Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Spring/Summer 2016

SHAKE IT UP, BABY

4 COCKTAIL RECIPES USING VIRGINIA SPIRITS

VIRGINIA FESTIVALS & EVENTS YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON

A SPRING IN YOUR SIP

COOL CRAFT BREWS FOR SUNNY-DAY SIPPING

BEACH TO BLUE RIDGE

EXPLORING VIRGINIA’S WINE REGIONS

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

Seafood

C E L E B R A T I N G

BY THE

SEASHORE

T H E

G O O D

L I F E

WINNING

WINE THE RESULTS FROM OUR ANNUAL BEST OF CONTEST

SUCCULENT (And Sustainable) DISHES PAIRED WITH VIRGINIA WINE

Catch 31’s Chesapeake Crab Cakes at Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront

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Cheers to your best years...

Welcoming its first residents in 1987, Shenandoah Valley WestminsterCanterbury (SVWC) set the scene for the warm, personal atmosphere Visit svwc.org that has only been enhanced over time. With an ultimate focus on to learn about resident comfort, a variety of floor plans provide luxurious, care-free our upcoming senior living for independent spirits. The property boasts a strong link to elevated standards of quality and excellence, inspiring confidence Lunch & Learn in its residents with accreditation by CARF-CCAC since 1995. This Events! independent authority evaluates continuing care retirement communities for fiscal stewardship and quality of services, and only about 12 percent of CCRCs in America earn the CARF-CCAC distinction. At SVWC, we are connected to our residents, connected to our community, connected for life.

Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury 300 Westminster-Canterbury Drive, Winchester, VA 22603 www.svwc.org | 540.665.5914 | 800.492.9463

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Visit the Dining Destination of the Shenandoah Valley, named a 2014 Great American Main Street and Virginia’s first Culinary District.

www.VisitHarrisonburgVA.com | #hburgrocks

Thank you once again for voting us Gold!

Best Winery • Best Winemaker Best Wine Dog • Best Virginia Wine Overall Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Meriwether Vineyards 1976-2016

Come sample our award winning wines daily, 10am–6pm 6190 Georgetown Rd., Broad Run, VA

www.pearmundcellars.com

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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CONTENTS Available for weddings and events.

The winery and tasting room is open each season from the third weekend in March through the third weekend in December, Wed-Sun, 12PM-6PM.

4204 Old Fincastle Rd, Fincastle, VA 24090

540-473-2979 | www.VMVines.com

DEPARTMENTS

9 Publisher’s Note

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

tastemakers. PLUS: 12 Cork Report— And The Award Goes To…; Wine That Wows; New Culinary Creatives At Wessex Hundred; 16 Bloggers Imbibe—Virginia wine bloggers weigh in on their latest and greatest sips; 21 Event Recap— Sipping, shopping and savoring at the Coastal Virginia WineFest.

COMING RIGHT UP 14 Cheese and Charcuterie—Tips and tricks for assembling the perfect plate.

33 COASTAL VIRGINIA ATTRACTIONS GRAPEVINE 46 Winery Map

48 Winery and Cidery Listings 50 Brewery and Distillery Listings COVER PHOTO BY DAVID UHRIN. SPECIAL THANKS TO THE STAFF AT CATCH 31 AT THE HILTON VIRGINIA BEACH OCEANFRONT. 4

SPRING/SUMMER

52 FOLLOW THE GRAPEVINE

57 Western Virginia—Patrick County serves a mix of mountain music, artisan treasures, down home restaurants and loveable nature. PLUS: 52 Shenandoah Valley—Old-fashioned hospitality, college town liveliness and a storied history make Lexington a must-see small town; 56 Northern Virginia—Step back in time in historic Middleburg, the nation’s “horse and hunt capital”; 54 Central Virginia— Lynchburg offers an excellent combination of history, nature, art and hometown charm; 58 Eastern Virginia—The Eastern Shore of Virginia lends peaceful beach towns and an impressive oyster trail; 60 Southern Virginia—Mecklenburg County offers a gorgeous glimpse of lakeside allure and small town charm.

53 Virginia Wine Festivals and Events CHEERS 62 F ive to Try—Five cool craft brews for

warm weather imbibing. PLUS: 63 Quart Report—It’s the season for imbibing at some of Virginia’s best brewery and distillery events; 64 Shake, Rattle & Pour— Create these refreshing summer sippers using Virginia-made products.

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2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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Discover delectable dining, festivals and fun in Norfolk. This vibrant, heritage port city has a hip pub and restaurant scene including local craft breweries and Virginia’s first urban winery and tasting room. Experience the city’s culinary highlights on a guided food tour. Taste everything from coastal cuisine caught fresh from the Chesapeake Bay to decadent desserts.

Get a taste of our local flavor at visitnorfolktoday.com.

1-800-368-3097 www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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A TASTE FOR THE FINER THINGS. The secret’s out–Virginia’s wineries are racking up major awards. And we have the perfect pairing for you with our exclusive Virginia Wine Trail Package. Get deluxe accommodations, dining, wicker basket lunches and everything you need to make your winery excursion a vintage affair.

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Where Relaxation Comes Naturally

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FEATURES 22

Sensible (and Succulent) Seafood Make a seafood meal to remember while making a difference in marine habitats.

By Angela Blue

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Virginia Wine Lover Best Of Celebrating VWL’s Sixth Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

For Advertising & Distribution Information 757-422-8979 ext.156 or tracy@vgnet.com

The Iris Inn – photo by jumping rocks

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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.

2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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VOLUME 9

ISSUE 1

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com 1264 Perimeter Pkwy.

Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454 757-422-8979

Publisher Randy Thompson Editor-in-Chief Angela Blue Executive Editor and Culinary Events Manager Patrick Evans-Hylton Senior Editor, Special Sections, Melissa M. Stewart Assistant Editor, Web, Anne Leonard Contributing Editor, Frank Morgan Contributing Writers Patti Hinson, George Culver, Warren Richard Vice President of Production Holly Watters Creative Director David Uhrin Associate Art Director Matt Haddaway Client Relations Manager Stacy Graef Lead Designer Stephanie Martinec Contributing Designers Paul Cenzon, Matt Haddaway, Chris Meligonis, Kaye Ellen Trautman Photo Editor Jim Pile Web Design and Development Web Creative Director Chris Murphy Senior Web Developer Brandon Litchfield Web Developer Caleb Whitehead IT Marketing Specialists Michael Saks, William Warford Director of Photography Jim Pile Contributing Photographers Patrick Evans-Hylton, Frank Morgan, Paul Armstrong, David Uhrin Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Account Executives Kim Lyda, Samuel Wilson Contributing Account Executives Christie Berry, Lori Conti, Tony Conti, Eileen Dalby, Brenda Whitlow, Gardner Winstead Associate Account Executive Kendall Burns Circulation Manager George Carter Marketing Director Lisa Davenport Web Marketing & Promotions Manager Kearsten Walden Online Content Editor Rebekah Mulford

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

Special Events & Style Coordinator Pamela Hopkins Event Marketing Specialist Natalie Giles Digital Marketing Specialist Kathryn Kelly Virginia Wine Lover is published by VGnet.com VistaGraphics Staff Production Manager Robin Cather Controller Anita Burns Accounting Manager Dawn Meehan Accounting Clerk Kelsey Stephens Office Manager 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

memberships:

VIRGINIA WINERIES ASSOCIATION For advertising & distribution information please contact Paul Brannock at (757) 213-2461 or paul@vgnet.com

C E L E B R AT I N G T H E G O O D L I F E

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.

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www.bbvwine.com

1976 ~ 2016 NOW, CELEBRATING OUR 40TH ANNIVERSARY. AS ONE OF THE DEFINING VINEYARDS IN VIRGINIA WINE, WE ARE POURING HISTORIC OCTAGON VINTAGES IN OUR LIBRARY 1821 FOR TASTING AND COLLECTING, EVERY WEEKEND OF THE YEAR. COME DISCOVER WHY THIS ESTATE OF WINE IS THE OCTAGON OF A GREAT GROWING REGION.

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PUBLISHERS NOTE

SEAFOOD, SUPERIOR WINES— AND PLENTY OF CELEBRATIONS

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reetings from Coastal Virginia, the home of “sensible seafood.” As you can tell from the cover, we’ve addressed the topic of sustainable seafood practices in this issue, and we’ve included some irresistible seafood recipes to try at home with, of course, the perfect Virginia wines to pair with them.

This is also our Readers’ Choice Best Of issue, where you weigh in on wine topics, from your favorite red to your favorite tasting room. The tabulated results found herein reflect over 28,000 votes cast, and the results pay a real tribute to all winners. I invite you all to become a judge. Visit our great Virginia wineries, sample their wares, enjoy their ambience, then let us know what you think by nominating and voting in next year’s contest.

I’ll be casting my vote for what we consider to be the absolute best wine festival in the state. That, of course, is the Coastal Virginia WineFest held recently at the Virginia Beach Convention Center over a two-day weekend in January. I may be a little biased since we are the promoters of this event, but each year I marvel at just how much fun this event is. I hope you’ll join the fun next year, January 28–29.

In the meantime, our next event is the Second Annual Coastal Virginia BeerFest & Food Truck Rodeo held April 23 at the Military Aviation Museum in the beautiful countryside of rural Virginia Beach. The event features Virginia’s finest craft beer along with a great Virginia Wine Garden, live entertainment with two bands, a host of great vendors of arts and crafts and some fantastic food truck cuisine. One of the best parts of this event is the venue itself where guests are surrounded by vintage WWI and WWII aircraft that actually fly—biplane rides are offered during the show.

There are great festivals throughout our great commonwealth, and you’ll find a calendar listing of them in our Grapevine section starting on page 51. Enjoy the issue, make your plans, then get out and soak in our great wineries and wine festivals this spring and summer.

Cheers!

Randy Thompson Publisher Randy@virginiawinelovermag.com VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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POPPINGTHECORK

VWL Mixes It Up With Top Virginia Tastemakers CHATEAU MORRISETTE Brian Smyth is the winemaker at Chateau Morrisette and has

been making wine in various positions for seven years. He began as a vineyard hand at Keswick Vineyards while studying at Virginia Tech. He worked for several years making pinot noir in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, squeezed in an Australian vintage in Clare Valley, moved back to South Australia to obtain his Master of Oenology while working at the Australian Wine Research Institute and finally landed at Chateau Morrisette, just a few hours from where it all began. He was hired as assistant winemaker in January 2015 and promoted to winemaker this past July.

“I consider this part of the country my home, so it is nice to be back.”

CHATEAU MORRISETTE, Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 171.5, 287 Winery Road SW, Floyd 540-593-2865 • TheDogs.com

Tasting room hours are Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

The restaurant’s hours vary by season. Currently, they are open Friday–Saturday 11a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday 11a.m.–3 p.m.

NORTH GATE VINEYARD Mark and Vicki Fedor, owners and winemakers for North Gate Vineyard, have been a part of the winemaking scene in Virginia since 2002. They learned through experience, working at other wineries in Virginia and training through Virginia Tech extension programs. The Fedors have been making wine commercially since 2003 and at their winery since 2007. They have received numerous awards and accolades for their wines and approachable style.

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NORTH GATE VINEYARD 16031 Hillsboro Rd., Purcellville 540-668-6248 NorthGateVineyard.com

Tasting room hours are Thursday–Monday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

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Cuvee

Cuvee

In each we talk with winemakers or cidermakers to find out more about their winery/cidery, their winemaking/cidermaking philosophy, and to get some useful tips on the enjoyment of their juice.

THE WINEMAKER

Philosophy: “Wine can be nuanced, complex, beautiful and serious; it can also be fun, fruity and straightforward. I do not believe that wine needs to be pretentious or intimidating. In fact, it shouldn’t be. Regardless of the rewards, reputation or price, good wine starts on the farm. My job is to draw from my experience and education to sensibly utilize the tools and people available to elevate the season’s fruit into the best possible wines.”

A Word of Wisdom: Think about wine like music. If you always have a song playing in the background but never

take the time to listen to the words you’re missing some of it—sometimes a lot of it. Try spending a moment really focusing on your sense of smell and taste when you have your next glass of wine.”

THE WINEMAKER

local wine production, spend the time to learn the local varieties that do well in the area and sample them from various local wineries. You’ll be amazed at how the stylistic differences and location of the vineyard make wines of the same variety in a region quite different.

Philosophy: Our goal is to make wines that show the character of the varietal that is making up a majority of the wine. We use less oak in our wines so the fruit characters of the grape show through and are not masked. The amount of oak we use depends on the variety and style of that specific wine. Our whites tend to be crisp, fruitforward, stainless steelfermented with varying degrees of oak time, specific to the variety, to soften up and balance against the alcohol and acids.

We believe that blending allows us to kick our wine up to another level and allows us to achieve our final goals on a wine.

A Word of Wisdom: If visiting an area that has

Accolades and Awards: • 2012 Chambourcin Reserve: Silver, Virginia Governor’s Cup • Black Dog: Gold, Virginia Wine Lover Wine Classic Awards • Our Dog Blue: Platinum, Winemaker Challenge • 2014 Vin Gris: 88 points, Wine Advocate • 5 Red Grapes: 94 points, Best in Class Red Hybrid, San Diego International Wine Competition

Accolades and Awards: • LEED Gold Certified Tasting Room and Production Facility • Platinum Award, Loudoun Green Business Challenge, four years running • Virginia Green Business Award, Greenest Winery, two years running • Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Competition, Governor’s Case (overall top 12 wines) for Meritage for three consecutive vintages running

THE WINERY Overview: The Morrisette family planted their first vines in Virginia in 1978 and were producing wine commercially by 1982. In the time since, Chateau Morrisette has expanded from a modest 2,000 gallons to be one of the state’s largest wineries.

They produce wines that are approachable to new wine drinkers as well as wines that will satisfy the wine aficionado.

Highlighted events: • May 29: Winemaker’s Dinner • June 4–5: Mountain Adventure Weekend & Plein Air Arts Paintout • July 9: Black Dog Jazz Festival • Aug. 13: Black Dog Beach Festival • Dec. 3–4 and 10–11: Black Dog Christmas Weekends Offerings: Chateau Morrisette currently offers eight white wines, 10 red wines and three fruit wines.

THE WINERY Overview: North Gate Vineyard is located on 26 acres, just north of Purcellville in Loudoun County. The first vineyard was planted in 2002, and commercial wine production began in 2007. North Gate has a solar-powered tasting room and production facility that received LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council in September of 2013; the first winery in Loudoun to be LEED certified, and second in Virginia. North Gate currently produces 5,000 cases of wine annually.

Highlighted events: We have various special food and wine pairings throughout the year. Check our website for dates.

They make a wide range of styles to suit many different tastes, whether you prefer dry, off-dry, sweet, sparkling, varietal, hybrid or fruit wines.

Their tasting includes 10 different wines. There is a 4-star restaurant on the estate ranked

by Open Table as having one of the top 100 restaurant views in America. Private event space is available. The winery hosts a variety of events throughout the year but is perhaps best known for its Black Dog Music Festivals.

There is free entertainment on the courtyard every Sunday June through October. The entire winery is pet-friendly except where prohibited by law. Picnic areas are available; first come first served. The winery is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Recommendations: 2013 Petit Verdot: Intense fruity aromas of blackberry and cherry are beautifully complemented by earthy, spicy aromas such as dried leaves and black pepper. These

Offerings: We are focused on the wine tasting experience during business hours. The facility is available for rental for offhours events. We generally have music on weekends in season. Covered outdoor seating. We have a food menu with tapas items like charcuterie, cheeses, breads, etc. WE produce four whites (viognier, chardonnay, petit manseng, rkatsiteli), five reds (petit verdot, cabernet franc, meritage, merlot, chambourcin), one fruit (apple) and one rosé from our cabernet franc grapes.

Recommendations: 2013 Meritage: A blend of merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot and cabernet sauvignon, this wine has been awarded a spot in the Virginia Governor’s Case (top 12 wines in the state) for the past three years.

same flavors carry through on the palate and are enhanced with soft, velvety tannins.

2013 Merlot: On the nose this wine exhibits aromas of fresh cherries, dark chocolate and a hint of white pepper. On the palate it is soft and approachable with a refreshing acidity, cherry notes and a touch of dark chocolate.

Our Dog Blue: This refined blend of riesling, traminette and vidal blanc possesses a delicate nose displaying aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossom and apple.

The crisp acidity is balanced with a hint of sweetness.

2014 Chardonnay Reserve: This barrel-fermented Virginia chardonnay was aged sur lie, giving it a wonderfully creamy mouthfeel with oak-derived notes of butter and toast.

2015 Vin Gris: This will be the first wine released made entirely under Smyth’s lead. It is a dry rosé made from merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and petit verdot. It is highly aromatic with a nose reminiscent of fresh strawberries.

2012 Petit Verdot: Estate grown, firm but soft tannins.

Lingering finish.

2013 Merlot: Grown on a vineyard we manage at 1000foot elevation, perfect for merlot. Deep, dark color. Nice tannic strength for a Virginia merlot.

NV Rkatsiteli: Light, crisp, clean acidity in this stainless steel-fermented and aged white wine. Rkatsiteli is one of the oldest wine grapes on the planet.

2014 Chardonnay: Lightly oaked, fruit forward chardonnay, stainless steel fermented and aged in French oak (10% new oak).

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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POPPINGTHECORK

(Continued on page 20)

Cork Report

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

PHOTOS BY DAN CURRIER.

A

TOP PHOTO: Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry, Todd Haymore; owner of Keswick Vineyards, Al Schornberg; Governor Terry McAuliffe; winemaker at Keswick Vineyards, Stephen Barnard.

TOP RIGHT: Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards and Jeff White of Glen Manor talk at the Governor’s Cup Gala.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Kirk Wiles of Paradise Springs Vineyards samples some of the wines of the evening.

WINE THAT WOWS

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irginia winemakers continue to experiment with planting new grape varieties in their vineyards and with new styles of wine. One new and interesting wine to seek out is the pétillant-naturel—known as ‘pét-nat’—from Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison. Pét-nat (which means ‘naturally sparkling’) is made via the ‘méthode ancestrale’ where the wine is bottled and capped before primary fermentation is finished, without the addition of secondary yeasts or sugars. This may be the only pét-nat currently produced in Virginia. Made from 100% syrah, Early Mountain’s pét-nat is dry, light pink in color and cloudy in the glass with notes of tart cherry, strawberry and clove.

It’s lightly fizzy with a zippy raspberry acidity.

t a ceremony in February at the John Marshall Ballroom in Richmond, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe presented the 2016 Governor’s Cup to the team at Keswick Vineyards for their 2014 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve.

“I am honored to award the 2016 Governor’s Cup to Keswick Vineyards’ winemaker, Stephen Barnard, and owners, Al and Cindy Schornberg,” Governor McAuliffe said at the annual Governor’s Cup Gala. “Their work at Keswick Vineyards embodies those characteristics that are imperative for Virginia farmers and winemakers: an entrepreneurial spirit, a drive to excel, a healthy tolerance for risk and a desire to see what Virginia’s land and terroir can do.”

The Keswick Cabernet Franc bested 432 other wines from 95 wineries entered in this year’s Governor’s Cup competition. This year’s win marks the second year Keswick has won the coveted Governor’s Cup and the third year winemaker Stephen Barnard made the winning wine.

“Being recognized as the Governor’s Cup winner is a big honor for Keswick Vineyards and for me as a winemaker,” Barnard said.

“Winemaking at Keswick is a team effort. Everyone, from the vineyard team to the tasting room staff, contributes to our success and this Governor’s Cup win.”

Along with the other 11 highest scored wines in this year’s competition, Keswick’s Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve will be part of the ‘Virginia Governor’s Case’ used to showcase and promote Virginia’s top wines to wine media over the next year.

WINES FEATURED IN THE 2016 VIRGINIA GOVERNOR’S CASE Barboursville Vineyards, 2014 Vermentino Bluestone Vineyard, 2014 Chardonnay Cardinal Point Winery, 2014 Clay Hill Cabernet Franc Fabbioli Cellars, 2012 Cabernet Franc Glen Manor Vineyards, 2013 Hodder Hill Granite Heights Winery, 2010 Evening Serenade Horton Vineyards, 2014 Petit Manseng Keswick Vineyards, 2014 Cabernet Franc Estate Reserve Michael Shaps, 2014 Petit Manseng Naked Mountain Winery, 2012 Petit Verdot North Gate Vineyard, 2013 Meritage Stone Tower Winery, 2013 Hogback Mountain —Frank Morgan

—Frank Morgan

NEW CULINARY CREATIVES AT WESSEX HUNDRED

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ine tourism continues to grow throughout the commonwealth, especially at wineries that offer a complete lodging, food and wine experience to guests. The Williamsburg Winery at Wessex Hundred is one of Virginia’s destination wineries offering excellent food and wine at two restaurants on the property (Café Provençal and the Gabriel Archer Tavern). They recently announced a new culinary team at Wessex Hundred with the addition of Ian Robbins as executive chef and Troy Buckley as chef de cuisine of Café Provençal. Robbins has worked with renowned chefs such as Daniel Boulud in New York City, Charlie Trotter in Chicago, and Michel Richard at Citronelle in Washington, D.C., and most recently served as executive chef of Millie’s Diner, the landmark eatery in Richmond.

—Frank Morgan

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2016 Governor’s Cup Case Winner

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The Horse & Hound Wine Festival July 9, 2016

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Plus a Kiddie Korrel

Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchards 1218 Elmos Rd., Bedford, VA 24523

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

STAUNTON Enjoy attractions and wineries by day, sleep in luxurious comfort by night. Minutes to Barren Ridge and Rockbridge vineyards.

Free Hot Breakfast • Outdoor Pool • Fitness Room • Cable/HBO • Wireless • Kids Stay Free • Near Wilson Birthplace • Frontier Culture Museum • Glass Blowing • Walking Distance to Shopping & Dining.

I-81 Exit 220, 40 Payne Lane, Staunton, VA 24401 540-886-7000 www.hamptoninn.com/hi/staunton

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COMINGRIGHTUP

Cheese and Charcuterie TIPS AND TRICKS FOR ASSEMBLING THE PERFECT PLATE

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pring and summer get-togethers give us a chance to witness nature’s awakening from its long, wintry nap. We celebrate by heading outdoors for picnics, joining friends for brunch and lingering on the patio just a little longer as daylight slowly fades. These delightful gatherings, as pleasant as they are, always present a critical question: what shall we eat? Thankfully, we’ve got just the thing: the cheese and charcuterie board.

What we love about this grand assortment of nibbles is that there’s something for everyone. From the nuts and fruit to the knobs of cheese and specialty meats, this bountiful platter will please any crowd and provide a nice stepping stone before the main course arrives.

Here’s the anatomy of a well-planned cheese and charcuterie board.

By Angela Blue and Anne Leonard

PAIRING OPTIONS:

MEAT:

CHEESE:

Cured sausages • Pâté Thinly-sliced meats: capicola, prosciutto, pancetta.

Aged cheddar • Goat cheese Sheep’s milk cheese • Asiago Brie • Stilton

Three to Taste in Virginia: Organic Molisana from Olli Salumeria, Mechanicsville; Dan Doodle Smoked Sausage from Edwards Virginia Smokehouse, Surry; Red Wine and Black Peppecorn Salami from Croftburn Market, Culpeper

Three to Taste in Virginia: Farmstead Chevre from Caromount Farm, Esmont; Grayson (washed rind cheese, slightly sweet with grassy, nutty notes and earthy undertone) from Meadow Creek Dairy, Galax; Farmstead Cheddar from Marshall Farms, Unionville

Present an assortment of flavors, from bold and adventurous to familiar staples.

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PHOTO BY ANNE LEONARD

Chardonnay Reserve from Jefferson Vineyards; Late Harvest Vidal from Linden Vineyards; Sugar Hollow Red from Stinson Vineyards

SPRING/SUMMER

Mix it up with a variety of textures and types, including sharp and pungent to mild, nutty and creamy.

SWEET:

Dried fruit: Bing cherries, Figs, Cranberries, Apricots Fresh fruit: Plums, Apples, Blueberries Jams and chutneys • Honey

SAVORY:

Cornichons • Mixed olives • Walnuts Almonds • Pecans

FOR EXTRA MUNCHING:

Freshly baked baguette • Variety of crackers

VWL

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BLOGGERSIMBIBE

BLOGGERSIMBIBE VIRGINIA WINE BLOGGERS WEIGH IN ON THEIR LATEST AND GREATEST SIPS

PETITE IN SIZE—BIG IN FLAVOR Williamsburg Winery’s Adagio Shows that a Little Petit Goes a Long Way

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hought to be a native grape of the western Bordeaux region of France, Petit Verdot is typically used as a blending grape to add dark purple color, structure and spice notes to red blends. Like a pungent baking spice, a little Petit Verdot goes a long way in blending.

Known as ‘little green one,’ this small, thick-skinned, late ripening grape is thriving in vineyards around Virginia and has found a home in the sandy loam and clay soils at Wessex Hundred in historic Williamsburg. Purchased in 1983 by Patrick and Peggy Duffeler, the 300-acre Wessex Hundred farm is now home to The Williamsburg Winery, 40 acres of grape vines, two restaurants and a European-style country hotel.

The property is also home to four acres of Petit Verdot planted in 2005, which serves as the base for the 2013 Adagio, The Williamsburg Winery’s flagship red blend.

A blend of 72 percent estate-grown Petit Verdot, 14 percent estate-grown Merlot and 14 percent Cabernet Franc sourced from Western Virginia, the 2013 Adagio is outstanding and every bit as good as the 2010 version that won the coveted Virginia Governor’s Cup in 2014.

Dark garnet color in the glass, the wine offers aromas of raspberry, dark berries, nutmeg, clove, cocoa and violet. On the palate, flavors of baking spice, violet, plum and vanilla lead to a lengthy chalky, dark cherry, spice finish. Medium-bodied with notable tannins and acidity. Just 193 cases bottled.

Look for the Adagio and their other Petit Verdot wines like the Wessex Hundred 100 percent Petit Verdot made exclusively from estate-grown fruit. VWL

—Frank Morgan

Frank Morgan is a contributing editor for VWL and author of the awardwinning wine blog, DrinkWhatYouLike. com. Follow Morgan on Twitter @ DrinkWhatULike.

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A CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION

When Milestones Are To Be Remembered, King Family Vineyards’ Meritage Is Worthy Of A Toast

P

aul and I recently reached two important milestones.

First, our wine blog, Virginia Wine Time, is now 10 years old. Our second milestone, though, is even more important. We just celebrated our first anniversary as a married couple. Milestones provide excellent reasons to break out special wines, and we did just that with the 2013 King Family Meritage.

Complex and elegant are the two words that come to mind when describing the 2013 King Family Meritage. Smoky notes are complemented by fruit aromas of dark cherry and plum.

I also catch whiffs of violet, licorice and eucalyptus. Rich, dark fruit flavors linger on the palate, and it finishes with elements of spice and cedar. This is a young wine, so tannins are still a bit firm but prove to be more supple with decanting. We paired this lovely red blend with filet mignon topped with mushrooms and served beside roasted potatoes sprinkled with thyme and parsley. We made certain to toast our milestones, of course.

So what are the grapes that comprise this special wine?

Merlot (49 percent), Petit Verdot (24 percent), Cabernet Franc (21 percent), and Malbec (6 percent) harmonize to produce the symphony of aromas and flavors —Warren Richard that comprise the 2013 King VWL Warren Richard and Family Meritage. Be sure to Paul Armstrong are two visit King Family Vineyards to wine enthusiasts who taste their lineup of well-craftblog at VirginiaWineTime. ed wines including the 2013 com. Follow them on Meritage, and please mention Twitter @VaWineTime. that Virginia Wine Time, now in its 10th year, sent you! VWL

2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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Win REGISTER TO

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ESCAPE

to Busch Gardens速 Food and Wine Festival Williamsburg, VA

Your prize package includes four tickets to Busch Gardens and the festival, a $50 cashless wristband, a parking pass and a one night hotel stay.

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For more information on the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival please visit www.buschgardens.com/va SPRING/SUMMER

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CORKREPORT (Continued from page 12)

Barboursville’s Best

T

he Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival (held in March) announced 163 award-winning wines in association with the Hilton Head Island International Wine Judging for 2016. Each year hundreds of wines pour in from around the world to be judged by master sommeliers, certified wine educators and other highly credentialed individuals gathered at the Sonesta Resort on Hilton Head.

This year’s top wines included a dessert wine by Barboursville Vineyards. The 2012 Paxxito, a moscato, received the Best in Show honor among its class. Not a stranger to competition, the Paxxito has been named Best in Show at two other judging events. Hilton Head’s judging was its first win in 2016.

“There is a story to be told about the rise of East Coast wineries. We had a Best in Show out of Virginia this year and many award winners from places like New York, North Carolina and Florida. It is nice to see recognition at our judging for East Coast vintners,” said Jeff Gerber, HHIWFF Executive Director.

Paxxito is created by harvesting young moscato and vidal grapes, a traditional Passito method. This captures the fruits’ acidity, but is only the first step. The grapes are allowed to air dry on racks for months to concentrate their flavors and sugars. Each vintage is fermented naturally in older barriques and enjoys a lengthy cellaring.

The moscato has a golden amber hue of an older white wine.

When opened, there is an intense bouquet of tropical fruits like pineapple and apricot, with pear, honey, and almond notes. The wine enjoys a creamy texture and is lush on the palate, with alcohol and sugar that also ensures an enduring shelf life.

r Tours

y Coach, rick

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2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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EVENTRECAP 3RD ANNUAL

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NEXT YEAR’S COVA WINEFEST, HELD JAN. 28–29, 2017

WINEFEST

A SAMPLING OF THE DOZENS OF PARTICIPATING WINERIES

A WINE-FILLED WEEKEND Sipping, Shopping and Savoring At The Coastal Virginia WineFest Thousands of wine enthusiasts gathered at the Virginia Beach Convention Center Jan. 16–17 to sample wine from 34 Virginia wineries. In between sips, guests perused a plethora of artisan crafts, delicious bites and wine accessories from various vendors throughout the day. The event included overnight hotel packages with complimentary transportation, which both visitors and locals enjoyed!

Thank you to all the Virginia wineries and cideries for participating in CoVa Winefest 2016.

AmRhein’s Wine Cellars Ankida Ridge Vineyards At hena Vineyards and Winery Belle Mount Vineyards Blue Toad Hard Cider Bl ue Valley Vineyard and Winery Bright Meadows Farm Burnley Vineyards Byrd Cellars Chateau Morrisette Chatham Vineyards

Cobbler Mountain Cellars Davis Valley Winery De lFosse Vineyards and Winery Democracy Vineyards Dog and Oyster Vineyard General’s Ridge Vineyard Good Luck Cellars Hi ll Top Berry Farm and Winery The Homeplace Vineyard Horton Vineyards James River Cellars Lake Anna Winery

Mattaponi Winery Mermaid Winery Peaks of Otter Winery Pearmund Cellars Pr ince Michel Vineyard and Winery Rockbridge Vineyards Ro semont of Virginia Stanburn Winery Va lerie Hill Vineyard & Winery Vi rginia Mountain Vineyards The Williamsburg Winery

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PERFECTPAIR

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SENSIBLE PHOTO BY DAVID UHRIN

(And Succulent)

SEAFOOD

MAKE A SEAFOOD MEAL TO REMEMBER WHILE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN MARINE HABITATS

By Angela Blue

Catch 31

eafood is among those foods that we can’t ever seem to get enough of (kind of like cheese or chocolate—or wine). This is one food category, however, where it’s especially important to be mindful when it comes to our buying and eating habits.

We’re not referring to food portions on our plates; rather, the portions of fish in our oceans. Seafood options like cod, salmon, tuna and shrimp often appear on restaurant menus, but the seemingly over-availability of these fish has destroyed fisheries, damaged marine habitats and influenced harmful seafood farming practices in foreign countries.

With the world’s fisheries stretched to the limit, it’s time for us to make choices that are more sustainable—and more sensible.

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach promotes their Sensible Seafood Program, inspiring us to only eat seafood that comes from local and sustainable sources that aren’t over-fished or harvested in environmentally destructive ways.

Learn more about the program at SensibleSeafood.com, where you can gain access to the Virginia Aquarium’s Sensible Seafood Pocket Guide, recommending which seafood is the best option, some good alternatives and seafood that should be avoided.

When you’re ready to get cooking in your kitchen at home, here are four sensible— and succulent—seafood recipes from chefs at Coastal Virginia restaurants that support local businesses and provide sensible seafood options for their patrons.

PERFECT PAIRING

Who says white is the only type to pair with seafood? The Williamsburg Winery has created two new wine offerings—a white and a red—that not only pair well with seafood dishes but also support the Sensible Seafood program through proceeds from wine sales. These limited-edition blends are sold at select Farm Fresh Supermarkets and are the perfect pairing to your next sensible seafood meal.

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PERFECTPAIR

MINI BRIOCHE CHICKPEA-CRUSTED OYSTER PO’ BOY

TERRAPIN SEA SCALLOPS

Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cups buttermilk 1 tbsp favorite red hot sauce 2 tbsp favorite spice seasoning 1 dozen oysters, shucked and drained 1 1/2 cups chickpea flour 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup celery ribbons, shaved with a peeler and stored in cold water 2 tbsp diced bell peppers 6 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Circa 1918

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 po’ boy sandwich loaves, each 4 inches long, split lengthwise (we use brioche; French or Italian loaves work fine, too) 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

RED CURRY AIOLI INGREDIENTS 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tsp red curry paste 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

METHOD

Whisk Red Curry Aioli ingredients together. Cover and refrigerate.

Combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, and 1 tbsp spice in a medium mixing bowl. Add the oysters and marinate, refrigerated, for up to 30 minutes.

In a separate medium bowl, combine the chickpea flour, all-purpose flour and remaining 1 tbsp spice mix, and stir to blend.

Combine celery ribbons and diced peppers in a bowl and toss with 2 tbsp of the Red Curry Aioli.

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy pot or deep fryer until the temperature reaches 360 F. Working in batches, remove the oysters from the buttermilk marinade and transfer them to the chickpea flour mixture. Dredge to coat, shaking to remove any excess breading. Cook the oysters in small batches in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

Using a sharp knife, cut a “V” notch out of the bread, not cutting all the way through, and pull the top piece of bread out. Brush the bread with olive oil or melted butter. Lightly grill, then spread remaining aioli on each piece. Sandwich oysters between bread, pressing gently. Place celery ribbon mixture on top. Enjoy.

Circa 1918 is located at 10367 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. 757-599-1918.

Yield: 1 serving

INGREDIENTS:

4 large scallops 1 tsp shallots, minced 1 tsp garlic, sliced 1/2 cup mushrooms, mixed variety and sliced 2 oz chicken demi-glace ½ oz béchamel 3 grams truffles, chopped fine 2 oven-dried tomatoes To taste: thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, fennel pollen, butter 3–4 sea beans

METHOD:

In a small sauté pan with olive oil, sweat shallots and garlic until soft but not browned. Add mushrooms, and sauté until cooked and lightly browned.

Add chicken demi-glace and béchamel, and mix well. Add truffles, fresh thyme, oven-dried tomatoes, salt and pepper. Reduce until sauce reaches desired consistency.

Finish with sea beans, fresh parsley and butter.

Pat scallops dry and season with fennel pollen, salt and pepper on both sides. Sear in a sauté pan with olive oil over high heat about two minutes on each side until warm in the center but not cooked through.

Spoon sauce into a dish, and place scallops on top.

Serve immediately.

Terrain is located at 3102 Holly Rd., Virginia Beach. 757-321-6688. TerrapinVB.com

COURTESY PHOTO

Recipe courtesy of Chad Martin, chef/owner of Circa 1918

COURTESY PHOTO

Recipe courtesy of Rodney Einhorn, chef/owner of Terrapin Restaurant

with red curry aioli, celery ribbons and micro mustard

CATCH 31’S CHESAPEAKE CRAB CAKES Recipe courtesy of Dan Elinan, executive chef of Catch 31 at Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Yield: 8 (4 oz) crab cakes

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound Jumbo lump Chesapeake Blue Crab meat 3 tablespoon Japanese coarse panko 1 large egg 6 tbsp mayonnaise

2 tsp Old Bay 1 tsp Colman’s mustard powder 2 tbsp minced fresh parsley 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground sea salt 2 tbsp unsalted butter

METHOD:

Whisk all but the crab meat and panko in a bowl until thoroughly blended to form a binder. Drain excess liquid from the container of crab meat and spread out on a large dish. Sprinkle the panko over the top of the crab meat, followed by the binder. Gently fold the crab mixture over itself until completely blended, being very careful not to break up the lumps. Do not squeeze it at any time.

Press the mixture into the center of the dish to form a packed dome. Cover with plastic, and allow to rest for 6 hours, refrigerated.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Once crab cake mixture has rested, remove the plastic, and form the cakes by hand, lightly “cupping” the cakes and pressing out any excess air.

Melt butter. Place formed crab cakes on a baking tray sprayed with cooking spray. Lightly brush with the melted butter, and bake for 12 minutes or until golden.

Catch 31 is located at 3001 Atlantic Ave., Virginia Beach. 757-213-3474. Catch31.com

Terrapin Restaurant

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Read ers’C hoice Award Winne r

AWAR DS

VIRGINIA W WINE LOVER BEST OF CELEBRATING VWL’S SIXTH ANNUAL READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

hich winery makes the most enjoyable viognier in the commonwealth? Where can we go for a top-notch sparkling wine? What’s the best wine event to attend? Which winery is ideal for weddings?

Who’s got the cutest wine dog?

These are just a few of the questions we asked in our most recent Best Of Readers’ Choice Poll.

And as wineries (and breweries—and distilleries) become closer to the forefront of tourism in Virginia, the answers to these questions become more important than ever. Wine lovers (from Virginia and out of state alike) not only need to know which wineries to put at the top of their must-visit list but also how to get around and where to stay once they arrive.

We received a wonderfully overwhelming response (around 28,000 votes) from you— the readers and the true Virginia wine lovers— letting us know which wineries you value as being the best of the best in a number of categories.

We raise a glass to these winners—and to all who voted—for helping to promote and appreciate the value of Virginia wine.

—The Editors

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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Best Of

STATEWIDE- WINE BEST WINERY FOR CHARDONNAY

GOLD Pearmund Cellars Pearmund Cellars is located in the beautiful foothills of eastern Fauquier County, conveniently close to Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. Their 7,500-square-foot geothermal winery and 25-acre vineyard produces chardonnay, viognier, riesling, late harvest vidal, merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, petit verdot, Ameritage and other award-winning Virginia wines.

SILVER Doukenie Winery BRONZE First Colony Winery HONORABLE MENTION Ingleside Vineyards Winery at Bull Run

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BEST WINERY FOR DESSERT WINE

GOLD First Colony Winery’s Thatch First Colony is nestled at the foothills of the Blue Ridge in the heart of Virginia Wine Country. The winery boasts breathtaking sunsets, charming old world gardens, meticulously manicured vineyards and newly renovated facilities. The warm hospitality and elegant atmosphere will make you feel like kicking back and staying awhile.

SILVER The Winery at Bull Run BRONZE Ingleside Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Cooper Vineyards Barrel Oak Winery

BEST WINERY FOR FRUIT WINE

GOLD The Winery at Bull Run Travel back in time to an 1860s setting at their conveniently located Fairfax County farm vineyard. Come for a taste of fine wine—and stay awhile for the relaxing atmosphere and generous good times—in a historical, countryside setting that engenders Olde Virginia.

SILVER Horton Vineyards BRONZE Fabbioli Cellars HONORABLE MENTION Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery Saudé Creek Vineyards

SPECIAL SECTION

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READERSCHOICEAWARDS BEST WINERY FOR RED WINE

GOLD Ingleside Vineyards Ingleside’s vineyards are located within the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace American Viticultural Area.

Within the appellation there are only 10–20 miles separating the tributaries at any given point.

The proximity to water causes less temperature variation, a milder winter and more frostfree days than most of mainland Virginia.

SILVER Little Washington Winery BRONZE Pearmund Cellars HONORABLE MENTION The Winery at Bull Run Keswick Vineyards Doukenie Winery

Readers’Choice

AWARDS AwardWinner

BEST WINERY FOR SPARKLING WINE

GOLD Trump Winery Trump Winery prides itself in making quality, terroir-driven wines from estate-grown fruit in the heart of the Monticello AVA. With an elevation range of 600 to 1,000 feet, high density plantings and an emphasis on sustainable practices, they craft sparkling, white and red wines that can compete with the best wines from around the world.

SILVER Pearmund Cellars BRONZE The Winery at Bull Run HONORABLE MENTION Ingleside Vineyards Veritas Vineyard & Winery

BEST WINERY FOR NORTON WINE

GOLD The Winery at Bull Run SILVER Horton Vineyards BRONZE Keswick Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Barrel Oak Winery New Kent Winery Rosemont of Virginia

BEST WINERY FOR MERITAGE WINE

GOLD Pearmund Cellars SILVER First Colony Winery BRONZE The Winery at Bull Run Ingleside Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Little Washington Winery

GOLD Pearmund Cellars SILVER Ingleside Vineyards BRONZE Keswick Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION The Winery at Bull Run Little Washington Winery

BEST WINERY FOR WHITE WINE BEST VIRGINIA WINE

BEST WINE BOTTLE ARTWORK

GOLD The Winery at Bull Run SILVER Little Washington Winery BRONZE Pearmund Cellars

BEST WINERY FOR VIOGNIER WINE

HONORABLE MENTION Blenheim Vineyards Ingleside Vineyards

GOLD Pearmund Cellars SILVER Ingleside Vineyards BRONZE Winery at Bull Run HONORABLE MENTION Little Washington Winery

SPECIAL SECTION

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GOLD The Winery at Bull Run SILVER Ingleside Vineyards BRONZE Little Washington Winery HONORABLE MENTION Potomac Point Winery

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READERSCHOICEAWARDS

STATEWIDE WINERIES BEST WINE DOG OVERALL

GOLD Pearmund Cellars SILVER Barrel Oak Winery BRONZE Stone Mountain Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Ingleside Vineyards Little Washington Winery

BEST WINEMAKER

GOLD Pearmund Cellars SILVER Ingleside Vineyards BRONZE Keswick Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Little Washington Winery Rosemont of Virginia

BEST WINERY

GOLD Pearmund Cellars SILVER Ingleside Vineyards BRONZE First Colony Winery HONORABLE MENTION The Winery at Bull Run Potomac Point Winery

BEST ECO-FRIENDLY/ GREEN WINERY

GOLD Cooper Vineyards Cooper Vineyards is located in Louisa, just a short drive from Richmond, Charlottesville and Fredericksburg. Enjoy daily wine tastings and weekend acoustic music on the deck or in the tasting room year round. Cooper Vineyards offers a number of wines to fit a variety of tastes and is a member of the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail.

SILVER The Winery at Bull Run BRONZE Pearmund Cellars HONORABLE MENTION North Gate Vineyard Barrel Oak Winery Little Washington Winery

BEST WINERY FOOD OFFERINGS

GOLD Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards Everything done at Pippin HIll—from creating an inviting environment for sipping and celebrating, to pouring their best wines, to serving the bounty of their garden in the simplest, tastiest way possible—reflects the essence 28

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of their special place overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, a breathtaking spot cultivated with love and care.

SILVER Potomac Point Winery BRONZE The Williamsburg Winery HONORABLE MENTION Early Mountain Vineyard Little Washington Winery

BEST WINERY FOR PICNICS GOLD Ingleside Vineyards SILVER Barrel Oak Winery BRONZE Pearmund Cellars HONORABLE MENTION The Winery at Bull Run Keswick Vineyards

BEST WINERY FOR WEDDINGS

BEST WINERY FOR SPECIAL EVENTS

GOLD Ingleside Vineyards SILVER Little Washington Winery BRONZE The Winery at Bull Run HONORABLE MENTION First Colony Winery Keswick Vineyards

2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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GOLD Ingleside Vineyards SILVER Pearmund Cellars BRONZE First Colony Winery HONORABLE MENTION The Winery at Bull Run Doukenie Winery Potomac Point Winery

BEST WINERY FOR TOURS GOLD Pearmund Cellars SILVER Ingleside Vineyards BRONZE The Winery at Bull Run HONORABLE MENTION Little Washington Winery The Williamsburg Winery

GOLD Keswick Vineyards Keswick Vineyards, established in 2000 by Al and Cindy Schornberg, is a family owned and operated winery specializing in small lots of high-quality wines that showcase the terroir of the estate. With their first vintage in 2002 winning the honor of “Best White Wine in America” at the Atlanta International Wine Summit, the Schornbergs set out to prove Virginia could also produce awardwinning reds. In 2009 they were awarded the Virginia Governor’s Cup for their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, further transforming their dream into a reality. Now, in 2016 Keswick Vineyards received their second Virginia Governor’s Cup for their 2014 Cabernet Franc Reserve. The Schornbergs are humbled and excited that their vision has evolved into a world-class vineyard and winery, with each year’s vintage better than the last.

SILVER Potomac Point Winery BRONZE The Winery at Bull Run HONORABLE MENTION Ingleside Vineyards First Colony Winery Veritas Vineyard & Winery

BEST WINERY TASTING ROOM

BEST WINERY VIEW/ OUTDOOR SPACE

GOLD Bluemont Vineyard Bluemont Vineyard was conceived in a love affair between agriculture and wine. Established in 2007, this small country winery is a natural extension of Great Country Farms (CSA) across the street. As a smallrun winery, an average of 6,000 carefully crafted cases of wine are produced each year. Discover a broad spectrum of wines with an emphasis on quality of product as well as skill, enthusiasm and artistry of the team of people creating each unique vintage.

SILVER Stone Mountain Vineyards BRONZE Keswick Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION The Winery at Bull Run Little Washington Winery

MOST ROMANTIC WINERY

GOLD Potomac Point Winery Since arriving on the Virginia wine scene in 2007, Potomac Point Winery has made quite a splash. Their Mediterranean estate will make you feel as if you’ve entered Tuscany, and this experience is only to be upscaled by their award winning wines. Only 45 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., they offer a variety of leisurely activities and events. With a selection of wine tastings, facility tours and a full bistro serving lunch and dinner, Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery is a destination in itself.

SILVER Pearmund Cellars

BRONZE Ingleside Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Keswick Vineyards First Colony Winery The Winery at Bull Run Little Washington Winery

STATEWIDE WINERY TOURISM BEST BED & BREAKFAST FOR A WINE WEEKEND

GOLD Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery Prince Michel’s location serves the Virginia day-tripper well.

Their close proximity to Richmond, Charlottesville, and Washington, D.C. affords one the luxury of a day full of memories without a lot of driving.

For those who love history, antiquing or just winery hopping, Prince Michel provides the perfect meeting place.

For history buffs, this area is packed with historic buildings and home, battlefields, and museums.

SILVER Veritas Vineyard & Winery Trump Winery HONORABLE MENTION Glass House Winery Inn on Poplar Hill

BEST CHEESE SHOP

GOLD Wegmans SILVER The Cheese Shop, Williamsburg BRONZE Cheesetique, Arlington HONORABLE MENTION Feast!, Charlottesville Thyme Market, Culpeper

BEST GOURMET SHOP FOR VIRGINIA WINE

GOLD Wegmans SILVER Once Upon A Vine, Richmond Wine Loves Chocolate, Little Washington HONORABLE MENTION Greenwood Gourmet Grocery, Crozet The Cheese Shop, Williamsburg

BEST WINE ACCESSORY SHOP

GOLD Total Wine and More SILVER Wine Loves Chocolate, Little Washington BRONZE Wegmans

SPECIAL SECTION

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READERSCHOICEAWARDS HONORABLE MENTION Galloping Grape, Warrenton

BEST VIRGINIA RESTAURANT WINE LIST

GOLD Inn at Little Washington The Inn at Little Washington is not easy to capture in words or pictures.

Its magic is more about how the place makes you feel. For some, The Inn is a romantic fantasy world far removed from the harsh realities of modern day life. For others it’s a culinary oasis akin to visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant in the European countryside.

Some are surprised—and relieved —that The Inn doesn’t take itself too seriously. Guests often remark that while the interiors could be called grand, they are also whimsical and wonderfully comfortable.

SILVER Magnolias at the Mill, Purcellville BRONZE L’Auberge Chez Francois, Great Falls HONORABLE MENTION The Wine Kitchen, Leesburg Tuscarora Mill, Leesburg

BEST WINE FESTIVAL

GOLD Vintage Virginia Wine Festival Vintage Virginia features the commonwealth’s best wine, food and music each year during a funfilled festival at Bull Run Park Special Events Center. This year’s Vintage promises to be the best in decades, with an emphasis on Virginian cuisine.

Additionally, a lineup of nearly two dozen of the Washington, D.C.-area’s favorite food trucks will be on hand, making for a perfectly balanced weekend of wine, food, friends and music.

SILVER Taste of Monticello Wine Trail BRONZE Montpelier Wine Festival, Orange HONORABLE MENTION Shenandoah Valley Wine & Jazz Festival, Staunton Virginia Wine Expo, Richmond Mount Vernon Wine Festival & Sunset Tours

BEST WINE TOUR/ LIMO COMPANY

GOLD Reston Limo Relax and spend a day with Reston Limousine—whether it’s catching the sights in New York City or sipping on a glass of award-winning chardonnay, you’ll enjoy your experience knowing your transportation will be safe and worry-free! Reston Limousine also can arrange trips and tours for your private group.

SILVER Point to Point Limousines BRONZE James River Transportation HONORABLE MENTION Arcady Vineyards Bed and Breakfast Camryn Limousine

BEST WEEKEND WINETHEMED GETAWAY SPOT GOLD Charlottesville SILVER Middleburg BRONZE Leesburg HONORABLE MENTION Purcellville Northern Neck of Virginia Washington

CENTRAL REGION

assumed the leadership of his family's long-established winemaking enterprise. Barboursville is the producer of Octagon, the most renowned red wine of Virginia.

SILVER Keswick Vineyards BRONZE Jefferson Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery First Colony Winery Cooper Vineyard

Thank you for voting us Best Eco Friendly Winery in Virginia and Best Dessert Wine Central Region!

Come visit and hear live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday

BEST WINERY FOR DESSERT WINE - CENTRAL REGION GOLD Cooper Vineyards SILVER Keswick Vineyards Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery BRONZE First Colony Winery HONORABLE MENTION Horton Vineyards Wintergreen Winery

13372 Shannon Hill Rd., Louisa, VA 23093 • 540-894-5474 • www.coopervineyards.com

BEST WINERY FOR FRUIT WINE - CENTRAL REGION

GOLD Horton Vineyards Wine lover and entrepreneur Dennis Horton began his winemaking venture with a small home vineyard in Madison County, Virginia in 1983. It did not take him long to realize that, although the Virginia summers were warm enough to ripen almost any grape variety, the humid conditions favored growing grapes with thicker skins and loose clusters. There began the search for varieties that would flourish in Virginia’s climate and had the capacity to produce some of the finest wines of the world.

SILVER Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery BRONZE Peaks of Otter Winery HONORABLE MENTION Lazy Days Winery Byrd Cellars

From Bud Break to Bottle 100% Estate Grown & Produced 100% Virginia

Thank you for voting us the Southern Region’s: Favorite Winery Best Red Wine – Cabernet Franc Best White Wine – Traminette Best Dessert Wine – Tartan

BEST WINERY FOR RED WINE - CENTRAL REGION

GOLD Barboursville Vineyards A magnificent and historic Virginia estate between Monticello and Montpelier, Barboursville was founded in 1976 by Gianni Zonin, who SPECIAL SECTION

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1050 Blackridge Rd., La Crosse, VA 23950 (434) 636-9463 • www.rosemontofvirginia.com VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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READERSCHOICEAWARDS BEST WINERY FOR SPARKLING WINE CENTRAL REGION

GOLD Trump Winery SILVER Barboursville Vineyards BRONZE Veritas Vineyard & Winery HONORABLE MENTION Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery Thibaut-Janisson Winery

BEST WINERY FOR WHITE WINE - CENTRAL REGION GOLD First Colony Winery SILVER Jefferson Vineyards Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery BRONZE Horton Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Keswick Vineyards

BEST WINERY CENTRAL REGION

GOLD Barboursville Vineyards SILVER Keswick Vineyards BRONZE First Colony Winery HONORABLE MENTION Veritas Vineyard & Winery Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery

EASTERN REGION BEST WINERY FOR DESSERT WINE EASTERN REGION

GOLD The Williamsburg Winery Across an expanse of gently rolling hills, on the southern side of Williamsburg proper is a plot filled with history, a place of quiet surroundings—home of The Williamsburg Winery. With its first wine released to critical acclaim in 1988, the winery began a tradition of fine winemaking that lives on today. Inspired by Europe’s finest estates, the winery is presided over by two generations of the Duffeler family, united by a single goal: to make wines with great character. Blending a winemaker’s passion for allowing varietals to express themselves in each vintage with the art of gracious hospitality, the winery celebrates the best of food and wine.

SILVER Ingleside Vineyards BRONZE New Kent Winery HONORABLE MENTION Gauthier Vineyard The Hague Winery 30

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BEST WINERY FOR FRUIT WINE - EASTERN REGION GOLD Saudé Creek Vineyards SILVER The Williamsburg Winery

BEST WINERY FOR DESSERT WINE - NORTHERN REGION

BEST WINERY FOR RED WINE - EASTERN REGION GOLD Ingleside Vineyards SILVER The Williamsburg Winery BRONZE Saudé Creek Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION New Kent Winery Gauthier Vineyard

BEST WINERY FOR SPARKLING WINE EASTERN REGION

GOLD Ingleside Vineyards SILVER Saudé Creek Vineyards The Williamsburg Winery BRONZE Gauthier Vineyard HONORABLE MENTION New Kent Winery

BEST WINERY EASTERN REGION

GOLD Ingleside Vineyards SILVER The Williamsburg Winery BRONZE Saudé Creek Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION New Kent Winery Gauthier Vineyards Chatham Vineyards

2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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GOLD Fabbioli Cellars The focus of this eath-friendly boutique winery has been to grow and make world class wines and share them in a comfortable, unpretentious and educational settings. The goal is always quality.

SILVER Barrel Oak Winery BRONZE The Winery at Bull HONORABLE MENTION Doukenie Winery Sunset Hills Vineyard

BEST WINERY FOR FRUIT WINE - NORTHERN REGION

GOLD Ingleside Vineyards Ingleside’s vineyards are located within the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace American Viticultural Area. Within the appellation there are only 10-20 miles separating the tributaries at any given point. The proximity to water causes less temperature variation, a milder winter and more frost-free days than most of mainland Virginia.

BEST WHITE WINE EASTERN REGION

NORTHERN REGION

GOLD Fabbioli Cellars SILVER The Winery at Bull Run BRONZE Bluemont Vineyard HONORABLE MENTION Doukenie Winery North Gate Vineyard

BEST WINERY FOR RED WINE - NORTHERN REGION GOLD Pearmund Cellars SILVER Rappahannock Cellars BRONZE Fox Meadow Winery HONORABLE MENTION The Winery at Bull

BEST WINE FOR SPARKLING WINE - NORTHERN REGION GOLD The Winery at Bull Run SILVER Sunset Hills Vineyard BRONZE Paradise Springs Winery HONORABLE MENTION The Winery at La Grange Greenhill Winery & VIneyards

BEST WINERY FOR WHITE WINE - NORTHERN REGION

GOLD Tie: Rappahannock Cellars Recognizing the promise in Virginia wines, the folks at Rappahannock moved their family’s winery from California to the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of Virginia.

With careful tending of the vineyard and exacting knowledge of the cellar, they strive to create rich, supple and elegant wines, dedicated to the winegrower’s art.

Barrel Oak Winery BOW is more than a winery. It’s a special place where hand-crafted Virginia wine pairs with friends and family.

Find fun in exploration, relaxation, and conversation. Their winery and the beautiful Piedmont countryside are your perfect backdrop for a truly memorable day.

SILVER The Winery at Bull Run BRONZE Fox Meadow Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Doukenie Winery

BEST WINERY NORTHERN REGION

GOLD Pearmund Cellars SILVER Rappahannock Cellars BRONZE Barrel Oak Winery HONORABLE MENTION The Winery at Bull Run Little Washington Winery

SHENANDOAH REGION BEST WINERY FOR DESSERT WINE SHENANDOAH REGION

GOLD Cave Ridge Vineyard Located in the foothills overlooking the Shanandoah Valley, Cave Ridge Vineyard produces wines only from grapes grown at their vineyard under sustainable farming practices.

SILVER CrossKeys Vineyards BRONZE Barren Ridge Vineyards Rockbridge Vineyard HONORABLE MENTION Veramar Vineyard Shenandoah Vineyards Virginia Mountain Vineyards

BEST WINERY FOR FRUIT WINE - SHENANDOAH REGION

GOLD North Mountain Vineyard & Winery Discover award-winning wines, exceptional mountain views and a storybook setting in the Shanandoah Valley. Experience elegant wines exclusive to their vineyard’s terror.

SILVER CrossKeys Vineyards BRONZE Virginia Mountain Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery

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BEST WINERY FOR RED WINE - SHENANDOAH REGION

GOLD CrossKeys Vineyards Situated in the heart of the Shenandoah, CrossKeys provides panoramic views of vineyards and the surrounding mountains.

CrossKeys strives to provide customers with the best in estate-grown Virginia wine.

SILVER Glen Manor Vineyards Barren Ridge Vineyards BRONZE Cave Ridge Vineyard Virginia Mountain Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Bluestone Vineyard Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery Blue Ridge Vineyard

BEST WINERY FOR SPARKLING WINE SHENANDOAH REGION

GOLD Cave Ridge Vineyard SILVER Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery BRONZE CrossKeys Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION North Mountain Vineyard & Winery

SOUTHERN REGION BEST DESSERT WINE SOUTHERN REGION

READERSCHOICEAWARDS SILVER Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery American Way Country Wines

GOLD Rosemont of Virginia Rosemont is a family-owned and operated establishment located on a 450-acre estate. They offer quality wines ranging from classic red Bordeaux style to light, sweet wines.

SILVER Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery BRONZE Hunting Creek Vineyards

BEST WINERY FOR RED WINE - SOUTHERN REGION

BEST WINERY FOR FRUIT WINE - SOUTHERN REGION

GOLD Tomahawk Mill Vineyard & Winery Tomahawk Mill Vineyard & Winery is located in a grist mill over a century old. Shortly after the grist mill closed, a vineyard was planted on the hill, and the makings of a winery began. Since that time, the winery has upgraded to a small, state-of-the-art operation producing quality wines.

GOLD Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard & Winery Bright Meadows is nestled among the rolling hills of historic Halifax County on the site of a 19th century tobacco plantation. The winery is housed in a beautifully restored barn serving seven wines and Southern hospitality.

GOLD Rosemont of Virginia SILVER Annefield Vineyards BRONZE Hunting Creek Vineyards Tomahawk Mill Vineyard & Winery

BEST SPARKLING WINE SOUTHERN REGION

BEST WINERY FOR WHITE WINE SOUTHERN REGION GOLD Rosemont of Virginia SILVER Annefield Vineyards BRONZE Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery

BEST WINERY SOUTHERN REGION GOLD Rosemont of Virginia SILVER Annefield Vineyards Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery

Foundation

BEST WINERY FOR WHITE WINE SHENANDOAH REGION

GOLD CrossKeys Vineyards SILVER Barren Ridge Vineyards BRONZE Virginia Mountain Vineyards HONORABLE MENTION Cave Ridge Vineyard

Problems?

n e v e Un Floors?

BEST WINERY SHENANDOAH REGION

GOLD Barren Ridge Vineyards Located on the Higgs family’s former apple orchard, Barren Ridge Vineyards produces a number of award-winning wines. Their 1890s apple barn has been converted into a state-of-the-art winery, preserving the original structure and wood beams.

SILVER CrossKeys Vineyards Kindred Pointe Winery

FREE Inspection & Estimate!

Could Be Foundation Problems.

877-625-1189 www.jeswork.com

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

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WESTERN REGION BEST WINERY FOR DESSERT WINEWESTERN REGION

GOLD Stanburn Winery For more than a decade, the Stanburn family has owned and operated a 10-acre vineyard in rural, scenic Patrick County. They nurture four grape varieties, including chardonnay, traminette, cabernet franc and barbera.

SILVER MountainRose Vineyard BRONZE Chateau Morrisette Winery and Restaurant HONORABLE MENTION Whitebarrel Winery

BEST WINERY FOR FRUIT WINE - WESTERN REGION

GOLD Chateau Morrisette Winery and Restaurant Situated in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia, Chateau Morrisette Winery is located at Milepost 171.5 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. They sit at 3,500 feet above sea level and offer spectacular vistas of the New River Valley and Buffalo Mountain. About an hour from Roanoke and two hours from Greensboro, Chateau Morrisette Winery and Restaurant is in Floyd County, home of the ever-popular Floydfest Music Festivals. A part of both the Mountain Road Wine Trail and Virginia’s Crooked Road Music Heritage Trail, Chateau Morrisette is an experience to savor.

SILVER Coltsfoot Winery BRONZE Whitebarrel Winery HONORABLE MENTION Brooks Mill Winery

BEST WINERY FOR RED WINE - WESTERN REGION GOLD Stanburn Winery SILVER MountainRose Vineyard BRONZE Villa Appalachia Winery Chateau Morrisette Winery and Restaurant

BEST WINERY FOR SPARKING WINE WESTERN REGION

GOLD Villa Appalaccia Winery A unique experience of Virginia wine and Virginia wineries is defined by 32

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a visit to Villa Appalaccia Winery.

They are located on the Blue Ridge Parkway close to Floyd and Stuart, Greensboro and Winston-Salem.

The Italian-inspired Villa is situated with stunning views and a relaxing environment, one mile from Chateau Morrisette Winery and 9 miles from Floyd. They predominantly grow Italian grape varieties and make award-winning Virginia wine from sangiovese, primitivo, pinot grigio, malvasia, cabernet franc, aglianico and corvina. Their vineyard is one of the few in Virginia not planted on clay but shale, remaining unique and true to the Italian heritage.

SILVER Chateau Morrisette Winery and Restaurant

BEST WINERY FOR WHITE WINE - WESTERN REGION

GOLD Stanburn Winery SILVER MountainRose Vineyard BRONZE Abingdon Vineyard & Winery HONORABLE MENTION Chateau Morrisette Winery and Restaurant Whitebarrel Winery

BEST WINERY WESTERN REGION

GOLD Chateau Morrisette Winery and Restaurant SILVER Stanburn Winery BRONZE MountainRose Vineyard HONORABLE MENTION Villa Appalachia Winery Whitebarrel Winery

BREWERIES, CIDERIES & DISTILLERIES BEST STATEWIDE CRAFT BREWERY

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BEST STATEWIDE SEASONAL CRAFT BEER

GOLD Blue Mountain Brewery’s Dark Hollow Opened in 2007 as the first brewery in Nelson County, Blue Mountain Brewery is a unique destination in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

All their ales and lagers are brewed, bottled, canned and kegged onsite in Afton or down the road in Arrington at their new Blue Mountain Barrel House.

SILVER AleWerks Brewing Company’s Pumpkin Ale BRONZE Hardywood’s Gingerbread Stout HONORABLE MENTION Heritage Brewing Company’s The Battle of White Marsh

BEST STATEWIDE DISTILLERY

GOLD Devils Backbone Brewing Company One might say the spark for the idea behind the brewery happened about 20 years ago in Cortina, Italy. Co-founders, Steve and Heidi Crandall were on a ski trip and were introduced to a German beer called Weihenstephan. This first real “craft” beer experience started a trend in the Crandall household, planting the seed that slowly grew into an idea and then bloomed to become Devils Backbone Brewing Company.

2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

SILVER Blue Mountain Brewery BRONZE Old Bust Head Brewing Co. HONORABLE MENTION Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Port City Brewing Co.

GOLD Catoctin Creek Catoctin Creek® Distilling Company was founded by Becky and Scott Harris in 2009 as the first legal distillery in Loudoun County since before Prohibition.

They are located in Purcellville, in the heart of the Loudoun Valley.

Loudoun County, often called D.C.’s Wine Country, is home to more than 20 vineyards and wineries, and it now has a distillery.

SILVER A. Smith Bowman Distillery BRONZE Copper Fox Distillery

HONORABLE MENTION Silverback Distillery Silver Fox Great Dismal Distillery Old House

BEST NORTHERN REGION CIDERY

GOLD Cobbler Mountain Cellars Cobbler Moutain Cellars produces a number of award-winning wines. Among them—a hard apple cider created with a zip and zing of cider and local honey blend.

SILVER Winchester Cider Works BRONZE Corcoran Vineyards and Cidery

BEST SHANANDOAH REGION CIDERY GOLD Old Hill Hard Cider

BEST WESTERN REGION CIDERY

GOLD Foggy Ridge Cider Foggy Ridge Cider began in 1997 with a cider apple orchard in the Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains. Founder Diane Flynt “grows ingredients”—bitter acidic apples like Hewe’s Crab, Harrison, Tremlett’s Bitter, Asmead’s Kernel and Dabinett, all full of complex flavor. The Foggy Ridge crew crafts traditional cider apples into fine cider using all the skill and expertise of modern fermentation.

BEST CENTRAL REGION CIDERY

GOLD Bold Rock Cider SILVER Albemarle Cider Works BRONZE Castle Hill Cidery HONORABLE MENTION Blue Bee Cider Potter's Craft Cider

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WELCOME TO

V L I R A G T I S NIA A O C one of America’s most scenic and historic travel destinations.

COASTAL VIRGINIA ATTRACTIONS A1

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SAILING HARBOR CRUISES 2 Hour Narrated Harbor Tours & Sunset Cruises Depart from Norfolk's Waterside.

Since 1986

(757) 627-7245

Group Rates and Private Parties Available.

www.americanrover.com

D O W N TO W N N O R F O L K WAT E R F R O N T

NAVAL BASE CRUISES “Your Front Row Seat To The Naval Fleet”

#1 on TripAdvisor

(757) 627-7406

www.navalbasecruises.com

2 Hour Narrated Cruises Depart Depart from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin.

Explore-Live-Enlighten at Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. Association for Research and Enlightenment

Tools for Wellness, Spiritual Growth, and Personal Empowerment for more than 100 years!

Metaphysical Library • Bookstore and Gift Shop • Holistic Health Center & Spa Cayce/Miller Café • Free Daily Lecture, Tour, and Film • ESP Testing • Meditation Garden Stone Labyrinth • Conferences • Weekend Workshops • Psychic Fairs

215 67th St. and Atlantic Avenue Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-428-3588 • 800-333-4499 • Spa: 757-457-7202 EdgarCayce.org • AREHealth.org

10% OFF

your total purchase at the A.R.E. Bookstore. Valid through 5/31/17

$10 OFF 1-hour massage at the A.R.E. Spa. Valid through 5/31/17 May not be combined with any other discount.

Ask for your FREE BOOK at the Visitor Center desk!

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COASTAL VIRGINIA ATTRACTIONS

Coastal Virginia Attractions

The Coastal Virginia Tourism Alliance welcomes you to one of America’s most scenic and historic travel destinations. The Coastal Virginia region is comprised of the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Smithfield/Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Yorktown, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Virginia’s Eastern Shore. All are accessible by major interstate highway systems, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and two major airports in Norfolk and Newport News both served by low fare airlines. Coastal Virginia makes a perfect vacation destination for those seeking clean beaches, outdoor recreation, fascinating history, fine arts culture, thrilling events and festivals, exciting theme parks, abundant shopping, world-class fishing and coastal cuisine.

We offer an experience for every kind of traveler. Beach lovers revel on the Virginia Beach oceanfront. History buffs are inspired by the past in Williamsburg, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Hampton, Newport News and Smithfield/Isle of Wight.

Chesapeake and Suffolk are both entry points to the vast nature of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Virginia’s Eastern Shore offers pristine coastal plains perfect for bird watching as well as NASA rocket launches. In addition, museums and the arts abound throughout the region and it is home to the world renowned Virginia Arts Festival. You’ll also have a chance to “salute” our military. We are the home to the world’s largest naval base!

This just touches on what you can see and do in Coastal Virginia. We hope you get a chance to experience it all. We are glad you are here to “Sea Our History”!

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Our area’s major attractions listings are presented on the following pages.

AMERICAN ROVER Norfolk Harbor Sailing Cruises

Set Sail aboard this 125 passenger Sailing Schooner.

Offering daytime and sunset harbor cruises on the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and the Port of Virginia. Help hoist the sails, take a turn at the helm, or just relax and enjoy the Captain’s tour. Seating is available on the shaded upper deck. Our air-conditioned below deck area has ship store, bar and rest rooms. Private charters and special event cruises available. Departing Waterside Marina in Downtown Norfolk. Call 757-627-7245 or visit www.AmericanRover.com. Sailing April through October.

EDGAR CAYCE’S A.R.E.

Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E.– Association for Research and Enlightenment, Inc. Come explore the fascinating work of famed psychic Edgar Cayce, the “sleeping prophet” and “father of holistic medicine.”

Free daily film, tour, and lecture on dreams, intuition, holistic health and more. Our campus includes a metaphysical library, Bookstore & Gift Shop, meditation garden, stone labyrinth, Health Center & Spa, and an onsite café.

The renovated Health Center & Spa has treatment rooms overlooking the ocean offering holistic services including the Cayce/Reilly® massage, chiropractic services, and hydrotherapy sessions. We also offer ESP testing, astrology charts, psychic fairs, and conferences with world-renowned presenters.

Learn more at EdgarCayce.org.

HAMPTON This is Hampton

Hampton, the 400-year old city located in the heart of Coastal Virginia, is multi-faceted; rich in Civil War history, African American heritage, water recreation, and abundant shopping and dining opportunities. The Hampton History Museum is a great place to begin your explorations. The museum introduces Hampton’s 400-year history in its galleries, interpreting the city’s role in pivotal American decisions and milestones. The Hampton Visitor Center shares this location so you can gather great information on the sites you wish to explore and purchase money-saving admission tickets. The Sea to Stars Ticket, for example, combines admission to the Virginia Air & Space Center, an IMAX film, a ride on the Hampton Carousel, a cruise aboard the Miss Hampton II and admission to the Hampton History Museum for one low price. Buy adult tickets for $39 and youth tickets for $25. The Virginia Air & Space Center features more than 100 flight simulators and hands-on exhibits of air and space innovations. The Riverside 3D IMAX Theater presents digital feature films and documentaries on a five-story screen. Next door, the Hampton Carousel spins visitors on hand-carved horses and chariots built in 1920 by European artisans.

Fort Monroe visitors are encouraged to cross the moat encircling the stone fort to explore the Casemate Museum and many historic landmarks and to climb the fort walls to enjoy the spectacular view of the harbor.

See the cell where Jefferson Davis was held at the conclusion of the Civil War. A tour aboard the Miss Hampton II reveals Fort Monroe’s companion fortification, Fort Wool, located across the channel at Hampton Roads’ entrance. The Miss Hampton II harbor Continued on page A4

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Authentic Indian Fare With Unique Flair

• Full Bar • Catering Services • Chicken, Lamb, Seafood & Vegetarian • Lunch (Buffet) & Dinner Daily

tour boat and the Ocean Eagle fishing boat are located nearby along the Hampton waterfront.

Hampton University Museum, founded in 1868, has a collection of more than 9,000 works of contemporary art and artifacts spanning African, African-American, Pan-American and Native-American cultures. You can explore the campus with one of several Smartphone tours available at VisitHampton.com or learn about the campus’ and city’s remarkable past through interpretive historic markers located on the campus and throughout Hampton. You are also sure to adore the unique dining and shopping in Downtown Hampton, Phoebus and in Coliseum Central. There’s no shortage of fun and adventure. After all, This is Hampton! For visitor information call 800-800-2202, 757-727-1102 or come to VisitHampton.com.

JAMESTOWN SETTLEMENT, YORKTOWN VICTORY CENTER

Living-History Museums Chronicle Nation’s Beginnings

nawabonline.com NORFOLK 888 N. Military Hwy (757) 455-8080 WILLIAMSBURG 204 Monticello Ave. (757) 565-3200

VIRGINIA BEACH 756 First Colonial Rd. (757) 491-8600 NEWPORT NEWS 11712 Jefferson Ave. (757) 591-9200

A hands-on history experience awaits visitors at two Williamsburg area museums that explore the nation’s beginnings. At Jamestown Settlement, gallery exhibits chronicle 1600s Virginia in the context of its Powhatan Indian, English and African cultures, complementing historical interpretation at outdoor re-creations of a Powhatan Indian village, the three ships that brought America’s first permanent English colonists in 1607, and colonial fort. The story of the American Revolution, from the beginnings of colonial unrest to the formation of the new nation, unfolds at the Yorktown Victory Center through indoor exhibits and outdoor re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-period farm. The museums are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except Christmas and New Year’s days. For more information call 888-593-4682 or visit www.historyisfun.org.

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MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM

A true treasure of Virginia Beach, the Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of military aircraft. These vintage WWI and WWII aircraft, such as our Curtiss JN-4 Jenny, Messerschmitt Bf-109, P-51 Mustang, de Havilland Mosquito and Spitfire, have been restored to their original flying condition. See these living pieces of history fly at our annual WWII air show in May, Flying Proms in June and WWI show in October. Visit us at 1341 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach or call 757-721-7767. www.MilitaryAviationMuseum.org

NAUTICUS

This maritime-themed science museum, on the downtown Norfolk waterfront, offers a fun and exciting educational experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to its largest artifact—The Battleship Wisconsin—unique features of this 120,000-square-foot facility include hands-on exhibits, touch tanks, 3D movies, and more. Plus, walk the decks of history with a self-guided deck tour of the Battleship Wisconsin—one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy—and see the wardroom, and officers’ quarters, berthing units, chapel and other areas. Guided tours of additional ship areas are available for an additional fee.

While onsite at Nauticus, be sure to check out Our Mighty Seaport, an exhibit exploring maritime commerce as well as Guns, Sweat, and Gears: Anatomy of a Battleship, with its enormous gun devices, tools, and personal mementos from the Battleship Wisconsin. Step inside the Clelia, an underwater exploration submersible, and control an actual 9-foot long robotic arm to collect samples and artifacts from the seabed and examine Science on a Sphere, a six-foot globe displaying weather phenomena around the world.

Don’t leave without a visit to Dockside Café or the Banana Pier Gift Shop for great nautical gifts. Call 757-664-1000 or visit Nauticus.org for hours and admission fees.

NEWPORT NEWS

The Mariners’ Museum The Mariners’ Museum, America’s National Maritime Museum, is filled with fascinating stories, captured in the priceless artifacts that celebrate the spirit of the open sea. Explore small craft from around the world. Discover the USS Monitor Center, home to the Civil War ironclad’s iconic gun turret, where the

incredible story of her creation, battle, sinking and recovery are told in vivid detail. View maritime art, handcrafted ship models and rare figureheads. Experience a 3D film in the Explorers Theater. Located in a 550-acre park, visitors can hike the 5-mile Noland Trail, picnic Continued on page A8

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SPECIAL SECTION at Lions Bridge overlooking the tranquil James River or rent a paddle boat and explore Lake Maury. For information on exhibitions, events, educational programs and hours of operation, visit MarinersMuseum.org or call 800-581-7245.

Virginia Living Museum Virginia Living Museum – celebrating 50 years of connecting people to nature!

View endangered red wolves. Get close to a loggerhead turtle and jellyfish. Touch live spider crabs and fossilized dinosaur tracks. Living exhibits depict Virginia’s natural heritage from the mountains to the sea.

See animals living in a cypress swamp, mountain cove and beneath the

Chesapeake Bay. Touch famous Bay creatures. Enjoy hands-on activities.

Travel the galaxies in the planetarium theater. Outdoors, stroll the boardwalk to view animals in naturalized habitats. Explore an extensive collection of native plants and green living exhibits. Young kids enjoy role play as an animal keeper/vet and the Nature Playground. Explore supersized animatronic bugs through April 17, roaring animatronic dinosaurs May 7 – Sept. 5, plus enjoy special anniversary events.

NORFOLK VISITNORFOLK

With 144 miles of shoreline, there’s so much to do while visiting Norfolk, Virginia. Take a tour of the Elizabeth River harbor on a majestic tall ship, sip on some of the best wines around at Mermaid Winery, Virginia’s very first urban winery, try delicious beers at local breweries or watch world-renowned artists blow glass at the Chrysler Museum Glass Studio.

Hungry? Norfolk has become well-known for its wide variety of cuisine and is home to more than 80 chef-owned restaurants in the downtown area, many featuring Virginia wine and Virginia-grown produce and meat. Downtown isn’t the only place to find eclectic entrees. A host of restaurants dot the streets of Ghent, the historic Freemason district, Ocean View and other areas of the city.

If history is your thing, sign up for a boat or land tour of the world’s largest Naval Base, stop by the MacArthur Memorial, or walk the Cannonball Trail. You can jam out to some of the nation’s best music at the NorVa, named “Venue that Rocks” the hardest by Rolling Stone

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Set Sail for a bygone era aboard The Yorktown Schooners

Serenity & Alliance magazine. There are antique shops, coffee houses & galleries galore in the hip, historic Ghent district just a few minutes from downtown. There is truly something for everyone here! For additional information, call 800-368-3097, or visit www.visitnorfolktoday.com.

Pirate Adventure Cruises

Late March to September $37 Adults, $22 kids

2 Hour Sightseeing Cruises

Late March thru Early November Morning, Afternoon and Sunset Sails

Departing from Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown.

Call 844.724.5956 or visit www.sailyorktown.com

NORFOLK SOUTHERN

Clothing, tools, locomotive and train parts, maps, and advertisements are among the more than 500 artifacts dating to the 1830s showcased in the Norfolk Southern Museum. Exhibits include a locomotive simulator, a 900-pound railroad coupler, photographs of workers past and present, and diagrams used to teach hand signals and lantern use to railroad trainees.

The history of Norfolk Southern belongs not only to the company, but to the communities it serves and to generations of workers. Norfolk Southern’s history has shaped its path as one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, with 20,000 route miles in 22 states.

SPIRIT OF NORFOLK Cruising Year-Round From Downtown

Get ready for the time of your life. Step aboard the Spirit of Norfolk and come alive for an afternoon or evening of all-out fun.

You’ll dine and dance to live DJ entertainment while being dazzled by skyline sights and a close-up look at the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet. Choose from fun-filled lunches, dinners and midnight cruises. Details and tickets, www.spiritofnorfolk.com or 866-211-3803. Advance reservations strongly recommended.

SCHOONERS ALLIANCE AND SERENITY

A10 COASTAL VIRGINIA ATTRACTIONS

Join the Yorktown Schooners Alliance and Serenity and step back into history as you sail the York River past the battlefield where our country won its independence. Lend a hand at setting sail, look for dolphins and osprey, or relax with a beverage from our ship’s galley. For families, try the Pirate Adventure Cruise. Kids will join the pirate crew and help raise the sails, steer the schooner, tie a knot and fire the cannon. Both ships also available for private charters and special events. Sailing daily late March to early November. Advance reservations recommended. For schedule and tickets, visit www.sailyorktown.com. 844-724-5956.

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SUFFOLK

Small town charm and big city amenities converge in Suffolk, Virginia. Our historic downtown blends unique boutiques and shoppes with award-winning restaurants. Anchored by the Suffolk Visitor Center, Main Street is lined with historic homes and churches. Suffolk boasts year-round family-friendly events.

Discover the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge—112,000 acres of untouched wilderness. You’ll love our swamp safaris, canoe excursions, ghost walks and lantern tours. Kayak or fish in 8,000 acres of lakes and rivers. Golf one of our five championship golf courses. Take the plunge and skydive! Explore Riddick’s Folly House Museum where Union Army officers left behind penciled graffiti that is still legible today. Our 1885 passenger station is now Seaboard Station Railroad Museum. Visit the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts, a professional performing arts theater. 757-514-4130. VisitSuffolkVa.com.

VICTORY ROVER

NAVAL BASE CRUISES ABOARD THE VICTORY ROVER Your front row seat to the Naval Fleet.

Two Hour Narrated Cruises depart daily from Nauticus, home of the Battleship Wisconsin in Downtown Norfolk. The Captain provides a fascinating commentary as passengers cruise the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River. See one of the world’s busiest sea ports including the world’s largest naval base, home of the Atlantic Fleet: Destroyers, Cruisers, Submarines, Aircraft Carriers and more.

Up to 150 guests enjoy comfortable seating, air conditioned enclosed deck, shaded upper deck, and snack bar. Call 757-627-7406 or www.navalbasecruises.com.

Cruising March - December.

VIRGINIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME

Whether it is with a large school group or a family visit, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame & Museum is home to many memorable exhibits and full of interactive fun. A basketball court, sports complex, racing simulators and a radio announcing booth await you! The Museum also hosts many special events, birthday parties, galas and weddings.

For more information, visit the Museum’s website at www.vshfm.com or follow them on Facebook or Twitter (@VSHFM).

THE VIRGINIA ZOO

Journey to mysterious places inhabited by exotic animals from around the world–without leaving Hampton Roads! Discover lions, bears, elephants, gibbons, giraffes, colorful birds and more! Watch the red panda climb through the trees just above your head. Pet the animals in the ZooFarm. Enjoy a stroll or ride the Zoo train among the themed gardens and beautiful landscaping.

The Virginia Zoo provides education and entertainment for people of all ages, and the Zoo is home to more than 400 animals on 53 beautifully landscaped acres. Exhibits encourage the animals’ natural behavior, provide information about their habitats, what they eat and their worldwide conservation status.

Visiting the Virginia Zoo is a fantastic thing to do with family and friends, and it’s a terrific value! Admission is $11 for adults, $9 for children (ages 2-11) and $10 for seniors (62+). Children under two get in FREE! The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major winter holidays. For more information, visit www.virginiazoo.org.

HISTORIC YORKTOWN

Travel back in time, then savor the present at this year-round destination for history, shopping, outdoor recreation, fine dining and special events.

Relive the pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War. Visit historic homes, museums, and battlefields by foot or enjoy a guided Segway tour through town. Set sail on Yorktown’s Schooners Alliance and Serenity. Shop in specialty stores, enjoy a wine or beer dinner, play on the riverfront, and dine in one-of-a-kind restaurants. Come for a day, a weekend or longer.

757-890-3300 or www.visityorktown.org.

A12 COASTAL VIRGINIA ATTRACTIONS

Left to Right: “Woo Woo” and Barry McKay with 94.9 The Point.

Mike Powers with 94.9 The Point, Don London with 2WD, Chad King and Ian Axel from A Great Big World, David Cook

Grace Potter

National Artists, World-Class Virginia Wine, Breathtaking Vineyard Views,

One Unforgettable Experience.

Uncorked and Unplugged in Williamsburg, VA, June 12, 2016

“The Point has always held a contest and 94.9 The Point and The Williamsburg Winery present Uncorked and Unplugged sent winners out there twice a year,” says Barry McKay, Program Director and Onon Sunday, June 12. This is the third Air Personality for WPTE installment of this unique Uncorked and 94.9 FM, The Point. “I’ve wine and music experience.

Last year’s events featured Unplugged at the attended the event a couple renowned artists: Grace Williamsburg Winery of times, and the last time Potter, A Great Big World, will Feature World- I was there I was thinking, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if we Andrew McMahon in the Class Vino and could do something like this Wilderness and two AmerAcoustic Vibes in Coastal Virginia?’ Live in ican Idol winners: David the Vineyard East, if you will. About that Cook and Nick Fradiani. “Uncorked time, we had developed a relaand Unplugged is an intimate pairing tionship with Michael and The of great wine and great music,” says Williamsburg Winery, and the Michael Kimball, Marketing Director idea just took off.” of The Williamsburg Winery. “It’s a Uncorked and Unplugged 2016, fantastic way for our fans and will take place Sunday, June 12th listeners of The Point to experience in the afternoon at The WilVirginia wine and national recording liamsburg Winery. Tickets and artists in a beautiful vineyard setting.” special packages, along with a full The idea for Uncorked and Unplugged lineup of featured artists, will be was inspired by an annual event held available at pointradio.com. on the West Coast called “Live in the Interested in making a weekVineyard,” a four-day music and wine end out of it? In addition to affair held in California’s Napa Valley.

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the winery, which will be open for tours and tastings that weekend, the property is home to two restaurants – the Gabriel Archer Tavern and Café Provencal - as well as a 28-room boutique hotel, Wedmore Place. For more information, please visit williamsburgwinery.com “The really great thing about Uncorked and Unplugged is that it’s an up-closeand-personal experience for the guests as well as the artists – it’s something that’s not replicated in our area.”

3/15/16 1:12 PM

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Winchester

M A R Y L A N D CLARKE WARREN 81

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VIRGINIAWINERY&CIDERYLISTINGS NORTHERN

NORTHERN

SHENANDOAH

SHENANDOAH EASTERN

EASTERN

CENTRAL

CENTRAL

WESTERN

WESTERN

WESTERN REGION

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B-7 Abingdon Vineyard & Winery Abingdon – 276-623-1255

I-2

612 Vineyard Berryville – 540-535-6689

E-6 Beliveau Estate Winery E-6 AmRhein Wine Cellars Bent Mountain – 24059 Blacksburg – 9243 Patterson Drive 540-961-0505 540-929-4632 D-7 Blacksnake Meadery amrheins.com Dugspur – Thurs-Mon 11am-5pm 540-834-6172 See our ad on pg. 13 E-6 Brooks Mill Winery Wirtz – 540-721-5215

D-7 Chateau Morrisette Winery Floyd – 24091 287 Winery Rd Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 171.5 540-593-2865 thedogs.com Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm See our ad on pg. 9 B-7 Coltsfoot Winery Abingdon – 888-685-8750 C-7 Davis Valley Winery & Vineyard Rural Retreat – 276-686-8855 E-6 Firefly Hill Vineyards Elliston – 540-529-5814 D-7 Foggy Ridge Cider Dugspur – 276-398-2337 D-6 JBR Vineyards & Winery Radford 540-250-7291 A-6 Mountain Rose Vineyards Wise – 276-328-2013 C-7 Mt. Vale Vineyards Galax – 276-238-9946 B-6 Plum Creek Winery Tazwell – 276-988-9792 C-7 Rural Retreat Winery & Dye’s Vineyards Rural Retreat – 276-686-8300 E-7 Stanburn Winery Stuart – 276-694-7074

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spring/summer

G-3 Old Hill Cider Timberville – 540-896-7582

H-3 Berry Hill Vineyard Flint Hill – 540-675-2205

I-2

G-4 Ox Eye Vineyards Staunton – 540-849-7926

I-2

H-3 Gadino Cellars Washington – 540-987-9292

F-4 Rockbridge Vineyard Raphine – 540-377-6204

Blue Valley Vineyard & Winery Delaplane – 540-364-2347

I-2

G-3 Shenandoah Vineyard Edinburgh – 540-984-8699

Bluemont Vineyard Bluemont – 540-554-8439

I-2

Bogati Bodega & Vineyard Round Hill – 540-338-1144

I-2

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery Bluemont – I-2 540-554-4547

H-2 Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery Stephens City – 540-869-9567

G-4 Barren Ridge Vineyards Fishersville – E-6 Valhalla Vineyards 540-248-3300 Roanoke – 540-725-9463 E-5 Blue Ridge Vineyard Eagle Rock – I-2 Veramar Winery 540-798-7642 Berryville – 540-955-5510 G-3 Bluestone Vineyard Bridgewater – E-5 Virginia Mountain 540-828-0099 Vineyards Fincastle – 24060 G-3 Cave Ridge Vineyard 4204 Old Fincastle Rd Mt. Jackson – 540-473-2979 540-477-2585 ww.vmvines.com Wed-Sun 12am-6pm H-2 Cedar Creek Winery See our ad on pg. 4 Star Tannery – 540-436-8394 H-2 Wicked Oak Farms & Vineyard G-3 Cross Keys Vineyards Star Tannery – Mt. Crawford – 571-201-2963 540-234-0505 E-5 Fincastle Vineyard & Winery Fincastle – 540-591-9000

G-3 The Winery at Kindred Point Mount Jackson – 540-477-3570

H-2 Fox Meadow Winery Linden – 540-636-6777

H-3 Wisteria Farm & Vineyard Stanley – 540-742-1489

H-2 Glen Manor Vineyard Front Royal – 540-635-6324

G-4 Hunt’s Vineyard Stuarts Draft – 540-942-8689

NORTHERN

EASTERN

F-4 Jump Mountain Vineyard Rockbridge Baths – 540-348-6730 F-5 Lexington Valley Vineyards Rockbridge Baths – 540-462-2974 H-3 Luray Caverns Vineyard Luray – 540-743-6551

H-2 North Mountain Mauertown – 540-436-9463

I-1 I-2 I-2

50 West Vineyards Middleburg 540-882 4560

Gray Ghost Vineyards Amissville – 540-937-4869

H-3 Greenhill Winery & Vineyards Middleburg 540-687-6968 Grey Horse Vineyards Midland – 540-788-4620

I-2

Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg Middleburg – 703-348-2458

I-3

Hartwood Winery Fredericksburg – 540-752-4893

I-1

Hidden Brook Winery Leesburg – 703-737-3935

I-1

Hiddencroft Vineyards Lovettsville – 540-535-5367

H-2 Capitol Vineyards Delplane – 540-364-6249 I-2

Cardamon Family Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-9018

I-1

I-2

Carroll Vineyards Leesburg – 703-777-3322

Hillsborough Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-6216

I-2

I-2

Casanel Vineyards Leesburg – 540-751-1776

Hunter’s Run Winery Hamilton – 703-926-4183

I-4

Lake Anna Winery Spotsylvania – 540-895-5085

I-2

Leaves of Grass Vineyards Middleburg – 540-364-1997

Catoctin Creek Winery Purcellville – 540-668-7707

H-2 Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint Markham – 540-364-6441 H-2 Chester Gap Cellars Front Royal – 540-636-8086 I-2

Chrysalis Vineyards Middleburg – 540-687-8222

H-2 Cobbler Mountain Cellars Delaplane – 540-364-2802

H-2 Linden Vineyards Linden 540-364-1997 H-3 Little Washington Winery Washington – 540-987-8330 I-2

Loudoun Valley Vineyards Waterford – 540-882-3375

I-3

Maggie Malick Wine Caves Purcellville – 540-668-6042

868 Estate Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-7008

Corcoran Vineyards Waterford – 540-882-9073

I-1 Magnolia Vineyards & Winery Amissville – 703-785-8180

I-1

8 Chains North Winery Waterford – 571-439-2255

Creek’s Edge Winery Lovettsville – 540-822-3825

H-3 Maidstone Meadery Stevensburg – 703-303-2090

I-2

I-3

Above Ground Winery Purcellville – 540-579-4467

Crushed Cellars Purcellville – 571-374-WINE (9463)

Marterella Wineries Warrenton – 540-347-1119

I-2

Delaplane Cellars Delaplane – 540-592-7210

I-4

Mattaponi Winery Spotsylvania – 540-582-2897

I-3

Mediterranean Cellars Warrenton – 540-428-1984

I-2

Miracle Valley Vineyards Delaplane – 540-364-0228

I-3

Molon Lave Vineyards Warrenton – 540-439-5460

I-3

Morais Vineyards Bealeton – 703-369-2241

H-2 Aspen Dale Winery Delaplane – 540-364-6178

I-2

I-3

I-1

H-2 Arterra Wines Delaplane – 540-422-3443

I-2

Granite Heights Orchard & Winery Warrenton – 540-349-5185

I-3

CENTRAL

I-2

I-2

Breaux Vineyards Hillsboro – 540-668-6299

WESTERN

NORTHERN REGION

Fabbioli Cellars Leesburg – 703-771-1197

I-1

I-1

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H-2 James Charles Winery Winchester 540-931-4386

Boxwood Estate Winery Middleburg – 540-687-8778

H-3 Castle Gruen Vineyards & Winery Locust Dale – 540-229-2498

G-2 Wolf Gap Vineyard & Winery Edinburgh – H-3 Guilford Ridge Vineyard 540-984-3306 Luray – 540-778-3853

D-7 Villa Appalaccia Winery H-2 Miller Winery Floyd – Front Royal – 540-358-0357 540-692-1411 B-7 Vincent’s Vineyard H-1 Misty Mountain Lebanon – Meadworks 276-889-2505 Winchester – 540-888-4420 E-6 Webster C Hall Vineyards H-2 Mountain View Callaway – Vineyard 540-761-9545 Stratsburg – 540-635-5369 C-7 West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery H-2 Muse Vineyards Max Meadows – Woodstock – 276-699-2020 540-459-7033 D-6 Whitebarrel Winery Christiansburg – 24073 540-382-7619

Business Name – Inidicates Advertiser

The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards Hamilton – 540-338-5309 Barrel Oak Winery Delaplane – 540-364-6402

H-2 Desert Rose Ranch & Winery Hume – 540-635-3200 I-2

Doukenie Winery Purcellville – 540-668-6464

I-2

Dry Mill Vineyards Winery Leesburg – 703-737-3930

I-4

Eden Try Estate Winery 6818 River Road – 540-786-0037

H-2 Naked Mountain Vineyard Markham – 540-364-1609 H-3 Narmada Winery Amissville – 540-937-8215 I-2

North Gate Vineyard Purcelleville – 540-668-6248

I-1

Notaviva Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-6756

I-1

Nova Ridge Vineyards Waterford – 571-437-5686

I-3

Old House Vineyards Culpeper – 540-423-1032

I-2

Otium Cellars Purcellville – 540-338-2027

I-3

Paradise Springs Winery Clifton – 703-830-9463

I-2

Pearmund Cellars Broad Run – 20137 6190 Georgetown Road 540-347-3475 pearmundcellars.com Daily 10am-6pm.

All other times by appointment.

See our ad on pg. 3

H-2 Philip Carter Winery Hume – 540-964-1203 J-3

Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery Stafford – 540-446-2266

I-2

Quattro Gombas Winery Aldie – 703-327-6052

H-3 Quievremont Wine Washington – 540-987-3192 H-2 Rappahannock Cellars Huntly – 540-635-9398 I-2

RdV Vineyards Delaplane – 540-364-0221

I-3

Rogers Ford Farm Winery Sumerduck – 540-439-3707

I-4

Sassafras Shade Vineyard Ruther Glen – 804-596-0179

H-3 Sharp Rock Vineyards Sperryville – 540-987-8020 I-2

Stone House Meadery Purcellville – 540-338-5283

I-2

Stone Tower Winery Leesburg – 703-777-2797

I-2

Sunset Hills Vineyard Purcellville – 540-882-4560

I-1

Tarara Winery Leesburg – 703-771-7100

H-2 Three Fox Vineyards Delaplane – 540-364-6073 I-2

Two Twisted Posts Winery Purcellville – 540-668-6540

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VIRGINIAWINERY&CIDERYLISTINGS

Business Name – Inidicates Advertiser H-4 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

I-3

Unicorn Winery Amissville – 540-349-5885

L-5 Holly Grove Vineyards Franktown 757-442-2844

I-2

Village Winery Waterford – 540-882-3780

J-4

I-3

Vint Hill Craft Winery Vint Hill – 703-991-0191

I-2

The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek Leesburg 703-443-9836

I-3

Wilderness Run Vineyards Spotsylvania – 540-841-2598

I-2

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Leesburg – 703-777-8161

J-4 Ingleside Vineyards Oak Grove – 22443 5872 Leedstown Road H-4 Blenheim Vineyards 804-224-8687 Charlottesville – inglesidevineyards.com 434-293-5366 Year round: MonI-5 Blue Bee Cider Sat,10am-5pm.

Richmond – Sun,12pm-5pm.

804-231-0280 Summer hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm.Sun,12pmI-5 Bodie Vineyards 6pm.

Powhatan – See our ad on pg. 29 804-598-2625 K-5 Jacey Vineyards G-4 Bold Rock Cider Wicomico Church – Nellysford – 804-580-4053 434-361-1030 K-7 Mermaid Winery G-5 Brent Manor Vineyards Norfolk – Faber 757-233-4155 434-826 - 0722 J-4 Monroe Bay Vineyard H-3 Brightwood Eastern Region Vineyard & Farm Colonial Beach Brightwood – 978-494-6311 540-717-2165 J-5 New Kent Winery H-4 Burnley Vineyards New Kent County – & Daniel Cellars 804-932-8240 Barboursville – 540-832-2828 J-4 Oak Crest Winery King George – H-5 Byrd Cellars 540–663–2813 Goochland – 804-652-5663 L-7 Pungo Ridge Winery Virginia Beach – G-4 Cardinal Point 757-426-1665 Vineyard & Winery Afton – J-5 Saudé Creek Vineyards 540-456-8400 New Kent– 804-966-5896 H-4 Castle Hill Cider Keswick – K-4 Vault Field Vineyards 434-971-8887 Kinsale – 804-472-4430 I-1 Terra Nebulo Vineyards Waterford K-6 Williamsburg Winery 540-882-3800 Williamsburg – 23185 5800 Wessex Hundred H-4 Chateau MerrillAnne 757-229-0999 Orange – williamsburgwinery.com 540-656-6177 Wine tours daily G-6 Chateau Z Vineyard 10:30am-5pm.

Lynchburg – Wine shop 10am-6pm.

434-455-4485 See our ad on pg. 15

H-2 Winding Road Cellars Fauquier – 540-364-1025 I-2

Winery 32 Leesburg – 301-943-9995

I-2

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

I-2

I-2

The Winery at La Grange Haymarket – 703-753-9360 Zephaniah Farm Vineyard Leesburg – 703-431-2016 NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

EASTERN REGION K-5 Athena Vineyards & Winery Heathsville – 804-580-4944 K-4 Belle Mount Vineyards Warsaw – 804-333-4700

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH

L-5 Bloxom Vineyard Bloxom – 757-665-5670 J-5

Caret Cellars Caret 540-413-6454

L-5 Chatham Vineyards Machipongo – 757-678-5588 K-5 The Dog & Oyster Vineyard Irvington – 804-438-WINE(9463) J-5

Gauthier Vineyard Barhamsville – 703-622-1107

K-4 General’s Ridge Vineyard Hague – 804-472-3172 K-5 Good Luck Cellars Kilmarnock 804-435-1416 K-4 The Hague Winery Hague – 804-472-5283 J-6

Hampton Roads Winery Elberon 757-899-0203

Hummel Vineyards Montross 804-493-9998

EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

SOUTHERN

CENTRAL REGION H-4 Adventure Farm Earlysville – 434-971-8796 G-4 Afton Mountain Vineyards Afton – 540-456-8667 G-4 Albemarle CiderWorks North Garden – 434-297-2326 F-5 Ankida Ridge Vineyards Amhearst – 434-922-7678 I-6

H-4 First Colony Winery Charlottesville – 434-979-7105 G-4 Flying Fox Vineyard Afton – 434-361-1692 H-4 Gabriele Rausse Winery Charlottesville – 434-296-5328 H-4 Glass House Winery Free Union – 434-975-0094 G-4 Grace Estate Winery Crozet – 434-823-1486 I-5

Grayhaven Winery Gum Springs – 804-556-3917

F-6 Hickory Hill Winery Moneta – 540-296-1393 G-4 Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery Nellysford – 434-361-1266 H-4 Honah Lee Vineyard Gordonsville – 434-989-2751

H-4 Horton Winery Gordonsville – 22942 6399 Spotswood Trail 540-832-7440 www.hvwine.com Year round, Mon-Sun, 10am-5pm See our ad on pg. 13 I-5

James River Cellars Glen Allen – 804-550-7516

H-4 Jefferson Vineyards Charlottesville – 434-977-3042 H-4 Keswick Vineyards Keswick 434-244-3341 H-4 Kilaurwen Winery Stanardsville – 434-985-2535

G-4 King Family Vineyards Crozet – H-4 Chestnut Oak Vineyard 434-823-7800 Barboursville – G-4 Knights Gambit 434-964-1264 Vineyard Charlottesville – I-4 Cooper Vineyards 434-566-1168 Louisa – 23093 13372 Shannon Hill Rd G-5 Lazy Days Winery 540-894-5474 Amherst coopervineyards.com 434-381-6088 Daily 11am-5pm See our ad on pg. 29 F-6 Leo Grande Winery Goode – G-5 DelFosse 540-586-4066 Vineyard & Winery Faber – G-4 Loving Cup 434-263-6100 Vineyard & Winery North Garden – G-5 Democracy Vineyard 434-984-0774 Lovingston – 434-263-VINE(8463)

G-6 DeVault Family Vineyards Concord – 434-993-0722 H-3 DuCard Vineyards Etlan – 540-923-4206

Ashton Creek Vineyard H-3 Early Mountain Chester – Vineyard 804-896-1586 Madison – 540-948-9005 H-4 Autumn Hill Vineyards Standardsville – H-5 Elk Island Winery 434-985-6100 Goochland – 804-627-3929

G-5 Lovingston Winery Lovingston – 434-263-8467

G-4 Meriwether Springs Vineyard Ivy – 434-270-4299

G-4 White Hall Vineyards G-5 Mountain Cove Vineyard & Wine Garden White Hall – Lovingston – 434-823-8615 434-263-5392 F-6 White Rock G-4 Mountfair Vineyards Vineyards & Winery Crozet – Goodview – 434-823-7605 540-890-3359 F-6 Peaks of Otter Winery G-4 Wintergreen Winery Bedford – 24523 Nellysford – 2122 Sheep Creek Rd 434-361-2519 540-586-3707 peaksofotterwinery.com G-4 Wisdom Oak Winery Apr - Dec, Mon - Sun, North Garden – 12pm-5pm 434-984-4272 See our ad on pg. 13 I-5 Woodland Vineyard G-4 Pippin Hill Farm & Midlothian Vineyards 804-739-2774 North Garden – 434-202-8063 G-4 Pollak Vineyards Greenwood – 540-456-8844 H-4 Potter’s Craft Cider Free Union – 850-528-6314 H-3 Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery Leon – 800-800-WINE(9463) F-6 Ramulose Ridge Vineyards Moneta – 540-309-6375 G-5 Rebec Vineyards Amherst – 434-946-5168 H-4 Reynard Florence Vineyard Barboursville – 540-832-3895

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

SOUTHERN

SOUTHERN REGION F-7 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co Danville – 434-549-2739 F-6 Altillo Vineyards Hurt 434-324-4160 H-7 American Way Country Wines Chase City 434-262-1250 G-7 Annefield Vineyards Saxe – 434-454-6017

H-3 Rose River Vineyards & G-7 Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard & Winery Trout Farm Nathalie – Syria 434-FIX-WINE (349-9463) 540-923-4050 G-7 Greenwood Vineyards F-6 SavoyLee Winery Vernon Hill – Huddleston – 434-579-2836 540-297-9275 I-5

Skippers Creek Vineyard Powhatan – 804-598-7291

E-7 Hamlet Vineyards Bassett – 276-629-2121

H-4 Spring Run Vineyards Chesterfield – 804-382-4529

F-7 The Homeplace Vineyard Chatham – 434-432-9463

G-4 Stinson Vineyards Crozet – 434-823-7300

G-7 Molliver Vineyards Nathalie – 434-349-1000

H-4 Stone Mountain Vineyards Dyke – 434-990-9463

E-7 Preston Ridge Winery Martinsville 276-957-2100

H-5 Thistle Gate Vineyard Scottsville – 434-286-7781 H-4 Trump Winery Charlottesville – 434-984-4855 G-4 Turk Mountain Vineyards Afton – 434-989-2182 G-4 Veritas Winery Afton – 540-456-8000

H-4 Michael Shaps Wineworks Charlottesville 434)296-3438

G-4 Virginia Wineworks/ Michael Shaps Charlottesville – 434-296-3438

H-4 Montdomaine Charlottesville – 434-971-8142

G-4 Well Hung Vineyard Charlottesville – 434-260-1501

H-4 Moss Vineyards Dyke – 434-990-0111

H-4 Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery Louisa 540-967-4647

H-7 Rosemont Vineyards & Winery LaCrosse – 23950 1050 Blackridge Road 434-636-9463 RosemontofVirginia.com Mon - Sat, 11am - 6pm.

Sun, 1pm-6pm.

See our ad on pg. 29 G-6 Sans Soucy Vineyards Brookneal – 434-376-9463 G-7 Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Clarksville – 804-497-9630 F-7 Tomahawk Mill Winery Chatham – 434-432-1063 F-7 White Oak Mountain Meadery Chatham – 888-264-6323

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VIRGINIAbreweryLISTINGS VIRGINIA distillery LISTINGS A. Smith Bowman (Buffalo Trace/Sazerac Co.) Fredericksburg – 540-373-4555 asmithbowman.com Belmont Farms Culpeper – 540-825-3207 belmontfarmdistillery.com Catoctin Creek Distillery Purcellville – 540-751-8404 catoctincreekdistilling.com Copper Fox Distillery Sperryville – 540-987-8554 copperfox.biz

1781 Brewing Co (Wilderness Run Vineyards) Spotsylvania – 540-841-2598 2 Witches Winery and Brewing Co Danville – 434-549-2739 7 Hills Brewing Co Richmond – 804-716-8307 Adroit Theory Brewing Co Purcellville – 703-722-3139 Adventure Brewing Co Fredericksburg – 540-242-8876 Alewerks Brewing Co Williamsburg – 757-220-3670 Anheuser - Busch Inc (AB-InBev) Williamsburg – 804-253-3600 Answer Brewpub Richmond – 804-282-1248

Davis Valley Distillery Rural Retreat – 276-686-8855 davisvalleywinery.com Dry Fork Fruit Distillery Meadows of Dan – dryforkdistillery.com E. Wright & C. Wallace Distilleries (Boar Creek Whiskey) Hillsville – 276-398-2257 Boarcreekwhiskey.com

Apocalypse Ale Works Forest – 434-258-8761 Ardent Craft Ales Richmond – 804-359-1605 Aslin Beer Co Herndon – 703-999-2192 Back Bay Brewing Co Virginia Beach – 757-531-7750

George Washington Distillery Mount Vernon – 703-780-2000 mountvernon.org

Backroom Brewery Middletown – 540-869-8482

Ironclad Distillery Newport News – 757-245–1996 ironcladdistillery.com

BadWolf Brewing Co Manassas – 703-479-2305 Battlefield Brewing Co at The Pub Fredericksburg – 540-785-2164

Ko Distilling Manassas – 571-292-1115 kodistilling.com Legacy Artisan Distillers Virgilina – 434-579-2460 MurLarkey Distilled Spirits Bristow – 571-284-7961 murlarkey.com Reservoir Distillery Richmond – 804-912-2621 reservoirdistillery.com River Hill Wine & Spirits Luray – 540-843-0401 riverhillstables.com

Beer Hound Brewery Culpeper – 540-317-5327 Belly Love Brewing Co Purcellville – 540-441-3159 Beltway Brewing Co Sterling – 571-989-2739 Big Lick Brewing Co Roanoke – 540-562-8383 Big Ugly Brewing Co Chesapeake – 757-609-2739

Bristol Brewery Downtown Bristol – 276-608-1220

Final Gravity Brewing Co Richmond – 804-264-4808

New District Brewing Co Arlington – 703-888-5820

Brothers Craft Brewing Harrisonburg – 540-421-6599

Flying Mouse Brewing Co Troutville – 540-992-1288

O’Connor Brewing Co Norfolk – 757-965-5419

Bull & Bones Brewhaus & Grill Blacksburg – 540-953-2855

Forge Brew Works Lorton – 703-372-2979

Ocelot Brewing Co Sterling – 703-474-3050

Garden Grove Brewing Co Richmond – 804-918-6158

Old 690 Brewing Co Purcellville – 703-622-1122

C’ville-ian Brewing Co Charlottesville – 800-867-5309

Gordon Biersch Restaurant Brewery (CraftWorks) McLean – 703-388-5454

Old Bust Head Brewing Co Warrenton – 540-347-4777

Caboose Brewing Co Vienna – 703-865-8580

Gordon Biersch Restaurant Brewery (CraftWorks) Virginia Beach – 757-490-2739

Busted Still Brewery Gate City – 423-360-2947

Callaway Brewing Co Callaway – 540-267-6733 Capitol City Brewing Co Arlington – 703-578-3888 Center of the Universe Brewing Co Ashland – 804-368-0299 Champion Brewing Co Charlottesville – 434-295-2739 Champion Brewing Co Charlottesville – 434-295-2739 Chaos Mountain Brewing Co Callaway – 540-344-1600 Coelacanth Brewing Co Norfolk – 757-383-6438 Commonwealth Brewing Co Virginia Beach – 757-305-9652 Coors Brewing Co Elkton – 540-289-8000 Corcoran Brewing Co Purcellville – 540-441-3102 Creek Bottom Brewing Co Galax – 276-236-2337 Crooked Run Brewing Co Leesburg – 703-609-9241 Damascus Brewery Damascus – 540-314-2782 Devils Backbone Brewing Co (The Outpost) Lexington – 540-462-6200

Growling Bear Brewing Co Woodbridge – 571-535-1965 Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Richmond – 804-420-2420 Heritage Brewing Co Manassas – 571-358-8463 Home Republic Brewing Co Virginia Beach – 757-226-9593 Hopkins Ordinary Ale Works Sperryville – 540-987-3383 Hops Grill & Brewery Alexandria – 703-837-9107 Isley Brewing Co Richmond – 804-499-0721 James River Brewery Scottsville – 434-390-7770 Jefferson Street Brewery Lynchburg – 434-455-1500 Legend Brewing Co Richmond – 804-232-8871 Lickinghole Creek Craft Brewery Goochland – 804-314-4380 Little BadWolf Brewing Co Manassas – 571-358-9774 Loose Shoe Brewing Co Amherst – 434-946-2337 Lost Rhino Brewing Co Ashburn – 20147 571-291-2083

Old Glade Brewery Glade Spring – www.oldgladebrewery.com Old Ox Brewery Ashburn – 703-729-8375 Ornery Beer Co & Public House Woodbridge – 703-490-6400

Spencer Devon Brewing Co Fredericksburg – 540-999-6253 Starr Hill Brewing Co Crozet – 434-823-5671 Strangeways Brewing Co Richmond – 804-303-4336 Studio Brew Bristol – 423-360-3258

Sweetwater Tavern Centreville – 703-449-1100

Pen Druid Brewing Co Sperryville – 540-987-5064

Sweetwater Tavern Falls Church – 703-645-8100

Pleasure House Brewing Co Virginia Beach – 757-647-8597

Sweetwater Tavern Sterling – 571-434-6500

Port City Brewing Co Alexandria – 703-797-2739

Swover Creek Farm Brewery Edinburg – 540-984-8973

Pro Re Nata Brewery Crozet – 434-823-4878

Three Notch’d Brewing Co Charlottesville – 434-293-0610

Quattro Goomba Brewery Aldie – 703-327-6052

Three Notch’d Brewing Co Harrisonburg – 434-293-0610

Queen City Brewing Staunton – 540-213-8014

Tin Cannon Brewing Co Gainesville – 571-210-5671

Reaver Beach Brewing Co Virginia Beach – 757-563-2337

Triple Crossing Brewing Co Richmond – 804-308-0475

Redbeard Brewing Co Staunton – 804-641-9340

Vanish Brewing Co Leesburg – 301-471-6015

Right Turn, Clyde Brewing Co Wasserhund Brewing Co Narrows – Virginia Beach – 540-921-7283 757-351-1326 Rising Silo Brewery Blacksburg – 410-596-1200

Wharf Hill Brewing Co Smithfield – 757-357-7100

River Company Restaruant & Brewery Radford – 540-633-3940

White Rock Vineyards & Winery Goodview – 540-890-3359

Rock Bottom Restaurant Brewery (CraftWorks) Arlington – 703-516-7688

Wild Run Brewing Co Stafford – 540-659-3447

Blue Lab Brewing Co Lexington – 540-458-0146

Dirt Farm Brewing Co Bluemont – 540-554-2337

MacDowell Brew Kitchen Leesburg – 703-777-2739

Virginia Distillery Co. Lovingston – 434-285-2900 vadistillery.com

Blue Mountain Barrel House and Organic Brewery Arrington – 434-263-4002

Escutcheon Brewing Co Winchester – 540-773-3042

Mad Fox Brewing Co Falls Church – 703-942-6840

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery (CraftWorks) Richmond – 804-237-1684

Virginia Sweetwater Distillery (Appalachian Mountain Spirits) Marion – 276-378-0867 virginianwhiskeys.com

Blue Mountain Brewery Afton – 540-456-8020

Extra Billy’s Smokehouse & Brewery Midlothian – 804-379-8727

Mad Horse Brewpub Lovettsville – 570-436-0669

Rusty Beaver Brewery Ladysmith – 540-220-8100

Bold Mariner Brewing Co Norfolk – www.boldmariner.com

Fair Winds Brewing Co Lorton – 703-372-2001

Maltese Brewing Co Fredericksburg – www.maltesebrewing.com

Saint George Brewing Co Hampton – 757-865-BEER

Williamsburg Distillery Williamsburg – 757-378-2456 williamsburg-distillery.com

Brass Cannon Brewing Co Toano – 757-566-0001

Far Gohn Brewing Co Culpeper – 540-555-1234

Midnight Brewery Rockville – 804-356-9379

Seven Arrows Brewing Co Waynesboro – 540-221-6968

spring/summer

South Street Brewery Charlottesville – 804-293-6550

Parkway Brewing Co Salem – 540-314-8234

Stone Mountain Distilling Lebanon –

50

Soaring Ridge Craft Brewers Roanoke – 540-529-2140

Sunken City Brewing Co Hardy – 540-420-0476

Devils Backbone Brewing Company Roseland – 434.361.1001

Loudoun Brewing Co Leesburg – 703-350-8553

Smartmouth Brewing Co Norfolk – 201-270-8360

Pale Fire Brewing Co Harrisonburg – 540-217-5452

Blue & Gray Brewing Co Fredericksburg – 540-538-2379

Silverback Distillery Afton – 540-456-7070 sbdistillery.com

Shenandoah Valley Brewing Co Staunton – 540-887-2337

Wild Wolf Brewing Co Nellysford – 434-361-0088 Wolf Hills Brewing Co Abingdon – 276-356-3630 Wolfe Street Brewing Co Harrisonburg – 540-217-0366 Woodstock Brewhouse Woodstock – 540-459-2739 Young Veterans Brewing Co Virginia Beach – 757-689-4021

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Grapevine

Exploring Virginia’s Most Intriguing Destinations And Wine-Related Events, One Region At A Time

W

hen we take a moment to consider life in Virginia, we realize how incredibly fortunate we are. In less than a day’s drive, we can stick our toes in the sand as we watch the sun rising over the Atlantic in the morning, and then take a breath of fresh air as the sun sets beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s much to appreciate in Virginia’s regions, each one different from the next, but all encompassing the things we love most about our land—the beautiful, natural scenery, the friendly folks and the incredible wine.

New in our Grapevine section, we’ll explore each of Virginia’s regions, spending a little more time in a specific city or county within that region, and recommending where to dine, where to wine, where to stay and where to play. Then we’ll highlight some exciting events happening in each region to consider when planning a wine weekender.

Cheers, and happy travels.

—The Editors

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grapevine

Patrick County Serves A Mix Of Mountain Music, Artisan Treasures, Down Home Restaurants And Loveable Nature Patrick County’s rich heritage stems from the brilliant Blue Ridge Mountains and trickles down to encompass many facets, including history and music. As part of the Crooked Road, Patrick County hosts monthly concerts and lively shows to promote bluegrass music that simply can’t be found anywhere else. From down home cooking and cute country stores to historic bridges and a never-ending outdoors, there’s lots to explore in Patrick County.

Dine western

By Angela Blue

S

low down. Take it easy. Sit a spell. A journey through Western Virginia is not to be rushed. Make time to appreciate the remarkable scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hear a tune on Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, The Crooked Road. See a show-stopping performance in Abingdon. Soak up the culture and history of Bristol. Explore a trail by foot or by horseback in Galax. Practice your flatfooting in Floyd. And as long as you’re relaxing, you might as well do so with a glass of Virginia wine in hand.

Wine Stay Play

Elements at Primland: Get a superior taste of Western Virginia’s bountiful harvest at this upscale restaurant located at the luxurious Primland Resort. No matter the season, guests are treated to local, organic and sustainable foods incorporated into innovative and exciting dishes like pork belly with candied yams and Virginia peanuts or pink snapper with spiced bourbon butter. 2000 Busted Rock Rd., Meadows of Dan. 866-960-7746. Primland.com

Stanburn Winery: This family-owned and -operated winery presents a beautiful backdrop of rolling hills and mountains, invoking guests to bring a picnic, enjoy the nature, reminisce about the good ole days and leave their cares behind.

Stanburg produces a selection of wines, including chardonnay, traminette, vidal blanc, cabernet franc, chambourcin and several blends. Stanburn is open April–mid-December, Saturdays noon–6 p.m. and Sundays 1–5 p.m. or extended hours by appointment. 158 Conner Dr., Stuart.

276-694-7074. Stanburn.com

Primland Resort: This exquisite resort in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains is the quintessential escape from everyday life. Situated on 12,000 gorgeous acres, the resort features world-class golf, impeccable dining, lavish spa treatments and outdoor activities including fly fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, nature walks, sporting clays, stand up paddleboarding and stargazing in the exclusive Observatory Dome. Unwind in the impressive lodge, at a cozy cottage or inside a unique tree house perched on the edge of a mountain. 2000 Busted Rock Rd., Meadows of Dan. 866-960-7746. Primland.com

Patrick County is home to two of Virginia’s eight covered bridges—Bob White and Jack’s Creek—in Woolwine.

Visit these romantic attractions in June during the Covered Bridge Festival—or just any ole time. Tour Mabry Mill to see the restored gristmill, woodworking shop and blacksmith shop, and learn about old time skills such as basket making, spinning and weaving. Bring home a treasured souvenir from Poor Farmers Market, featuring Amish furniture, handmade pottery, books, homemade jams and apple butter, lye soap and local produce.

Learn more at VisitPatrickCounty.org.

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grapevine

Old-Fashioned Hospitality, College Town Liveliness And A Storied History Make Lexington A Must-See Small Town It’s no wonder Lexington ended up on Washingtonian magazine’s list of “Great Towns Near Washington, D.C.” Get your history fix along the Civil War and Lewis & Clark National Historic trails or visit Lee Chapel & Museum and The Stonewall Jackson House (both Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson are buried here). Downtown, rub elbows with students from Virginia Military Institute or Washington and Lee University, shop local galleries and boutiques, and dine on farm-to-table fare. Just beyond the center of town, unwind at several area wineries and breweries with a sample of some of the region’s top craft beverages.

Dine Wine

The Red Hen: This farm-to-table restaurant has featured the bounty of the Shenandoah Valley since 2008. The menu is created daily based on the produce, meat and cheeses available from local farms. Chefs Matt Adams and Becca Norris work as an impeccable team, bringing a deep love of food, farming and hospitality to Lexington.

11 E. Washington St., Lexington. 540-464-4401.

RedHenLex.com

Rockbridge Vineyards: This award-winning, 17-acre vineyard in Rockbridge County focuses on small-batch winemaking methods with minimal processing. German native and winemaker Shepherd Rouse and his wife, Jane, have created well-balanced vintages since 1988 at an elevation of 2,000 feet. Must-tastes include the chardonnay, cabernet franc and Tuscarora Red. Open daily, Sunday and Monday noon–5, Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

35 Hill View Lane, Raphine. 540-377-6204.

RockbridgeVineyard.com

Stay

Hampton Inn Col Alto: This historic manor house—the Col Alto Mansion—is nestled on seven acres. You can stay in a room that features contemporary touches or one of the 10 restored manor rooms offering a glimpse into the past. The Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson and the Washington and Lee rooms feature period décor, and all visits include free breakfast, access to the outdoor pool and spa and on-foot accessibility to many downtown Lexington attractions.

401 E. Nelson Street, Lexington. 540-463-2223.

HamptonInn3.Hilton.com

Play

Become acquainted with two new baby white rhinos at Virginia’s Safari Park, catch your favorite flick outside at the famous Hull’s Drive-In, or tour downtown by horse-drawn carriage with Lexington Carriage Company. Save the date for the Bull and Oyster Fest at Devil’s Backbone Outpost Brewery on April 2. The 10th annual festival includes oysters prepared by Southern Inn Restaurant, barbecue

by Hogback Mountain, Devils Backbone craft beer and live music.

Shenandoah Valley

T

By Melissa M. Stewart

he breathtaking Shenandoah Valley, a 200-mile stretch of land rich in history and natural beauty, lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west.

It goes without saying that exploring the outdoors here is a must—along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway you’ll find amazing vistas and accessible hiking. Try a mountain biking adventure through the George Washington National Forest, or explore rock formations at Luray Caverns or Natural Bridge of Virginia. Don’t forget to top outdoor adventures off with stops at world-class wineries and shopping and supping in historic small towns like Staunton, Roanoke or Lexington.

Learn more at LexingtonVirginia.com

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grapevine WESTERN VINCENT’S VAN GOGH PAINTING EVENT

March 24: A relaxing night of painting at the vineyard with refreshments and wine.

Art supplies are included. Reservations required. 5 p.m. Vincent’s Vineyard, Lebanon. VincentsVineyard.com SPRING OPEN HOUSE

April 23–24, April 30–May 1: Visit the winery for complimentary tastings and treats.

Spring wine sale deals will be featured.

11 a.m. Chateau Morrisette Winery, Floyd.

TheDogs.com WINEMAKER’S DINNER

May 29: An annual dinner featuring a multicourse, wine-paired meal. Reservations required. 6 p.m. Chateau Morrisette Winery, Floyd. TheDogs.com MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE WEEKEND

June 4–5: A weekend of kayaking, hiking and horseback riding through the vineyard.

A special wild game menu and complimentary wine tastings will be offered. Reservations required. Chateau Morrisette Winery, Floyd. TheDogs.com

regional foods and live entertainment for the whole family will be featured. 10 a.m.

Held in downtown Front Royal.

WineAndCraftFestival.com COUNTRY COOK OUT

July 9: An annual event with wine, food and live entertainment. Reservations required.

Shenandoah Vineyards, Edinburg.

ShenandoahVineyardsVa.com CONCERT AT THE VINEYARDS

Aug. 20: The return performance of Runaway Jones. Evening includes wine tasting with food available for purchase. 5:30 p.m.

Virginia Mountain Vineyards, Fincastle.

VMWines.com TOAST THE WEEKEND

Aug. 26: Bring a picnic and enjoy wine and live music from Everyday People at the vineyard. 6:30 p.m. Bluestone Vineyard, Bridgewater. BluestoneVineyard.com ROCKBRIDGE BEER AND WINE FESTIVAL

Sept. 10: Enjoy live music while tasting regional beer and wine. Noon. Lime Kiln Theater, Lexington. LimeKilnTheater.org

THE VINE: WINE & MUSIC

March 24: A four-course, wine-paired monthly women’s dinner. Discussion focuses on the connection between music and wine.

Reservations required. 7 p.m.

868 Estate Vineyards, Purcelleville.

868EstateVineyards.com WINEMAKERS DINNER

April 2: A five-course, gourmet meal paired with Desert Rose Ranch & Winery wines.

Reservations required. Marriott Ranch, Hume.

MarriottRanch.com DARE TO DRINK PINK

April 3: Neal Wavra of FABLE Hospitality will have a variety of rose wines available to learn about and taste. 1 p.m. The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek, Leesburg.

LostCreekWinery.com ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

April 23–24: Tenth anniversary celebration featuring special anniversary wines.

Fox Meadow Winery, Linden.

FoxMeadowWinery.com PAINTING CLASS

April 24: Spend the afternoon painting with Creative Mankind in the vineyards barn.

Specially priced wine and light fare will be available. Reservations required.

Hiddencroft Vineyards, Lovettsville.

HiddencroftVineyards.com

LAVENDER FESTIVAL

June 26: An annual festival featuring live harp music, local artists and lavender products and plants. Wines available for tasting and purchase. Noon. Beliveau Estate Winery, Blacksburg. BeliveauEstate.com

PERFECT PICNIC WINES

May 1: Neal Wavra of FABLE Hospitality will have a variety of wines to pair for a picnic available to learn about and taste. 1 p.m.

The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek, Leesburg. LostCreekWinery.com

NATIONAL MEAD DAY

Aug. 6: Learn about mead and sample a variety of mead offerings, including mead cocktails. 11 a.m. Blacksnake Meadery, Dugspur. BlacksnakeMead.com

MOTHER’S DAY AT THE WINERY

SHENANDOAH

May 8: Complimentary wine tasting and glass for mothers. Enjoy live music, tastings and pizzas. Noon. Old House Vineyards, Culpeper. OldHouseVineyards.com

VIRGINIA WINE & DINE MONTH

March: As part of the celebration this month, enjoy a free wine tasting when you bring canned goods to donate to the local food bank. Wisteria Farm & Vineyard, Stanley.

WisteriaVineyard.com

MOTHER’S DAY

YOGA & WINE

May 8: Holiday festivities include free wine tastings, live music, winery tours and gourmet box lunches. Reservations required for lunch. $. 11 a.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards, Amissville. GrayGhostVineyards.com

MOTHER’S DAY WINE & CHEESE

May 13–14: Celebrate the history of wine in Virginia with candlelight tours of the mansion and wine tasting from 16 wineries; concessions available for purchase. Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. MountVernon.org

April 10: A relaxing afternoon at the winery featuring a vineyard walk, yoga class, box lunch and wine tasting. Reservations required. 2:30 p.m. Virginia Mountain Vineyards, Fincastle. VMWines.com May 8: A light treat for moms; assorted goodies paired with wines. 10 a.m.

Shenandoah Vineyards, Edinburg.

ShenandoahVineyardsVa.com VIRGINIA WINE & CRAFT FESTIVAL

May 21: Enjoy wine tastings from 20 Virginia wineries. More than 100 artisans/crafters, 54

NORTHERN

spring/summer

SPRING WINE FESTIVAL & SUNSET TOUR

SHENANDOAH: VALLEY FEST BEER & WINE FESTIVAL May 28. Spend Memorial Day weekend sampling regional wines, craft and microbrews, listening to live music, enjoying food and browsing the wares of quality crafters and artisans. 11AM - 7PM. $. Massanutten Resort, 4620 Massanutten Dr. McGaheysville.

Call Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, 540-434-3862 or www.ValleyFestBeerAndWine.com

CAJUN FESTIVAL & CRAWFISH BOIL

June 11: 19th annual festival featuring food, wine and entertainment. 11 a.m. Breaux Vineyards, Purcelleville. BreauxVineyards.com FATHER’S DAY

June 19: Holiday festivities include free wine tastings, live music, winery tours and gour-

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grapevine met box lunches.

Reservations required for lunch. 11 a.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards, Amissville.

GrayGhostVineyards.com MANASSAS WINE & JAZZ FESTIVAL

June 19: This 12th annual festival is held on The Manassas Museum lawn and features live jazz music and wine tasting.

Noon. VisitManassas.org KEY WEST FEST

July 9: 11th annual festival featuring food, wine and entertainment. 11 a.m.

Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville.

BreauxVineyards.com ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

July 9–10: Celebrate the winery’s 22nd anniversary with winery and vineyard tours and live music. Bring a picnic or buy lunch at the vineyards. 11 a.m.

Gray Ghost Vineyards, Amissville. GrayGhostVineyards.com LIBRARY TASTING

Aug. 7: Taste past vintages with owners and winemakers, Al and Cheryl Kellert. 2 p.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards, Amissville.

GrayGhostVineyards.com BBQ & BLUEGRASS

Aug. 13: Enjoy food, wine and entertainment at this fifth annual festival. 11 a.m.

Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville.

BreauxVineyards.com HERNDON LABOR DAY FESTIVAL

Sept. 5: A street festival featuring Virginia wineries, local craft brews, a craft show, culinary demonstrations, food vendors and musical performances. Held in Downtown Herndon. Herndon-Va.go

CENTRAL EASTER EGG HUNT

March 26: Enjoy an egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny, as well as music by 2 Wishes.

1 p.m. DuCard Vineyards, Etlan. DuCardVineyards.com ANNUAL SPRING CAB SAV TASTING

March 26–27: A vertical tasting of the seven vintages of cabernet sauvignon. Each wine will be available for purchase.

Burnley Vineyards, Barboursville. BurleyWines.com

SPRING CELLAR TASTING

April 2: Taste the 2015 vintage wines and tour the cellars of the stone winery. 11 a.m. Horton Vineyards, Gordonsville.

HortonWine.com APRIL WINE DINNER

April 8: Second annual spring wine dinner held with White Hall Vineyards featuring a multi-course menu of seasonal pairings. Stinson Vineyards, Crozet.

StinsonVineyards.com SPRING VERTICAL TASTING

April 10: A rare tasting of valuable older vintages and new Octagon from barrel along with artisanal cheeses and breads.

Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville. BBVWine.com RESERVE TASTING

April 10: Special tasting in the barrel cave. Reservations required. Afton Mountain Vineyards, Afton.

AftonMountainVineyards.com VINE & DINE: JEFFERSON’S BIRTHDAY

April 13: Event includes a fivecourse, Jefferson inspired wine dinner, a one-night stay at Albemarle Estate and breakfast the next morning. Reservations required. Trump Winery, Charlottesville. TrumpWinery.com MERITAGE VERTICAL EVENT

April 16: Taste several vintages with hors d’oeuvre pairings.

3 p.m. Jefferson Vineyards, Charlottesville.

JeffersonVineyards.com SPRING OYSTER FESTIVAL

April 16: Premium steamed and raw oysters and delicious crab cakes from the Rappahannock River Oyster Company will get your mouth watering just enough to enjoy a nice bottle of DuCard wine. Noon–5 p.m.

DuCard Vineyards, Etlan.

DuCardVineyards.com

Wine & Jazz Festival Frontier Culture Museum Staunton June 25, 1–7 p.m.

Wine & Trotter Festival Shenandoah County Fairgrounds, Woodstock Oct. 1 & 2

FRESH PASTA CLASS

April 20: Chef Bill Scatena will teach seasonal pasta recipes.

The class includes a hands-on pasta making demo, twocourse meal and wine. Reservations required. 6 p.m. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, North Garden. PippinHillFarm.com Continued on page 57 VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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Step Back In Time In Historic Middleburg, The Nation’s “Horse And Hunt Capital” Middleburg, located in Loudon County, may draw distinguished visitors from throughout the U.S. due to its reputation (since the 1900s) for foxhunting and equestrian races, but with one stoplight and just 600 residents, this truly small town emanates a feeling of nostalgia.

The Middleburg Historic District, the 19th-century center of town, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts one individually-owned shop after another. You’ll find on-site proprietors, personalized customer service and difficult-to-duplicate products at places like The Shaggy Ram for French and English antique furniture, Wylie Wag for treats for your K-9 companion (this is a self-proclaimed “pet obsessed town”) and The Upper Crust for handmade pies and pastries.

Market Salamander

Northern

D

By Melissa M. Stewart

iverse is the best description for Northern Virginia, with its intriguing mix of big city sophistication, refreshing farm county and quaint old-world towns. Right outside Washington D.C., the Potomac Mills and Tysons Corner Center malls bring shoppers aplenty to these bustling business and retail hubs. Honor our nation’s military history at the Arlington National Cemetery or Manassas National Battlefield Park. Stroll cobblestone streets in Alexandria, a preserved historic district along the Potomac that teems with culture and creative cuisine. Find both history and culture in Fairfax, home to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens and Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.

If rolling hills and scenic vineyards are more your speed, try Loudoun County, aka “Horse Country,” with steeplechase races, polo matches, boutique wineries and timeless villages and towns.

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Dine Wine Stay Play

Market Salamander: An open-kitchen and old-world ambiance entices foodies at this “working chef’s gourmet market.” Order breakfast, lunch or to-go offerings from a locally sourced menu that is updated weekly. Off-premises catering, custom cakes and gift baskets are also available, but we’ll take our Virginia Gent sandwich—bourbon-pecan chicken salad with bacon, lettuce and tomato—on the outdoor patio, please. 200 W Washington St. Middleburg.

540-687-8011. MarketSalamander.com

Greenhill Winery & Vineyards: Located in the newly inducted Middleburg American Viticulture Area, the 128acre estate includes Little River, which runs along the southeast property line; a natural pond; a historic stone house circa 1762; and 11 acres of vineyards against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Toast your visit with a bottle of the Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine, featured in the 2016 Academy Awards swag bags.

Tasting room open daily, noon–sunset, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 23595 Winery Lane, Middleburg. 540-687-6968.

GreenHillVineyards.com

Salamander Resort & Spa: The main entrance to this 340-acre equestrian country estate sits just a few steps from Middleburg’s Main Street. Guests can relax in the library and living room, explore miles of trails and outdoor activities, watch chefs using ingredients from the resort’s garden in meals crafted in the Cooking Studio demonstration kitchen or enjoy the infinity edge spa pool while waiting for a treatment. 500 North Pendleton St., Middleburg. 844-303-2723. SalamanderResort.com

Lose track of time while choosing from a collection of 24,000 books dedicated to equestrian, angling and field sports at the National Sporting Library; zip line through the treetops at Empower Adventures; or take in a performance of Henry V during the third annual Shakespeare in the Burg festival April 2–3.

2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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(Continued from page 55) WINEMAKER’S DINNER

April 23: Multi-course dinner paired with Prince Michel and Rapidan River wines; each wine pairing will be discussed. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery, Leon.

PrinceMichel.com CELEBRATE BUDBREAK

April 23: A seasonal celebration; enjoy live music, hayrides and vineyard tours. Noon.

Ankida Ridge Vineyards, Amherst.

AnkidaRidge.com WINE BLENDING CLASS

April 23: Virginia winemaker and Stinson Vineyards winemaking consultant Matthieu Finot leads this blending class at Piedmont Virginia Community College, Charlottesville. Registration required. 9 a.m. PVCC. augusoft.net THE HARD CIDER RUN 5K

April 23: A scenic 5K through the orchard; music, food trucks and cider to follow.

Reservations required. 8 a.m. Albemarle CiderWorks, North Garden.

AlbemarleCiderworks.com MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

May 8: Celebrate Mother’s Day with an afternoon of wine, music and a special holiday brunch. Reservations required. 11 a.m.

Trump Winery, Charlottesville.

TrumpWinery.com FRENCH CREPES FOR MOTHER’S DAY

May 8: Special crepes menu for the holiday; wine available for purchase. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & Winery, Faber.

DelFosseWine.com

WATERMELON FESTIVAL

July 2: Enjoy this annual festival featuring wine, food and live entertainment from James Otto. DeVault Vineyards, Concord.

DeVaultVineyards.com REDS, WHITES AND BLUEGRASS

July 4: Celebrate the Fourth of July at the vineyards with wine, food and live entertainment. Noon. Keswick Vineyards, Keswick. KeswickVineyards.com HORSE & HOUND WINE FESTIVAL

July 9: Enjoy Virginia wines, live music, art/ craft and food vendors. Events include the Parade of Horses and muskrat races. 11 a.m.

Johnson’s Orchards Farm, Bedford.

BedfordWine.com VERAISON IN THE VINEYARD

July 16: A seasonal celebration; enjoy live music, hayrides and vineyard tours. Noon.

Ankida Ridge Vineyards, Amherst.

AnkidaRidge.com PIG ROAST

July 16: An annual event featuring live music, food and wine tasting. Reservation required. 11 a.m. Horton Vineyards, Gordonsville. HortonWine.com

style red. Burnley Vineyards, Barboursville.

BurleyWines.com PETIT VERDOT RESERVE CELEBRATION

Aug. 21: Enjoy a four-course, wine-paired dinner to release the 2015 petit verdot reserve. Reservations required. 1 p.m.

Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville. BBVWine.com

EASTERN

SPRING BARREL TASTING

April 9: Taste wines straight from the barrel; includes tour, tasting and live music. 1 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards, Colonial Beach.

InglesideVineyards.com WILLIAMSBURG MUSIC & WINE FESTIVAL

April 16: Features eight Virginia wineries, live music, food and vendors. Noon.

Held at Williamsburg Moose Lodge.

WilliamsburgMusicAndWineFestival.com SUFFOLK WINE FESTIVAL

April 23: Now in its second year, this festival features wine tasting and regional craft brews. Held at the former Tidewater Community College Campus. SuffolkWineFest.com SPRING OYSTER CRAWL

PAINT AT THE VINEYARDS

April 24: Sample wine and oyster specialties at the wineries of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail. Noon. ChesapeakeBayWineTrail.com

ANNUAL SUMMER NORTON TASTING

April 24: A fun 5K wine run at the winery.

Registration includes a wine tasting, T-shirt, wine glass finisher award and goodie bag. 8 a.m. New Kent Winery New Kent. NewKentWinery.com Continued on page 61

July 24: Spend an afternoon sipping wine and creating art. Reservations required. $.

Early Mountain Vineyards, Madison.

EarlyMountain.com Aug. 6–7: A vertical tasting of six vintages of norton and two vintages of norton in a port-

DIONYSUS DASH 5K RUN

MOUNTAIN CROSS BIKE RIDE

May 14: A cycling experience that starts and finishes at the brewery. Registration includes gift card for Devils Backbone beer.

8 a.m. Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Lexington. DBBrewingCompany.com FREE TASTINGS WEEKEND

June 4–5: Second annual free tastings weekend at the winery. Byrd Cellars, Goochland.

ByrdCellars.com A MIDSUMMER’S NIGHT DREAM WINE DINNER

June 18: A gourmet, five-course wine-paired dinner in the tasting room. Reservations required. 6 p.m. Ankida Ridge Vineyards, Amherst. AnkidaRidge.com BIRTH OF DEMOCRACY FESTIVAL

July 2: All-day music, food and wine festival.

Noon. Democracy Vineyards, Lovingston.

DemocracyVineyards.com

Central: TASTE OF MONTICELLO WINE TRAIL FESTIVAL April 7–9. The 2016 Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival presented by Mercedes Benz of Charlottesville is a partnership between the Jeffersonian Wine Grape Growers Society, nTelos Wireless Pavilion and the Jefferson Theater. The Monticello Wine Trail is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote quality grapes and wine produced in the Monticello AVA and encourage cooperation among the various award-winning Central Virginia wineries, which have helped the state’s ranking as the 5th largest wine producer in the nation. More than 25 participating regional wineries and vineyards to be announced soon! Tickets will be available at monticellowinetrailfestival.com or the Downtown Visitors Center. nTelos Wireless Pavilion at 700 E. Main St., Charlottesville. www.MonticelloWineTrailFestival.com VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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GRAPEVINE

LYNCHBURG OFFERS AN EXCELLENT COMBINATION OF HISTORY, NATURE, ART AND HOMETOWN CHARM In this issue, we explore the charming Lynchburg area, offering a vibrant combination of history, nature and art. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the gorgeous James River, Lynchburg inspires us to get outside and peruse the area by foot, bicycle or even canoe. There’s much to discover, from their delightful downtown offering fascinating Civil War history, unique shops and a dynamic arts scene to the nearby trails of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

DINE CENTRAL

BY ANGELA BLUE

W

hen Thomas Jefferson attempted to produce superior wines like the ones he’d tried in Europe, it’s no wonder he chose Central Virginia, boasting excellent soil quality and extended growing times. Today, Central Virginia is home to a multitude of superior wineries and is considered by many to be Virginia’s wine country, a statement that would indeed make Jefferson proud. From the rolling hills of Orange County to the picturesque scenes of Charlottesville and over to the cultural gems of Richmond, the region encompasses many varying attractions, historical treasures and magnificent vintages.

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WINE STAY PLAY

Main Street Eatery: There’s a reason locals flock to this eatery—it’s out of the ordinary, and it’s consistently wowing palates with offerings like duck flambéed with pomegranate demi-glace, Escargots Bourguignonne and meatloaf stuffed with goat cheese. Monday–Thursday they serve mussels prepared four different ways. 907 Main St., Lynchburg.

434-847-2526. MainStEatery.com

Altillo Vineyards: Guests feel right at home inside this small, family-run vineyard and winery in nearby Hurt. Altillo produces limited batches of finely crafted (and award-winning) wines including shiraz, chardonnay, viognier, merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Pour a glass and take in the magnificent mountain views at Altillo’s overlook deck—granting a scene that’s nearly as impressive as their wines. Altillo is open Fridays and Saturdays noon–6 p.m. or extended hours by appointment. 620 Level Run Rd., Hurt.

434-324-4160. AltilloVineyards.com

Acorn Hill Lodge: Combining the tranquility and uniqueness of a bed and breakfast with the upscale amenities of a hotel, Acorn Hill Lodge boasts an atmosphere of cozy sophistication. Awake each morning to a sumptuous breakfast (we adore the sweet cream pancakes with lemon blueberry topping), and book a spa treatment on-site to melt away into total relaxation. 2134 Old Forest Rd., Lynchburg.

434-528-0983. AcornHillLodge.net

Start at Lynchburg’s Community Market to browse local produce, cheese, meat, honey, baked goods, Virginia wines and crafts. Then stretch your legs around town to discover Lynchburg’s impressive architecture and Civil War history.

Take advantage of Lynchburg’s coveted position along the James River during an invigorating bike ride on the James River Heritage Trail. Make plans to come for the Barrels, Bottles, & Casks Tours at Jefferson’s Poplar Forest July 24–25. These guided tours progress through Jefferson’s house with stops along the way to sample 19th century beverages.

Learn more at DiscoverLynchburg.org.

2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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Mecklenburg County Offers A Gorgeous Glimpse Of Lakeside Allure And Small Town Charm Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, an afternoon of browsing antiques or a chance to watch history unfold, Mecklenburg is the ultimate place for relaxation and rejuvenation. Once a rich tobacco region, Mecklenburg is sprawling with peaceful farms, which serve as the source for some true farm-to-table fare. You’ll find that many activities and attractions are centered near Kerr Lake (or Buggs Island, as the locals call it), and there’s lots to navigate among Mecklenburg’s six towns.

Dine Wine Stay Play

The Lake House Restaurant: Cozy up in their beautifullydecorated dining room, or secure a spot on the porch to enjoy offerings such as pecan-crusted rainbow trout or crab ravioli. Be sure to pair with a glass of Virginia vino.

335 Virginia Ave., Clarksville. 434-374-4646.

TheLakeHouseVa.com

Rosemont of Virginia: Sipping wine takes on a whole new feeling when done so at a prestigious, 450-acre historic estate. Rosemont’s 32,000 grape vines span 22 acres, allowing them to create premium estate-grown wines that are produced and bottled on site. You’re sure to leave home with a new favorite (or two) once sampling their grand selection, including pinot grigio, traminette, rose, syrah, merlot, cabernet franc, a port-style dessert wine and more. Rosemont is open for tastings and tours Mondays– Saturdays 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sundays 1–6 p.m. all year round. 1050 Blackridge Rd., LaCrosse. 434-636-9463.

RosemontOfVirginia.com Cooper’s Landing Inn & Traveler’s Tavern: Spend the weekend in Clarksville, Virginia’s only lakeside town.

Cooper’s Landing offers elegantly-adorned guest rooms decorated with period antiques and upscale amenities like intimate fireplaces, jetted tubs and luxurious robes. Awaken to a heavenly selection of brunch options such as potato pancakes with smoked salmon, poached eggs and hollandaise, to be enjoyed on the patio, by the pool or in one of their adorable dining rooms. 801 Virginia Ave., Clarksville.

434-374-2866. CoopersLandingInn.net

Step back in time a bit to visit historic attractions including the Boyd Tavern, rich with Civil War history, and Prestwould Plantation, the most intact plantation surviving in Southern Virginia and home to one of the largest collections of slave writings in the country. Stroll through the magnificent MacCallum More Museum & Gardens in Chase City, featuring four unique gardens and a vast collection of historical statues. Discover the pristine water views by hiking, biking or horseback riding at Occoneechee State Park. The annual Clarksville Lake Country Wine Festival (held this year April 9) draws crowds to taste samples from 15 Virginia wineries while enjoying delicious food, live music and select artisans.

Learn more at VisitMeckVa.com.

Southern

By Angela Blue

M

uch of Virginia’s Southern region is made up of miles of scenic woodlands, rolling pastures and lush farms, with some delightful towns in between. Here you’ll find some ideal spots for unpacking a picnic lunch and sprawling on the countryside, going for a Sunday drive or taking a lakeside jaunt. If you’re ready to pick up the pace, the region is also home to several raceways near Martinsville, Danville and South Boston. One thing’s for sure—you’ll get a good taste of Southern hospitality wherever you go.

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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The Eastern Shore of Virginia Lends Peaceful Beach Towns and an Impressive Oyster Trail Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay lies the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Known for its lush, natural beauty, the area is also home to some of the most succulent oysters. Stretching along seven regions, oysters take on the flavors of the bay. From salty sweetness to buttery sweet cream, the oysters of the Eastern Shore are as complex as a rich stew. Among the Virginia Oyster Trail, you’ll also find a love for the outdoors is embedded in the area’s culture. Combining lighthouses, natural area preserves and state parks, the shore is home to a number of secluded beach towns unlike any other.

Dine EASTERN

A

By Anne Leonard

mong the hushed fields of Pungo to the northern neck of Virginia, the Eastern region boasts exceptional vintages, the allure of pristine rivers, the bay and the ocean as well as what is known as “the birthplace of our nation.” With three of the first five U.S. presidents born here, you’ll discover national monuments, Historic Jamestowne, museums and plantations, one of which is home to the first Thanksgiving.

Hike the nature trails, take a scenic driving tour, but more importantly, traverse the grape vines of award-winning wines found in this region.

Wine Stay Play

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The Oyster Farm at King’s Creek: When your oysters were caught within an arm’s reach, you know you’re eating some of the freshest oysters in town. Sample from their raw bar menu or other selections of gourmet fare; then when you’re thirsty for a little less conventional of a libation, try one of their intriguing oyster martinis.

500 Marina Village Circle, Cape Charles. 757-331-8660.

TheOysterFarmAtKingsCreek.com

Chatham Vineyards: Situated on Historic Chatham Farm, find the family-owned vineyard, where French vinifera varietals are harvested into masterful wines. Though petite in size, the winery offers an exquisite selection of vintages including unoaked chardonnay, rosé, merlot, cabernet franc, vintner’s blend and late harvest red dessert wine to pair with your sweet treats. Take in the gentle breeze from Church Creek, and sip at your own pace. Chatham is open daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m., April through December and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays January–March.

9232 Chatham Rd., Machipongo.

757-678-5588. ChathamVineyards.net

The Charlotte Hotel: An Eastern Shore gem, the boutique hotel is marked by emerald green doors and a quaint, artistic ambiance. Meet elegance in every room offering handmade furniture, luxury linens and Egyptian cotton towels, among other luxe amenities. Depart from your room to dine at their restaurant, and then peruse The Next Door Gallery featuring watercolor pieces by owner Charlotte Heath. 7 North St., Onancock. 757-787-7400.

TheCharlotteHotel.com

Gaze upon migratory birds or spend a tranquil afternoon fishing at the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Discover Assateague Island, where roaming wild ponies are commonplace. Kayak with Southeast Expeditions, or combine your love for the sport and fine wine in a Kayak Wine Tour. Head to the beach and cart around Cape Charles or play a round of golf at Bay Creek Resort.

One thing’s for certain—you mustn’t miss a visit to Brown Dog Ice Cream for unique, heavenly flavors like coconut almond crunch and Italian cream.

Learn more at ESVATourism.org.

2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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EASTERN

(Continued from page 57) SPRING TOWN POINT VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL

May 7–8: Sample a wide selection of Virginia wines at Town Point Park. Live music, gourmet foods and specialty wares will also be featured.

11 a.m. Festevents.org MOTHER’S DAY AT INGLESIDE

May 8: Celebrate the holiday at the vineyard; free wine tastings for mothers. Noon.

Ingleside Vineyards, Colonial Beach.

InglesideVineyards.com ROCK N’ ROLL OLDIES

June 18: Enjoy vineyard tours, wine tasting and live oldies music; food available for purchase or bring a picnic. 6 p.m.

Ingleside Vineyards, Colonial Beach. InglesideVineyards.com PAINT & SIP

July 30: An afternoon of art and wine featuring painting instruction by artists from the Uncorked Palette. Reservations required. 3 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards, Colonial Beach.

InglesideVineyards.com

SOUTHERN HOPS, WINES & SWINES FESTIVAL

April 2: Local wines, regional craft beer varieties and local barbecue will be featured at this festival to be held at the indoor arena at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex, Chatham. $. 11 a.m.

OldeDominionAgricultureComplex.com Clarksville Lake Country Wine Festival

April 9: Enjoy samples from 15 Virginia wineries, food, live music and artisans. Noon.

Held in downtown Clarksville.

ClarksvilleVa.com GRAPES & GRAINS FUNDRAISING GALA

April 9: Enjoy gourmet food with wines, specialty beers and spirits from wineries, distilleries and breweries from across the region. To benefit the VMNH (Virginia Museum of Natural History) Foundation Discovery Fund.

6:30 p.m. Held at Virginia Museum of Natural History, Martinsville. VMNH.net

grapevine FARMVILLE VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL

April 16: Sample tastings from various Virginia wineries while browsing wares from creative vendors and tasting food from top-notch on-site eateries.

Live music will be provided by The Castaways. Noon–5 p.m.

Riverside Park, Farmville.

FarmvilleWineFestival.com STRAWBERRY & WINE FESTIVAL

May 14: The event features two bands, seven wineries and thousands of strawberries— what more could anyone want? 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Main Street, Gretna.

GretnaStrawberryWineFest. com SUMMER CONCERT WITH CLASS ACT BAND

May 28: The Class Act Band kicks off Rosemont’s summer concert series with simmering ballads and fiery funk, bringing soulful renditions of your favorite Motown classics.

5–9 p.m. Rosemont of Virginia, LaCrosse.

RosemontOfVirginia.com 8TH ANNUAL WINE AND ART FESTIVAL

June 18: More than 30 artists and exhibitors will bring displays of fine art including paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking and more, to be enjoyed with unlimited tastings.

10 a.m.–5 p.m. Rosemont of Virginia, LaCrosse.

RosemontOfVirginia.com SUMMER CONCERT SERIES WITH THE FEATURE ATTRACTION BAND

July 3: Hear the best of Southern soul, Motown, classic rock, beach music, top 40, funk, new country and more from this six-piece horn band.

Enjoy a fieworks display over the vineyard following the show. 5–9 p.m. Rosemont of Virginia, LaCrosse.

RosemontOfVirginia.com See more Virginia wine events online at VirginiaWineLoverMag.com under Festivals & Events.

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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Cheers: Five to try

Put A Spring In Your Sip

Five Cool Craft Brews For Warm Weather Imbibing

R

aise a glass to the spring and summer months, when the only thing that’ll cool you down just right is a tall, crisp brew.

Here’s a recommendation of a few of our favorites to enjoy during warmer weather: Alewerks’ Red Marker Ale (Williamsburg): It’s punchy, with a subtle toasted maltiness that lends a dry, yet nutty profile. A touch of hoppiness adds a little depth to this red ale. Though offered year-round, Red Marker is an easy sipper, making it an obvious choice when reaching for a lighter beer. ABV: 5.7%.

Alewerks.com Devils Backbone’s Vienna Lager (Lexington): Pouring an ambercopper hue, Vienna Lager offers sweet, caramel and toasted wheat notes with a smooth finish. Also offered year-round, you can’t go wrong with this drinkable lager. ABV: 5.2%. DBBrewingCompany.com Lost Rhino’s Meridian Kolsch (Ashburn): Bitter with fruity undertones, this brew speaks of the traditional hoppiness and light carbonation of a Kolsch-style brew.

Refreshing and light, it’s the perfect beer after a day out in the sun. ABV: 5%. LostRhino.com Smartmouth’s Sommer Fling (Norfolk): A true German-style hefeweizen, Sommer Fling pours a golden straw hue offering a zestiness that hints at banana before tapering off on a crisp finish. ABV: 5%.

SmartmouthBrewing.com Triple Crossing’s Nectar and Knife (Richmond): This double IPA offers a juiciness that hangs on well into the finish. On the palate, you’ll taste citrus and grapefruit with a balanced amount of hops that’ll entertain hopheads of all levels. ABV: 8%. TripleCrossingBeer.com

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—Anne Leonard

2016 | Virginia Wine Lover

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Cheers: QUART REPORT

Suds And Spirits

It’s The Season For Imbibing At Some Of Virginia’s Best Brewery And Distillery Events

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side from wine, beer is our favorite way to usher in the sunny days of spring and summer. Some days, we’ll even throw in a little moonshine for safe measure.

There will be plenty of festivals to attend in the commonwealth this season—too many to name here—but let’s take a look at several in the near future.

SMITHFIELD WINE & BREW FEST

April 9: There will be three stages of entertainment, food vendors and over 100 types of beer and wine. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket to relax and enjoy beveragesand chow. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Windsor Castle Park, Smithfield. SmithfieldVaWineBrewFest.com

3RD ANNUAL THOMAS JEFFERSON CRAFT BEER TASTING AT POPLAR FOREST

April 9: There will be vendors, entertainment and beer education classes, plus a chance to browse Jefferson’s plantation home. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Poplar Forest’s South Lawn, Forest. PoplarForest.org

FRANKLIN COUNTY MOONSHINE FESTIVAL

April 22–23: Head to beautiful Rocky Mount to take part in one of Virginia’s favorite pastimes—moonshine sipping at the Moonshine Capital of the World! This twoday event features a car show, silent auctions, food and drink vendors and a ‘Shine ‘n Dine’ moonshine tasting event and mixology contest. FranklinCountyMoonshineFest.com

SHENANDOAH SEASONINGS WHISKEY DINNER AT SKYLAND

April 22, June 10, July 8: Join the executive chef and sous chefs at Skyland for a grand evening of fine food paired with exceptional whiskey from River Hill Distillery in Luray. The event includes a multi-course dinner featuring entrees such as bison filet, rack of venison, smoked sea trout and veal roulade.

6 p.m. GoShenandoah.com

COVA BEERFEST AND FOOD TRUCK RODEO

April 23: Enjoy unlimited beer from up to 10 Virginia craft breweries, tastings from up to six Virginia wineries, delicious food truck cuisine available for purchase, live music, local specialty vendors, games and prizes. Noon–6 p.m. Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach.

757-422-8979. CoVaBeerFest.com

LEESBURG BEER FEST

April 30: Enjoy live music, food, family entertainment and regional craft beers.

Noon. Held at Village at Leesburg.

GreatBeerFest.com

GNARLY HOPS & BARLEY FEST

April 30: Fourth annual festival featuring live music, local food and over 70 regional craft beers to sample. Noon. Held in downtown Culpeper. GnarlyHops.com

KNOW GOOD BEER & MUSIC FESTIVAL May 14: Enjoy tastings from 22 craft beers and ciders, along with live music from The Judy Chops, The Moonbees and Luchadora.

This beer festival also includes an art show featuring local artists. 1–7 p.m. IX Art Park, Charlottesville. KnowGoodBeer.com

VIRGINIA BEER FESTIVAL

May 21–22: Celebrate a diverse selection of more than 150 beers at this dynamic beer festival overlooking the Elizabeth River. 2–6 p.m. Town Point Park, Norfolk.

Festevents.org

HOPS & HOWLERS CRAFT BEER FEST June 18: Taste regional craft beers from more than 30 microbreweries, plus a Homebrew Throwdown featuring live music. Local restaurants will provide great food, and brew masters will be on site to discuss their brews.

4–9 p.m. Downtown Abingdon.

HopsAndHowlers.com

6TH ANNUAL SUMMER BREWFEST

July 8: Loosen the tie or take off the heels and mingle with friends as you sample more than 36 beers. 5–9 p.m. Town Point Park, Norfolk. Festevents.org

VIRGINIA CRAFT BREWERS FEST Aug. 27: Celebrate Virginia’s craft beer industry at the Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows. Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Roseland.

DBBrewingCompany.com

—George Culver VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

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Cheers: Shake, rattle and pour

Craft Cocktails, Commonwealth Style Create These Refreshing Summer Sippers Using Virginia-Made Products

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By Melissa M. Stewart

ith all the exciting new distilleries popping up throughout the state, along with the distinguished establishments that have been crafting quality small-batch spirits for years, you have no reason not to give your summer sippers some love this season by using Virginia-made liquor—rum, bourbon, vodka, gin and more. Whether you shake them up by the pool, on the back porch, at the beach or on a countryside picnic, cool off with our suggestions for refreshing and delish drinks. When available, don’t forget to also incorporate local produce, honey and herbs into the creations below or in any of your favorite adult beverages to truly make them commonwealth-style cocktails.

Bowman Bourbon Punch Ingredients

4 oz b ourbon (Recommend: Bowman Brothers from A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg) 4 oz orange juice A few dashes blood orange bitters Ginger beer Serves: 2 Method

Combine bourbon, orange juice and a few dashes of blood orange bitters in a shaker filled with ice. Strain into mason jars filled with ice about until about two-thirds full, top with ginger beer and garnish with fresh orange slices.

5-Minute Watermelon Mojito Text and photos by Anne Leonard Ingredients

about 1 cup watermelon, diced 2 tbsp sugar 6 mint leaves Juice from ½ lime 2 oz. Virginia-made white rum ( Recommend: Silver Fox Light Rum from Great Dismal Distillery, Norfolk) Splash club soda Serves: 1 64

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Method

In a glass, muddle the watermelon, sugar, mint leaves and lime juice together. This can take a minute or two to finely muddle the watermelon down. Add a few ice cubes, the rum and a splash of club soda on top. Stir and enjoy.

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The Royal Blush Ingredients

6 oz V irginia-made vodka (Recommend: Blue Ridge Vodka from Chesapeake Bay Distillery, Virginia Beach) 3 oz fresh lime juice 2 oz simple syrup 4 tsp cherry juice 10 fresh mint leaves 8 oz V irginia sparkling wine (Recommend: Veritas Vineyard & Winery Mousseux Sparkling, Afton) Serves: 4 Method

Combine vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, cherry juice and mint leaves in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into 4 martini glasses. Top each glass with champagne and serve. VWL

Virginia Bee’s Knees Ingredients

1 ½ oz honey simple syrup made with local honey 1 ½ oz fresh lemon juice 4 oz V irginia-made gin (Recommend: Strange Monkey Gin from Silverback Distillery, Afton) Serves: 2 Method

Combine honey syrup, lemon juice and gin in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and strain into 2 glasses.

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