 3 dessert.” —MM Five recommendations: 2013 A Midsummer Night’s White - a slightly sweet, very aromatic blend featuring our estategrown white varietals, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, and Viognier. Released every year for the Summer Solstice and celebrating the spirit of the Shakespearean play. 2011 Acte 12 Chardonnay a balanced Chardonnay aged in

THE WINEMAKER

Philosophy: “When you tour Attimo Winery you will quickly see that we use ancient wine making techniques. We have almost no equipment, use a minimalist approach to crush/fermentation, and, age our wine in both oak, flex tanks, and, sometimes, concrete. We make two wines in the Georgian Kakhetian style.” —RO

Highlighted Awards: • More than 100 medals or honors per year since our inception, including several Double Gold and Best of Class awards. • Virginia Wine Lover magazine Readers’ Choice awards; eight this year • People’s Choice Award, three years in a row, from the Salem Wine and Unwind Festival —PEH

A Word of Wisdom: “I am a firm believer that everyone should drink a bottle of Virginia wine each day, spread out from lunch to after dinner. This is the only life you get; live life to the fullest, one day at a time, savoring the everyday moments in life. —RO THE WINEMAKER

Philosophy: “ [I want] to make important stylistic determinations during crush resulting in limited finishing treatment for wines at bottling. Each wine has it’s own individual varietal identity as well as structural balance. We do not filter nor fine our reds prior to bottling to enhance body and suppleness.” —SR A Word of Wisdom: “Don’t let anyone tell you what you should like, experience the wine for yourself!” —SR

• 2002 Virginia Governor’s Cup:1998 DeChiel Merlot • 2010 Judgement of Paris at Ashby Inn, Paris Va; Second Place: 2008 Vd’Or • 2014 Finger Lakes International Competition, Double Gold: 2010 DeChiel Cabernet Franc

“[Here I am] able to produce a full spectrum of wines to match a broad range of individual tastes. By processing each wine minimally and employing traditional, small

Aviator: Cabernet franc, dry, aged in heavy toast French Oak, with mocha, leather, and tobacco undertones. Full, complex, and utterly smooth.

Overview: “In 1988 [I] purchased a farm in northern Rockbridge county, in the Shenandoah Valley, at a higher elevation than most Virginia vineyards, and planted five acres of grapes. [I’ve} complemented [my] own planting with grapes from other top-quality growers at selected locations in Virginia, [and increased my] vineyard to 18 acres.

Offerings: “We offer seven whites (two reserve and one wine club select), seven reds (two reserve and one wine club select), one blush, one ruby port style, and two sweet dessert wines.” —RO

—Frank Morgan

Highlighted Awards: • 1995 Virginia Governor’s Cup:1994 Vd’Or Dessert Wine

older oak barrels for 8 months. Our most award-winning white wine. 2010 Virginia Trianon - this bold, full-bodied wine focusing on Cabernet Franc demonstrates this varietal’s ability to produce graceful and elegant wines in Virginia. 2010 Gabriel Archer Reserve - a red blend crafted in the traditional style of Bordeaux from an exceptional vintage in Virginia. 2010 Adagio - Representing the boldest expression of Virginia terroir, this is a lovely blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

THE WINEMAKER

Philosophy: “I think of three things when I am making wine; my father, food and my wife Elena. My father represents structure and finesse. I also want my wine to be food friendly. Very importantly my wine must be as beautiful as my wife Elena. My philosophy is to make these three things happy. “ —MM Highlighted Awards: • 2014 Virginia Governor’s Cup: 2010 Adagio • Platinum - Best Cabernet Franc, 2014 International Winemaker Challenge for 2010 Virginia Trianon • Gold Medal from the

Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships for 2010 Gabriel Archer Reserve • Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute World Wine Championships for 2011 Acte 12 Chardonnay • Best White Blend in Show from the 2013 Grand Harvest Awards for 2012 A Midsummer Night’s White VWL

—Frank Morgan

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 11

7/11/14 12:51 PM

courtesy photo

Insider

A Virginia Viticulture Milestone th

Loving Cup becomes state’s first organic certified vineyard

y most measures, 2012 and 2013 were watershed years for the Virginia wine industry. While many of Virginia’s vinous accomplishments and vintners were the subject of glowing profiles in major national and international publications, one significant viticulture milestone went largely unnoticed by those that watch and report on the industry. On Feb. 22, 2012, Loving Cup Vineyard (then called Hambsch Family Vineyard), a four-acre block situated on a 150-acre family farm set amongst the rolling hills in North Garden, about 10 miles southwest of Charlottesville, became the first vineyard in Virginia to receive official organic certification. Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery, which opened for visitors in early April, was founded by Karl Hambsch along with his wife Deena, and his father, Werner. The Hambsch’s path to winemaking began by chance, with a crop of flame crabapples. In prior years, the crabapples were picked and given to a family friend for jelly. When that friend wasn’t able to collect the apples one year, rather than have the fruit go to waste, Hambsch followed a recipe found online to make their first batch of crabapple wine. The Hambschs soon moved on to making other fruit wines from pears, cherries, persimmons and raspberries, followed by grapes. From grapes harvested from their organic vineyard in 2012, the family produced 200 cases of wine and 400 cases from the 2013 vintage. “I have no formal viticulture education,” says Hambsch, whose background includes a M.A. degree in History from Auburn University, a year in sales for a small wine distributor and stints at two Virginia wineries. “I got my wine education on the ground, getting dirty, experimenting and learning from our mistakes.” Hands-on experimentation is how the family came to plant hybrid grape varieties instead of more common vinifera varieties (grape 12

species that hails from Europe and includes the most well-known and revered wine grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir). “We conceived the organic vineyard project in 2007, and planted our first grapes the following spring in a test ew Shurtleff photo by Andr block to evaluate their compatibility with organic practices,” said Hambsch when asked about his decision to pursue organic viticulture. “Organic certification was never our goal, it was more about peace of mind, respecting the land I grew up on, and building a business around our principles.” While the vineyard at Loving Cup is certified organic by Quality Certification Services (a USDA certifier since 1989), in order to include the phrase “Made with Organic Grapes’” on a wine label, the winery must also complete the organic certification process, which is expected this year. Loving Cup wines bearing the ‘Made with Organic Grapes’ label will be available when the 2014 vintage is released some time in early 2015. The vineyard at Loving Cup is planted to five different hybrid varieties — two reds (Marquette and Corot Noir) and three whites (Traminette, Cayuga, and Vidal Blanc). The Marquette was developed (hybridized) at the University of Minnesota, and the Traminette, Corot Noir and Cayuga White hybrids were developed at the Cornell University New York State Agricultural Experiment Station. Vidal Blanc is a European-bred hybrid variety. Each of these grape varieties are known as ‘cold-hardy’ breeds,

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 12

7/11/14 9:32 AM

Tasting Room Hours: Open Year Round Thursday-Saturday, & Monday 11-5 Sunday 12-5

Mention or bring this ad for a COMPLIMENTARY TASTING FOR TWO (through 12-31-14 with purchase of one bottle of wine)

10100 Three Fox Lane, Delaplane, VA www.threefoxvineyards.com • (540) 364-6073 e

—Frank Morgan Frank Morgan is the author of the awardwinning wine blog, DrinkWhatYouLike. com. Follow Morgan on Twitter: @ DrinkWhatULike

A TUSCAN GETAWAY CLOSE TO HOME Three Fox Vineyards sits on 50 rolling acres, reminiscent of Tuscany or the Piemonte, in the heart of Northern Virginia’s horse country and the Mosby Heritage Area.

courtesy photo

meaning the vines were developed to be especially cold-tolerant. The Marquette, for example, can withstand temperatures to minus 40 F (in case Virginia ever experiences an arctic-like winter). These particular hybrid varieties also tend to be more resistant to diseases like black rot and downy mildew than many vinifera varieties (though not always true). “All of the grape varieties planted in our vineyard were chosen for their suitability for organic production, are disease resistant, not overly sensitive to copper or sulfur [which are approved as organic fungicides], have loose cluster architecture, and of course for their potential wine style and quality,” said Hambsch. Given Virginia’s hot and humid growing season fungicides are often needed in vineyards to abate diseases like black rot and powdery mildew. Cultivating hybrid varieties may provide an alternative to those vintners that want to farm organically. Considering how focused the Virginia wine industry (as a whole) is on cultivating and promoting vinifera — perhaps because 75 percent of bearing acreage in the state is planted to vinifera varieties — exclusively planting hybrid varieties and farming organically is a bold move. For Loving Cup, aside from the environmental benefits, the potential economic and branding advantage of being recognized as the first organic certified vineyard in the state could be significant. Whether or not Loving Cup’s organic certification will move the needle on perception and/or plantings will not be known in the near-term however, one thing is for sure, achieving organic certification for a vineyard in Virginia is a big deal. Not only significant for Loving Cup but for the industry as a whole. For the larger industry, this certification may help contribute to Virginia’s growing reputation as an up-and-coming progressive wine region. So, are hybrids the answer? That depends on the question. If the question is how to best cultivate grapes organically in Virginia while spending less on synthetic pesticides, then hybrids are likely the answer. This answer of course could (will) change when or if an organic solution to abate black rot proves effective. VWL

Uncork adventure. Get away from the crowds at this beautiful Chesapeake resort on its own scenic peninsula. Tour the Virginia Wine Trail, enjoy the Tides’ renowned regional cuisine, play championship golf, and unwind with marine-inspired spa treatments.

480 King Carter Drive | Irvington, VA 22480 | 804.438.5000 | tidesinn.com

8345_TIDINN_WineLover_Ad.indd 1

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 13

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014 13 1/29/14 5:19 PM

7/11/14 9:32 AM

Cork Report

Heather Munden Named Winemaker at Breaux Vineyards

eather Munden has been named winemaker at Loudoun County’s Breaux Vineyards, replacing David Pagan Castaño, who is now winemaker at Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery. Munden grew up in the Bay Area of California. Her education background includes a hotel and restaurant management degree from San Francisco City College and a viticulture and enology degree from the University of California at Davis. After graduating from UC Davis, Munden spent three years crossing the globe working as a harvest intern, consultant, and winemaker in Italy, New Zealand, Chile and Western Australia. Before packing her shears for the 3,000 mile journey east, Munden was a consulting winemaker at Mira Flores Winery, the artisan winemaker at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, and held positions at Hartford Family Winery and Michel-Schlumberger.

Prior to considering the winemaker position at Breaux, did you have much experience with Virginia wine? If so, what is your overall opinion of the wines here? No. I haven’t tried enough Virginia wines to have an opinion but I did recently attend a tasting of the Virginia Governor’s Cup wines and was pleasantly surprised at how great the wines were.

Why Virginia? Virginia provides a whole new challenge for me. I get to push my life in a different direction. I also have some family and friends on the East Coast so it will be great to live near them.

Can you describe your philosophy on winemaking? I am very much a hands-off winemaker. I don’t like to intervene unless wine/grape quality is affected. Bring me good grapes and let them do the work.

What do you foresee as your most significant challenge in Virginia? The weather here in Virginia makes me nervous. In California, it’s easy to make wine. I realize there is nothing I can do about the weather so I will focus on making the best picking decisions possible. What changes would you like to make at Breaux? I’m still getting settled here so it’s too soon to say for sure, but one thing I would like to work on is moving the white wines out of American oak into French oak. I’m not a fan of American oak; it doesn’t integrate well like French oak does and tends to mask the delicacies of some varieties. Breaux currently uses both American and French oak and will be moving more towards French exclusively. What is the one myth about wine that you would like to see dispelled? I would like to remove the intimidation factor of wine. Everyone should enjoy wine. If someone tells you that you should like a particular wine and you don’t, move on to one that you do. Just keep drinking until you find wines you like. For more information, visit www.BreauxVineyards.com VWL

—Frank Morgan

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 14

7/11/14 1:29 PM

VITICULTURE and CULINARY CLASSES at RAPPAHANNOCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE The RCC Workforce Development Center offers a non-credit certificate program in the art of cultivating grapes for the production of fine wine – VITICULTURE. Through classroom instruction and hands-on experiences, you will learn the skills necessary to start and operate your own vineyard. The Viticulture certificate can be earned in one calendar year by completing nine Saturday classes.

Fall 2014 Viticulture Classes:

• Harvesting and Basic Analysis of the Must – Sat., Aug. 23 • Post-Harvest Decisions and Site Selection for Spring Planting – Sat., Sept. 27 • All classes will meet from 9 a.m until 4 p.m. • Cost: $129 per class (includes lunch) • Classes are taught at the RCC Kilmarnock Center and local vineyards. • Dress prepared for spending time outdoors Other classes in our 2014-15 Viticulture Series: • Introduction to Viticulture • Dormant Pruning • Canopy Management • Vineyard Management • Soil Preparation and Planting • Pest Control • Vine Grafting & Propagation

Upcoming Fall 2014 Culinary Classes with Wine Pairings: • Amazing Italian Side Dishes - Thur., Sept. 18 • Cocktail Bites - Thur., Oct.2 • All classes will meet from 5 p.m until 7 p.m. • Classes are taught at the RCC Kilmarnock Center.

• A Chef’s Look at Thanksgiving - Thur., Nov. 6 • Christmas Parties: Elegant But Simple - Thur., Nov. 20 • Cost: $49 per class

For more information or to enroll, contact RCC Office of Workforce Development at 804-758-6750 or 804-333-6828 rappahannock.edu/workforce/viticulture/ th e www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 15

7/11/14 9:33 AM

Cork Report

Season’s Bounty

he farmers market season is in full swing, and across Virginia there are markets filled with summer’s bounty. Many markets are close to wineries, making a stop special for picking up items for a picnic, or perhaps for supper later that night. We recently came across Dark Hollow Farm in Markham, not far from several wineries, includJoe Walker, ing Philip Carter Winery, Naked Mountain Dark Hollow Farm Winery & Vineyards, Aspen Dale Winery at Photo by David Uhrin the Barn, and Three Fox Vineyards. Here the family-run farm raises heritage pork and turkeys as well as selling freerange chickens and eggs. There are also shitake and oyster mushrooms, and from a small storefront a host of other Made in Virginia products, too. A source of food that is so good, chef and innkeeper of nearby The Inn at Vineyards Crossing, Joshua Haugh, stops by Dark Hollow Farm nearly every day for something special for his guests. And here’s a farm stand actually at a winery: FarmFarm at Barrel Oak Winery features produce, eggs, and pasture-raised and free-range organic meats, in addition to crafts and more. VWL —PEH

For more information on: Dark Hollow Farm, visit www.DarkHollowFarm.net FarmFarm at Barrel Oak Winery, visit www.BarrelOak.com

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 16

7/11/14 9:34 AM

The delicious place to chill to perfection.

The award-winning wines and craft brews of Lexington and Rockbridge County pair perfectly with our special destinations. From tastings like Wine & Wags and Sundays Uncorked at local vineyards to the Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival and the Harvest Festival, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll savor a taste and history that are uniquely ours.

To plan your culinary adventure, visit lexingtonvirginia.com/dining. th e www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 17

7/11/14 9:34 AM

September 27-28

26th Annual

Cork Report

27 Virginia Wineries 85+ Juried Craft & Food Vendors Live Bands

Thank you to this year’s Platinum Sponsor:

For more info: 540.721.1203 • www.visitsmithmountainlake.com LakeWatch Plantation • Moneta, VA

We had so much fun last year,

we’re doing it again! Courtesy of bogati bodega & vineyard

Coastal Virginia Magazine Presents... 2nd Annual

ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS INCLUDING:

Saturday & Sunday January 17-18, 2015 Virginia Beach Convention Center

Celebrate Good Times and Fine Virginia Wines.

Offering wine tastings, a craft beer garden along with numerous other vendors showcasing the best in arts, crafts and scrumptious edibles.

Live music. Grape Stomp CompetitionWatch as local celebrities stomp it out in a grape barrel to see who can deliver the most juice for the coveted Grape Stomp champion trophy. Educational seminars and lectures. And More!

CoastalVirginiaWineFest.com 18

thinner

pinot gris

ogati Bodega & Vineyard has introduced B-Thin Pinot Gris, a wine that CEO Jim Bogaty says has 30 to 40 percent fewer calories than most full calorie wines, accomplished through lowering the wine’s total alcohol by volume to 10.2 percent during the winemaking process. Tasting notes say the Pinot Gris is crisp and “captures wonderful floral notes, ripe apple and prickly pear characters.” The wine sells for $20 at Bogati Bodega & Vineyard’s website. For more information, visit www.BogatiBodega.com —PEH

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 18

7/11/14 1:38 PM

Cork Report

Grey Ghost Gewurztraminer takes the gold

—PEH

courtesy of Gray Ghost Vineyards

ray Ghost’s 2013 Gewurztraminer has won Gold medals at three consecutive competitions, the Pacific Rim International in California, the Finger Lakes International in New York and the Tasters Guild International in Michigan. In addition to the Gold medals, Gray Ghost swept all three competitions, bringing home a total of seven Silver medals and four Bronze medals. The competitions took place earlier this year. “For a Virginia Gewurztraminer to be awarded golds on both coasts, in wine regions known for producing internationally acclaimed Gewurztraminer, is a major accomplishment,” says Amy Payette of Gray Ghost. The winery’s website says the vintage “exhibits a bright bouquet of pineapple, ginger and jasmine with the classic spicy finish.” For more information, visit www.GrayGhostVineyards.com

payette elected to virginia wine council

om Payette, a winemaking consultant and winery industry veteran, was recently elected to a three-year term on the Virginia Wine Council. Tom will fill the only Class II position on the council, replacing outgoing member Gordon Murchie. The Class II member position is the only representative on the council who is not affiliated with a specific winery, but provides support to the broader Virginia wine industry as a whole. Payette is a winemaking consultant assisting mostly East Coast wineries including several Virginia wineries. The Virginia Wine Council, formed in 2008, is a coalition of Virginia wineries, vineyards, the Virginia Wineries Association, the Virginia Vineyards Association, wine trails throughout the state, and individual supporters. For more information, visit www.VirginiaWineCouncil.org

courtesy Photo

—PEH www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 19

7/11/14 9:37 AM

Cork Report

Think you’ve seen it all?

S TA U N T O N , V I R G I N I A

www.frontiermuseum.org

Corcoran adds cider to lineup

Wine Blogger Wanted

Virginia Wine Lover is seeking an experienced wine blogger to write short and medium-length articles for VirginiaWineLoverMag.com. The blogger will be responsible for posting one blog/week on topics ranging from food and wine pairings, weekend getaways centered on Virginia winery tours, wine events, wine news and wine facts and tips. The ideal blogger will have: • 1–2 years of professional writing experience • Strong knowledge of wine • Experience writing about food and wine • Blogging experience Please email letters of interest and writing samples to Angela Blue, assistant editor, web: angela@coastalvirginiamag.com 20

ard cider is a hot trend, and the latest Virginia cidery is a familiar name: Corcoran. Already known for their award-winning wines, Corcoran Vineyards, which operates in Waterford, becomes the first hard cider business in Loudoun County. Owners Jim and Lori Corcoran also operate a brewery in Purcellville. Currently the state has eight cideries; the Corcorans will split their time producing cider and wine, making about 6,000 gallons of each annually. Virginia is currently the sixth-largest apple-producing state by acreage in the county. Cidermaking has had a long tradition in the commonwealth and was especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. For more information, visit www.CorcoranVineyards.com —PEH

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 20

7/11/14 1:40 PM

Bloggers Imbibe

Cyber sips and tips from the blogosphere The internet brings folks together—instantly. Across the world, people Facebook, Tweet and otherwise blog about everything going on in their lives; fortunately many of them are imbibing at the time. What are some of Virginia’s top bloggers enjoying at the moment? Two of them—VWL contributing editor Frank Morgan, who blogs at Drink What You Like, and Brian Kirby of the blog The Other 46—share their current Virginia wine finds with us.

Virginia’s newest bubbly

Photo: fr a n k f the many notable trends in the morg a n Virginia wine industry, the growing number of wineries releasing sparkling wines may be one of the state’s most exciting emerging wine trends. While just 20 of Virginia’s roughly 250 wineries currently offer a sparkling wine— nearly 50 percent more than just a couple years ago—established Virginia winemakers and new operations alike are getting in on the fizz movement. Three newly released Virginian sparkling wines that readers should consider for their next dinner party, celebration, or even a quiet weeknight at home: Thibaut-Janisson Xtra Brut, NV, $40. The latest release from the father of Virginia sparkling wine, Claude ThibautThibaut, Xtra Brut is made from Janisson Winery 100 percent Chardonnay grapes from the www.TJWinery.com Monticello AVA near Charlottesville. With only 4 grams of residual sugar per liter, Xtra Brut is drier than Thibaut’s popular Blanc de Chardonnay and most other Virginian sparkling wines. This full-bodied cuvée offers notes of saline, mineral, and pear with hints of toast and beeswax. The Boneyard, Bad to the Bone Bubbles, 2009, $35. From noted Loudoun County-based winemaker Jordan Harris, Boneyard Bubbles is made from 100 percent Chardonnay sourced from a vineyard on Carter Mountain in Charlottesville. Straw color in the glass with a frothy mousse and lively stream of bubbles, aromas of pear, baked apple and brioche jump from the glass, followed by flavors of fresh baked almond croissant, lemon, and Boneyard Wines mineral on the palate. This wine was www.BoneyardWines.com bottled and then aged on it lees for three-and-a-half years, providing a pleasing texture and light creaminess. A versatile bubbly that would pair well with a number of cheeses like BrillatSavarin, as well as salads, sushi or even an oyster po boy sandwich. Another new entrant to the Virginia sparkling wine market is Breaux Vineyards’ delicious sparkling Rosé made from Vidal Blanc with a splash of Cabernet Franc.

—Frank Morgan blogs at www.DrinkWhatYouLike.Wordpress.com

Photo: wa term ark de

sign

Gabriel Archer Reserve one for the library

n my first visit to the Williamsburg Winery, in Sept. 2013, during one of their extensive tours and reserve wine tasting, I was introduced to the 2003 Gabriel Archer Reserve. Only sold in magnums ($75), this library wine (wine that is being kept or cellared away, or is part of a collection) was uncomplicated yet provocative, leaving one eager to take the next sip. The warmed cherry and slight oaky aromas provide an expectation of taste and does not disappoint. Soft in structure, the flavors of berry, black cherries, with hints of chocolate and roasted nuts round out this slightly dry, medium bodied wine. Conclusively the finish is elegant with a reasonably tannic slow fade. ey ril Photo: pamela While my initial experience with this wine was during the cooler months of winter, the wine proves to be very versatile. Recently I opened the bottle, purchased during my visit to the winery, and found that it makes a wonderful addition Williamsburg Winery to a spring www.WilliamsburgWinery.com menu of smoked turkey legs, bison burgers, grilled mushrooms, and fresh spinach, walnut and gorgonzola salad. This wine will also pair well with heartier tomato based dishes and with sirloin, game or duck. VWL —Pamela Riley blogs at http://vinesofvirginia.com/blog/ Seeking an experienced wine blogger • 1–2 years of professional writing experience • Strong knowledge of wine • Experience writing about food and wine • Blogging experience Please email letters of interest and writing samples to Angela Blue, assistant editor, web: angela@coastalvirginiamag.com www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 10-21 POP THE CORK SU_FL14.indd 21

7/11/14 12:54 PM

a perfect pair

Evening entertainment is easy with simple eats and sips

By Patrick Evans-Hylton ummer is a season, it seems, when time slows down a bit. Days are long, stretching well into the evening. Folks move at a slower pace. Families take well-deserved vacations. Summer is a season, therefore, perfect for entertaining. As the sun sinks slowly on the horizon, the air cools, and we welcome the milky twilight, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to have guests over on the porch. But this is summer, so things need to be taken leisurely. And, because our food items can be done a day or two ahead, it gives you time to relax, enjoy your family and friends, mix up a wine cocktail or two, and count the fireflies as they dot the lavender sky.

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 22

7/11/14 11:10 AM

very Southern cook’s “receipt book” (a compilation of recipes from a bygone era) has a recipe for cheese straws that has been handed down from generation to generation. Although recipes vary a bit—some add pecans, others sprinkle the straws with paprika—the premise of the pastry is always the same. This heady mix of sharp cheese, butter, and fiery spices is a classic that is served graciously at teas, luncheons, and cocktails in homes across the South. Cheese straws are quick and easy to make, and are often given as gifts, especially around the holidays. Ingredients 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups) 6 tablespoons butter, softened 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1⁄8 teaspoon dry mustard 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder 11⁄2 tablespoons whole milk Method Combine the cheese, butter, flour, salt, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, and garlic powder in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade attachment.

P h oto by p e h

Pulse a few seconds at a time until the dough resembles coarse crumbs. Add the milk and process until the dough forms a ball, about 10 seconds. The dough should be firm and smooth but not wet; if it is too crumbly, add a little more milk. Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 F. Roll the dough out into an 1⁄8-inch-thick rectangle on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin. Cut the dough lengthwise into 1⁄2- to 3⁄4-inch-wide strips with a lightly floured pizza cutter. Cut the strips into 2- to 4-inch-long pieces.

Carefully transfer the dough onto ungreased baking sheets, placing the strips about 1⁄4 inch apart; if a strip breaks, press the dough back together. Bake in the center of the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until they just begin to turn golden. Set the baking sheets on a rack and allow the straws to cool completely cool before serving. Repeat with remaining dough. Note: Adding 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme to the recipe adds an herbaceous flavor profile. The straws will keep in an airtight container for several days or wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw for 30 minutes before serving. Yields 1–3 dozen, depending on cut

P h oto by p e h

SUMMER BERRY SPARKLER Add a splash of Chambord liqueur to a champagne flute, toss in a fresh blackberry or two, and fill with a sparkling wine.

ike so many traditional Southern foods, deviled ham probably started as a way of using every last bit of food, with ham scraps and other ingredients that were finely chopped into a savory spread. This tasty treat makes delicious tea sandwiches to serve at luncheons or cocktail parties. You can also combine the spread with egg yolks and a little more mayonnaise for a deviled egg filling, stuff it in stalks of celery for a relish tray, or spoon it atop crackers or toast points for easy canapés.

Ingredients 1 pound smoked ham, coarsely chopped 1⁄2 cup chopped sweet onion, such as Vidalia 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise 1⁄4 cup spicy brown mustard 1⁄4 cup chopped bread and butter 2 tablespoons hot sauce 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon paprika 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Method Combine the ham, onion, mayonnaise, mustard, relish, hot sauce, mustard, paprika, salt,

JUST PEACHY Add a few ice cubes, a shot of peach schnapps and a shot of white rum to a large wine glass, drop in slice of peach and a slice of orange and fill with Pinot Grigio. WINE SPRITZER Add a few ice cubes to a wine glass and pour in about four ounces of white wine; for summer we like Sauvignon Blanc. Fill glass with sparkling water. YOU’LL LIKE IT A MER-LOT Add a few ice cubes, a shot of Grand Marnier and a shot of vodka to a large wine glass, drop in a slice of orange, a blackberry or two and a maraschino cherry (we prefer Luxardo) and fill with Merlot.

and black pepper in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade attachment and blend until smooth. Transfer the spread to a medium bowl, cover, and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Leftover spread can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for 3 to 5 days. Yields about 2-1/2 cups

ITALIAN KISS In a tall glass add a few ice cubes and pour in about four ounces of Italian red wine like Sangiovese, Barbera or Nebbiolo. Toss in a lemon wedge and a lime wedge and fill with lemon-lime soda. Some text and recipes came from my book Dishing Up Virginia.

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 23

7/11/14 2:32 PM

The finest grapes come from

Orange.

Massanutten Getaway!

Sample wines at James Madison’s Montpelier TASTE OF FREEDOM Saturday, September 20, 2014 11:00 am – 7 pm Held in conjunction with Constitution Day, the Taste of Freedom wine festival is fun for the whole family. Taste local wines, beer and ciders along with food vendors, arts & crafts, live music, children’s entertainment and rides!

Beautiful mountainside home

Running Never Tasted So Good!

February 14, 2015 Cardinal Point Winery & Vineyard Afton, Virginia www.corkscrewracing.com

Access to exclusive deals, perks, and savings at over 60 wineries across Virginia Wine Country! 540.376.7902 www.virginiawinepass.com

The Finest Selection of Wine, Beer, Cider, Chocolate and Cigars in the Valley 8 Byers Street, Staunton, VA 24401 540-213-9463 • www.stauntonwine.com

convenient to all Massanutten has to offer. All the recreational facilities in Massanutten are a 10 minutes or less drive from this home!

Newly refurbished with hardwood floors, new carpet, granite countertops, fireplace, hot tub and game room. 4 bedrooms with 1 king, two queens and two doubles. Sleeps 10. Great family getaway, outdoor adventure or girls getaway.

Email Laurie ltfitnessmama@gmail.com for more information and availability.

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 24

7/11/14 2:33 PM

A FORK AND THE ROAD Environs Charlottesville Photo courtesy of Charlot tesville Albemarle CVB

harming C

Charlottesville A look at mr. jefferson’s city—and environs— through a foodie’s eyes By Patrick Evans-Hylton

harlottesville has a distinctive feel, a true sense of place. Perhaps it’s just that the reputation of this remarkable city speaks for itself. The folks here have worked hard over a couple of centuries now to craft a place that has sophistication – and sophisticated offerings – smack dab in the middle of a nowhere. And by nowhere, I mean just that, but in a very good way. There is plenty to see and do – and eat and drink – in this nowhere, but it is a true rural oasis surrounding Mr. Jefferson’s city.

>>>

www.VirginiaWineLover.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 25

7/11/14 11:11 AM

<<<

a more classic Virginia elegance, Trump – formerly Kluge Winery – was a delight to visit with wines that really pleased. The sparkling, Chardonnay and Cru, a fortified Chardonnay, were standouts this visit. It’s not just wine that has folks talking about artisan imbibes in the region; craft breweries are hot. We made two stops during our stay: Devils Backbone Brewing Company and Starr Hill Brewery. Both were great places to learn more about craft brewing and of course sample, too. Favorites at Devils Backbone were the Vienna Lager and Eight Point IPA. At Starr Hill, we particularly enjoyed Jomo (also a Vienna Lager) and Starr Pils (a German pilsner). Other breweries on The Brew Ridge Trail are: Blue Mountain Brewery, Blue Mountain Barrel House, South Street Brewery and Wild Wolf Brewing Company.

Some 75 wineries fill the area in and around Charlottesville and Central Virginia, and about 10 wine trails that traverse the landscape; check with the Virginia Wine Marketing Office, link below, for more information. Continued on page 28

>>>

The Brew Ridge Trail www.BrewRidgeTrail.com Corkscrew Racing www.corkscrewracing.com Devils Backbone Brewing Company www.DBBrewingCompany.com Starr Hill Brewery www.StarrHill.com Virginia Wine Marketing Office www.VirginiaWine.org

Photo By Bob Mical

Rolling hills abut the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Rivanna River ambles along, twisting and turning and bubbling its way to the James River, and eventually the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Narrow roads also twist and turn, their asphalt ribbons cutting through the countryside and stands of trees older than the nation as well as open fields where you might just look out and see forever. Throughout this countryside are wineries, too – this is the historic heart of Virginia Wine Country, and some of the state’s best offerings come from here. To further emphasize the special sense of place, the region even has its own designation as the Monticello AVA (American Viticultural Area) which distinguishes the geography and climate as something special – especially in regards to wine growing. It all radiates around Charlottesville, which is filled with so much to see and do that it’s almost overwhelming. It’s fascinating to walk around the University of Virginia campus and view the architecture. We love to catch a play, concert or festival. A favorite pastime is visiting Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. But our focus is on the food and imbibes this trip, and we found quite a bit to keep ourselves occupied during our long weekend sojourn. Here’s our report.

THE WINES/IMBIBES We have long loved the wineries in and around Charlottesville, and have been to the majority of them, from Afton Mountain Vineyards to Wintergreen Winery. There are so many wineries here that it is hard to visit them all, so don’t – just plan on coming back like we do. On this visit we stopped by Barboursville Vineyards, Pollak Vineyards and Trump Winery. Barboursville is gorgeous – something right out of an Italian landscape. The dusty mountains in the background, an Old World style tasting room, and the 1884 ruins of the Thomas Jefferson-designed mansion are must–sees. Must drinks are the wine, and we enjoy the sparkling, Pinot Gris, Octagon, Sangiovese and Viognier in particular. Lunch or dinner at Palladio Restaurant, located at the winery, is amazing. Pollak is also stunning, but in a modernistic way. Clean lines and expansive windows make for a welcoming, warming visit. We enjoyed all the wines we sampled, with the Meritage, Petit Verdot and Mille Fleurs as favorites. Again, beautiful in its own way – this time 26

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 26

7/11/14 11:11 AM

C R E AT E YO U R i n s p i r at i o n Explore our landscapes and homesites – prices from the $200,000’s Visit us for a day, and imagine the legacy you can create for decades to come. Contact Josh Woodson, Sales Manager – Bundoran Farm | 434-260-4304 | j.woodson@naturalretreats.com | www.bundoranfarm.com Exclusively Listed by Natural Realty, LLC | 5005 Edge Valley Road, North Garden, VA 22959 | A Natural Assets Community This is not intended to be an offer to sell property in Bundoran Farm to, nor a solicitation of offers from, residents of CT, HI, ID, IL, NY, NJ & OR, or to residents of any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law.

Charlottesville's Only four diamond resort

Boar’s Head offers a warm, intimate ambiance, exceptional service and unparalleled Southern hospitality. Located on 573 acres, our resort offers 175 luxurious guest rooms, Four Diamond dining, world class recreational activities, a spa, and event facilities for you to experience. Enjoy a self-guided tour through some of Virginia’s finest local wineries and breweries. Call 855.537.6158 to book your fall, holiday and winter getaways. Mention source code VWL814 to receive a complimentary room upgrade, based on availability.

855.537.6158 WWW.BOARSHEADINN.COM Owned and Operated by the University of Virginia Foundation

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 27

7/11/14 11:11 AM

A FORK AND THE ROAD Environs Charlottesville

<<< Continued from page 26 Breakfast sort of sets the tone for the day, and we got ours off to a good start during our trip at Ace Biscuit & Barbecue, Bodo’s Bagels and Charlottesville City Market. We had heard about Ace Biscuit; in a short amount of time it has reached almost cult status in a squat cinderblock building with spartan décor. In fact, a long table in the center and some posters on the wall are about it for décor. But we came for the biscuit; a light, square biscuit that was savory and delicious. We stuffed ours with country ham and a fried green tomato. A toasted bagel at Bodo’s filled with a locally made NoBull veggie patty fit the bill another day, and yet another day we noshed around the Charlottesville City Market, making it suffice for breakfast. The market is a must-see; around since 1973 this large, outdoor market is a packed full of farmers with fresh produce, bakers, specialty food products, and ready-to-eat goods. We always love stopping at Feast! in Main Street Market to lust over the selection of gourmet goods, including the remarkable cheeses. We grabbed lunch while there, a delicious El Salvadoran-style Pan con Pollo sandwich with a mix of vegetables and roasted chicken from Joel Salatin’s Polyface Farm. Lunch at Citizen Burger was also amazing; at this charming eatery, in a turn-of-the-century

building on the Mall, I enjoyed a burger of Timbercreek local beef (five miles away!) on a truffled brioche bun and topped with foie gras and Dijon Mustard. Charming is the best way to describe La Michoacana Tortilleria y Taqueria. This simple, one room restaurant belies the authentic Mexican cuisine. Order at the bar, grab a colorful Jarritos soda, and pick up your order at a small window peeking into the kitchen. I ordered tacos – some of the best I’ve had on the East Coast. From a number of options, including chicken, steak and barbecue, I picked lengua (beef tongue) cuerito (soft pork rinds) and chorizo (Mexican sausage). Crozet Pizza is legendary, and a late afternoon stop was great for dinner one day. This tiny space has been serving up pies since 1977. The pizza is as old school as the country store interior; these are slices from another time, and that’s a good thing. Our “special,” topped with mushrooms, onions, green peppers, pepperoni and sausage, was just that. National Geographic names this pizzeria one of the best in the world. Delicious Forbidden Oysters from the James River and Rappahannocks started our meal at Public Fish & Oyster, a charming restaurant specializing in seafood. The rich, velvety oyster stew was incredible, and a local trout dish was gorgeous, as was a tart of local apples. Photo By Steve Ganoe

Photo By Julia Fuge

THE FOOD We tackled this trip looking at the city of Charlottesville and Albemarle and Nelson counties with a foodies point of view. Over our long weekend we dined a lot, and enjoyed each and every bite.

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 28

7/11/14 11:12 AM

A true highlight of the trip came at Jason Alley’s Pasture, a branch of his original restaurant in Richmond. A bright open space with floor-to-soaring ceiling windows, splashed with signature mint green and decorated with wood accents, we loved the space and the food from Chef Pete Evans. We noshed a number of dishes, each as good as the next, including pimento cheese, deviled eggs, smoked salmon, beef tartare topped with quail egg, and more, until the fabulous lemon buttermilk pie with sweet tea whipped cream provided a sweet ending to a fabulous meal. Back at Main Street Market, we loved shopping at The Spice Diva, where the diva herself, Phyllis Hunter, gave us a tour of the tiny shop by opening jar after jar of exotic herbs, spices and teas and encouraging a good whiff. We were in nirvana. Nirvana found us again when we visited Tim Gearhart’s shop just around the corner. Gearhart’s Chocolates is the Tiffany’s version of Willy Wonka. Jewel-like bite of deliciousness are displayed in the showroom, ready to buy and savor. While in town, a must-stop is The Happy Cook. Serving Charlottesville since 1978, this is an adorable locally owned shop with cookware, cutlery, tablestop and bakeware items. Try to arrange a visit during a cooking class. You may also consider a tour from C’Ville Food Tour which offers two journeys through the city: Downtown Delights Tour and Savor Charlottesville Tour. For a complete list of markets, gourmet shops, restaurants and other agents of edibles, see the section at the end of this article to contact area visitor’s bureaus.

>>>

Ace Biscuit & Barbecue www.facebook.comAceBiscuitBbq Bodo’s Bagels www.BodosBagels.com Camryn Executive Transportation and Limousine www.camryn-limo.com Charlottesville City Market www.CharlottesvilleCityMarket.com C’ville Food Tour www.CVilleFoodTour.com Citizen Burger Bar www.CitizenBurgerBar.com Crozet Pizza D www.CrozetPizza.net Feast! www.FeastVirginia.com Gearhart’s Chocolate www.GearhartsChocolates.com The Happy Cook www.TheHappyCook.com

Virginia

Wine Country by limousine

estled among the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the picturesque valleys of Central Virginia are the state’s top wineries. Camryn Limousine invites you to explore them in superior comfort and style as our luxury vehicles lead you through the scenic Virginia countryside to taste award winning wines and to enjoy quiet picnic getaways…

Photo by Tim McDaniel

The Vineyards of Virginia and the limousines of Camryn will make for a wonderful day. Our courteous and knowledgeable drivers are the finest in the area. We invite you to experience Virginia wine in the most refined and comfortable manner available.

ExEcutivE transportation and LimousinE, LLc

434-990-9070 Fax: 703-997-0543

www.camryn-limo.com limo@camryn-limo.com www.VirginiaWineLover.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 29

7/11/14 11:12 AM

A FORK AND THE ROAD Environs Charlottesville

La Michoacana Tortilleria y Taqueria 1138 E. High St., Charlottesville 434-409-9941 Pasture www.PastureVa.com Public Fish & Oyster www.facebook.com/PublicFO Spice Diva www.TheSpiceDiva.com

THE SIGHTS There are many incredible things to see and do in Charlottesville as well as Albemarle and Nelson counties. During our trip, we took a walk along the Downtown Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the United States, and enjoyed visiting a number of shops along the stroll. We always find time to pay homage to America’s First Foodie, Thomas Jefferson, at his Monticello home. There are a number of tickets and tours available, including a day pass and house tour, behind the scenes tour, and a tour of his extensive vegetable and fruit gardens. We like to keep things local, and The Monticello Artisan Trail, link below, is a great resource to

Tradition

guide you to artisan studios, craft related venues, agri-artisan farms and more. For a complete list of attractions and events, see the section at the end of this article to contact area visitor’s bureaus.

ence in Charlottesville or the surrounding area, the Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia is also a good resource; a link is below.

Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia www.InnVirginia.com Boar’s Head www.boarsheadinn.com Bundoran Farm www.bundoranfarm.com Omni Charlottesville Hotel www.OmniHotels.com/Charlottesville Wintergreen Resort www.WintergreenResort.com

The Monticello Artisan Trail www.ArtisansCenterOfVirginia.org The Monticello Wine Trail www.monticellowinetrail.org

THE ACCOMMODATIONS During our visit we stayed at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel, a large chain hotel at the end of the Downtown Mall offering a good central location for walking and driving. The room and other aspects of the hotel were very nice, and adjacent, covered parking was welcome. Outside Charlottesville, in Nelson County, Wintergreen Resort offers accommodations and a number of activities for guests. For a complete list of area accommodations, see the section at the end of this article to contact area visitor’s bureaus. For folks looking for a bed and breakfast experi-

revives the art of cider making in a historic barn.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE For more travel information, visit these folks: Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau www.VisitCharlottesville.org Nelson County Tourism www.NelsonCounty-Va.gov/ Orange County Tourism www.visitorangevirginia.com VWL

Albemarle CiderWorks

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, only a couple of hours from Northern VA and DC, Charlottesville and Albemarle County, VA are perfect for your next excursion. Did you know that Thomas Jefferson, besides being a viticulturist, was also a renowned cider maker and orchardist? Visit several local cideries and taste why the ancient art of cider making is sweeping the country in this latest revival. Plan your trip and request a visitor guide at visitcharlottesville.org/VAWLguide.

Where tradition is always new. 30

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 30

7/11/14 11:13 AM

Woods Pierce Photography

An Escape To Staunton

FROM

Stephanie Holladay Earl as Beatrice and Patrick Earl as Benedick in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. Photo by Michael Bailey

Giveaway Package Includes: Two night stay at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center Tasting for 2 at Ox-Eye Vineyards Downtown Tasting Room Tickets for the Frontier Culture Museum and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum Tickets for a performance at Blackfriars Playhouse Dinner for 2 at Byers Street Bistro ($50 gift certificate). www.visitstaunton.com • 1-800-342-7982 Photo by Virginia Aerial Photography

Simply fill out the adjacent Reader Response Card. Drop it in the mail or register online at VirginiaWineLover.com/offers. www.VirginiaWineLover.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 31

7/11/14 10:58 AM

A FORK AND THE ROAD Alexandria

Awesome

Alexandria

a weekend of exploring charming old town by foot By Patrick Evans-Hylton

Photo By R Kennedy for ACVA

I 32

t is early on a Saturday morning and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ventured out of my hotel and onto the brick-lined street. Except for noticeable signs of modern life, mostly cars and traffic signs, it is easy to imagine this is the scene from centuries ago. Colonial architecture abounds; homes and shops look like something from the 18th century, and, in fact, many are. This is Old Town Alexandria, a place I have loved for decades now. On this Saturday morning I am drawn to the farmers market just a few blocks down to partake in a ritual of browsing fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted cheeses and more, like folks have done at this very spot for 261 years. The weekend holds promise: there are tempting muffins to nibble while I plan my way walking through these same streets that Virginians before me have since 1749.

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 32

7/11/14 10:58 AM

THE WINES/IMBIBES While Alexandria itself hosts no Virginia wineries, there are more than 80 wineries in Northern Virginia. Two of the wineries closest to Old Town are Paradise Springs Winery and Potomac Point Winery. Paradise Springs offers several award-winning wines, including vintages awarded recognition from the Virginia Governors Cup and the Virginia Wine Lover magazine Wine Classic. Two of our favorite whites are the Viognier and Petit Manseng. Two of our favorite reds are the Cabernet Franc and Norton. Potomac Point also serves many wines of distinction, including Governors Cup winners. For whites, we like the La Belle Vie (a crisp, white blend) and Chardonnay. The Abbinato, a Chianti-style blend, and Bordeaux-style Richland Reserve Heritage are two reds we favor. Take a day to drive out to wine country and explore via your car or car share (for information contact the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association – link at the end of this article). There are also several Northern Virginia winery (and brewery) tours via limo and bus, including Reston Limousine. There are many other notable wineries in the region, as well as a number of wine trails that traverse the landscape; check with the Virginia Wine Marketing Office, link below, for more information.

More: Paradise Springs Winery www.ParadiseSpringsWinery.com Potomac Point Winery www.PotomacPointWinery.com Reston Limousine www.RestonLimo.com Virginia Wine Marketing Office www.VirginiaWine.org

Photo By R Kennedy for ACVA

There are plans for leisurely lunches, grabbing a craft beer, and taking a cruise on the Potomac River to Mount Vernon to sample George Washington’s recipe for whiskey. I’ll enjoy some fine dining – maybe French or Italian – and try some cheeses that I’ve never tried before. I’ll do some shopping. Things will wrap up with a perfectly made classic cocktail. This is Old Town Alexandria, a place I have loved for decades now, and will for decades more. Here’s my report:

THE FOOD One of my favorite things about Old Town Alexandria is getting out and exploring, and perhaps no place exemplifies that better there than the Old Town Farmers Market, established in 1753. This is the oldest farmers market in the country which has been continuously run at the same site. In fact, this is where George Washington would send produce from his Mount Vernon estate to sell. Tables groan with produce and other products, including cheeses, artisan jams and the like. In season there are more than 70 vendors in all; it operates Saturday mornings year-round. Grab breakfast while here, perhaps a treat from Hollin Hall Pastry Shop. Del Ray Farmers Market, operating Saturday mornings yearround at the corner of East Oxford and Mount Vernon avenues, is in a historic neighborhood not far away. While in Del Ray, I love to indulge at Cheestique, which is a phenomenal specialty cheese boutique. There are cheeses, and meats, from around the world, as well as other gourmet goods, wine and beer. There is also a small cheese and wine bar with a succinct list of food offerings, including cheese boards to sample the wares.

“

At some point during the day, we stop by Port City Brewing Company, a craft brewery offering tours and tastings. We especially love the Downright Pilsner and American Porter. Of note: porter was one of George Washington’s favorite beers. Over the years I’ve been visiting Alexandria, I’ve enjoyed many great meals. Some favorites: Chef Robert Wiedmaier’s BRABO (Belgian contemporary fine dining), Fontaine Caffe & Creperie (café), Restaurant Eve (New American cuisine), La Bergerie (French) or Landini Brothers (Tuscan). Gadsby’s Tavern, open since 1770, should not be missed for either its museum or restaurant; it’s a great lunch spot. Jackson 20 in the Hotel Monaco Alexandria offers a wonderful brunch. To round out an evening with a cocktail like your grandparents enjoyed, try PX Lounge from master mixologist Todd Thrasher. Forget green apple martinis and think Gibsons, all artfully crafted in this speakeasy. Can’t get enough of the foodie scene? DC Metro Food Tours offers a walking – and noshing – tour of Old Town Alexandria as well as the neighboring community of Del Ray. For a complete list of markets, gourmet shops, restaurants and other agents of edibles, see the section at the end of this article to contact area visitor’s bureaus.

Colonial architecture abounds; homes and shops look like something from the 18th century, and, in fact, many are.

”

>>>

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 33

7/11/14 10:59 AM

Photo By R Kennedy for ACVA

A FORK AND THE ROAD Alexandria

Continued from page 32<<

BRABO www.BRABORestaurant.com Cheesetique www.Cheesetique.com DC Metro Food Tours www.DCMetroFoodTours.com Fontaine Caffe & Creperie www.FontaineCaffe.com Gadsby’s Tavern www.GadsbysTavernRestaurant.com Hollin Hall Pastry Shop www.HollinHallPastry.com Jackson 20 www.Jackson20.com La Bergerie www.LaBergerie.com Landini Brothers www.LandiniBrothers.com Old Town Farmers Market www.AlexandriaVa.gov/ FarmersMarket Port City Brewing Company www.PortCityBrewing.com PX Lounge www.EamonnsDublinChipper.com/ Visit/PX Restaurant Eve www. RestaurantEve.com

Photo By R Kennedy for ACVA

THE SIGHTS Just strolling through Old Town Alexandria is a sight unto itself. No matter how many times we visit, we love to take time to walk and explore the many offerings along the brick-lined streets – there always seems to be something we didn’t have time to visit before, or something new to check out, including boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Plus, the Colonial seaport architecture is stunning and inspiring. A great option is the free King Street Trolley. This service runs every 15 minutes between Union Street and the King Street Metrorail station and makes stops every two blocks. You can hop on, then hop off as it provides access to the 200-some shops and attrac-

tions in the historic district. The Torpedo Factory Art Center, built for manufacturing torpedoes in 1918, is a wonderful place to explore. Three stories filled with studios and galleries provides plenty of opportunities to talk with and shop from 80-plus artists. Many unique shops are also found in the Old Town Boutique District. For a great overview of the city, visit The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum, located in a beautiful 1839 Greek Revival building. Bikes are also for use to get around town with Capital Bikeshare. Although a short distance from Old Town, a trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a must-see, not only for the historical aspect, but for the culinary, too. The iconic 18th-century structure itself is

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 34

7/11/14 10:59 AM

gorgeous, and a tour of the home – including both the formal and small dining room and butler’s pantry – is fascinating. Outbuildings to see include the kitchen and kitchen larder; nearby is the garden. Don’t miss a tour of George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, which admission to is included in general admission to Mount Vernon. A free shuttle takes you to the site, about three miles from the estate, where you can learn the historic process of whiskey-making. It’s an easy drive to Mount Vernon from Old Town; taxi and car share services (for information contact the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association; link at the end of the article) are available as well as, seasonally, a cruise on the Potomac River via Potomac Riverboat Company, which departs from Old Town. You can also bike from Old Town to Mount Vernon. Twice a year – in the spring and fall – Mount Vernon hosts a wine festival and sunset tour, where candlelit tours of the mansion are offered and folks can sample from more than a dozen Virginia wineries while enjoying live blues on the east lawn overlooking the Potomac. For a complete list of attractions and events, see the section at the end of this article to contact area visitor’s bureaus.

Although the hotel has many state-of-the-art features, it also has a sophisticated feel from a bygone era with rich décor and accents throughout. It’s relaxing and accommodating. For a complete list of area accommodations, see the section at the end of this article to contact area visitor’s bureaus. For folks looking for a bed and breakfast experience in Charlottesville or the surrounding area, the Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia is also a good resource; a link is below.

More: Capital Bikeshare www.CapitalBikeshare.com George Washington’s Mount Vernon www.MountVernon.org King Street Trolley www.DashBus.com/Trolley The Lyceum: Alexandria’s History Museum www.AlexandriaVa.gov/Lyceum Old Town Boutique District www.VisitAlexandriaVa.com/ Shopping/Old-Town-Boutiques/ Potomac Riverboat Company www.PotomacRiverboatCo.com Torpedo Factory Art Center www.TorpedoFactory.org

More: Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia www.InnVirginia.com

ACCOMMODATIONS We love the charming Hotel Monaco Alexandria, located right in the heart of Old Town. It’s easy to drop off the car and enjoy a visit by foot throughout the city.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE For more travel information, visit these folks: Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association www.VisitAlexandriaVa.com Ten Thousand Villages 915 King Street, Old Town VWL

Virginia Wines just taste better in handcrafted, fairly traded glasses and serveware from Ten Thousand Villages…

Traveling in Virginia? »»»

Take the free mobile website with you. Conveniently organized by route and area of state with maps to get you to your destination, information on area attractions and the best online coupon offers.

AreA & reg ionAl stA te

mAp

Hotel Co upons ins ide

»»»

guide 201 4

Invest in your world. Shop fair trade.

Download a bar code reader or scanner to view this qrcode. FREE MOBILE WEBSITE for your coupon offers,smartphone with all and auto-dia maps to get you there l for info or reservat ions.

Scan the code and save to your smartphone.

Published

VHTA14_

for VHTA by

COVER

VistaGraphics,

ONE STATE

endless possibilities!!

Inc.

915 King Street Old Town Alexandria 703-684-1436 Celebrating 20 years!

SARAH.i

ndd 1

ONE STATE, ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

1/7/14

9:50 AM

Save 20% off a single item! excludes rugs, gift cards, Travelers Finds

vwl2014

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 35

7/11/14 11:51 AM

Great Peanuts Come in Small Batches

Years of

Experience

Corporate gifts, Virginia peanuts & Virginia ham Our Peanuts The team at Rock Springs Trading Company ensures that only fresh peanuts are sold to our clients. We believe in Southern hospitality and stellar service, so every order is treated with care.

Meet the Griffins In the sandy loam soil, just off the banks of the James River in southeast Virginia, the Griffin family farms their crops that are rotated and fertilized with meticulous care each season, giving the trademark flavor and quality Griffin Farms is known for.

The Griffin farms Brand

(877) 757-2283

Smithfield, Virginia

VWL GRIFFIN FARMS PEANUTS 7_14.indd 2 VWL 22-36 FORK IN THE ROAD SU_FL14m.indd 36

About Us The peanut growers of Rock Springs Trading Company at Griffin Farms in Smithfield, Virginia, have more than 40 years of experience in Virginia peanut farming. As a small business we are dedicated to our clients, and are able to guarantee a supply of peanuts year-round. Our small, family-run farm has been in business since 1995 and we look forward to many more years of being your preferred source for fresh peanuts.

order online

www.rockstc.com rock sprinGs TradinG company

7/11/14 12:58 PM 7/11/14 1:47 PM

Nothing

Best but the

By Patrick Evans-Hylton Photos By Mike Mercker

t’s been a rich wine heritage interrupted. From the 19th century through Prohibition, wines produced in Virginia were developing along at an impressive clip. Dr. Daniel Norton gave us a native grape that had vinifera qualities, even when vinifera grapes wouldn’t’ grow in America. In Charlottesville, the Monticello Wine Company won gold medals across the globe with their vintages. And in Norfolk, Paul

Garrett’s Virginia Dare wine was one of the nation’s most popular. But then: Prohibition. It took a good part of the last century for the state to get its footing, and for the past 25 years or so, the Virginia wine industry has been up and running. For seven years, we’ve been wowed over the incredible offerings of Virginia vino at the Virginia Wine Lover magazine Wine Classic. Each year we see the best getting better.

>>>

www.VirginiaWineLover.com | SUMMER/fall 2014

VWL 37-43 WINE CLASSIC FEATURE SU_FL14_d1.indd 37

7/11/14 1:46 PM

<<<

2014

Our panel of wine experts spent the day at River Stone Chophouse in Suffolk – noted for its remarkable wine list, and the extensive wine list at its sister eatery, Vintage Tavern, also in Suffolk – examining the offerings from dozens of wineries. The judges evaluated some dozens of the best wines produced across the commonwealth, and evaluated each based on its own individual merit. Evaluation was done double-blind in flights; each recording their findings on sheets printed with a grid of the UC Davis (University of California at Davis) 20 Point System. The Davis system assigns a certain number of points to each of its 10 categories ranging from bouquet to color to taste to aftertaste. Our magazine team totaled and tallied each sheet to obtain an overall rating for each vintage, and we compiled the averages into four levels – Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. We present our findings to you here:

PLATINUM LEVEL Cedar Creek Winery 2012 Cabernet Franc Chatham Vineyards 2012 Church Creek Steel Fermented Chardonnay Ingleside Vineyards 2007 Virginia Gold Jefferson Vineyards 2013 Viognier The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek 2012 Merlot

WINE KEY White Red Rose Fruit Dessert

Sunset Hills Vineyard 2012 Cabernet Franc GOLD LEVEL Attimo Winery 2012 Wonder Bluestone Vineyard 2012 Estate Grown Blue Bluestone Vineyard 2011 Cadenza Bluestone Vineyard 2011 Merlot Bogati Bodega & Vineyard 2013 Black Label Petit Verdot Bogati Bodega & Vineyard 2012 Albarino

Bogati Bodega & Vineyard 2012 Malbec The Winery at Bull Run 2012 Delaney The Winery at Bull Run 2012 Cabernet Franc The Winery at Bull Run 2012 Petit Verdot Chateau Morrisette 2011 Cabernet Franc Chateau Morrisette 2012 Chambourcin Chateau Morrisette 2012 Chambourcin Dry Rose Chatham Vineyards 2012 Church Creek Oak Blend Chardonnay Chatham Vineyards 2011 Church Creek Cabernet Franc Chatham Vineyards 2012 Merlot Chatham Vineyards 2012 Vintner’s Blend Democracy Vineyards 2012 Dawn’s Light Democracy Vineyards 2011 Parliament Democracy Vineyards 2013 Republic

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 37-43 WINE CLASSIC FEATURE SU_FL14_d1.indd 38

7/11/14 12:56 PM

The Criteria

Fox Meadow Winery 2013 Le Renard Gris

Ingleside Vineyards 2013 Albarino

Fox Meadow Winery 2012 Le Renard Rouge

Ingleside Vineyards Chesapeake Cabernet Merlot

Fox Meadow Winery 2011 Reserve Merlot Fox Meadow Winery 2013 Pinot Grigio General’s Ridge Vineyard 2012 Cabernet Franc General’s Ridge Vineyard 2012 General’s Nightcap General’s Ridge Vineyard 2012 Viognier Gray Ghost Vineyards 2012 Reserve Chardonnay

Ingleside Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Rose Ingleside Vineyards October Harvest Ingleside Vineyards 2013 Petit Manseng Ingleside Vineyards Virginia Brut Sparkling Jefferson Vineyards 2012 Chardonnay

Gray Ghost Vineyards 2013 Gewurztraminer

Jefferson Vineyards 2010 Estate Reserve

The Hague Winery 2011 Cynthia

Jefferson Vineyards 2012 Petit Verdot

The Hague Winery 2010 Meritage Reserve

Jefferson Vineyards 2013 Rose

The UC Davis 20 Point System evaluates wine on its own merits, looking at the following criteria and assigning the following points value: Clarity – 2 points Color – 2 points Bouquet – 4 points Total Acidity – 1 point Sweetness – 1 point Body/Texture – 2 points Flavor/Taste – 2 points Bitterness – 1 point Finish – 1 point Quality – 4 points We tallied each judge’s evaluation sheet and came up with an average and placed each in one of four categories: Platinum 90 percent or higher Gold 70 – 89 percent Silver 50 – 69 percent Bronze 49 percent or lower

The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek 2012 Serenity Morais Vineyards and Winery 2012 Select Red

—PEH

MountainRose Vineyard 2009 Autumn Gold MountainRose Vineyard 2011 Cabernet Franc Narmada Winery 2009 Reserve Cabernet Franc Narmada Winery 2011 Dream

Pearmund Cellars 2011 Late Harvest Traminette Pearmund Cellars 2010 Ameritage Pearmund Cellars 2012 Petit Verdot Philip Carter Winery 2013 Sweet Danielle

Narmada Winery 2010 Melange

Rosemont Vineyards and Winery 2013 Rose

Narmada Winery 2010 Mom

Saude Creek Vineyards 2011 Cabernet Franc

Narmada Winery 2010 Yash-Vir

Saude Creek Vineyards 2012 Chambourcin

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 37-43 WINE CLASSIC FEATURE SU_FL14_d1.indd 39

7/11/14 11:21 AM

2014

The Critics Nikolay Dimitrov – sommelier, manager of Salacia restaurant in Virginia Beach

Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery 2010 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Patrick Farrell – sommelier, wine consultant Deon Foster – chef, food and wine authority; proprietor of Kitchen Koop in Portsmouth

SILVER LEVEL Attimo Winery 2012 AD325

Brenda Gillihan – owner, Bon Vivant Market in Suffolk

Attimo Winery 2012 Deep Silence

Ian Honaker – owner, Let’s Talk Wine in Chesapeake Rhys Lewis – executive chef at Colonial Williamsburg, host of CW’s “Wine, Wit and Wisdom” program Frank Morgan wine blogger at www. DrinkWhatYouLike.wordpress. com and Virginia Wine Lover magazine contributing editor Jim Raper – wine writer, Humble Steward columnist for The Virginian Pilot Charlie Rizzo – sommelier, River Stone Chophouse in Suffolk Patrick Evans-Hylton – Virginia Wine Lover magazine executive editor; food and wine educator, blogs at www.PatrickEvansHylton.com

Saude Creek Vineyards 2012 Reserve Chardonnay

Veramar Vineyard 2012 Chardonnay

Sunset Hills Vineyard 2013 Chardonnay

Veramar Vineyard 2012 Chardonnay

Sunset Hills Vineyard 2013 Sunset Rose

Veramar Vineyard 2012 Merlot

Sunset Hills Vineyard 2013 Viognier

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Franc

Three Fox Vineyards 2012 Volpe Sangiovese Three Fox Vineyards 2012 Piemontese Nebbiolo Twin Oaks Tavern Winery 2013 Chardonnay Twin Oaks Tavern Winery 2012 Raven Rocks Red

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards 2013 Petit Manseng Wisdom Oak Winery 2011 North Garden Red

Attimo Winery 2012 Masquerade: Chardonnay Bluestone Vineyard 2012 Stainless Steel Chardonnay Bluestone Vineyard Quartz Hill Red Blue Ridge Vineyard Big Bear White Blue Ridge Vineyard Cabernet Franc Blue Ridge Vineyard Solstice Bogati Bodega & Vineyard 2012 Collection – Bordeaux-style blend

SUMMER/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 37-43 WINE CLASSIC FEATURE SU_FL14_d1.indd 40

7/11/14 11:22 AM

Bogati Bodega & Vineyard 2013 Seyval Blanc Brooks Mill Winery Sweet Blackberry Brooks Mill Winery Pear Brooks Mill Winery Plum

Gray Ghost Vineyards 2013 Cabernet Franc Gray Ghost Vineyards 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Gray Ghost Vineyards 2012 Petit Verdot Gray Ghost Vineyards 2012 Ranger Reserve

The Winery at Bull Run 2013 Petit Manseng

Gray Ghost Vineyards 2013 Seyval Blanc

Cedar Creek Winery 2012 Estate Bottled Chardonnay

Gray Ghost Vineyards 2013 Vidal Blanc

Chateau Morrisette 2012 Nouveau Chien Chateau Morrisette Sweet Mountain Apple Democracy Vineyards 2013 Declaration Reserve Democracy Vineyards 2012 Forum Fox Meadow Winery 2011 Reserve Cabernet Franc General’s Ridge Vineyard 2012 Petit Verdot River Stone Chophouse, Suffolk

The Hague Winery 2013 Chardonel Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery 2010 Chardonnay

The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek 2012 Cabernet Franc The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek 2012 Reserve Chardonnay Morais Vineyards and Winery 2012 Rose Morais Vineyards and Winery 2013 Sauvignon Blanc MountainRose Vineyard 2012 Blair White MountainRose Vineyard 2011 Dorchester Narmada Winery 2010 Mom

Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery 2011 Chardonnay

Narmada Winery 2009 Allure

Ingleside Vineyards Chesapeake Chardonnay

Narmada Winery 2010 Lotus

Ingleside Vineyards 2012 Petit Manseng

Narmada Winery 2010 Midnight

Ingleside Vineyards 2012 Viognier

Narmada Winery 2010 Primita

Special Thanks

A special thank you to owners Brian and Teresa Mullins and their staff at River Stone Chophouse in northern Suffolk for their hospitality in hosting the fourth annual Virginia Wine Lover magazine Wine Classic judging. Their stunningly beautiful arts-andcrafts style restaurant was the perfect venue for the judging. We encourage you to stop by and sample the award-winning cuisine and outstanding wine list. Also a special thank you to the volunteers who gave of their time and talent in the smooth operation of the event. River Stone Chophouse 8032 Harbour View Blvd., Suffolk 757-638-7990 www.riverstonechophouse.com

www.VirginiaWineLover.com | SUMMER/fall 2014

VWL 37-43 WINE CLASSIC FEATURE SU_FL14_d1.indd 41

7/11/14 1:53 PM

2014

Pearmund Cellars 2012 Old Vine Chardonnay

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards 2012 Petit Verdot

Pearmund Cellars 2013 Petit Manseng

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Riesling-Muscat-Ottonel

Philip Carter Winery 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Wisdom Oak Winery 2011 Estate Bottled Cabernet Franc

Philip Carter Winery 2011 Corotoman Philip Carter Winery 2012 Shirley Plantation Chardonnay Philip Carter Winery 2013 Gov. Fauquier

Wisdom Oak Winery 2011 Petit Verdot Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery 2010 Reserve Chambourcin Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery 2011 Chambourcin Bleu

Rosemont Vineyards and Winery 2013 Lineage

Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery 2011 Estate Reserve Chardonnay

Rosemont Vineyards and Winery Merlot

Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery 2012 Lobo Loco Rose

Rosemont Vineyards and Winery 2013 Traminette

BRONZE LEVEL

Saude Creek Vineyards Pamunkey Fall Saude Creek Vineyards Saude Creek Red

Attimo Winery 2012 Aviator Blue Ridge Vineyard 2009 Cabernet Franc Blue Ridge Vineyard Riesling

Three Fox Vineyards 2012 Alouette Cabernet Franc

Brooks Mill Winery Dry Blackberry

Three Fox Vineyards 2013 Calabrese Pinot Grigio

Brooks Mill Winery Blueberry

Three Fox Vineyards Gatto Bianco Veramar Vineyard 2012 Cabernet Franc Veramar Vineyard 2012 Norton Veramar Vineyard Riesling/Vidal Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery Peach

For winery contact information, including city, region, phone number and web address, visit the Grapevine section in this issue (starting on page 48) of Virginia Wine Lover magazine.

SUMMER/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 37-43 WINE CLASSIC FEATURE SU_FL14_d1.indd 42

7/11/14 11:24 AM

Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery Country Red Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery Mist Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery Unoaked Chardonnay Morais Vineyards and Winery 2012 Jeropiga Morais Vineyards and Winery 2013 Morello Cherry MountainRose Vineyard 2012 Pardee Red Narmada Winery 2010 Chardonnay Rosemont Vineyards and Winery 2013 Pinot Grigio Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery 2010 Norton Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery 2011 Viognier VWL

Foundation

Problems?

n e v e Un Floors? FREE Inspection & Estimate! Could Be Foundation Problems. 877-625-1189 www.jeswork.com

FREE Inspection & Estimate! • 877-625-1189 • www.jeswork.com

www.VirginiaWineLover.com | SUMMER/fall 2014

VWL 37-43 WINE CLASSIC FEATURE SU_FL14_d1.indd 43

7/11/14 11:22 AM

virginia winery map

WineLover travels with you! Wine and food tips, industry

news, getaways and events, complete wineries map and more! Available on the new and improved

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

ROCKIN

Harri

ia Wine in g ir V d in F to Where no signs of passing 250—and

SH-5

ShEnandoah HIGHLAND

sur Virginia wineries ghty fine wine, With the number of ces to find some mi pla of nty ple are re ing of Virginia the list — al wn tic slowing do ge is an alphabe pa xt ne ions the On e. one number. The reg right from the sourc is with the city and ph ing ng list alo , is Th ion ts. reg en by wineries, ine calendar of ev ev ap of Gr r e ou fre th ed wi list listed correspond wineries, which are ce to readers and inelover.com. iaw gin vir provided as a servi k@ tric pa changes to: charge. Send any

AUGUSTA BATH

Staunton

SH-23 SH 64

SH-25 SH-14 SH-15

SH-13

ROCKBRIDGE ALLEGHANY 64

C-

64 60 220

K BUCHANAN

Western

E K

TAZEWELL

BEDFORD

BLAND

W-1

ALT 58

WASHINGTON

58 81

Bristol

W-17

WYTHE

100

W-6

W-4

W-10

Bedford

C-16

CAMPBELL

C-59 S-2

S-14 W-15

GRAYSON

W-12

S-6

Galax

W-14 N

This map is intended for travel planning only and not navigational purposes.

S-7

S-5 Danville

HENRY

S-1

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 44-47 MAP_LISTINGS SU_FL14.indd 44

S-9

S-15

Martinsville

S-10

PATRICK

PITTSYLVANIA

W-2

Lynchburg

C-42

W-5

221

CARROLL

SMYTH

W-7

SCOTT

C-41

FRANKLIN

W-13

SH-2

C-5

AMHERST

FLOYD

W-8

C-51

C-72 C-56 C-31

SH-29

Chateau MONTGOMERY Morrisette

PULASKI

W-16

Norton

581

Salem 11 460

Radford

RUSSELL

WISE

Roanoke

Attimo

DICKENSON

SH-8

CRAIG

W-3 W-9

W-11

Peaks of Otter 81

SH-32

ROANOKE

T N

C-3

SH-4

BOTETOURT

GILES

Buena Vista

Lexington

Covington

7/11/14 11:00 AM

Key BUSINESS Name INDICATES ADVERTISER For advertising opportunities to have your business listed on the map, contact Tracy Thompson at 757-422-8979 ext. 156, or email tthompson@virginiawinelover.com

SH-19

N-45 N-1 N-14 N-36 N-18 N-72 N-55 N-11 N-23 N-35 N-37 N-27 N-43 Winchester N-54 N-24 SH-31 SH-27 N-9 N-70 N-44 N-75 N-29 SH-1 N-3 N-2 N-5N-28 SH-28 SH-30 N-8 N-57N-39 N-16 N-15 M A R Y L A N D SH-33 CLARKE N-68N-78 N-82 SH-7 N-79 N-69 Three Fox WARREN N-12 N-63 SH-21 N-52 N-65 N-71 N-41 81 SH-18 N-10 N-21 Falls N-73 Front Royal SH-10 Church N-31 SH-34 N-19 N-4 N-77 N-61 SHENANDOAH N-6 N-42 SH-26 SH-20 N-81 WASHINGTON, D.C. N-80 Fairfax SH-11 N-20 N-26 N-13 Alexandria SH-37 66 N-64 N-60 N-22 N-49 N-59 SH-24 N-58 FAUQUIERN-46 Manassas FAIRFAX 95 SH-16 N-7 N-38 SH-35 SH-6 Park & N-76 Manassas RAPPAHANNOCK N-53 N-48 PRINCE WILLIAM SH-22 N-30 SH-17 N-33 N-74 N-32 PAGE N-50 Cross Keys SH-11 N-65 ROCKINGHAM N-51 SH-36 STAFFORD N-62 VirginiaWineLoverMag.com N-66 81 CULPEPER C-22 BLUESTONE Harrisonburg 1 N-56 C-55 95 BARBOURSVILLE N-34 N-17 C-23 C-10 MADISON KING SH-8 C-50 SH-5 E-14 GEORGE C-63 Fredericksburg C-38 GREENE ORANGE Staunton C-4 C-47 C-58 E-11 SPOTSYLVANIA C-33 C-15 N-47 SH-23 C-49 C-28 C-54C-11 C-5 WESTMO RELAND C-71 ALBEMARLE N-40 C-34 SH-3 C-17 C-14 E-9 C-29 C-62 202 64 Waynesboro C-45 C-29 ESSEX C-37 NO 3 E-7 C-1 C-53 C-39 Charlottesville R E-2 203 17 C-70 E-18 THUMB CAROLINE C-68 C-67 ER 360 C-36 LA C-64 ND SH-13 C-26 C-13 C-52C-2 LOUISA C-18 C-43 C-75C-46 C-66 95 Bloxom 200 C-32 3 C-69 C-6 201 FLUVANNA E-1 C-74 C-9 C-25 E-3 C-19 C-30 C-73 E-12 ACCOMACK C-48 3 E-8 LA KIN NC C-65 C-20 GA GOOCHLAND AS 64 HANOVER ND NELSON Onancock Accomac TER 354 QU Onley C-12 C-24 EEN C-44 K I NG C-35 WI E-5 LLI HE AM NR C-57 IC FREDERICK

Scan Here FOR Map & FULL LISTINGS

ON THE GO

Northern

Central

C-3

BUCKINGHAM

C-41

Lynchburg

Richmond

POWHATAN

C-60

E-13 E-16

Nassawadox

MATHEWS

CHARLES CITY

CHESTERFIELD

C-21

GLOUCESTER

JAMES CITY

C-61

Colonial Heights NOTTOWAY

PRINCE EDWARD

PRINCE GEORGE

YORK

S-9

S-4

SOUTHERN

ISLE OF WIGHT

S-3 S-8

Hampton

Portsmouth

LUNENBURG

Norfolk

SUSSEX BRUNSWICK

HALIFAX

S-15

s w Ne

DINWIDDIE CHARLOTTE

Poquoson

SURRY

S-12

Petersburg

E-17

Hopewell

w Ne

ANIA

Eastville

Williamsburg

CAMPBELL

S-2

264

Virginia Beach

SOUTHAMPTON 95

MECKLENBURG

S-5

Emporia

GREENSVILLE

C-11

C-13 C

NORTHAMPTON

E-4

AMELIA

Exmore

E-10

E-6

C-76

MIDDLESEX

NEW KENT

C-7

C-8

APPOMATTOX

C-16

C-42

Eastern

AMHERST

uena Vista

SH-25 -14

MB E

GUSTA

Franklin

Suffolk

Chesapeake

E-15next See page for our coresponding winery listing.

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 44-47 MAP_LISTINGS SU_FL14.indd 45

7/11/14 1:57 PM

Chincoteague

virginia winery listing

Business Name – Inidicates Advertiser N-3 Above Ground Winery N-26 Desert Rose Ranch & Winery Purcellville – Hume – 540-579-4467 540-635-3200 N-4 Aspen Dale Winery N-27 Doukenie Winery SH-20 Muse Vineyards Delaplane – Purcellville – 540-364-6178 Woodstock – WESTERN Shenandoah 540-668-6464 540-459-7033 REGION REGION N-5 The Barns at Hamilton N-28 Dry Mill Vineyards SH-21 North Mountain Station Vineyards SH-1 612 Vineyard Attimo Winery Winery Hamilton – Mauertown – Christiansburg – 24073 Berryville – Leesburg – 540-338-5309 540-436-9463 4025 Childress Rd 540-535-6689 703-737-3930 540-382-7619 N-6 Barrel Oak Winery SH-2 AmRhein Wine Cellars SH-22 Old Hill Cider attimowinery.com N-29 Fabbioli Cellars Delaplane – Timberville – Mon, Thurs, Sat 11amBent Mountain – Leesburg – 540-364-6402 540-896-7582 6pm, Fri 11am-8pm, 540-929-4632 703-771-1197 Sun 1pm-6pm in our N-7 SH-23 Berry Hill Vineyard Ox Eye Vineyards SH-3 Barren Ridge new Tasting Room. N-30 Gadino Cellars Flint Hill – Staunton – See our ad on pg. 18 Vineyards Washington – 540-675-2205 540-849-7926 Fishersville – 540-987-9292 Abingdon 540-248-3300 N-8 Bluemont Vineyard SH-24 Quievremont Wine Vineyard & Winery N-31 Greenhill Winery & Bluemont – Washington – SH-4 Blue Ridge Vineyard Abingdon – Vineyards 540-554-8439 540-987-3192 276-623-1255 Eagle Rock – Middleburg 540-798-7642 N-9 Bogati Bodega & SH-25 Rockbridge Vineyard 540-687-6968 Beliveau Estate Winery Vineyard Raphine – SH-5 Bluestone Vineyard Blacksburg – N-32 Granite Heights Round Hill – 540-377-6204 540-961-0505 Bridgewater – 22812 Orchard & Winery 540-338-1144 4828 Spring Creek Rd SH-26 Shenandoah Vineyard Warrenton – Blacksnake Meadery 540-828-0099 N-10 540-349-5185 Boxwood Winery Edinburgh – Dugspur – bluestonevineyard.com Middleburg – 540-984-8699 540-834-6172 Mon- Sat 11am-6pm N-33 Gray Ghost Vineyards 540-687-8778 Sun 1-6pm SH-27 Twin Oaks Amissville – Brooks Mill Winery See our ad on pg. 43 N-11 Breaux Vineyards 540-937-4869 Tavern Winery Wirtz – Hillsboro – Bluemont – SH-6 Cave Ridge Vineyard 540-721-5215 N-34 Hartwood Winery 540-668-6299 540-554-4547 Mt. Jackson – Fredericksburg – Chateau Morrisette 540-477-2585 N-12 Cana Vineyards & SH-28 Valerie Hill 540-752-4893 Winery Winery of Middleburg Vineyard & Winery SH-7 Cedar Creek Winery Floyd – 24091 N-35 Hidden Brook Winery Middleburg – Stephens City – 287 Winery Rd Star Tannery – 703-348-2458 540-869-9567 Leesburg – Blue Ridge Parkway 540-436-8394 703-737-3935 Milepost 171.5 N-13 Capitol Vineyards SH-8 Cross Keys Vineyards SH-29 Valhalla Vineyards 540-593-2865 N-36 Hiddencroft Vineyards Delplane – Roanoke – thedogs.com Mt. Crawford – 22841 540-364-6249 540-725-9463 Lovettsville – Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, 6011 East Timber 540-535-5367 Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun Ridge Rd N-14 Cardamon Family SH-30 Veramar Winery 11am-5pm 540-234-0505 N-37 Hillsborough Vineyards Berryville – See our ad on pg. 7 crosskeysvineyards.com Purcellville – 540-955-5510 Vineyards Apr. 1-Oct. 31 Daily 540-668-9018 Purcellville – Coltsfoot Winery 11am-7pm; Nov. 1-Mar. 31 SH-31 Vino Curioso 540-668-6216 Abingdon – Daily 12pm-5pm N-15 Carroll Vineyards Winchester – 888-685-8750 See our ad on pg. 43 N-38 Hume Vineyards Leesburg – 703-447-0648 703-777-3322 Hume – SH-9 Fincastle Vineyard Davis Valley SH-32 Virginia Mountain 540-364-2587 Winery & Vineyard & Winery N-16 Casanel Vineyards Vineyards Rural Retreat – Fincastle – N-39 Hunter’s Run Wine Barn Leesburg – Fincastle – 276-686-8855 540-591-9000 540-751-1776 540-473-2979 Hamilton – 703-926-4183 Firefly Hill Vineyards SH-10 Fox Meadow Winery N-17 Castle Gruen SH-33 Wicked Oak Farms & Elliston – Linden – N-40 Lake Anna Winery Vineyards & Winery Vineyard 540-529-5814 540-636-6777 Locust Dale – Star Tannery – Spotsylvania – 540-229-2498 571-201-2963 540-895-5085 SH-11 Glen Manor Vineyard Foggy Ridge Cider Dugspur – Front Royal – N-41 N-18 SH-34 Catoctin Creek Winery Winding Road Cellars Leaves of Grass 276-398-2337 540-635-6324 Purcellville – Markham – Vineyards 540-668-7707 540-364-1025 Middleburg – SH-12 Guilford Ridge Mountain Rose 540-364-1997 Vineyards Vineyard N-19 Chateau O’Brien SH-35 The Winery at Wise – Luray – N-42 Linden Vineyards at Northpoint Kindred Point 276-328-2013 540-778-3853 Markham – Mount Jackson – Linden – 540-364-6441 540-477-3570 540-364-1997 SH-13 Hunt’s Vineyard Mt. Vale Vineyards Galax – Stuarts Draft – N-43 Lost Creek Winery N-20 Chester Gap Cellars SH-36 Wisteria Farm 276-238-9946 540-942-8689 Front Royal – & Vineyard Leesburg – 540-636-8086 Stanley – 703-443-9836 Rural Retreat Winery SH-14 Jump Mountain 540-742-1489 & Dye’s Vineyards Vineyard N-44 N-21 Chrysalis Vineyards Loudoun Valley Rural Retreat – Rockbridge Baths – SH-37 Wolf Gap Middleburg – Vineyards 276-686-8300 540-348-6730 540-687-8222 Waterford – Vineyard & Winery 540-882-3375 Edinburgh – SH-15 Lexington Valley Stanburn Winery N-22 Cobbler Mountain 540-984-3306 Stuart – Vineyards N-45 Maggie Malick Cellars 276-694-7074 Rockbridge Baths – Delaplane – Wine Caves 540-462-2974 540-364-2802 Purcellville – Villa Appalaccia Winery 540-668-6042 SH-16 Little Washington Floyd – N-23 Corcoran Vineyards 540-358-0357 Winery N-46 Marterella Wineries Waterford – Washington – 540-882-9073 Warrenton – NORTHERN Vincent’s Vineyard 540-987-8330 540-347-1119 REGION Lebanon – N-24 Crushed Cellars SH-17 Luray Caverns Vineyard 276-889-2505 N-47 Mattaponi Winery N-1 868 Estate Vineyards Purcellville – Luray – 571-374-WINE (9463) Spotsylvania – Purcellville – West Wind Farm 540-743-6551 540-582-2897 540-668-7008 Vineyard & Winery N-25 Delaplane Cellars SH-18 Mountain View Max Meadows – N-48 Mediterranean Cellars N-2 8 Chains North Winery Delaplane – 276-699-2020 Vineyard 540-592-7210 Warrenton – Waterford – Stratsburg – 540-428-1984 571-439-2255 540-635-5369 NORTHERN

NORTHERN

SHENANDOAH

EASTERN

CENTRAL

WESTERN

W-1

W-2

W-3

W-4

W-5

W-6

W-7

W-8

W-9

W-10

W-11

W-12

W-13

W-14

W-15

CENTRAL

SH-19 Misty Mountain Meadworks Winchester – 540-888-4420

WESTERN

NORTHERN

EASTERN

CENTRAL

W-17

N-50 Molon Lave Vineyards Warrenton – 540-439-5460 N-51 Morais Vineyards Bealeton – 703-369-2241 N-52 Naked Mountain Vineyard Markham – 540-364-1609 N-53 Narmada Winery Amissville – 540-937-8215 N-54 North Gate Vineyard Purcelleville – 540-668-6248 N-55 Notaviva Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-6756 N-56 Old House Vineyards Culpeper – 540-423-1032 n-57 Otium Cellars Purcellville – 540-338-2027 N-58 Paradise Springs Winery Clifton – 703-830-9463 N-59 Pearmund Cellars Broad Run – 540-347-3475 N-60 Philip Carter Winery Hume – 540-964-1203 N-61 Piedmont Vineyards & Winery The Plains – 540-687-5528 N-62 Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery Stafford – 540-446-2266 N-63 Quattro Gombas Winery Aldie – 703-327-6052 N-64 Rappahannock Cellars Huntly – 540-635-9398 N-65 RdV Vineyards Delaplane – 540-364-0221 N-66 Rogers Ford Farm Winery Sumerduck – 540-439-3707 N-67 Sharp Rock Vineyards Sperryville – 540-987-8020 N-68 Stonehouse Meadery Purcellville – 540-338-5283

SHENANDOAH

WESTERN

W-16

N-49 Miracle Valley Vineyards Delaplane – 540-364-0228

N-69 Stone Tower Winery Leesburg – 703-777-2797 N-70 Sunset Hills Vineyard Purcellville – 540-882-4560 N-71 Swedenburg Estate Vineyard Middleburg – 540-687-5219

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 44-47 MAP_LISTINGS SU_FL14.indd 46

7/11/14 11:01 AM

N-72 Tarara Winery Leesburg – 703-771-7100

E-10 Holly Grove Vineyards Franktown – 757-442-2844

C-12 Byrd Cellars Goochland – 804-652-5663

N-73 Three Fox Vineyards Delaplane – 20144 10100 Three Fox Lane 540-364-6073 threefoxvineyards.com Mon, Thurs-Sat 11am5pm Sunday 12pm-5pm See our ad on pg. 13

E-11 Ingleside Vineyards Oak Grove – 804-224-8687

C-13 Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery Afton – 540-456-8400

N-74 Unicorn Winery Amissville – 540-349-5885

E-12 Jacey Vineyards Wicomico Church – 804-580-4053

C-14 Castle Hill Cider Keswick – 434-971-8887

E-13 New Kent Winery New Kent County – 804-932-8240

N-76 Vint Hill Craft Winery Vint Hill – 703-991-0191 N-77 Vintage Ridge Vineyard Rectortown – 540-364-3371 N-78 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Leesburg – 703-777-8161 N-79 Winding Road Cellars Markham – 540-364-1025

C-37 Keswick Vineyards Keswick 434-244-3341 C-38 Kilaurwen Winery Stanardsville – 434-985-2535

C-15 Chateau MerrillAnne C-39 King Family Vineyards Orange – Crozet – 540-656-6177 434-823-7800

e-14 Oak Crest Winery King George – 540–663–2813

N-75 Village Winery Waterford – 540-882-3780

C-36 Jefferson Vineyards Charlottesville – 434-977-3042

E-15 Pungo Ridge Winery Virginia Beach – 757-426-1665 E-16 Saudé Creek Vineyards New Kent– 804-966-5896 E-17 The Williamsburg Winery Williamsburg – 757-229-0999 E-18 Vault Field Vineyards Kinsale – 804-472-4430

C-16 Chateau Z Vineyard Lynchburg – 434-455-4485 C-17 Chestnut Oak Vineyard Barboursville – 434-964-1264

C-40 Knights Gambit Vineyard Charlottesville – 434-566-1168 C-41 Lazy Days Winery Amherst 434-381-6088

C-18 Cooper Vineyards Louisa – 540-894-5474

C-42 Leo Grande Winery Goode – 540-586-4066

C-19 DelFosse Vineyard & Winery Faber – 434-263-6100

C-43 Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery North Garden – 434-984-0774

C-20 Democracy Vineyard C-44 Lovingston Winery Lovingston – Lovingston – 434-263-VINE(8463) 434-263-8467

NORTHERN

N-80 The Winery at Bull Run Centreville – 703-815-2233

SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

SOUTHERN

CENTRAL REGION

N-81 The Winery at La Grange Haymarket – 703-753-9360

C-1 Afton Mountain Vineyards Afton – 540-456-8667

N-82 Zephaniah Farm Vineyard Leesburg – 703-431-2016

C-2 Albemarle Ciderworks North Garden – 434-297-2326

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

EASTERN REGION E-1 Athena Vineyards & Winery Heathsville – 804-580-4944

C-3 Ankida Ridge Vineyards Amhearst – 434-922-7678 C-4 Autumn Hill Vineyards Standardsville – 434-985-6100

E-3 Bloxom Vineyard Bloxom – 757-665-5670

C-5 Barboursville Vineyards Barboursville – 22923 1765 Winery Road 540-832-3824 barboursvillewine.com Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 11am-5pm See our ad on pg. 8

e-4 Chatham Vineyards Machipongo – 757-678-5588

C-6 Blenheim Vineyards Charlottesville – 434-293-5366

E-5 The Dog & Oyster Vineyard Irvington – 804-438-WINE(9463)

C-7 Blue Bee Cider Richmond – 804-231-0280

E-2 Belle Mount Vineyards Warsaw – 804-333-4700

e-6 Gauthier Vineyard Barhamsville – 703-622-1107 E-7 General’s Ridge Vineyard Hague – 804-472-3172 e-8 Good Luck Cellars Kilmarnock 804-435-1416 E-9 The Hague Winery Hague – 804-472-5283

C-8 Bodie Vineyards Powhatan – 804-598-2625 C-9 Bold Rock Cider Nellysford – 434-361-1030 C-10 Brightwood Vineyard & Farm Brightwood – 540-717-2165 C-11 Burnley Vineyards & Daniel Cellars Barboursville – 540-832-2828

C-21 Devault Family Vineyards Concord – 434-993-0722

C-45 Meriwether Springs Vineyard Ivy – 434-270-4299

C-22 DuCard Vineyards Etlan – 540-923-4206

C-46 Montdomaine Charlottesville – 434-971-8142

C-23 Early Mountain Vineyard C-47 Moss Vineyards Dyke – Madison – 434-990-0111 540-948-9005

C-58 Reynard Florence Vineyard Barboursville – 540-832-3895

C-76 Woodland Vineyard Farm Winery Midlothian – 804-739-2774 NORTHERN

C-59 Savoy-Lee Winery Huddleston – 540-297-9275 C-60 Skippers Creek Vineyard Powhatan – 804.598.7291 C-61 Spring Creek Wine Cellar Pamplin – 434-248-6981 C-62 Stinson Vineyards Crozet – 434-823-7300 C-63 Stone Mountain Vineyards Dyke – 434-990-9463 C-64 Sugarleaf Vineyards North Garden – 434-984-4272 C-65 Thistle Gate Vineyard Scottsville – 434-286-7781 C-66 Trump Winery Charlottesville – 434-984-4855 C-67 Turk Mountain Vineyards Afton – 434-989-2182 C-68 Veritas Winery Afton – 540-456-8000

SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

SOUTHERN

SOUTHERN REGION S-1 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co Danville – 434-549-2739 S-2 Altillo Vineyards Hurt 434-324-4160 S-3 Annefield Vineyards Saxe – 434-454-6017 S-4 Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard & Winery Nathalie – 434-FIX-WINE (349-9463) S-5 Greenwood Vineyards Vernon Hill – 434-579-2836 S-6 Hamlet Vineyards Bassett – 276-629-2121 S-7 The Homeplace Vineyard Chatham – 434-432-9463 S-8 Hunting Creek Vineyards Clover – 434-454-9219 S-9 Molliver Vineyards Nathalie – 434-349-1000

C-69 Virginia Wineworks Charlottesville – S-10 Preston Ridge Winery C-48 Mountain Cove 434-296-3438 Vineyard & Wine Garden Martinsville C-70 Weston Farm Vineyard 276-957-2100 Lovingston – 434-263-5392 & Winery C-25 First Colony Winery S-11 Rosemont Louisa C-49 Mountfair Vineyards 540-967-4647 Charlottesville – Vineyards & Winery 434-979-7105 LaCrosse – Crozet – C-71 White Hall Vineyards 434-636-9463 434-823-7605 C-26 Flying Fox Vineyard White Hall – S-12 Sans Soucy Vineyards C-50 Neala Estate Vineyards 434-823-8615 Afton – 434-361-1692 Brookneal – Madison – C-72 White Rock 434-376-9463 540-948-5270 C-27 Gabriele Rausse Vineyards & Winery S-13 Three Sisters of C-51 Peaks of Otter Winery Goodview – Winery 540-890-3359 Charlottesville – Shiney Rock Bedford – 24523 434-296-5328 Clarksville – 2122 Sheep Creek Rd C-73 Windsong Winery 804-497-9630 540-586-3707 C-28 Glass House Winery Columbia – peaksofotterwinery.com S-14 Tomahawk Mill Winery 804-457-2865 Free Union – Jan - Mar, Fri - Sun, 434-975-0094 Chatham – 12pm-5pm. Apr - Dec, C-74 Wintergreen Winery 434-432-1063 Mon - Sun, 12pm-5pm C-29 Grace Estate Winery Nellysford – See our ad on pg. 4 S-15 White Oak 434-361-2519 Crozet – C-52 Pippin Hill Farm & 434-823-1486 Mountain Meadery C-75 Wisdom Oak Winery Chatham – Vineyards C-30 Grayhaven Winery 888-264-6323 North Garden – North Garden – 434-984-4272 Gum Springs – 434-202-8063 804-556-3917 C-53 Pollak Vineyards C-31 Hickory Hill Winery Greenwood – Moneta – 540-456-8844 540-296-1393 C-54 Potter’s Craft Cider C-32 Hill Top Berry Free Union – C elebrating the good life Farm & Winery 850-528-6314 Nellysford – C-55 Prince Michel 434-361-1266 Vineyard & Winery C-33 Honah Lee Vineyard Leon – Gordonsville – 800-800-WINE(9463) Here For A FREE 434-989-2751 WINERY MOBILE C-56 Ramulose Ridge C-34 Horton Cellars Winery Vineyards GUIDE with Map & Moneta – Gordonsville – 540-309-6375 540-832-7440 Full Listings C-24 Elk Island Winery Goochland – 804-627-3929

Scan

C-35 James River Cellars Glen Allen – 804-550-7516

C-57 Rebec Vineyards Amherst – 434-946-5168

ON THE GO

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 44-47 MAP_LISTINGS SU_FL14.indd 47

7/11/14 11:01 AM

grapevine

Grapevine

BLACK DOG SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL Aug. 9. An annual festival featuring wine from area wineries, arts and crafts, food, and live music from The Mastersons and Railroad Earth. $. 11 a.m. Château Morrisette.

DINNER UNDER THE STARS Aug. 10. Listen to live music and enjoy a wine-paired meal on the lawn; covered wagon rides at sunset. $. 6:30 p.m. Mountain Rose Vineyard. GRAYSON COUNTY WINE FESTIVAL Aug. 23. An evening of wine and food from Blue Moon Catering at the 1908 Courthouse; proceeds to benefit the Historic 1908 Courthouse Foundation. www.graysonwinefest.org BLACK DOG MUSIC & BBQ FESTIVAL Sept. 13. An official Kansas City Barbecue Society competition with wine tasting and live music. $. 11 a.m. Château Morrisette. GRAPE STOMPING FESTIVAL Sept. 21. Second annual festival with wine, food, and live music. 12 p.m. Beliveau Estate. APPLE HARVEST CELEBRATION Oct. 4. Sample heirloom varieties and artisan cider at the orchard. $. 11 a.m. Foggy Ridge Cider. POTATO & WINE FESTIVAL Oct. 4. New this year, a festival of wine and potatoes with live entertainment. 12 p.m. Beliveau Estate. BLACK DOG WINE & BEACH MUSIC FESTIVAL Oct. 11. Enjoy wine tastings, winery tours, food, and dancing to live music from The Catalinas and The Embers. $. 11 a.m. Château Morrisette. MEAD, MUSIC, MOUNTAINS Oct. 18. Enjoy mead tasting and music from Adam Markham on the Sippin’ Porch. $. 11 a.m. Blacksnake Meadery. HILLBILLY HALLOWINE PARTY Oct. 31. Celebrate the holiday with wine and a live performance by Huckleberry Pie. Beliveau Estate.

CELEBRATE THE HARVEST Nov. 1. Enjoy a fall day with live music from Jason Paul Curtis, local food, and wine. Greenhill Winery & Vineyards.

courtesy photo

WESTERN

THANKSGIVING OPEN HOUSE Nov. 28-29. Drive out to the orchards for seasonal homemade soup, live music, and artisan cider. $. 11 a.m. Foggy Ridge Cider. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Nov. 29. The Sippin’ Porch will be open for a Black Friday mead tasting. $. 11 a.m. Blacksnake Meadery. HOLIDAY SONGFEST Dec. 14. Toast the holidays at the winery with live music by local musicians. Beliveau Estate. HOLIDAY SEASON FINALE Dec. 20. Celebrate the holidays and the end of the season with artisan cider and seasonal snacks. $. 11 a.m. Foggy Ridge Cider.

SHENANDOAH CARIBBEAN NIGHT Aug. 9. An evening of wine and live music from SAM’O and JFC. 7 p.m. Cave Ridge Vineyard. SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Aug. 9. Bring a picnic and enjoy wine and the music of Fat Daddy and the Lenny Marcus Band. $. Blue Ridge Vineyard. WINE AND WAGS Aug. 9, Sept. 12, Oct. 10. Enjoy an afternoon at the vineyards with your pet; wine and snack baskets available for purchase or bring a picnic. Lexington Valley Vineyard. WINE & ART Aug. 10. Paint your own masterpiece at the vineyard. Artist Lindee Katdare provides instructions and supplies; gourmet lunch and wine tasting to follow. $. Fincastle Vineyard. YOGA & WINE Aug. 10. An afternoon of meditation and yoga followed by wine tasting and a healthy lunch. Reservations required. $. 2:30 p.m. Virginia Mountain Vineyards.

WESTERN: SHENANDOAH UNCORKED WINE FESTIVAL Nov. 8. Shenandoah Uncorked is a familyfriendly event with a great selection of Virginia wines, food and craft vendors, and kids activities. Wine tasting is indoors at the Yellow Barn. Festival admission is free, tasting cost includes a signature glass. Shenandoah Caverns attractions admission is discounted for the day. $. 10 a.m. www.shenandoahuncorked. com. 540-477-2432.

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 48-56 GRAPEVINE SU_FL14m.indd 48

7/11/14 2:06 PM

courtesy photo

PURPLE FOOT COMPETITION Aug. 31. Bid farewell to summer at this 8th annual event featuring grape stomping, live music, wine, and food. $. 2 p.m. Blue Ridge Vineyard.

grapevine

PICK ‘EM & STOMP ‘EM Aug. 30. Now in its fifth year, this event features grape picking and stomping, lunch, and wine tasting. 8 a.m. Wisteria Vineyard.

HARVEST FESTIVAL Sept. 6. Welcome the harvest at this annual event featuring wine tasting, seminars, art and crafts, live music, children’s entertainment, and grape stomping. 11 a.m. Shenandoah Vineyards. MUSIC UNDER THE ARBOR Sept. 7. Enjoy live music from Me & Martha, and wine tasting. $. 2 p.m. Wisteria Vineyard. WINE CAMP Sept. 12-14. A special weekend wine experience including workshops, viticulture field work, meals, lodging, and tastings. Reservations required. $. Veramar Vineyard. BELLE GROVE WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 13. Sample regional wines, and enjoy live music, house tours, craft vendors, and food from local chefs. At Belle Grove Plantation. $. 11 a.m. www.bellegrove.org SUNDAYS ON THE DECK Sept. 28. An afternoon of wine and live bluegrass from School Street Ramblers; lunch available for purchase or bring a picnic. 2 p.m. Rockbridge Vineyard. WINE, MOON & STARS Oct. 3. Enjoy a brief astronomical discussion by a member of the Roanoke Astronomy Club; followed by chili, wine, and the music of Haze & Dacey. $. 6 p.m. Virginia Mountain Vineyards. HARVEST FESTIVAL Oct. 4. Celebrate the vineyard’s 22nd year with wine tasting, hayrides, grape stomping, and live music. $. 12 p.m. Rockbridge Vineyard. ROCK THE GRAPES FESTIVAL Oct. 11. Celebrate autumn with wine tasting, live music, live entertainment, and food vendors. 12 p.m. Veramar Vineyard. MURDER MYSTERY DINNER Oct. 31. Enjoy a buffet dinner with wine and a murder mystery from Clever by Half Productions. Reservations required. $. CrossKeys Vineyards. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 6, 7. Enjoy tasting wines and snacks as you shop for the wine lover on your list. Rockbridge Vineyard. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 6. Shop for holiday gifts and enjoy wine tasting paired with seasonal snacks. Shenandoah Vineyards. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 14. Celebrate the season with wines, light fare, and holiday treats; live music from AChord, and grape vine wreath making throughout the day. Virginia Mountain Vineyards. CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Dec. 20-22. Toast the first day of winter and the holiday season with light refreshments and a glass of wine by the fire. Wisteria Vineyard.

CENTRAL BLACKBERRY HARVEST & MUSIC FESTIVAL Aug. 2. An all-day, annual event featuring live music, blackberry-picking, local food, and wine. $. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery.

CENTRAL: SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 27-28. Some 27 Virginia wineries are on hand with 85-plus craft and food vendors and live bands for two days of enjoyment. Bring a lawn chair and relax. Winemakers will be on hand to answer wine-related questions and assist guests with their sampling. 11 a.m. At LakeWatch Plantation, 14734 Booker T. Washington Hwy., Moneta. www.VisitSmithMountainLake.com. 540-721-1203. BE BOLD 4-MILER Aug. 2. A four-mile foot race at Bold Rock Cidery; post-race party with cider samplings, live music, awards ceremony, and food from local vendors. $. 9 a.m. Bold Rock Cidery.

FLOWERS WITH FOXIE Sept. 18. Class includes flower arranging instruction from Foxie Morgan plus a glass of wine. Reservations required. $. 2 p.m. Afton Mountain Vineyards.

FLIP FLOP FRIDAY Aug. 8, Sept. 12. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music and sangria on the lawn. $. 6 p.m. The Homeplace Vineyard.

ITALIAN HARVEST FEAST Sep. 20. Enjoy a traditional five-course, Italian, winepaired meal prepared by Guest Chefs Cesare Lanfranconi and Shannon Overmiller. Reservations required. $. 1 p.m. Barboursville Vineyards.

TINS FOR TUNES Aug. 16. This concert series and food drive features music from The Atkinsons; picnic fare and wine available for purchase. Reduced admission with canned food donation. $. 5 p.m. Cardinal Point Winery.

HAIL TO THE HARVEST Sept. 20. Celebrate fall with live music, hayrides, tours, and wine. 12 p.m. Ankida Ridge Vineyards.

CRAFT BREWERS FESTIVAL Aug. 23. This annual event features the Virginia Craft Beer Cup Competition, live music, local food, and family fun. $. 2 p.m. At Devils Backbone Brewing Company. virginiacraftbrewersfest.com SUMMER THEATER Aug. 23. The Hamner Theater presents “Much Ado About Nothing”; cider and picnic fare available for purchase. $. 7 p.m. Albemarle CiderWorks. OYSTERS AT TRUMP WINERY Aug. 24. Toast the end of summer with wine, oysters, and live music. Reservations required. $. 11 a.m. Trump Winery. HARVEST FESTIVAL Aug. 30. A weekend of live music, grape stomping, tractor rides, winery tours, lunch, and wine tasting. $. 12 p.m. First Colony Winery. LABOR DAY WINE & CHEESE PAIRING Sept. 1. Celebrate the holiday with a gourmet wine and cheese pairing. $. 11 a.m. James River Cellars Winery. MINI COOPER RALLY Sept. 6. Live music, wine, food vendors, and Mini Coopers. $. Cooper Vineyards. SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 13-14. An annual festival featuring live music/ dance performances, arts and crafts, South African dishes and wines as well as Virginia-made wines. $. Grayhaven Winery.

WINE COLLEGE Sept. 20. Taste and learn about champagne in a class featuring paired hors d’oeuvres. $. Byrd Cellars Vineyards. LYNCHBURG BEER AND WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 20. Sample wines from over 16 area wineries and ales from Virginia craft brewers; live entertainment, food, art and craft vendors. $. Riverfront Festival Park. www.lynchburgbeerandwinefestival.com TASTE OF FREEDOM WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 20. Held in conjunction with Montpelier’s Constitution Day celebration; sample area wine, beer, and cider and enjoy live entertainment, tours, and a fireworks display. At James Madison’s Montpelier. $. 11 a.m. www.tasteoffreedomwinefestival.com OYSTER FESTIVAL Sept. 27. Enjoy wine-paired oysters and crab cakes from Rappahannock River Oyster Company and live music from Alan Gant. $. 12 p.m. DuCard Vineyards. SOUTH HILL WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 27. Event features wines from area wineries, art and food vendors, and live music. At Centennial Park. $. 12 p.m. www.southhillrotaryclub.org SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 27-28. A two-day festival featuring 27 wineries and 85 juried craft and food vendors. $. 11 a.m. At Lake Watch Plantation. www.smlwinefestival.com SUNSET SATURDAYS Oct. 4, 11. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music at the vineyards; wines available to taste and purchase. $. 7 p.m. Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery. www.VirginiaWineLover.com | summer/fall 2014

VWL 48-56 GRAPEVINE SU_FL14m.indd 49

7/11/14 11:07 AM

courtesy photo

grapevine

CENTRAL: WINE LOVERS 5K AT CARDINAL POINT VINEYARD & WINERY Feb. 14. What do wine and running have in common? They pair really well together. Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Nelson County’s beautiful Rockfish Valley! Runners get a performance race shirt, a commemorative wine glass with wine samplings from Cardinal Point Vineyard’s fantastic vintages, live music on the heated veranda and a post-race awards ceremony. Runner, walker and Fidofriendly. 9 a.m. race start. Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery, 9423 Batesville Rd., Afton. For more info visit: www.corkscrewracing.com. Register for a weekend getaway at 800-282-8223.

VIRGINIA WINE & GARLIC FESTIVAL Oct. 11-12. An annual festival highlighting garlic and featuring wine from six local wineries. $. Rebec Vineyards.

THANKSGIVING OPEN HOUSE Nov. 28-29. Shop for gifts and enjoy wine tastings, hot soup, and chili. $. Horton Vineyards.

FALL HARVEST & LEAF PEEP FESTIVAL Oct. 25. A party to celebrate the season; features live music, vineyard tours, local food, and wine. 12 p.m. DuCard Vineyards.

THANKSGIVING OPEN HOUSE Nov. 28-30. Taste new releases and hot mulled wine; hors d’oeuvres will be served. 11 a.m. Burnley Vineyards.

HALLOWEEN EVENT Oct. 25. An annual Halloween event for adults in the haunted grist mill features readings from Edgar Allan Poe, wine, and gourmet food. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. Tomahawk Mill Vineyard and Winery. POWHATAN’S FESTIVAL OF THE GRAPE Oct. 25. This 12th annual festival features wines from 30 Virginia wineries, live music, and food vendors. $. 11 a.m. At the Powhatan Courthouse. www.powhatanwinefestival.com AUTUMN VERTICAL TASTING Oct. 25-26. Sample valuable older vintages and try the new Octagon from the barrel; accompanied by artisan cheeses and fresh breads. $. 11 a.m. Barboursville Vineyards. PUMPKIN DECORATING EVENT Oct. 26. Enjoy wine tasting and pumpkin decorating at the Winery, with live music from Kevin Kelly. 12 p.m. James River Cellar Winery. HALLOWEEN PARTY Oct. 31. A Halloween celebration featuring wine and live music from Toma que Toma. $. 6 p.m. Glass House Winery. FALL CELLAR TASTING Nov. 1. Taste 2012 and 2013 wines in the cellar and enjoy the fall colors in Orange County. $. Horton Vineyards.

WINTER WARM UP TRAIL RUN Dec. 6. A 5K/10K trail run at the Crossroads of Route 664 and Route 151. $ 3 p.m. Devils Backbone Brewing Company. FÊTE DE NOEL HOLIDAY EVENT Dec. 6. Celebrate the holiday season with live music, hayrides, tours, and wine. 12 p.m. Ankida Ridge Vineyards. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 6-7. Toast the holidays with new releases and hot mulled wine; hors d’oeuvres will be served. 11 a.m. Burnley Vineyards. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 13. Enjoy wine tasting and holiday refreshments. 11 a.m. Tomahawk Mill Vineyard and Winery. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 13-14. Toast the holidays with wine at the vineyards. Byrd Cellars Vineyards. SPARKLING HOLIDAY CELEBRATION Dec. 13-14. Kick off the holidays with wine tasting by the fireplace. 12 p.m. Barboursville Vineyards. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 20-21. Celebrate the season with wine tastings; shop for holiday gifts from craft vendors. 11 a.m. James River Cellars Winery.

HOT AIR AFFAIR Nov. 2. Take in the fall foliage by hot air balloon over the vineyards; live music, wines, and picnic fare will also be featured. Reservations required. $. Trump Winery.

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER & CELEBRATION Dec. 31. Enjoy a five-course feast paired with Barboursville wines. Black-tie optional. Reservations required. $. 7:30 p.m. Barboursville Vineyards.

VETERANS DAY Nov. 10. Complimentary tastings all day for military service personnel and their guests. DuCard Vineyards.

WINE COLLEGE Jan. 10. Taste and learn about the wines of Italy in a class featuring paired hors d’oeuvres. $. Byrd Cellars Vineyards.

summer/fall 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 48-56 GRAPEVINE SU_FL14m.indd 50

7/11/14 2:07 PM

VIRGINIA WINE EXPO Feb. 17-22. This annual event celebrates Virginia wines with a full schedule of tastings, tours, and seminars; wines of South Africa will also be highlighted. Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. $. www.virginiawineexpo.com

TEACHER APPRECIATION Aug. 24. Enjoy picnic fare and wine in the pavilion; special discounts for teachers. $. 11 a.m. 868 Estate Vineyards.

NORTHERN CARIBBEAN BEACH PARTY Aug. 2. An evening of food, dancing, Caribbean music, and wines from six area wineries. $. 5 p.m. Lake Anna Winery. DOG DAYS OF AUGUST Aug. 9. Enjoy a day at the vineyards with your dog; prizes for the best dressed dog. Three Fox Vineyards. LAST CHANCE RECESS Aug. 14. Free tastings all day for teachers. Bull Run Winery. SUMMER SUNSET DINNER Aug. 16. A five-course wine-paired summer dinner to be served on the patio at sunset. Reservations required. $. Hillsborough Vineyards. LINES & VINES Aug. 23. Explore the connection between literature and wine throughout history; enjoy a seasonal, fourcourse, wine-paired menu and readings from guest poets and writers. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. Philip Carter Winery.

courtesy photo

CRAB FEST Aug. 24. Now in its second year, the Crab Fest features steamed crabs, BBQ, live music and entertainment, wine tasting and sangria. $. 4 p.m. Potomac Point Winery.

grapevine

VALENTINE’S DAY Feb. 13-15. Settle in by the fire with a glass of wine to celebrate Valentine’s Day at the winery. 12 p.m. Peaks of Otter Winery.

EPICURIENCE Aug. 29-Sep. 1. Taste Virginia wines, meet master winemakers and tastemakers, and sample cuisine prepared by celebrated chefs. $. At Morven Park. www.epicvirginia.com LABOR DAY Aug. 30-31. Celebrate the holiday with wine tasting, vineyard tours, lawn games, live music, and Ultimate Frisbee. Reservations required. $. Philip Carter Winery. VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 13-14. The oldest wine festival on the East Coast featuring 50 area wineries, craft exhibitors, seminars, and live music. Held at Great Meadow Event Park. $. www.virginiawinefest.com WINE, WALK & WAG Sept. 20. A day of wine, live music, craft vendors, silent auction, and a family- and dog-friendly walk. Proceeds to benefit The Humane Society of Loudoun County. $. 10:30 a.m. 8 Chains North Winery. CHOCO-VINO PAIRING Sept. 20. Learn to appreciate the nuances of chocolate and wine pairings. $. 3 p.m. Little Washington Winery. WINE FLIGHTS IN PARADISE Sept. 20. An intimate, seated, premium tasting set in the historical log cabin. Reservations required. $. Paradise Springs Winery.

NORTHERN: EIGHTH ANNUAL LUCY STOMP Sept. 20. Let out your inner Lucy and Ricky at this long-standing “stomp like Lucy” competition at Three Fox Vineyards; there will also be a Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel costume contest. Music is by Exaggerations and fresh Tuscan pizzas by Divine Wood Fired Pizza. Pre-registration for the Lucy Stomp begins Sept. 1. Free. On-site registration starts at noon; stomp starts at 1 p.m. Three Fox Vineyards. FALL WINE FESTIVAL & SUNSET TOUR AT MOUNT VERNON Oct. 3-5. A weekend festival featuring live blues music, tours, and wines from 16 area wineries. Held at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. $. www.mountvernon.org VIRGINIA WINE MONTH KICKOFF Oct. 4. Toast the start of Wine Month with tastings, light fare, and live music. $. 12 p.m. Bogati Bodega and Vineyard.

WINE FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 11 AM – 5 PM Local Food • Artisans • Live Music For more information, visit ThomasJeffersonWineFestival.com

1542 Bateman Bridge Road (GPS) | Forest, VA | 434.534.8120 | PoplarForest.org

14TJP1523-Wine Festival Ad_7.125x4.656_VA Wine Lover_F.indd 1

VWL 48-56 GRAPEVINE SU_FL14m.indd 51

11:13 AM www.VirginiaWineLover.com | 6/30/14 summer/fall 2014

7/11/14 11:08 AM

courtesy photo

grapevine

FINE VINE CELEBRATION Oct. 5. Celebrate Tarara’s 25th anniversary with an elegant cocktail reception followed by a five-course, winepaired meal. Reservations required. $ Tarara Winery. CELEBRATE HARVEST Oct. 11. A toast to the harvest with wines, food, and live music. $. 12 p.m. Bogati Bodega and Vineyard. TASTE OF CULPEPER Oct. 12. Tenth annual festival of wine, food, and arts. $. 12 p.m. At The Depot. www.tasteofculpeper.com CHILI COOKOFF Oct. 19. 13th annual event featuring wine tasting, live music from Laurie and Pete Mealy, and chili. $. 12 p.m. Old House Vineyards. FALL CRUSH FESTIVAL Oct. 19. Enjoy wine tastings, live bands, and grape stomping; light fare will be available for purchase. Bull Run Winery. HAUNTING HALLOWEEN MADNESS Oct. 25. Costumes, music, wine, and food will be the highlights at this event in the vineyard. $. 6 p.m. Lake Anna Winery. 9th Annual Central Virginia Charity Chili Cook-off Nov. 2. The Yon Rolland Band, Cornhole Tournament, Silent Auction, The Wheel of Fortune, Fun for the Whole Family. 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Earlyhouse. 3998 Yanceyville Road, Louisa. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Nov. 15. An evening of wine and food celebrating the winery’s 5th anniversary. $. Narmada Winery. HOLIDAY KICKOFF Nov. 28. Enjoy wine tastings, one-day-only gift specials, and live music by Valerie Von Fange. 11 a.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards. TURKEY TROT VINEYARD TREASURE HUNT Nov. 28-30. Hunt through the vineyard for hidden coupons for complimentary wine tastings and wine and merchandise discounts; special coupons hidden for children. Three Fox Vineyards. CHRISTMAS CORK & CHEESE CELEBRATION Dec. 6-7. A festive holiday weekend of live music, wine, artisan cheeses, and the world’s largest cork Christmas display containing decorations crafted out of over 90,000 corks. 11 a.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards. JINGLE BELL TRAIL Dec. 6-7. A passport ticket gets you a souvenir wineglass, tastings, and snacks at Cooper, Grayhaven, James River Cellars, Weston Farms, Mattaponi Winery, and Lake Anna Wineries. $. www.hovawinetrail.com

CLASSICS ON THE GREEN Sept. 14. European car show and wine festival featuring food, live music, hot air balloon rides, craft vendors, and luxury-car test drives. $. 11 a.m. New Kent Winery.

MERROIR & TERROIR Nov. 8. An annual oyster extravaganza pairing Chardonnay with local heirloom oysters. $. 5 p.m. Chatham Vineyards.

WINE & OYSTER FESTIVAL Sept. 20-21. An annual event featuring tastings from area wineries, Chesapeake Bay and Tidewater oysters, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment. At Stratford Hall. $. 11 a.m. www.stratfordhall.org

FALL BARREL TASTING Nov. 15. An afternoon of tours, barrel tastings, live music, and light fare. Reservations required. $. 1 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards.

YORKTOWN WINE FESTIVAL Oct. 4. Sample wines from Virginia wineries; art and food vendors and live entertainment will be featured. $. 12 p.m. At the Riverwalk Landing. www.villageevents.org 2012 ADAGIO RELEASE PARTY Oct. 5. Enjoy live music and heavy hors d’oeuvres at this release party. $. The Williamsburg Winery.

TASTE BY THE BAY Nov. 22. Enjoy samplings from 10 local wineries and area breweries, tastings from local restaurants, live music, and artisans. $. 11 a.m. At the Tides Inn. www.lancasterva.com. HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 6-7; 13-14. Sample wines and enjoy holiday refreshments; special discounts in the wine and gift shop. 12 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards.

EASTERN

GLOUCESTER WINE FESTIVAL Oct. 18. Now in its 5th year, this event features wines from 10 area wineries, food and craft vendors, and live music. Held at Brent and Becky’s Bulbs. $. 11 a.m. www.gloucesterwinefestival.com

Coastal Virginia WIne Fest Jan. 17-18. Celebrate good times, fine Virginia wines, food samplings, Grape Stomp competition, live music and much more! Virginia Beach Convention Center. For more information and vendor opportunities visit coastalvirginiawinefest.com OR contact Pamela Hopkins at pam@vgnet.com or 757-422-8979 x 104.

DEAD ON THE VINE Aug. 23. An annual tribute to the Grateful Dead featuring wine, live music and entertainment for the kids. $. 5 p.m. Chatham Vineyards.

HARVEST CELEBRATION Oct. 18. Celebrate Ingleside’s 35th harvest; tour the vineyards and winery, enjoy artwork & food, wine, and live music. $. 11 a.m. Ingleside Vineyards.

VALENTINE’S DAY: SPECIAL TASTING Feb. 14. Enjoy a special tasting event with pairing of chocolates from Chocolates by Kelly and live music by Jocelyn Oldham. $. 4 p.m. New Kent Winery. VWL

NEPTUNE FALL WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 6-7. A weekend event at the Oceanfront with area wines, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment. Held at Neptune Park. $. 12 p.m. www.neptunefestival.com

TOWN POINT VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL Oct. 18-19. This annual festival will showcase more than 200 Virginia wine varieties; live music and gourmet food will be featured. $. 11 a.m. At Town Point Park, downtown Norfolk. www.festevents.org

NEW YEAR’S EVE Dec. 31. Ring in 2015 at this annual event featuring wine, gourmet food, and live entertainment. Reservations required. $. Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery.

CENTRAL: 6th Annual Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival Nov. 15. Join “Mr. Jefferson” at his beloved retreat for one of Virginia’s premier wine festivals featuring 15 Virginia wineries along with artisans, local food purveyors and musical entertainment. Mr. Jefferson, as portrayed by Bill Barker, will engage in a lively discussion of wine with Gabriele Rausse—the renowned vintner who revived Jefferson’s grapes at Monticello and is credited with revolutionizing the wine industry in Virginia. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest. 434-534-8120. ThomasJeffersonWineFestival.com.

Thirsting for