Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Spring Summer 2014 by VistaGraphics

Get Outside!

Virginia Festivals & Events

View From the tOp

Perfectly Paired Picnics

Your guide to what’s going on

2nd Annual Wine Summit Recap

SPring/Summer 2014

C e l e b r a t i n g

Our Fourth Annual Readers’ Choice Awards lists YOUR favorite Things about Virginia wine!

t h e

g o o d

l i f e

BestOf Readers’Choice

Awards 2014

• Three Win ee em uv

Open Up ers In ak C m

Open Up ers In C ak

r Cheers! r

• Three Win ee e uv

Scan this

QR Code

Thirsting for

more content?

Wine and food tips, industry news, getaways and events, complete wineries map and more! Available on the new and improved

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

2/13/14 1:42 PM

VWL VI

Discover delectable dining, festivals and fun in Norfolk. This vibrant coastal city has a hip pub and restaurant scene including local craft breweries and Virginia’s ﬁrst-ever 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.

visitnorfolktoday.com 1-800-368-3097

For more information, go to visitnorfolktoday.com.

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SPR_SU14.indd 5 VISIT NORFOLK.indd 1

2/12/14 11:30 1:56 PM 2/11/14 AM

pub note

Publisher’s Note

New Festival celebrates Virginia wines

n January, Virginia Wine Lover magazine, in partnership with our sister publication, Coastal Virginia Magazine, presented the first-ever Coastal Virginia Wine Fest. In the weeks leading up to the event, we asked ourselves if people would be willing to come out in the middle of winter for an indoor wine festival. The answer was a resounding “Yes”! Held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, just blocks from the Oceanfront, more than 4,000 people attended the event. Virginia Beach provided the perfect backdrop for this two-day fete with 600 or more people filling the nearby Oceanfront rooms for the weekend. Thirty of Virginia’s finest wineries were in attendance as you’ll see in some wonderful follow-up photography from the event in this issue. Another 50 vendors provided a wide assortment of food, art and specialty accessories and services. Determined to make this event fun and go beyond miles of pipe and drape, patrons found nonstop entertainment with Charles Darden playing daily, stilt walkers (disguised as grape vines) circulating through the crowds, a daily grape stomp competition with local celebrities and numerous educational seminars each day of the event. We combined seven regional Virginia craft brewers to put together the Virginia Beer Garden. To make sure a good time stayed a good time, complimentary shuttle service was provided to and from the Oceanfront hotels. The convention center was the ideal venue for us to put a fun, interesting and educational weekend together. Even in January, the beach is a special place to be. So mark your calendar for the weekend of January 23 - 25, 2015 and plan to be in Virginia Beach for the 2nd Annual Coastal Virginia Wine Fest. Cheers!

Randy Thompson randy@vgnet.com P.S. Check out our newly redesigned website at virginiawinelovermag.com! 6

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SPR_SU14.indd 6

2/12/14 4:29 PM

VOLUME 7

Issue 1

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

Publisher Randy Thompson Editor-in-Chief Melissa M. Stewart Executive Editor and Culinary Events Manager Patrick Evans-Hylton

Charlottesville's Only

four diamond resort

Associate Editor, Web, Angela Blue Contributing Editor, Frank Morgan Contributing Writers Patti Hinson, Warran Richard Interim Editor, Chelsea Sherman Corporate Art Director Holly Watters Creative Director David Uhrin Associate Art Director Matt Haddaway Production Manager Stacy Graef Contributing Designers Chris Meligonis, Stephanie Martinec, Don Spencer, Brian Woelfel

Located on 573 acres, our resort offers 175 renovated guest rooms and suites, Four Diamond dining, a wide variety of recreational activities, spa and event facilities for you to experience. Enjoy a self-guided tour through some of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest wineries and breweries. Book your spring and summer getaways today.

855.877.4813 | BOARSHEADINN.COM Owned and Operated by the UVA Foundation

Web Design and Development Web Creative Director Chris Murphy Web Developer Kristy Codgill Web Marketing & Promotions Manager My Nguyen Director of Photography Jim Pile Photographer Mike Mercker Contributing Photographers Paul Armstrong, Patrick Evans-Hylton, Frank Morgan, David Uhrin Photo Editor Jim Pile Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Sales Manager Jay Bellamy Account Executives Christie Berry, Eileen Dalby, Lori Conti, Elizabeth Cummings, Kim Lyda, Kevin Rose, Kathy Talmage, Brenda Whitlow, Samuel Wilson Sales Coordinator Tracy Thompson Associate Account Executives Felicia Ruffin Circulation Manager George Carter Special Events & Style Coordinator Pamela Hopkins Virginia Wine Lover is published by www.VGnet.com VistaGraphics Staff Production Manager Robin Cather Accounts Receivable Margaret Hawkins Controller Anita Burns Administrative Assistant Tracy Thompson Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited. Opinions in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent management views. Contributing photography supplied by Thinkstock.com

memberships:

Think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen it all?

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

Celebrating The Good Life

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

www.frontiermuseum.org www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SPR_SU14.indd 7

2/12/14 1:56 PM

www. barboursvillewine.com

Now iN RELEASE oUR 12th EDitioN oF thE wiNE thAt BUiLt thiS AgiNg CELLAR, AND thoSE oF MANY wiNELoVERS iN ViRgiNiA. with MoRE thAN 30 goLD MEDALS iN PREVioUS ViNtAgES, two MoNtiCELLo CUPS, AND CoNStANt highESt RAtiNgS iN wiNE CoMPEtitioNS AND CRitiCiSM, thiS 2009 ViNtAgE BRiNgS thE ViRgiNiA goVERNoR’S CUP to US FoR thE FoURth tiME. it iS ALL oNE woULD EXPECt.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SPR_SU14.indd 8

2/12/14 1:56 PM

Editor’s Note

ed note

In the photo: At Peter Chang’s China Bistro, Richmond

Nothing But The Best

e all are looking for the best, whether it’s a mechanic or a winemaker. And everyone has an opinion, which they base on a number of factors, including personal experiences. Critics let us know what they think, but what about what you think? Well, once a year it’s that time, at least in the realm of Virginia wines. And that time is now, with our Reader’s Choice Best Of. Each year you take the time to share what you think about Virginia wine and all it’s wonderful accouterments. In fact, when the online polling closed late last year, we had more than 60,000 votes in categories ranging from Best Winemaker to best wine in each of our state’s distinct regions. For all of us, this is an exciting time to be Virginia wine lovers because, byand-large, we are not only watching this incredible industry unfold right before our eyes, but we are part of it. Even when you go back to the sporadic, valiant efforts of planting wine growing grapes, you only go as far back as the late 1960s and early-to-mid 1970s. Much of what we are seeing with Virginia wine was only kicked off in the past few decades, with the bulk of the growth not only in quality of quantity of wineries and the juice they produce just in the past five to 10 years. It’s astounding, and you are part of it every time you visit a winery in the commonwealth, open a bottle of Virginia vino, or sing their praises to other wine enthusiasts. Thank you for your input, and three cheers to Virginia wine, and three cheers for Virginia wine lovers. Cheers

Patrick Evans-Hylton patrick@VirginiaWineLover.com

Voted Most Attentive Limousine Company by Richmond Magazine

Anyone can take you for a ride to a winery, but when you reserve a James Limousine wine tour, you receive the whole grape experience! Imagine stunning scenery to entice the eye, award winning wines to please the palate, and all the details neatly and meticulously handled by James Limousine to insure your total enjoyment and relaxation. The knowledgeable wine tour experts at James Limousine will guide you in selecting the perfect package. Whether you choose your own wineries, or select from one of our favorite tours, James offers complete concierge services. Absolutely no detail is too small to customize for your wine tour. Come experience why so many are calling Virginia the Napa Valley of the East Coast

Serving Charlottesville, Richmond, Williamsburg and Newport News 804.273.1540 (0) • 888.522.1540 (Toll Free) • sales@JamesLimousine.com • www.JamesLimousine.com DMV#664

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

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

8345_TIDINN_WineLover_Ad.indd 1

VWL 02-09 TOC_NOTES SPR_SU14.indd 9

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014 9 1/29/14 5:19 PM

2/12/14 4:26 PM

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

BOXWOOD ESTATE WINERY Josh Gerard, head winemaker, has been working in all aspects of the industry for seven years, from cellar rat to enologist, building and learning from progressive experiences at different places. Those experience finally brought him to Boxwood Winery in 2013.

courtesy

Photo

“I received a degree in viticulture and enology from Lincoln University in New Zealand and worked harvests there and at Domaine Serene in Oregon. I spent a few years in Sonoma County before getting an assistant winemaking position at Karamoor Estate in Pennsylvania. Then, last summer (2013), I joined the Boxwood team.” Open Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Boxwood Estate Winery 2042 Burrland Rd., Middleburg; 540-687-8778; www.BoxwoodWinery.com

DUCARD VINEYARDS

courte

“It’s in the blood but I also have formal winemaking education, and hopefully we are getting recognized for making some outstanding Virginia wine.” This is DuCard’s fourth vintage. Open daily September-November; Saturday, Sunday and Monday holidays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. otherwise. “At most other times we are happy to do a tasting for you – just find me out in the vineyards!” - JD

sy Photo

Julien Durantie, winemaker and vineyard manager at DuCard Vineyards, has “been with DuCard for seven years, but started in the family vineyard in Bordeaux when I was knee high to a sauterelle (that’s grasshopper to you.)

DuCard Vineyards 40 Gibson Hollow Lane, Etlan; 540-923-4206; www.DuCardVineyards.com

TARARA WINERY Jordan Harris, winemaker and general manager at Tarara Winery, has been making wine for 11 years, six of them at Tarara. “I graduated from Niagara College in Canada for Enology and Viticulture and started my career at Niagara; I came to Virginia in 2007.” Some of Jordan’s impressive recognitions are listed to the right.

courtesy

Photo

Open Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., 361 days (closed New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas)

Tarara Winery 13648 Tarara Lane, Leesburg; 703-771-7100; www.Tarara.com

SPRING/summer 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 10

2/12/14 1:59 PM

Cuvee

In each we talk to three winemakers to find out more about their winery, their winemaking philosophy, and get some useful tips in the enjoyment of their juice. THE WINERY Overview: “Boxwood is a completely self-contained winery from the vineyard to the bottle. All of the grapes used in our wine are grown on our 21-acre sustainable vineyard adjacent to the winery. The grapes are hand-harvested, triple sorted and gravity fed as whole berries into small stainless steel fermenters. The wine is then transferred into French oak barrels for a 12-month aging period, blended and bottled on-site using our own bottling line. Our wines express the terroir of the Middleburg Virginia American Vitaculture Area.” - JG

Highlighted events: Wine Club member events Boxwood vertical tastings Vine to Wine Winemaker Tour Series Vintage release parties Middleburg Film Festival event venue Offerings: Three red Bordeaux-style wines: Boxwood is a left bank style blend with Cabernet Sauvignon as the dominant grape; Topiary is a Right Bankstyle blend with Cabernet Franc as the dominant grape; and Trellis, a Merlot dominant blend that changes from year to year. Also, one dry rose, made of Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

THE WINERY

Overview: “We specialize in single vineyard blends that best showcase their site as well as powerful blends and single varietals to show the essence of Virginia wine. We are all about promoting local with the very best quality at mind. Wine is not about what we do, but more about our passion for vineyards, fine wines and our local community.” - JH Highlighted events: Oct. 5 – Fine Vine (a competition with five local chefs and five local wines) June 1 – Riedel Tasting June-September – summer concert series every Saturday evening

Topiary 2009: garnet color, complex and intense nose of strawberry, savory garden herbs and spice aromas. The wine is ready to drink with soft tannins and a pronounced mid-palette.

Highlighted events: “Something is going on almost every weekend, with music on the patio and major festivals such as Wineappalooza!, an oyster fest, a summer jazz festival, Harvest Days, and more.” - JD Offerings: “[Our] current portfolio is about nine wines, but this coming year we plan to add our first Chardonnay and also a Merlot – small lots that will go first to our wine club and then with some availability in the tasting room.”

Offerings: General tastings Premier tastings Vine Club Lounge for members Picnic area / deck for paying customers Cheese plates Five recommendations: Cabernet Franc 2012 – classic structured, ripe fruit, a great representation of the cool but long vintage. Long Bomb 2012 – fun blend with fabulous ripeness, supple tannins. Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon. Nevaeh White 2012 – Austere style with exotic fruit and great barrel integration. Chardonnay and Viognier.

Philosophy: “The majority of the hard work goes into the vineyard and making wines that express the quality of the vineyard site. This is done by balancing the vine, picking when the fruit has ripe tannin and full flavors and then being gentle and proactive is the winemaking.” - JG A Word of Wisdom: “Drink what you like! Don’t be afraid to try new wines. Increase your wine vocabulary by talking to friends about what you are smelling and tasting. Explore different food and wine pairings. Take notes so you can review your experience and build on it.” - JG

—Frank Morgan

Recommendations: “Our Viognier, with its peach and honeysuckle aromas, and our Petit Verdot, which does very well on our site, with a gorgeous purple color and flowery aromatics – and some anise sometimes as well. Our port style dessert wine, using Virginia native Norton grapes, is also outstanding. All are very limited production and subject to selling out.” - JD —Patrick Evans-Hylton

#SocialSecret White 2012 – complex and seamless, exotic fruit and well structured. Rkatsiteli and Chardonnay. Charval 2013 – eclectic blend with lively citrus, floral and herbal tones. Mostly stainless steel fermented and aged. Chardonnay, Rkatsiteli, Sauvignon Blanc and Petit Manseng. “We try to have six wines available at a time but we make 10 yearly: four whites, five reds and one port-style. We also currently make Boneyard Wines which is another eight: one sparkling, one orange ‘white fermented on the skins’, two whites, three red and one rose.” - JH —Frank Morgan

THE WINEMAKER

Philosophy: “As a French guy I am allowed to use the word terroir, and can even pronounce it! I am trying to use and faithfully reflect what nature gives us, with the rocky clay soil and mountain breezes adding significant character to the wines.” – JD A Word of Wisdom: “Our friend Frank Morgan [also VWL’s contributing editor] has it right [with the name of his blog]:Drink What You Like. But I’d just add not too cold for whites – if you must use the fridge take the wine out onto the counter for an hour before serving and you’ll benefit more from the aromatics that we’ve worked so hard to get in there in the first place.” - JD

THE WINEMAKER

Philosophy: “[My philosophy is] simplistic and minimalist. Don’t overthink it. Wine is made from grapes so get good grapes from good vineyards and mess with it as little as possible.” - JH A Word of Wisdom: “Don’t listen to anyone more than yourself. If you like something, you like it regardless if someone tells you it’s good or not. One thing I do find though is whites are served too cold and reds too warm. Room temperature used to be 60-65 degrees when you read that on a red

label. Whites are best generally just below cellar temp: 56 degrees. Too cold and you will lose aromatics, too warm the wines will be fat and clumsy.” – JH Highlighted Awards: 90 points (on three wines) – Wine Enthusiast, 2013 Top 40 Under 40 - Wine Enthusiast, 2013 Top 100 most Influential Winemakers – intowine. com, 2013 Top sommelier, Canada, third in world – Inter-Rhone Challenge, 2004 Up and Coming Winemaker – Wine Access Magazine, 2005 VWL

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/summer 2014

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 11

“[We have a] great tasting room and patio overlooking Shenandoah National Park, local foods for purchase, and are very dog and family friendly. We have just started a food and wine pairing program, on Saturdays by advance reservation, in our barrel room.” - JD

Boxwood 2011: deep garnet in color, with floral notes on the nose with subtle graphite in the background. A well-structured, medium bodied wine.

THE WINEMAKER

Topairy 2011: an elegant, silky, soft, garnet-hued wine. Strawberry, cherry and raspberry notes are followed by violet and sweet tannins. This light to medium bodied wine has savory and delicate herbs with a touch of thyme lingering on the palette Boxwood Estate Winery has a limited production of 2500 cases per year, which always sells out.

Overview: “[We are] a boutique operation in a gorgeous mountainside setting, very small scale, with a strong focus on customer service and recognized a couple of years ago as the ‘greenest’ winery in Virginia.

Recommendations: Boxwood 2008: garnet color, with a very complex nose of dried herbs, wild strawberries, white pepper and light oak notes.

2/12/14 2:03 PM

Cork Report

JEFF WHITE NAMED GRAPE GROWER OF THE YEAR

—PEH

Photo Courtesy of Jeff White

Jeff White, owner and winemaker of Glen Manor Vineyards in Front Royal, has been named the Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA) Grape Grower of the Year. Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore presented the honor to White on Feb. 1. “Two years ago, [White] won the Governor’s Cup with his 2009 Hodder Hill, a Bordeaux-style red wine, and last year, he was gracious enough to volunteer his vineyard for a session at our summer technical meeting,” says VVA president Tom Kelly. “Jeff is one of the industry leaders who is helping put Virginia wine on the map, and he is more than deserving of this honor.” For more information on the Virginia Vineyards Association, visit www. VirginiaVineyardsAssociation.com For more information on Glen Manor Vineyards, visit www.GlenManorVineyards.com

SPRING/summer 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 12

2/12/14 4:08 PM

Cork Report

2013 VIRGINIA WINE SUMMIT A SUCCESS

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 13

Photos Courtesy of VirginiaWine.org

Photo Courtesy of Jeff White

or the Virginia wine industry, 2013 was a year of many successes, highlights and memorable events. These included another year of record growth in sales and number of new wineries along with glowing profiles in publications like Food & Wine Magazine, Forbes, Wine Enthusiast, and The New York Times. One of the most notable and memorable events was the Virginia Wine Summit held October 27 and 28 in Richmond. Organized by the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office, 2013 marks the second year of the Virginia Wine Summit. The summit is intended to showcase the wines of our state and is billed as the most comprehensive wine and food seminar in Virginia that will offer a variety of ideas on what is trending in the national as well as local wine and food scene. More than 250 winemakers, writers, sommeliers, chefs, and wine directors from top restaurants, assembled at the Jefferson Hotel learn, share and support the wines, winegrowers and wineries of the Commonwealth. The evening before the summit, attendees were treated to a reception at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond featuring wines from a dozen Virginia producers, many of which won gold medals in the 2013 Governor’s Cup competition. The morning of the summit, the Jefferson Hotel was buzzing with as the 250 attendees filled the grand ballroom to start the day with a comparative tasting of Cabernet Francs from Virginia and other regions around the world. The session, titled “Franc-ly Speaking”, was moderated by renowned wine expert Oz Clarke and featured six cabernet francs — three from Virginia, two from the Chinon appellation of the Loire Valley in France, and one from northern California. Representing Virginia in the Cabernet Franc comparative tasting was; Barboursville Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Franc Reserve, Cedar Creek 2009, and the Fabbioli Cellars 2011 Reserve.

After tasting all six wines the group consensus was that the Cabernet Francs from Virginia not only stood up to those from Chinon and California but were preferred by the majority of those tasting; further evidence that Virginia has come a long way since those first vinifera vines were planted at Barboursville in 1976.

Immediately following the comparative tasting were three educational breakout sessions moderated by prominent wine writers, vintners and sommeliers. Attendees pre-selected one of the three sessions to attend — New Virginia Arrivals, featuring Virginia’s newest wines and ciders in a walk-around tasting in the rotunda of the Jefferson Hotel; Age is Just a Number, which showcased the ageability of Virginia wines; and, Virginia Corks & Forks, featuring Virginia wines paired with signature dishes prepared from local ingredients. Following the morning breakout sessions attendees sat down to a multi-course lunch www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/summer 2014

2/12/14 2:03 PM

Photo Courtesy of VirginiaWine.org

Cork Report

prepared with Virginia wines with a keynote address that included much praise for area wines, winegrowers and wineries by noted expert Oz Clarke. “[The] only way to show the brilliance of Virginia is to do what Californians can’t do, to do what the French and the Chileans can’t do,” Clarke told the audience. Clarke’s message was clear — Virginia is Virginia, embrace what makes Virginia great. Gov. McDonnell and the First Lady also addressed the audience to finish the lunch session. McDonnell reminded the audience how much the Virginia wine industry has grown and the significant economic role wine plays in the commonwealth. The afternoon kicked-off with three breakout sessions — Bang for Your Buck that explored the quality to value ratio of Virginia wines; Viognier Voyage, a comparative tasting of Viogniers from Virginia and other wine regions; and, Shuck & Savor, which featured Virginia wines paired with a variety of oysters from local watermen. Like the morning breakout sessions, each of the afternoon sessions were moderated by food and/or wine professionals and were filled to capacity. Not surprisingly, the oyster and wine pairing session provided a perfect forum to highlight how well Virginia wine pairs with local seafood, namely local oysters. The session pairings included — Nassawadox Shooting Point Salts paired Chatham Vineyards Steel Chardonnay, Rappahannock River oysters paired with Keswick Vineyards Verdejo, and Sewansecott Hog Island oysters paired with Thibaut-Janisson Blanc de Blanc. The day concluded with a reception at The Jefferson. The 2013 Summit was a success by any measure: educational, entertaining and engaging. —Frank Morgan 14

SPRING/summer 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 14

2/12/14 4:07 PM

Visit

CoastalVirginiaMag.com

for the event video and photos.

TowneBank

Find the cork in the online photos... first three will be winners of a set of tickets to our upcoming BEST OF party Summer 2014

WineFEST

Photos BY Mike Mercker & David Uhrin

COASTAL VIRGINIA WINE FEST FIRST YEAR A SUCCESS The two-day TowneBank Coastal Virginia Wine Fest, presented by Coastal Virginia Magazine, a sister publication of Virginia Wine Lover, was held Jan. 25-26 the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Guests sampled vintages from 30 different Virginia wineries and many local craft beer breweries. Coastal Virginia Magazine Senior Editor for Food & Wine and Virginia Wine Lover magazine Executive Editor Patrick Evans-Hylton hosted five wine lectures over the two days of the event. Experts in the wine and food industry acted as moderators and panelists as well as volunteers in assisting the near-capacity crowds.

Lectures included:

All-American Pairing: The Right Wine for Classic American Cuisine Hosted by wine blogger and VWL contributing editor, Frank Morgan Panelists: Sydney Meers of Stove The Restaurant in Portsmouth; Rhys Lewis of Colonial Williamsburg; Brenda Gillihan, owner of Bon Vivant Market in Suffolk. Say Fromage: Wine and Cheese Pairing Basics Hosted by Executive Chef Rhys Lewis of Colonial Williamsburg Panelists: Wine blogger and VWL contributing editor, Frank Morgan; Brenda

Gillihan, owner of Bon Vivant Market in Suffolk; and Rebecca Kennedy of Culinary Institute of Virginia. Numerous foodies from across Hampton Roads volunteered with the programs. Other entertainment included live music and a celebrity grape stomp. Attendees voted for a favorite red, white, other and best-overall wine for the People’s Choice Award. Best Red Wine went to Mattaponi Winery’s Chambourcin; Best White Wine went to the Eastern Shore’s Chatham Vineyards’ Church Creek for their Chardonnay Oak Blend; Best Other Wine went to Cooper Vineyard’s Noche; and the Top Cork Award for Best Overall Wine in Show went to Rockbridge Winery’s Riesling. Steve McNulty, Towne-

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 15

Bank, presents Top Cork award winner Rockbridge Vineyard’s William Whitmore.

—PEH

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/summer 2014

Virginia Viognier: Tasting and Comparison Hosted by wine blogger and VWL contributing editor, Frank Morgan Panelists: Jim Raper, wine columnist for the Virginian-Pilot newspaper; David Miller of Culinary Institute of Virginia; and and Laura Habr, owner of Croc’s restaurant in Virginia Beach and co-founder of Virginia Beach Wine Week.

Sweet Temptations: Wines and Sweets; and Sweet Wines Hosted by Jonathan Highfield of The Bakehouse at Chelsea in Norfolk Panelists: Brenda Tusing, owner of The Royal Chocolate in Virginia Beach; Terry Restin, owner of The Royal Chocolate in Virginia Beach; Layne Eggers of Culinary Institute of Virginia.

Wine FUN-damentals: The Basics of Swirling and Sipping Hosted by wine blogger and VWL contributing editor, Frank Morgan Panelists: Jim Raper, wine columnist for the Virginian-Pilot newspaper; David Miller of Culinary Institute of Virginia; and Laura Habr, owner of Croc’s restaurant in Virginia Beach and co-founder of Virginia Beach Wine Week.

2/12/14 2:04 PM

Bloggers Imbibe

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

he 2010 Cleve from Philip Carter Winery was one of our favorite wines released in 2013; it also won a gold medal at the 2013 Virginia Governor’s Cup. A curiosity about this excellent wine, though, is its composition. It is a blend but not a Meritage, or traditional blend of Bordeaux red viniferous grapes that one may associate with a blended Virginia red wine. Rather, it is a mix of Petit Verdot (50%) and Tannat (50%). The result is a complex and elegant wine worthy of a fine meal on a special occasion, but we appreciated the 2010 Cleve Philip Carter Winery 2010 Cleve with simple fare. www.PCWinery.com This particular blend was produced from grapes harvested in a stellar growing season in Virginia. Warm nights, hot days, and dry conditions resulted in a longer growing season that benefitted red wine grapes; in particular, late-harvested grapes such as Petit Verdot and Tannat fared quite well. The result can be tasted in the 2010 Cleve. It presents a dense color with notes of ripe dark plums, seed berries, sweet tobacco and anise. Oak nuances complete the profile. Despite the dominance of Tannat, the tannins were quite approachable. And so what was the simple fare that we enjoyed with this special wine? Steak au poivre with sautéed button mushrooms were served beside roasted potatoes topped with fresh thyme and rosemary. Simple indeed but with a variety of earthy, complex flavors to match the earthiness of the 2010 Cleve. When seeking a well-made, awardwinning wine, consider the 2010 Cleve from Philip Carter Winery. Photo : paul

a r mst

rong

Complex and Elegant: the 2010 Cleve from Philip Carter Winery

Rausse Cab Sauv delivers big taste from a big personality

ubbed The Father of the Modern-Day Virginia Wine Industry, Gabriele Rausse came to Virginia from Italy in 1976 to assist his fellow countryman, Gianni Zonin, in establishing Barboursville Vineyards. Rausse told me during a recent visit, in the 37 years since he first stepped foot on Virginia soil he has helped establish about 50 vineyards and over a dozen winery operations here in the commonwealth. In addition to providing viticulture consulting expertise and operating his own eponymous label with his two sons, Rausse is director of gardens and grounds at Monticello in Charlottesville. His style is decidedly European, which makes the Gabriele Rausse Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve so enjoyable for those that enjoy a more restrained, less extracted style. The Rausse Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is medium bodied and opens with aromas of licorice, tobacco, black cherry and leather on the edges. Flavors of fig, herbs, earth and leather on the palate, with dusty tannins, followed by a lengthy leather and cherry finish. Pair this Cab with lamb or charcoal grilled steak. I encourage readers to seek out Gabriele Rausse’s wines in local wine shops and at restaurants. VWL —Frank Morgan Morgan blogs at www.DrinkWhatYouLike. Wordpress.com

- Warren Richard www.VirginiaWineTime.com Photo:

fr a nk m

org a n

Gabriele Rausse Winery 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Phone: 434-296-5328 Email: grausse@monticello.org

SPRING/summer 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 16

2/12/14 2:03 PM

Another Great Reason to Come to the Northern Neck Viticulture Classes Starting Spring 2014 • Vineyard Management I - Examine vineyard site criteria, regulations impacting vineyard operations and business practices, Virginia wine law, and winter pruning. Saturday, Feb. 22nd. • Soil Preparation and Planting - Learn about soil requirements, rootstock selection, acquiring the right vines for your sites, and nutrient management. Saturday, March 15th. • Pest Control - Explore how to control diseases of vines, manage both “good” and “bad” insects, and address animals that threaten the vineyard. Saturday, April 26th. • Canopy Management - Develop techniques in the vineyard designed to maximize both the quantity and quality of the grapes being produced. Saturday, June 21st. • All classes will meet from 9 a.m until 4 p.m. • Cost: $119 per class (includes lunch) • Classes are taught at the RCC Kilmarnock Center and local vineyards. • Dress prepared for spending time outdoors Rappahannock Community College is extremely pleased to have Mr. Mark Hollingsworth teach the upcoming series of classes in our Viticulture Program. Mark is the Owner and Vineyard Manager for the Dog and Oyster Vineyard in Irvington, Virginia, and comes to us with a vast knowledge in the fields of vineyard management and producing high quality wine.

For more information or to enroll, please call the RCC Office of Workforce Development at 804-758-6750 or 804-333-6828

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/summer 2014

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 17

2/12/14 2:04 PM

HAYMORE RENAMED SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE

Courtesy Photo

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has appointed Todd Haymore has Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, a position he also held under former Gov. Bob McDonnell. Haymore, a Virginia native, has been extremely supportive of the Virginia wine industry during his secretariat, working with the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office and other stakeholders closely. “Agriculture and forestry are, by far, Virginia’s largest industries and key economic and job creation catalysts through the Commonwealth,” says Haymore, who was first appointed by Governor Tim Kaine to serve as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Photo by Cameron Davidson, courtesy of Virginia.org

—PEH

ADMIRING VIRGINIA

Coming off a record year in 2012, Virginia wine sales increased again in 2013. More than 511,000 cases were sold in fiscal year 2013; some 26,000 cases more than in 2012 according to Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s office. Among the numbers is a triple-digit increase in international sales of Virginia wine. —PEH

Luca Paschina, general manager and winemaker of Barboursville Vineyards near Charlottesville, and viticulture consultant Lucie Morton have been named to Vineyard & Winery Management magazine’s “20 Most Admired People in the North American Wine Industry.” The announcement came in its November-December issue. For the complete list, visit www.VWMMedia.com

VIRGINIA WINE SALES INCREASE FOR SECOND YEAR

Year

Cases

2013

511,000

2012

485,000

—PEH

SPRING/summer 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 18

2/12/14 4:07 PM

A Boutique Winery in a Majestic Mountain Setting

ducardvineyards.com • 540-923-4206 Mention or bring this ad for a complimentary wine tasting for two! Check our web calendar for great upcoming events!

NEW WINERY GUIDE MAP AVAILABLE The Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office’s 2014 Virginia Winery Guide, which includes information about the 250-some wineries across the state, including a driving map, is now available. The guide features information about the state’s wineries, including location, hours, directions and contact information. Visit VirginiaWine.org/guide to request a map be mailed or download regional maps. —PEH

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/summer 2014

VWL 10-19 POP THE CORK SPR_SU14.indd 19

2/12/14 4:06 PM

a perfect pair

Taking the Party Outside

Delicious dishes and Virginia wine make for a picnic thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mighty fine By Patrick Evans-Hylton

SPRING/summer 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d5.indd 20

2/12/14 5:08 PM

Spring and summer should merge and name itself “picnic”, because both of these seasons are the perfect time for getting outside and enjoying green grass, blue skies and warm weather. Virginia is a diverse state, from the sandy shoreline to the rolling Piedmont to the Shenandoah Valley, and there are plenty of opportunities for the next several months to pack a picnic basket, grab a bottle or two of Virginia wine and dine al fresco. It may be as near as the backyard, or as far away as a day’s drive. It could be at the beach, or it may

be at a winery. Here is a suggested menu and wines to make your picnic well, mighty fine.

The Menu Variety is the spice of life, and essential for picnics, too. Forget the bologna and cheese sandwiches on white bread and go gourmet. Here are some suggestions, all of which include Virginia’s Finest products; visit the website of companies listed for the products mentioned. The recipe for Mango Chicken Salad Wraps and Mint Julep Bourbon Balls is included in this article; visit www. VirginiaWineLoverMag.com for other recipes. Chips and Gunther’s Gourmet Jalapeno Salsa Fresca Classic tortilla chips are spiced up with the fresh-flavored dip. www.GunthersGourmet.com Belmont Peanuts of Southampton’s Gourmet Virginia Peanuts Put out a bowl of these estate-roasted peanuts to munch on. www.BelmontPeanuts.com Classic Southern Deviled Eggs Recipe online Made with Gracie’s Garden’s Franklin Favorites pickles www.GraciesGardenVa.com Sassy Watermelon Soup Recipe online Made with Blue Crab Bay’s Stingray Bloody Mary Mixer www.BlueCrabBay.com Mango Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe within this article Made with Virginia Chutney Company’s Mango Chutney www.VirginiaChutney.com Edwards Country Ham Rolls Slices of Edwards of Surry county ham tucked in tiny dinner rolls www.EdwardsVaHam.com Mint Julep Bourbon Balls Recipe online Made with Keep It Simple Syrup spearmint-infused simple syrup www.KeepItSimpleSyrup.com

The wines There are many wonderful Virginia wines to enjoy not just in the spring and summer, but year-round. Here are a few of our go-to wines for warmer weather.

Barboursville Vineyards www.BarborsvilleCellar.com

Riesling “A long and cold fermentation is the secret of this wine’s refreshing and floral character with pear and ripe nectarine tones. Off-dry, well balanced, offers a nice clean finish.”

Blue Bee Cider

www.BlueBeeCider.com

Aragon 1904 cider “[Made] from a blend of modern and heirloom apple varieties to create a light, crisp, off-dry cider. It pairs well with many dishes making it suitable for special occasions, barbecues, or just by itself on a hot summer day.”

Breaux Vineyards

www.BreauxVineyards.com

Che’re Marie “This light, fresh and summery white wine is off-dry and made from the French-American hybrid grape: Vidal Blanc. It is crisp and refreshing, and pairs perfectly with anything spicy... or just a hot day.”

Chatham Vineyards

www.ChathamVineyards.net

Church Creek Chardonnay – Steel Fermented

For more information about Virginia’s Finest products, visit www.VaFinest.com

“… Chardonnay fermented and aged in stainless steel. With delicate hints of pear and green melon, crisp acidity and mineral elements, this unoaked Chardonnay … recalls Burgundy more than Napa.”

Thibaut-Janisson www.TJWinery.com

Virginia Fizz, sparkling wine “Virginia Fizz is a fun and festive sparkling wine … with apples and peach flavors, the wine has a very creamy and smooth texture. The myriad of tiny bubbles will tickle your taste buds.” www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d5.indd 21

a perfect pair

2/12/14 5:09 PM

MANGO CHICKEN SALAD WRAPS

* Photo by Edwin Remsberg, from Dishing Up Virginia

a perfect pair

Mint Julep Bourbon balls

Ingredients Ingredients 2 cups skinless cooked chicken, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

4 tablespoons finely chopped sweet onion, like Vidalia

4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, divided

2 tablespoons golden raisins

4 tablespoons finely chopped celery

4-6 tortilla

1 teaspoon curry powder 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup Greek yogurt 4 tablespoons mango chutney* 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

4-6 romaine lettuce leaves

Method In a large bowl, whisk yogurt, chutney, lime juice, curry powder and black pepper. Mix in chicken, 2 tablespoons of cilantro, celery, red bell pepper, sweet onion and raisins. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Evenly spread on 4-6 tortillas (as much or as little as you like), add a lettuce leaf and roll. Cut wraps in half horizontally and wrap in parchment paper. Yields 4-6 servings. *We use the Virginia Chutney Company’s Mango Chutney 22

1 (12-ounce) box vanilla wafers, crushed fine (2 1⁄2 cups) 1 3⁄4 cup confectioners’ sugar

1 cup chopped, toasted pecans

2 1⁄2 tablespoons light corn syrup

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons mint simple syrup* 1⁄3 cup bourbon

Method Stir the vanilla wafer crumbs, 1 cup of the sugar, the pecans and the cocoa powder together in a large bowl. Whisk the corn syrup, bourbon and mint simple syrup together in a small bowl. Pour the mixture over the vanilla wafer mixture, then stir well to completely incorporate. Refrigerate the mixture for 5 minutes. Place the remaining 3⁄4 cup sugar in a large bowl. Scoop the vanilla wafer–bourbon mixture into 1-inch balls (the larger end of a melon scoop is just the right size) or form into squares, and roll in the confectioners’ sugar. Transfer the balls to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 day or up to 3 weeks before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Roll in additional confectioners’ sugar before serving. Transport in a sealed container. Yields about 4 dozen. *We use Keep It Simple Syrup’s spearmint-infused simple syrup This recipe is an adaptation of my classic Bourbon Balls in my cookbook, Dishing Up Virginia. VWL

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 22

2/12/14 1:26 PM

Photo by Edwin Remsberg, from Dishing Up Virginia

CHARLOTTESVILLE

entrally located in the heart of Central Virginia’s Wine and Vineyard region; minutes from the University of Virginia, Monticello, and the Historic Downtown Mall. Indoor pool, restaurant & lounge, complimentary wireless internet, business center, and 37” HD TVs. Conference center.

Hilton

Garden Inn®

ew extended-stay hotel, short distance to Keswick, Trump, First Colony and Blenheim vineyards. Enjoy tastings along the Monticello Wine Trail by day and relax in The Heart of Homewood by night. Luxurious all-suite hotel features full kitchens, HDTV, wireless internet, and fitness center, indoor pool/spa, sports court, business center, meeting facilities. Home of University of VA, John Paul Jones Arena, Michie Tavern and presidential homes Monticello and Ashlawn. Convenient to dining and shopping.

I-64 exit 118 to 29 North 2036 India Rd., Charlottesville VA

Charlottesville

I-64 exit 124, 1793 Richmond Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22911

434-979-4442

434-244-6200

www.StayHGI.com

www.charlottesville.homewoodsuites.com

WAYNESBORO

LEXINGTON

IT’S NOT A ROOM - IT’S A RESIDENCE

fter a great day of wine tasting, chill your favorite VA Wine in a relaxing king studio suite with full kitchen. Located minutes from choice wineries... VERITAS, King Family, Pollack, Afton Mtn., Wintergreen, Cardinal Point, Hilltop Berry, Delfosse and more. Complimentary hot breakfast buffet after a restful night’s sleep. Take in our great views of the Blue Ridge Mtns around our fire pit on the patio, while sipping a delicious glass of VA Wine. Restaurants within walking distance. Indoor heated pool and spa. Complimentary wireless. Book now.. we are waiting for you!

tay in the historic 1827 Manor House or modern hotel rooms. Enjoy free hot breakfast, fridge/microwave in all hotel rooms, wireless internet, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, fitness room, conference center.

Rockbridge Vineyard, Lexington Valley Vineyard and Virginia Horse Center nearby. Walking distance to downtown, dining, shopping, VMI, W&L, Stonewall Jackson House. Free Gift With This Ad At Check-in

I-64 exit 94, 44 Windigrove Dr., Waynesboro, VA

Col Alto I-81 exit 188-B, 401 East Nelson St, Lexington, VA

www.marriott.com/shdri

www.hamptoninn.com/hi/lexington-historic

540-943-7426

STAUNTON

Free Gift With This Ad At Check-in

njoy 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

540-463-2223 WAYNESBORO

losest hotel to Barren Ridge Vineyards! Also near Afton Mountain, Veritas, King Family, Pollack, Cardinal Point, and Flying Fox vineyards, Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive and attractions. Relax in comfort with high speed internet & fridge/microwave in every room, free hot breakfast, heated indoor pool, fitness center, and business center. Free gift at check-in with this ad!

I-64 exit 91, 15 Four Square Lane, Fishersville, VA

540-213-9500

www.waynesborostuartsdraft.hamptoninn.com www.VirginiaWineLover.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 23

2/12/14 1:26 PM

A FORK AND THE ROAD Williamsburg

& Richmond

ale T of

T apitals C T hree

By Patrick EvansHylton

A sweet and savory sojourn along the James River

he image of starry-eyed voyagers in gallant ships propelled by big, billowy sails moving up the James River, triumphantly setting foot on the shore, and thus establishing the Virginia colony in 1607, is the stuff of fiction. Truth-be-told, the first settlers probably were excited, but probably scared out of their wits, too. What this handful of men and boys were doing was nothing short of setting foot on the moon, for all practical purposes. They were far from their natal home of England. Very far. The land was marshy. The water brackish. There were mosquitos. There were Native Americans, some friendly, some not. They had to construct a fort. They had to fish, they had to farm. They were tasked to look for riches to send back across the sea, but along the way, the founded a new country. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the beginning, all America was Virginia,â&#x20AC;? said William Byrd, a trendsetting planter and author, in 1732. And that was true.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 24

2/12/14 1:26 PM

photo By Kelly Mihalcoe

Photo By Patrick Evans-Hylton

Oysters and Pearls

DUDLEY’s Bistro

Williamsburg Winery Winemaker MatThew Meyer

Photo By Patrick Evans-Hylton

Not only was Virginia being established, but so was America. The tiny Jamestown settlement grew and became her first capital. Later, the seat of government moved just a few miles as the crow flies to Middle Plantation, now known as Williamsburg. It became the capital in 1699. Life became a bit more settled, and civilized. Williamsburg housed an institute of higher learning – still in business today – the College of William & Mary. Streets were laid out into grids, markets established, an impressive brick church built, and an even more impressive palace for the royal governor erected. In 1673, William Byrd, the same one from the quote, was granted lands further north and west, on the James River near the falls. It was here that the original street plan for Richmond would be laid out in 1737, and here that the town thrived as a terminus for commerce along the liquid highway. And it was here, in 1780, that Virginia’s capital moved one last time. Virginia is a tale of three capitals, and I wanted to explore each of them. Tobacco is no longer king, but food and wine are; the Old Dominion has a growing reputation for stellar restaurants and wineries. These, coupled with historic sites, were on my agenda to explore over the course of a couple of days. Saudé Creek Winery

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 25

2/12/14 1:26 PM

A FORK AND THE ROAD Williamsburg

& Richmond

We were fortunate to stay at Wedmore Place, adjacent to Williamsburg Winery, during our stay in the colonial capital. Winemaker Matthew Meyer showed tremendous hospitality during a tasting, which included a number of vintages. Since their first release in 1988, Williamsburg Winery has grown in their offerings, and Britishborn and California-trained Meyer has brought a talented touch to the wine. Kevin Zraly, renowned wine educator and founder of the Windows on the World Wine School says, “… The Williamsburg Winery has some of the best wines in the world.” We sure enjoyed what we sampled. Highlights were the Gabriel Archer Reserve 2009, a gorgeous complex red blend with dark fruit, red fruit jam and some earthy tones. Matthew’s Chardonnay 2011 was a beautiful, balanced wine with citrus and lemon and just a bit of minerality. The Late Harvest Vidal Blanc 2012 is a rich, syrupy dessert wine with tones of honey and almond. Further up the road, at Saude’ Creek, we wandered on the expansive deck, looking out over a serene wooded area down to

Photo By Patrick Evans-Hylton

THE WINE/IMBIBES

Jamestown Settlement

the Pamunkey River before stepping inside and settling down in the impressive tasting room, reminiscent of a lodge. We enjoyed a sample of a few wines, with the Cabernet Franc 2013 being a standout; inky in color, heady in nose, and the taste of black cherries, violets and a hint of peppercorn was delightful. The very drinkable Tavern Whit blend would be perfect for a summer patio setting.

Wessex Hundred Escape to

for an unforgettable wine & food experience.

In Richmond, a tour of Blue Bee Cider, Virginia’s first urban cidery wetted our whistle with a sampling of several gorgeous expressions; a favorite was Charred Ordinary, a historically-inspired, old-fashioned vintage that shined. Next door, a few pub grub nibbles and a brewsky at Legend Brewery, Central Virginia’s oldest and largest microbrewery, was a nice followup. A favorite was the lager, which was clean and easy drinking. Tours are offered at select times. On other trips in this neck of the woods, we’ve enjoyed stops at New Kent Winery and James River Cellars, both stops along the Colonial Virginia Wine Trail.

More: Blue Bee Cider www.BlueBeeCider.com Colonial Virginia Wine Trail www.ColonialVirginiaWineTrail.com Legend Brewing Co. www.LegendBrewing.com

The Gabriel

archer Tavern

at The Williamsburg Winery

Wedmore Place

Saude’ Creek Vineyards www.SaudeCreek.com The Williamsburg Winery www.WilliamsburgWinery.com Virginia Wine www.VirginiaWine.org

www.williamsburgwinery.com www.wedmoreplace.com 5800 Wessex hundred | Williamsburg, virginia 23185 | |www.williamsburgwinery.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 26

2/12/14 1:31 PM

Fri., Sat. & Sun.

Take an international culinary tour at the 2nd annual Busch Gardens® Food & Wine Festival, where you can enjoy dishes from all the countries of Busch Gardens and beyond, including Greece, Spain, the Caribbean and more. It’s the perfect reason to get a pass and enjoy thrilling rides, family fun, shows and up-close animal experiences again and again.

Get unlimited visits for just $10/month. buschgardens.com/va

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d5.indd 27

2/12/14 5:12 PM

S:9.75”

Tastiest year ever.

Payments are based on 12 equal monthly payments. Valid one year from date of purchase. No interest or finance charges with EZpay. Prices subject to change without notice. Menu, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Food and beverages available for an additional fee. Must be 21 years of age to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages. Some restrictions apply. © 2014 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

Photo By Patrick Evans-Hylton

May 23 – June 29

A FORK AND THE ROAD

PHOTo By Patrick Evans-Hylton

Sweet Findings at Sapora

THE FOOD So many incredible meals were enjoyed during my journey; Virginia is the birthplace of American cuisine, and its evolved into a hotbed of worldly cuisine, whether it’s farm-to-table or global gourmet. A meal from Chef Ika Zaken at Café Provencal in Williamsburg was spectacular; my Thyme and Garlic-Crusted Grilled Rack of Lamb prepared delicately rare and floating in a Merlot jus added to the succulence. Also in Williamsburg, the hospitality of chef/owner Jim Kennedy of Dudley’s Bistro wowed me with a multicourse offering that ran the gambit of seared foie gras, wild game and a remarkable cheesecake. Sapori in Williamsburg made me look at an old favorite of mine, chicken cacciatore 28

with a beautiful rendition made with rabbit. It was sweet, delicate and perfectly bathed in a rich tomato sauce studded with earthy olives. Coffee and breakfast treats were a great way to start the morning at Urban Farmhouse in Richmond, and later some of the best Asian food I’ve had in Virginia was enjoyed at Peter Chang China Bistro. An assortment of food was enjoyed from Chang, a former chef for the Chinese Embassy in New York and guest chef at New York’s James Beard House. A Szechuan-style beef covered in tiny, fiery peppers was a standout. Jason Alley’s Pasture was a delight, with its locavore commitment and perfect execution of dishes; we noshed on a number of small bites, including house pickles, house pork rinds, and a smack-your-mama-good pimento cheese served with Ritz crackers. Just down the street, Travis Croxton’s Rappahannock Restaurant showcased oysters and other eats from Coastal Virginia. My mouth still waters for the Oysters and Pearls: a dish of raw Rappahannock River oysters topped with a bourbon-citrus granite and trout caviar. Also look to Colonial Williamsburg and adjacent Merchant’s Square for outstanding dining options in Williamsburg; in

Blue Bee Cider

PHOTo By Patrick Evans-Hylton

Urban Farmhouse

& Richmond

PHOTo By Patrick Evans-Hylton

Williamsburg

Richmond, many other wonderful restaurants are dotted across the city. Specific restaurant information can be found on the Richmond and Williamsburg visitor’s websites, listed in this article.

More: Café Provencal www.Cafe-Provencal.com Dudley’s Bistro Find Dudley’s Bistro on Facebook Gabriel Archer Tavern gabrielarchertavern.com Pasture www.PastureVA.com Peter Chang China Bistro www.PeterChangRVA.com Rappahannock Restaurant www.RROysters.com Sapori www.SaporiFlavors.com Urban Farmhouse www.TheUrbanFarmhouse.net

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 28

2/12/14 1:31 PM

Photo By Matt Silk

A FORK AND THE ROAD Williamsburg

Williamsburg Winery BARRELS

THE SIGHTS Our trip began at the Jamestown Settlement, which features gallery exhibits and a film showcasing the merger of Native Americans, the English, and later Africans, laying the foundation of what would become Virginia. A short walk from the gallery are lifesize recreations of the colonists’ fort and a Powhatan Indian village. A stroll through the buildings, speaking with costumed interpreters, gives a sense of place and an understanding of what fragile circumstances there were that somehow came together to create the state and America. A highlight: boarding replicas of the three ships that brought the English, the Susan Constant, Godspeed and Discovery. Colonial Williamsburg offers an extensive historic district that is a treat to explore. We strolled down the cobblestone streets and made our way into the Governor’s Palace, Capitol, Raleigh Tavern and other buildings. Costumed interpreters explained their crafts, and a bit about Williamsburg when it was colonial capital from 1699-1780. Some venues are free to explore, others charge a fee. There were several programs we enjoyed, too; an extensive calendar of activities is offered at ticketing offices. Adjacent, the shops and restaurants at Merchant Square provide a nice time wandering about. Offerings range from a bookstore to cheese shop, clothing, jewelry and quality colonial souvenirs. In season, Merchant’s Square is also the site of the Williamsburg Farmers Market. For a diversion, Busch Gardens offers rollercoasters and other rides amid a setting that consistently is named one of the most beautifully landscaped amusement parks in the country. Also of note: the Busch Gardens Williamsburg Food & Wine Festival, which takes place annually in the late spring. Featured are samples in each themed country section of the park, along with beer and wine tasting. Another foodie find is the gourmet grocer, La Tienda, which has a dizzying array of Spanish foods, including hard-to-find hams, cheeses, wines, spices like paprika, goods like delicate white anchovies in oil, chocolates, cooking equipment (including a paella pan for 20) and more. We grabbed a

& Richmond

few nibbles for an impromptu picnic. We took a diversion and enjoyed a trip along the historic and scenic Route 5 where the famous James River plantations stand a stately testament to another time. A stop by Berkeley Plantation provided a wonderful stroll through gardens, down to the river, and in the 1726 Georgian mansion. In Richmond, we enjoyed many of the historic Civil War sites, but for a real treat, take a walk with the good folks at Real Richmond, which offers a number of food-centric tours. It’s a great way to see – and eat – the city. Conversely, a visit to the South of the James farmers market is a show unto itself, with colorful vendors and gorgeous offerings – with many samples to be had. Both Williamsburg and Richmond are filled with an amazing menu of things to see and do, from the arts to auto racing. We’ve included contacts below for visitors information for you to plan your own unique journey. More: Berkeley Plantation www.BerkeleyPlantation.com

Our suite was more than 1,100-squarefeet with multiple rooms, a soaring ceiling and, bedroom loft overlooking the sitting room. Antiques decorated the space, and the feeling was pure decadence. At Wedmore Place, there is a pool, fitness room, massage room, library and Italianesque inner courtyard. Café Provencal is on site. In Richmond, we stayed at The Berkeley, a four-diamond upscale hotel at the edge of the historic Shockoe Slip. The service and our room were gracious; this is classic Southern hospitality and accommodations. We enjoyed the well-appointed room, which included a balcony and large, luxurious bed. Throughout there were hints of yesteryear in the décor and detail. The charming bar was a wonderful place to relax in the evening. During previous visits we have stayed at both the Williamsburg Inn and Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, as well as The Jefferson in Richmond, and highly recommend these accommodations too. VWL

Busch Gardens www.BuschGardens.com/va

Colonial Williamsburg www.History.org

The Berkeley Hotel www.BerkeleyHotel.com

Jamestown Settlement www.HistoryIsFun.org La Tienda www.Tienda.com Merchant’s Square www.MerchantsSquare.org Real Richmond Food Tours & More www.RealRichmondVA.com South of the James Market – Richmond www.GrowRVA.com Williamsburg Farmers Market www.WilliamsburgFarmersMarket.com

Wedmore Place www.WedmorePlace.com

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE For more travel information, visit these folks: Richmond Region Tourism www.VisitRichmondVA.com Virginia Tourism Corporation www.Virginia.org Virginia Department of Agriculture vaexpo.com

THE ACCOMMODATIONS Impressive doesn’t begin to describe Wedmore Place, located next to Williamsburg Winery. This boutique, luxury hotel, reminiscent of a stately European country inn, offers 28 individually designed rooms and suites and tons of details. We were still marveling at our room, the Venetian Suite, even as we prepared to leave.

Visit Williamsburg www.VisitWilliamsburg.com James Limousine Service, Inc. www.jameslimousine.com Richmond Limousine www.richmondvalimousine.com TNT Limousine www.tntlimousine.com

www.VirginiaWineLover.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 29

2/12/14 1:31 PM

Great Peanuts Come in Small Batches

Years of

Experience

CORPORATE GIFTS, VIRGINIA PEANUTS & VIRGINIA HAM THE GRIFFIN FARMS BRAND

(877) 757-2283 Smithfield, Virginia

ORDER ONLINE

www.rockstc.com ROCK SPRINGS TRADING COMPANY

Pairs well with the weekend Anytime of year is the perfect time to plan a trip to Virginia wine country. With more than 250 vineyards spread throughout the Commonwealth, you’re never far from a glass or bottle of world-class wine. Take the weekend to explore wineries high in the mountains or tucked along the coast. No matter where you roam, you’ll discover uncommon fl avors of rare varietals, and more than 400 years of living history. Visit virginiawine.org to find vineyard information and events calendars to help plan your next winery trip.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 30

2/12/14 1:31 PM

A FORK AND THE ROAD

Shenandoah

Sweet Southern Shenandoah Along the trail America took, new frontiers are still found By Patrick Evans-Hylton

In the early 18th century, this was the Wild West. The Frontier. America was clamoring for more land and English, Irish, German and Scots-Irish were among the groups of people that traversed this backcountry, beginning at the port of Philadelphia and through Virginia into what is now Tennessee, and then beyond. Save a few billboards and the dotting of farmhouses and barns, it’s easy to imagine that a lot of this area still looks the same; the endless blue sky reaching down and touching the smoothed, rounded tops of tree-laden mountains rolling like great waves on a green ocean. But a passing big-rig truck reminds me that this is the 21st century, which is fine with me, because it means my journey won’t be fraught with fears of starvation, illness or attack – common fears of early settlers. Rather it will be laden with the hospitality this special part of the Old Dominion is known for, as well as two other calling cards: delicious food and drink.

Blue Ridge Vineyard By Patrick Evans-Hylton

t’s a warm sunny day, and I am driving along Interstate 81 southbound, nestled down in the Shenandoah Valley and in the embrace of the Blue Ridge Mountains to my left and the Allegheny Mountains to my right. This is a route that my family took – not on a vacation to Florida – but in finding a new life, a better life. It wasn’t even recent; this journey took place 300 years ago. Following well-worn trails first established by migrating animals and later Native Americans, this stretch through here roughly follows the Great Wagon Road (mostly the parallel Route 11) which was the superhighway during America’s childhood years.

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 31

2/12/14 1:32 PM

A FORK AND THE ROAD

Shenandoah THE WINE/IMBIBES

Think you’ve seen it all?

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

www.frontiermuseum.org

Experience

the Simple Life

Enjoy the taste and flavor of the simple life in Patrick County, VA at Stanburn and Villa Appalachia, our award winning wineries.

visitpatrickcounty.org 32

In an area curiously called The Wharf, an easy walk a couple of blocks from downtown Staunton, a number of shops and restaurants are found in this warehouse-chic district. Here, too, is the cute-as-a-button tasting room for Ox-Eye Vineyards. Located in a turn-of-thelast-century building, the space also is a showcase for local art. We enjoyed several wines; for warm weather the White Ox 2012, a delicious, light blend of Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay and Traminette, got our attention. The full-bodied Lemberger 2012, a dry red blend with hints of cherries and chocolate, would be good with grilled meats. Nearby is Redbeard Brewing Company, a taphouse offering a pint to enjoy onsite, or growlers to go; generally six to eight beers are available, including barleywines, IPAs and stouts. A short bit down the road in Raphine is winemaker Shep Rouse’s Rockbridge Vineyard. A large silo greets you as you approach the tasting room, and rows of vines lay across the hills like ribbons. Standout wines include the full-bodied, dry 2012 DeChiel Chardonnay; a crisp, tropical-fruit laden Vignoles that is welcomed in the summer; the beautiful inky DeChiel Cabernet Franc 2008 great for grilled foods with its full body and dark cherry notes; and the lovely sweet, syrupy dessert wine, V D’Or, made in a late harvest style. In a state where many wineries have beautiful vistas, Blue Ridge Vineyard is in among the top. The shabby-chic tasting room opens up to a rolling meadow that stretches to the nearby mountain ridge. We were guided through a tour and tasting by winemaker Barbara Kolb, who has a purely delightful personality and is a wealth of knowledge. Wine standouts included a spicy, off-dry Gewurztraminer that we’d love with Mexican or Thai food, Big Bear Red, a lighter red blend (primarily of Cabernet Franc) that would be perfect for summer sipping, and Sweet Shiloh, another summer quaff that is a semi-sweet blend of reds and whites. A lovely country ride brought us to Virginia Mountain Vineyards where we enjoyed several quaffs, including Trinity, a fuller-bodied, smooth blend of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot with lots of red fruit on the nose and palate, and Acacia Gold, a slightly sweet, refreshing fruity wine perfect for summer.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 32

2/12/14 1:32 PM

What’s Your Bot-e-Type?

Whether you enjoy an occasional taste or are a wine connoisseur, ﬁnd your “Bot-e-Type” along The Wine Trail of Botetourt County. www.botetourtwinetrail.com

WineTrail

Shenandoah Valley

Veramar Vineyard Berryville • 540-955-5510 Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery Stephens City • 540-869-9567 Wicked Oak Farms & Vineyard Star Tannery • 571-201-2963 Cedar Creek Winery Star Tannery • 540-436-8394 North Mountain Vineyard & Winery Maurertown • 540-436-9463 Muse Vineyards Woodstock • 540-459-7033 Shenandoah Vineyards Edinburg • 540-984-8699 Wolf Gap Vineyard Edinburg • 540-984-3306 Cave Ridge Vineyard Mt. Jackson • 540-477-2585 The Winery at Kindred Pointe Mt. Jackson • 540-477-3570

Old Hill Cider Timberville • 540-896-7582 Wisteria Farm & Vineyard Stanley • 540-742-1489 Cross Keys Vineyards Mt. Crawford • 540-234-0505 Bluestone Vineyard Bridgewater • 540-828-0099 Ox-Eye Vineyards Staunton • 540-849-7926 Hunt’s Vineyard Stuarts Draft • 800-946-3289 Barren Ridge Vineyards Fishersville • 540-248-3300 Rockbridge Vineyard Raphine • 540-377-6204 Lexington Valley Vineyard Rockbridge Baths • 540-462-2974 Jump Mountain Vineyard Rockbridge Baths • 540-348-6730 Blue Ridge Vineyard Eagle Rock • 540-798-7642

FESTIVALS Wine and Trotter Festival Saturday, May 10 11am til 5pm Shenandoah County Fairgrounds Woodstock, VA Wine and Jazz Festival Saturday, June 28 1pm til 7pm Frontier Culture Museum Staunton, VA

www.ShenandoahValleyWineTrail.com www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 33

2/12/14 1:32 PM

Devil’s Backbone Outport

Shenandoah

A FORK AND THE ROAD

Frontier Culture Museum

WadE mill

In Lexington, we enjoyed a visit to Devil’s Backbone Outpost Brewery, a 15,000-square-foot custom-built brewery that puts out some award-winning labels. (It was named in 2012 as Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival, among other accolades.) Brewery tours are offered, and the tasting room is a great place to relax with, say, a Vienna Lager, one of our favorites. The drive from Roanoke to AmRhein Wine Cellars was beautiful, showcasing the splendor of the Shenandoah Valley. At the winery, we took note of the expansive patio shaded with growing vines, and enjoyed a number of wines, in particular the summery Sauvignon Blanc with a bright citrus nose and palate. Portions of this region are in Shenandoah Valley AVA (American Vitcultural Area). Nearby are the North Fork of Roanoke AVA and the Rocky Knob AVA. There are many other notable wineries in the region, as well as a number of wine trails that traverse the landscape; check with the Virginia Wine Marketing Office, (link below), for more information.

More: AmRhein Wine Cellars www.AmRheinWine.com Blue Ridge Vineyard www.BlueRidgeVineyard.com Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company www.DBBrewingCompany.com

At Fincastle Winery, a charming patio and koi-pond greeted us as we entered the main building, which offers both a tasting room and bedrooms for overnight accommodations. The Cabernet Franc was classic and classy; medium-bodied, inky purple/red in hue and complexities including raspberry and tobacco. The Traminette was textbook – a delicious citrusy/floral warm-weather wine. Under a vine-covered trellis, looking out across open fields was a wonderful way to unwind at Lexington Valley Vineyard. With adorable wine dogs running about, we sat back and enjoyed the scenery. Two wines of which to take note: Chill, a Norton rose’ that is light and fruity and served chilled, and a slightly sweet, smooth and refreshing Vidal Blanc. 34

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 34

Fincastle Winery www.FincastleWine.com Lexington Valley Vineyard www.LexingtonValleyVineyard.com Redbeard Brewing Company www.RedBeardBrews.com Rockbridge Vineyard www.RockbridgeVineyard.com Ox-Eye Vineyards www.OxEyeVineyards.com Virginia Mountain Vineyards www.VMVines.com Virginia Wine Marketing Office www.VirginiaWine.org

THE FOOD In The Wharf district, we popped in Byers Street Bistro for a bite of lunch to start an afternoon of wine tasting and other diversions and I was very pleased with the comfortable surroundings and my tasty American Burger. Later we visited Staunton’s Barking Dog, a very urban, hip place to grab a glass – or a bottle – of wine, complete with a nice selection of Virginia vintages. We loved the vibe and the selection of cheeses to nibble. We decided, at the wise urging of our server, to share a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, too, and it was nirvana. Dinner one night in Staunton was at the venerable Emilo’s Italian Restaurant, which showcases classic Old World dishes against an elegant Old School décor. Professional servers guided us through the menu, and I settled on a beautiful Orrecchietti Con Pesto – delicate ear-shaped pasta tossed in homemade pesto, sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts. I’ve heard far-and-wide about Zynodoa, a Staunton restaurant many of my foodie friends revel to me in a hush-like whisper, least the secret be let out. It should be let out: this is an incredible restaurant, from the casual-but-upscale atmosphere and impeccable service, to the perfectly executed dishes that shout from the highest hilltop the virtues of local food sourcing. We enjoyed a chef’s tasting menu, and it is a meal forever seared on my tastebuds. A drive down the Valley took us to Lexington, and to Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe downtown; it’s a tasty, old fashioned respite for lovers of quality chilled confections regardless of the season. We stayed in downtown Lexington for dinner at The Red Hen, an absolutely adorable jewel box of a restaurant that features fine dining dishes utilizing the bounty of the Shenandoah Valley. The space, in a century-old building, features charming architectural features. But the charm goes beyond that with a gorgeous, seasonally-changing menu, too. We enjoyed multiple courses with ingredients featuring house-rolled pasta, local meats and vegetables, and other treats from within the foodshed. At meal’s conclusion, the cheese board – selection, accouterments – was as close to perfect as it comes. Moving south again, we stopped at Town Center Tap House in Daleville, a fun and vibrant bistro that offers a dizzying array of beers, including many local ones. While I enjoyed a lunch of soup and salad, I sipped a delightful Parkway Brewing Company Get Bent Mountain IPA. Photos This page By Patrick Evans-Hylton

2/12/14 1:32 PM

Win REGISTER TO

ESCAPE to Lexington

An Overnight Package for the Two of You! • One night in the Historic Manor House at the Hampton Inn Col Alto • Private tour and tasting for 2 at Rockbridge Vineyard • Dinner for 2 at Southern Inn Restaurant • Attractions Pass providing admission for 2 to over 15 area attractions For package details and availability, please visit

www.lexingtonvirginia.com/vawinelover (540) 463-3777 | (877) 453-9822

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER2014 2014

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 35

3535

2/12/14 1:33 PM

From generals and pioneers to vineyards and chocolatiers. For years, visitors to Lexington wished they could bottle the experience and take it home with them. Now they can! With award-winning vineyards and craft brewers, Lexington and Rockbridge County wines and beers will complement an array of culinary tastes youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll savor.

To plan your culinary adventure, visit lexingtonvirginia.com/dining.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 36

2/12/14 1:33 PM

Photo By Sera Petras Photography

More: Barking Dog Wine www.StauntonsBarkingDog.com Byers Street Bistro www.ByersStreetBistro.com Emilio’s Italian Restaurant www.EmiliosItalianRestaurant.com The Red Hen www.RedHenLex.com The River and Rail Restaurant www.RiverAndRailRestaurant.com The Roanoker Restaurant www.TheRoanokerRestaurant.com Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe www.SweetThingsIceCream.com Town Center Tap House www.TownCenterTapHouse.com Zynodoa www.Zynodoa.com

In between all the wonderful food and drink, there are still tons to see and do in the southern Shenandoah Valley. In Staunton’s Wharf district, we visited Sunspots Studios & Glassblowing, a fascinating retail shop that allows folks to see how the many beautiful glass pieces for sell are handcrafted. The Frontier Culture Museum just outside Staunton is an amazing living museum showcasing the many cultures that came together in colonial America to form Virginia. Entire villages are set up with costumed interpreters and craftspeople, among them 1700s West Africa, 1600s England, 1700s Ireland, 1700s Germany, 1700s Native America, 1740s Virginia settlement, and homes from 1820s and 1850s America. Near downtown Staunton is the Blackfriar’s Playhouse, a stunning recreation of the first indoor theater in the English-speaking world, offering a number of performances ala William Shakespeare throughout the year. The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library is also near downtown Staunton

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d4.indd 37

Shenandoah

Like Zynodoa, I had also been told of Roanoke’s The River and Rail Restaurant, and I knew of Executive Chef Aaron Deal’s excellent reputation from many accolades, including a nomination in the Rising Star category of the James Beard Awards a few years back. I was not disappointed. Located in the former Lipes Pharmacy, the space is open and chic, with exposed brick and many architectural details. The menu is, well, awesome. Shared appetizers were Deviled Farm Eggs, Jar of Pickles, Spicy Pork Rinds and Chicken Liver Mousse – all incredible – and dinner was a beautiful pork loin. Dessert was, well, are you sitting? Banana Pudding with Cornbread Crispies and Jalapeno Coconut Sorbet. Sigh. On my last day in the Shenandoah Valley, I was sent off in style with a remarkable classic Southern at The Roanoker Restaurant, an institution in these parts since 1941. The fried country ham was sublime,

THE SIGHTS

A FORK AND THE ROAD

Zynodoa

and the biscuits – oh, the biscuits! Fluffy and light; it’s estimated more than 10 million have been devoured here.

2/12/14 1:33 PM

Shenandoah and is an amazing collection of information More: and artifact related to the Blackfriar’s Playhouse 28th president, who was www.AmericanShakespeareCenter.com born here. Frontier Culture Museum Several buildings make www.FrontierMuseum.org up the library, with a The Historic Roanoke City Market number of living museum www.DowntownRoanoke.org/city-market features and several Mountain View Farm fascinating exhibits— www.MountainViewFarmProducts.com among them exhibition of Sunspots Studios & Glassblowing Wilson’s presidential car, a www.Sunspots.com Pierce Arrow limousine, a Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail recreation of a World War www.shenandoahvalleywinetrail.com I frontline and political Taubman Museum of Art memorabilia. www.taubmanmuseum.org Close to Rockbridge Wade’s Mill Winery in Raphine is www.WadesMill.com Wade Mill, a circa 1750 The Wine Cellar working flour mill. This www.stauntonwine.com amazing structure is open Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library to visitors, and includes a www.WoodrowWilson.org shop with products crafted here, including stoneground flours, grits and mixes. Items are also available for sell online. Wade Mill is owned and operated by a charming husbandand-wife team, Jim and Georgie Young, and if you plan your visit right, you’ll be able to take one of Georgie’s cooking classes. In Roanoke, a don’t miss is the Historic Roanoke City Market, the oldest continually operating open-air market in

Visit the new and improved

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com 38

Stonewall Jackson Hotel

Virginia, dating to 1882. In addition to the more than three dozen permanent vendors, there are many seasonal and temporary vendors, offering fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, fresh meat, handcrafted items and artwork. Around the market a thriving retail area compliments the offerings. Of note – my trip included a visit to Mountain View Farm in Fairfield, which is typically not open to the public. The visit also included a sampling of cheeses, which I can report are smack-yourmama-good, and highly recommend seeking them out. On future trips, the Virginia Safari Park near Staunton, Lexington’s Clark’s Ole Time Music Center, and the famous Roanoke Star at Mill Mountain are on my to-see list. For a complete list of attractions and events, see the section at the end of this article to contact area visitor’s bureaus.

Photo by Bradley Hart. HART Photographic, Inc.

A FORK AND THE ROAD

THE ACCOMMODATIONS A grand old hotel in the classic turn-of-the-last-century Southern Style, the Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center provided lots of charm. An impressive lobby, professional and courteous service, and a very comfortable room More: provided a good homebase while in Staunton. Without Hampton Inn Lexington – Historic District www.HamptonInn.com exception, most of my destinations were within easy Holiday Inn Roanoke – Valley View www.HolidayInn.com walking distance. In Lexington, the 1827 Hampton Inn-Col Alto, Lexington www.hamptoninn.com/hi/lexington-historic architecturally rich, Classic Revival-style Col Alto Hampton Inn-Staunton hamptoninn.com/hi/staunton Mansion was a beautiful and relaxing stay. The main Stonewall Jackson Hotel & Conference Center www.StonewallJacksonHotel.com house, part of the Hampton Inn Lexington – Historic District, was the place to check in; an adjacent add-on housed wellappointed rooms. It too was easily within walking distance of many of Lexington’s downtown attractions. The Holiday Inn Roanoke – Valley View was comfortable and affordable lodging, right off Interstate 581 which runs north-to-south through Star City. It allowed us to get anywhere in the region quickly, and to get back to Interstate 81 when it was time to head home. Also in Roanoke, the Hotel Roanoke is legendary and a close walk to the restored train depot, which serves as a visitor’s center and depository of rail memorabilia, and to the Historic Roanoke City Market and other downtown features. VWL BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE For more travel information, visit these folks: Botetourt County Tourism www.botetourtwinetrail.com Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism www.LexingtonVirginia.com The Roanoke Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau www.VisitRoanokeVa.com Staunton Convention and Visitor’s Bureau www.VisitStaunton.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d5.indd 38

2/12/14 5:07 PM

Photo by Bradley Hart. HART Photographic, Inc.

LY NEW ED! N OPE

Center for the Arts at Virginia Tech

Saturday, May 10th 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Shenandoah Co. Fairgrounds Woodstock, VA

4 Exciting Races 10 Great Wineries 1 Fantastic Day $15 in advance, $20 at gate

540-459-3867 www.shencofair.com

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

Thirsting for

more content? Wine and food tips, industry news, getaways and events, complete wineries map and more! Available on the new and improved

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 20-39 FORK IN THE ROAD SPR_SU14d5.indd 39

2/13/14 2:00 PM

Popthe Cork

Celebrating VWL’s Fourth Annual Best Of readerS’ choice awards By Patrick Evans-Hylton

cross the state an incredible industry has taken root and blossomed just within the past 10 years. Almost 250 wineries, and businesses that support and promote those wineries – among them bed-andbreakfasts, gourmet shops, and tour operators – are thriving. As Virginia Wine Lover magazine approaches our sixth anniversary, we continue to grow and evolve with the lifestyle that we celebrate: the Virginia wine community, too. Continuing with the popular Best Of awards, we again opened our forums to you, the true Virginia wine lover, to see what is on your mind and in your glass in our Best Of reader awards. An amazing 60,000-plus votes were cast in our polling, telling us favorite vintages, favorite winemakers, even favorite wine dog. You’ve shared with us where you like to take a weekend getaway, and where you like to stay when you get there. It’s been a great response for our second Best Of endeavor. Here are the results:

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 40

2/12/14 3:33 PM

Celebrating VWL’s Fourth Annual

BestOf Readers’Choice

Awards Best Virginia Wine Gold Pearmund Cellars Ameritage 2006 Silver Keswick Vineyards Viognier 2010x Bronze Breaux Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve 2007 Best Chardonnay Gold Chatham Vineyards Church Creek Chardonnay— Steel Fermented 2010 Silver Gray Ghost Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay Bronze Barrel Oak Winery Reserve Stainless Chardonnay 2010 Best Viognier Gold Breaux Vineyards Viognier 2010 Silver Pearmund Cellars Viognier 2011 Bronze Sunset Hills Vineyard Viognier 2011

STATEWIDE WINE Best Meritage (or Meritage-style)

Best Fruit Wine (apple, blackberry, etc.)

Gold Breaux Vineyards Meritage 2007

Gold Fabbioli Cellars Raspberry Merlot

Silver Rosemont of Virginia Vineyards and Winery Kilravock 2010

Silver North Gate Vineyard NV Apple

Bronze Barrel Oak Winery BOWHaus Red 2010 Best White Wine Gold Sunset Hills Vineyard Viognier 2011 Silver Philip Carter Winery of Virginia Gov. Fauquier 2011 Bronze Pearmund Cellars Old Vine Chardonnay 2010 Best Red Wine Gold Barrel Oak Winery BOWHaus Red Silver Breaux Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve 2007 Bronze Pearmund Cellars Ameritage 2007

Bronze Attimo Winery Sudden Downpour 2012 Best Sparkling Wine Gold Trump Winery Blanc de Blanc Silver Thibaut-Jannison Winery Virginia FIZZ Bronze Barboursville Vineyards Sparkling Viognier 2011 Best Dessert Wine Gold Casanel Vineyards Late Harvest Viognier Dulce 2009 Silver Breaux Vineyards Nebbioli Ice 2010 Bronze Attimo Winery Seduction 2012

Best Norton

Best Wine Bottle Artwork

Gold Keswick Vineyards Norton 2009

Gold King Family Vineyards Crosé

Silver Bluemont Vineyard Norton 2010

Silver Notaviva Vineyards All labels consistent to brand

Bronze Barrel Oak Winery Norton 2011

Bronze Good Luck Cellars All labels consistent to brand www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 41

2/12/14 4:11 PM

Celebrating VWL’s Fourth Annual

BestOf Readers’Choice

Awards WINERIES

Winery - Best Tasting Room

Winery - Best Tour

Best Winery

Gold Barrel Oak Winery

Gold Pearmund Cellars

Silver Delaplane Cellars

Gold Veritas Vineyard & Wintery (tie) Philip Carter Winery of Virginia

Silver Philip Carter Winery of Virginia

Bronze Cooper Vineyards

Bronze Keswick Vineyards

Winery - Best Food Offerings

Best Winemaker

Gold Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Gold David Pagán Castaño, Breaux Vineyards Silver Nate Walsh, Sunset Hills Vineyard Bronze Stephen Barnard, Keswick Vineyards Winery - Best View/ Outdoor Space Gold Breaux Vineyards Silver Sunset Hills Vineyard Bronze Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards Best Wine Dog – Overall Gold Rascal, Barren Ridge Vineyards Silver Cooper, Breaux Vineyards Bronze Birch, Barrel Oak Winery

Silver Fox Meadow Vineyards Bronze Barboursville Vineyards

Silver The Williamsburg Winery Limited Winery - Most Romantic Gold Casanel Vineyards Silver Veritas Vineyard & Winery (tie) Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards Winery - Best Eco-friendly/Green

Winery - Best Special Events Gold Blenheim Vineyards Silver Breaux Vineyards Bronze Veritas Vineyard & Winery Winery - Best for Picnics Gold Veritas Vineyard & Winery Silver Breaux Vineyards Bronze Attimo Winery Winery - Best for Weddings Gold Keswick Vineyards Silver Notaviva Vineyards Bronze Veramar Vineyard (tie) Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards

Gold Blenheim Vineyards Silver Cooper Vineyards Bronze Barrel Oak Winery

RESTAURANTS AND RETAIL Best Virginia Restaurant Wine List Gold Harvest Table Restaurant 13180 Meadowview Square, Meadowview 276-944-5142 www.HarvestTableRestaurant.com Silver Grandale Restaurant and Catering 14001 Harpers Ferry Rd., Neersville 540-668-6000 www.GrandaleRestaurant.com Bronze The Iron Bridge Wine Company 29 Main St., Warrenton 540-349-9339 www.IronBridgeWines.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 42

2/12/14 4:11 PM

Best Gourmet Shop (Not at a Winery) For Virginia Wine Gold Wegmans Locations across northern Virginia www.Wegmans.com Silver Olde Virginia Gourmet & Gifts, Inc. 261 Garrisonville Rd., Stafford 540-720-3901 www.OldeVaGourmet.com Bronze Feast! 416 West Main St., Suite H, Charlottesville 434-244-7800 www.FeastVirginia.com Best Gourmet/Retail Shop (Not at a Winery) For Wine Glasses, Accessories, Etc. Gold Grape & Gourmet 4000 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 180, Virginia Beach 757-486-9463 www.GrapeAndGourmet.com Silver Gourmet Pantry 401 S. Main St., Blacksburg 540-951-1995 www.GourmetPantryOnline.com (tie) Total Wine & More Locations across Virginia www.TotalWine.com Bronze Cape Center/Sting-Ray’s 26507 Lankford Highway, Cape Charles 757-331-1541 www.Cape-Center.com Best Cheese Shop Gold The Cheese Shop - Williamsburg 410 W. Duke of Gloucester St., Williamsburg 757-220-0298 www.CheeseShopWilliamsburg.com

Silver Wegmans Locations across Virginia www.Wegmans.com (tie) The Frenchman’s Cellar at the Culpepper Cheese Company 129 East Davis Drive, Suite 100, Culpeper 540-827-4757 www.TheFrenchmansCellar.com

TRAVEL Best Wine Tour/ Limo Company Gold Richmond Limousine 3903 Deep Rock Rd., Richmond 804-266-2800 www.RichmondVaLimousine.com Silver Camryn Executive Transportation & Limousine 103 Free Bridge Lane, Charlottesville 434-990-9070 www.Camryn-Limo.com Bronze Reston Limo 45685 Elmwood Court, Dulles 703-478-0500 www.RestonLimo.com Best Bed & Breakfast for a Wine Weekend Gold Beliveau Estate 5415 Gallion Ridge Rd., Blacksburg 540-961-0505 www.BeliveauEstate.com

Best Weekend Wine-Themed Getaway Spot (City/Town) Gold Charlottesville www.VisitCharlottesville.org Silver Staunton www.VisitStaunton.com Bronze Leesburg/Loudoun www.VisitLoudoun.org Best Wine Festival Gold Key West Festival at Breaux Vineyards www.BreauxVineyards.com Silver Blacksburg Fork and Cork www.BlacksburgForkAndCork.com Bronze Festival of the Grape www.PowhatanWineFestival.com

REGIONAL FAVORITES

CENTRAL REGION Best Winery - Central Region Gold Pollak Vineyards Silver Keswick Vineyards Bronze Veritas Vineyard & Winery

Silver Inn on Poplar Hill 278 Caroline St., Orange 540-672-6840 www.InnOnPoplarHill.com

Best White Wine - Central Region

Bronze 200 South Street Inn 200 W. South St., Charlottesville 434-979-0200 www.SouthStreetInn.com

Silver Jefferson Vineyards Viognier

Gold Veritas Vineyard & Winery Viognier

Bronze Blenheim Vineyards Painted White 2010

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 43

2/12/14 4:11 PM

Celebrating VWL’s Fourth Annual

BestOf Readers’Choice

Awards Best Red Wine Central Region Gold Cooper Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2011 Silver Barboursville Vineyards Octagon 2008 Bronze Blenheim Vineyards Painted Red 2009 Best Fruit (apple, blackberry, etc.) Wine - Central Region

Best Wine Festival Central Region Gold Virginia Summer Solstice Wine Festival Lazy Days Winery, Amherst www.SummerSolsticeFestival.com

EASTERN REGION Best Winery Eastern Region

Gold Peaks of Otter Winery Pumpkin Pie

Gold Ingleside Vineyards

Silver Hill Top Berry Farm and Winery Virginia Raspberry Wine

Silver Chatham Vineyards

Bronze Burnley Vineyards Peach Fuzz

Bronze The Williamsburg Winery Limited

Best Sparkling Wine Central Region

Best White Wine Eastern Region

Gold Thibaut-Jannison Winery Virginia FIZZ

Gold The Williamsburg Winery Limited Estate Grown Traminette 2011

Silver Thibault-Jannison Winery Blanc de Chardonnay

Silver Chatham Vineyards Chardonnay 2010 - Steel Fermented

Bronze Veritas Vineyard & Winery Scintilla 2010

Bronze Ingleside Vineyards Chardonnay 2007 Reserve

Best Dessert Wine Central Region Gold Cooper Vineyards Noche Chocolate Silver Barboursville Vineyards Malvaxia Passito 2007 (tie) Trump Winery Cru

Bronze Peaks of Otter Winery Pumpkin Pie

Best Red Wine Eastern Region Gold The Williamsburg Winery Limited Two Shilling Red 2011

Best Fruit (apple, blackberry, etc.) Wine - Eastern Region Gold The Williamsburg Winery Limited Vin Licoreux de Framboise – Wine with Raspberry Best Sparkling Wine Eastern Region Gold Ingleside Vineyards Virginia Brut Best Dessert Wine Eastern Region Gold Chatham Vineyards Church Creek Late Harvest Dessert Wine 2011 Silver Ingleside Vineyards October Harvest Bronze The Williamsburg Winery Limited Vin Licoreux de Framboise – Wine with Raspberry (tie) Bronze New Kent Winery Sweet Virginia Best Wine Festival Eastern Region Gold Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, Norfolk http://FestEvents.org

Silver Chatham Vineyards Church Creek Vintners Blend 2010 Bronze Ingleside Vineyards Petit Verdot Reserve 2007

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 44

2/12/14 4:11 PM

NORTHERN REGION Best Winery Northern Region Gold Barrel Oak Winery Silver Sunset Hills Vineyard Bronze Pearmund Cellars Best White Wine Northern Region Gold Sunset Hills Vineyard Viognier 2011 Silver Barrel Oak Winery Petit Manseng Bronze Philip Carter Winery of Virginia Gov. Fauquier 2011 Best Red Wine Northern Region Gold Breaux Vineyards Lafayette 2012

Best Sparkling Wine Northern Region Gold Paradise Springs Winery Aprés Sparkling Viognier Silver Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards Naked Mountain Sparkling 2009 Best Dessert Wine Northern Region Gold Breaux Vineyards Nebbiolo Ice 2010

Gold Barren Ridge Vineyards Meritage 2012 Silver Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery Chambourcin 2009 Bronze Veramar Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2010 Best Fruit (apple, blackberry, etc.) Wine - Shenandoah Region

Bronze Barrel Oak Winery Chocolate Lab

Gold North Mountain Vineyard Virginia Apple Wine

Best Wine Festival Northern Region

Silver Shenandoah Vineyards Raspberry Serenade

Gold Key West Festival at Breaux Vineyards www.BreauxVineyards.com

SHENANDOAH REGION

Bronze 8 Chains North Winery Merlot 2012

Best Winery Shenandoah Region

Gold Mattaponi Winery Pow Wow

Best Red Wine Shenandoah Region

Silver Casanel Vineyards Dulce 2011

Silver Breaux Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve 2007

Best Fruit (Apple, blackberry, etc.) Wine - Northern Region

Bronze Bluestone Vineyard Beau

Gold Barren Ridge Vineyards Silver Bluestone Vineyard Bronze Cave Ridge Vineyard

Silver North Gate Vineyard NV Apple (tie) Bluemont Vineyard The Strawberry

Gold North Mountain Vineyard Beau

Bronze Morais Vineyards & Winery Cherry Wine

Silver Shenandoah Vineyards Founder’s Reserve Chardonnay 2011

Best White Wine Shenandoah Region

Bronze Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery Blueberry Wine Best Dessert Wine Shenandoah Region Gold Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery Blueberry Silver Rockbridge Vineyard V d’or 2009 (tie) Shenandoah Vineyards Nocturne 2012 Bronze Veramar Vineyard D’Ora Best Wine Festival Shenandoah Region Gold Octoberfest at North Mountain Vineyard www.NorthMountainVineyard.com

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 45

2/12/14 4:11 PM

Virginia is for Wine Lovers

Thank You for Voting us Best Fruit Be sur et on Sa o join us Wine in the May 3 turday, , 2014 fo D e r b y Day!r Southern Region!

The Best Of Readers' Choice AwaRds the below represents several award winners.

Thanks to the readers of Virginia Wine Lover for voting us “#1 Best Winery– Eastern Region”!

Bright meadows farm nathalie, Virginia Wed-Sat 11am-6pm • Sunday 1pm-6pm Mon-Tues: By Appt. 1181 Nathalie Road, Virginia 24577 434-349-WINE • www.brightmeadows.com 46

Vineyards www.inglesidevineyards.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 46

2/13/14 2:41 PM

• Best Virginia Wine, Virginia Wine Lover Magazine • Best Business of the Week, VeryBestofVirginia.com • Best Winery in Virginia, Virginia Wine Lover e-Newsletter • Best Overall Winery in Virginia, Virginia Wine Lover Magazine • Winner, Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, Ameritage • Best Tasting Room in Virginia, Virginia Wine Lover Readers Choice • Best Late Harvest Wine, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition • Virginia Winery of the Year, New York International Wine Competition • Best of Show, Viognier, Wines of the South Regional Wine Competition • Best in Class, Double Gold, Viognier, Eastern International Wine Competition • Winner, Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, Late Harvest Traminette 6190 Georgetown Road Broad Run,Virginia 20137 540.347.3475 | PearmundCellars.com

Heartwood

Your one-stop shop for Southwest Virginia Wines Thank you for naming our

Southwest Virginia Wine Festival

Best Wine Festival in the Western Region

This year: SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2014 1-5pm B HEARTWOOD

SW VAwinefestival.com I-81 Exit 14 in Abingdon, Virginia heartwoodvirginia.org | 276-492-2400

Serving award winning wines daily. www.attimowinery.com

Christiansburg, VA www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 47

2/13/14 2:41 PM

Celebrating VWL’s Fourth Annual

BestOf Readers’Choice

Awards SOUTHERN REGION Best Winery - Southern Region Gold Rosemont of Virginia Vineyards and Winery Silver MountainRose Vineyard Bronze Saude Creek Winery Best White Wine - Southern Region Gold Rosemont of Virginia Vineyards and Winery Lineage 2012 Silver Annefield Vineyards Viognier 2011 Bronze Saudé Creek Vineyards Pamunkey Fall 2011

Gold Rosemont of Virginia Vineyards and Winery Lake Country Sunset Best Wine Festival Southern Virginia Gold Blacksburg Fork and Cork www.BlacksburgForkAndCork.com

WESTERN REGION Best Winery Western Region Gold Attimo Winery (tie) Chateau Morisette Silver Mountain Rose Vineyard

Bronze West Wind Farms Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Best Fruit (apple, blackberry, etc.) Wine - Western Region Gold Chateau Morrisette Sweet Mountain Apple Silver Coltsfoot Winery Coltsfoot’s Elderberry Wine Bronze Attimo Winery Sweet Berry Sunset Best Sparking Wine Western Region Gold Chateau Morisette Star Dog 2008

Bronze West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery

Best Dessert Wine Western Region

Best White Wine Western Region

Gold Attimo Winery Seduction 2011

Silver Annefield Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2010

Gold Chateau Morrisette Our Dog Blue 2011

Silver MountainRose Vineyard Pocahontas Red 2012

Bronze Sans Soucy Vineyards Legacy

Silver Attimo Winery Wonder 2012

Bronze Beliveau Estate Winery Serenity 2011

Best Fruit (apple, blackberry, etc.) Wine - Southern Region

Bronze MountainRose Vineyard Traminette 2012

Best Wine Festival Western Region

Gold Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard & Winery BAG Wine

Best Red Wine Western Region

Best Red Wine - Southern Region Gold Rosemont of Virginia Vineyards and Winery Kilravock 2010

Best Dessert Wine Southern Region

Best Sparkling Wine Southern Region

Gold Attimo Winery AD 325 2012

Gold Annefield Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2010

Silver Beliveau Estate Winery Soul Singer 2011

Gold Southwest Virginia Wine Festival, Heartwood www.SWVaWineFestival.com

VWL

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 48

2/12/14 4:11 PM

June 21-22, 2014 1351 N. Amherst Hwy Amherst, VA 24521

(434) 381-6088

www.summersolsticefestival.com

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 38-49 FEATURE BEST OF SPR_SU14.indd 49

2/13/14 2:42 PM

virginia winery map

WineLover travels with you! Wine and food tips, industry

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

VirginiaWineLoverMag.com

ROCKING

Harris

SH-5 HIGHLAND Staunton

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

AUGUSTA BATH

ShEnandoah

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

K BUCHANAN

ALLEGHANY 64 64 60 220

TAZEWELL

W-3 W-9

BLAND

Radford

ALT 58

W-16

Norton

WASHINGTON

58 81

Bristol

W-17

C-59 S-2

W-6

W-4

W-10

W-15

S-14

W-12

S-6

Galax

W-14 O

S-5 Danville

HENRY

S-9

S-15

Martinsville

S-10

PATRICK

S-7

GRAYSON

PITTSYLVANIA

S-1

This map is intended for travel planning only and not navigational purposes. SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 46-49 MAP_LISTINGS SPR_SU14cgm.indd 50

C-16

CAMPBELL

W-5

Chateau 221 Morrisette

CARROLL

C-41

FLOYD

100

W-2

C-57

C-42

Bedford

C-72 C-56 C-31

SH-29 SH-2

C-7 C

FRANKLIN WYTHE

SMYTH

W-7

Lynchburg

Peaks of BEDFORD Otter C-51

581

MONTGOMERY

PULASKI

W-13

SCOTT

11 460

Attimo

W-8

SH-13

LAZY

SH-8

Salem

W-1

Western

RUSSELL

WISE

Roanoke

DICKENSON

W-11

AMHERST

SH-32

ROANOKE

C-3

SH-4

BOTETOURT

CRAIG

Buena Vista

Lexington

Covington

GILES

ROCKBRIDGE

SH-25 SH-14 SH-15

SH-23 SH

2/13/14 2:46 PM

Key

SH-19

BUSINESS Name INDICATES ADVERTISER

N-45 N-1 N-14 N-36 N-18 N-72 N-55 N-11 N-23 N-35 SUNSET N-37 For advertising opportunities to have N-27 N-43 HILLS N-54 Winchester N-24 SH-31 your business listed on the map, contact SH-27 N-9 N-70 N-44 N-75 N-29 SH-1 N-3 N-2 N-5N-28 Tracy Thompson at 757-422-8979 ext. 156, SH-28 SH-30 N-8 N-57N-39 N-16 N-15 M A R Y L A N D or email tthompson@virginiawinelover.com SH-33 CLARKE N-68N-78 N-81 SH-7 N-69 LOUDOUN WARREN N-12 N-63 SH-21 N-52 N-65 N-71 N-41 81 SH-18 N-21 Falls N-73 N-10 N-31 Front Royal SH-10 Church SH-34 N-19 N-4 N-77 N-61 SHENANDOAH N-6 N-42 SH-26 SH-20 N-80 N-79 WASHINGTON, D.C. Fairfax SH-11 N-20 N-26 N-13 Alexandria SH-37 PEARMUND 66 N-64 N-60 N-22 N-49 N-59 SH-24 N-58 FAUQUIERN-46 Manassas FAIRFAX 95 SH-16 N-7 N-38 SH-35 SH-6 & N-76 Park Manassas RAPPAHANNOCK N-53 N-48 PRINCE WILLIAM SH-22 N-30 SH-17 N-33 N-74 N-32 PAGE N-50 SH-11 N-65 ROCKINGHAM N-51 SH-36 STAFFORD N-62 N-66 81 CULPEPER C-22 Harrisonburg 1 DuCard N-56 C-55 95 N-34 N-17 C-23 C-10 Cross Keys MADISON KING SH-8 C-50 SH-5 VirginiaWineLoverMag.com E-15 GEORGE BLUESTONE C-63 Fredericksburg GREENE C-38 ORANGE Staunton BARBOURSVILLE C-4 C-47 E-12 C-58 SPOTSYLVANIA C-33 C-15 N-47 SH-23 C-49 C-28 C-54C-11 C-5 WESTMO ingleside RELAND C-71 ALBEMARLE N-40 C-34 E-11 SH-3 C-17 C-14 E-9 C-29 C-62 202 64 Waynesboro C-45 C-29 ESSEX C-37 NO 3 E-7 C-1 C-53 C-39 Charlottesville KESWICK R E-2 203 17 C-70 E-19 THUMB CAROLINE C-68 C-67 ER 360 C-36 LA C-64 C-2 C-26 ND SH-13 C-13 C-52 LOUISA C-18 C-43 C-75C-46 C-66 95 Bloxom 200 C-32 3 C-69 C-6 201 FLUVANNA E-1 C-74 C-9 C-25 E-3 C-19 C-30 C-73 E-13 ACCOMACK C-48 3 E-8 LA KIN N C-65 C-20 GA GOOCHLAND CA 64 HANOVER STE ND NELSON Onancock Accomac 354 R QU Onley C-12 C-24 EEN C-44 KIN C-35 GW E-5 ILL IAM HE NR C-57 IC FREDERICK

Scan Here FOR Map &

Northern

FULL LISTINGS

ena ta

C-3 AMHERST

BUCKINGHAM

C-41

SH-25 4

LAZY DAYS

Lynchburg

C-16

C-42

C-60

Central

APPOMATTOX

Richmond

POWHATAN

USTA

ON THE GO

E-13 E-16

C-7

C-8

E-6

C-76

MIDDLESEX

NEW KENT

CHARLES CITY

AMELIA CHESTERFIELD

C-21

Eastern

C-61

Colonial Heights NOTTOWAY

PRINCE EDWARD

PRINCE GEORGE

YORK

s w Ne

CHARLOTTE

Bright meadows farm

S-4

S-8

Portsmouth

LUNENBURG

S-5

BRUNSWICK 95

GREENSVILLE

C-11 O

E-16 58

Emporia

C-13

264

Virginia Beach

SOUTHAMPTON

Norfolk

SUSSEX

SOUTHERN

Hampton

ISLE OF WIGHT

MECKLENBURG

Poquoson

S-3

HALIFAX

DINWIDDIE

Petersburg

S-12

S-15

Eastville

E-18

Hopewell

SURRY

S-9

NORTHAMPTON

E-4

GLOUCESTER

JAMES CITY

w Ne

NIA

MATHEWS

Williamsburg

CAMPBELL

S-2

Exmore

E-10

Nassawadox

Franklin

Suffolk

Chesapeake

See next page for our coresponding winery listing.

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 46-49 MAP_LISTINGS SPR_SU14cgm.indd 51

2/12/14 5:15 PM

Chincoteague

virginia winery listing

Business Name – Inidicates Advertiser N-3 Above Ground Winery N-26 Desert Rose Ranch & Winery Purcellville – Hume – 540-579-4467 540-635-3200 N-4 Aspen Dale Winery Delaplane – N-27 Doukenie Winery SH-20 Muse Vineyards Purcellville – Woodstock – 540-364-6178 WESTERN Shenandoah 540-668-6464 540-459-7033 REGION REGION N-5 The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards N-28 Dry Mill Vineyards SH-21 North Mountain SH-1 612 Vineyard Attimo Winery Winery Mauertown – Hamilton – Christiansburg – 24073 Berryville – Leesburg – 540-436-9463 540-338-5309 540-535-6689 4025 & 4071 Childress Rd 703-737-3930 540-382-7619 N-6 Barrel Oak Winery SH-2 AmRhein Wine Cellars SH-22 Old Hill Cider attimowinery.com Fabbioli Cellars Timberville – Delaplane – N-29 Mon, Thurs, Sat 11amBent Mountain – Leesburg – 540-896-7582 540-364-6402 6pm, Fri 11am-8pm, 540-929-4632 703-771-1197 Sun 1pm-6pm in our N-7 Berry Hill Vineyard SH-23 Ox Eye Vineyards SH-3 Barren Ridge new Tasting Room. Staunton – Flint Hill – N-30 Gadino Cellars Closed Tues, Wed is by Vineyards Washington – 540-849-7926 540-675-2205 appointment only. Fishersville – 540-987-9292 See our ad on pg. 47 540-248-3300 N-8 Bluemont Vineyard SH-24 Quievremont Wine Washington – Bluemont – N-31 Greenhill Winery & SH-4 Blue Ridge Vineyard Abingdon Vineyards 540-987-3192 540-554-8439 Vineyard & Winery Eagle Rock – Middleburg Abingdon – 540-798-7642 540-687-6968 N-9 Bogati Bodega & SH-25 Rockbridge Vineyard 276-623-1255 Raphine – Vineyard SH-5 Bluestone Vineyard 540-377-6204 Round Hill – N-32 Granite Heights Bridgewater – 22812 Beliveau Estate Winery Orchard & Winery 540-338-1144 Blacksburg – 4828 Spring Creek Rd Warrenton – SH-26 Shenandoah Vineyard 540-961-0505 540-828-0099 540-349-5185 Edinburgh – Boxwood Winery N-10 bluestonevineyard.com 540-984-8699 Middleburg – Mon- Sat 11am-6pm Blacksnake Meadery 540-687-8778 N-33 Gray Ghost Vineyards Sun 1-6pm Dugspur – Amissville – SH-27 Twin Oaks See our ad on pg. 37 540-834-6172 540-937-4869 Tavern Winery N-11 Breaux Vineyards Bluemont – Hillsboro – SH-6 Cave Ridge Vineyard Brooks Mill Winery 540-554-4547 540-668-6299 N-34 Hartwood Winery Wirtz – Mt. Jackson – Fredericksburg – 540-721-5215 540-477-2585 540-752-4893 N-12 Cana Vineyards & SH-28 Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery Winery of Middleburg SH-7 Cedar Creek Winery Chateau Morrisette Stephens City – Middleburg – N-35 Hidden Brook Winery Winery Star Tannery – 540-869-9567 703-348-2458 Leesburg – Floyd – 24091 540-436-8394 703-737-3935 287 Winery Rd N-13 Capitol Vineyards SH-8 Cross Keys Vineyards SH-29 Valhalla Vineyards Blue Ridge Parkway Roanoke – Delplane – N-36 Hiddencroft Vineyards Milepost 171.5 Mt. Crawford – 22841 540-725-9463 540-364-6249 Lovettsville – 540-593-2865 6011 East Timber 540-535-5367 thedogs.com Ridge Rd N-14 Cardamon Family SH-30 Veramar Winery Mon-Thurs 10am-5pm, 540-234-0505 Berryville – Vineyards N-37 Hillsborough Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun crosskeysvineyards.com 540-955-5510 Purcellville – Vineyards 11am-5pm Apr. 1-Oct. 31 Daily 540-668-9018 Purcellville – See our ad on pg. 39 11am-7pm; Nov. 1-Mar. 31 540-668-6216 SH-31 Vino Curioso Daily 12pm-5pm Winchester – N-15 Carroll Vineyards Coltsfoot Winery See our ad on pg. 37 703-447-0648 Leesburg – N-38 Hume Vineyards Abingdon – 703-777-3322 Hume – 888-685-8750 SH-9 Fincastle Vineyard 540-364-2587 SH-32 Virginia Mountain & Winery Vineyards N-16 Casanel Vineyards Davis Valley Fincastle – Fincastle – Leesburg – N-39 Hunter’s Run Wine Barn Winery & Vineyard 540-591-9000 540-473-2979 540-751-1776 Hamilton – Rural Retreat – 703-926-4183 276-686-8855 SH-10 Fox Meadow Winery N-17 Castle Gruen SH-33 Wicked Oak Farms & Linden – Vineyard Vineyards & Winery N-40 Lake Anna Winery Firefly Hill Vineyards 540-636-6777 Star Tannery – Locust Dale – Spotsylvania – Elliston – 571-201-2963 540-229-2498 540-895-5085 540-529-5814 SH-11 Glen Manor Vineyard Front Royal – SH-34 Winding Road Cellars N-18 Catoctin Creek Winery N-41 Leaves of Grass Foggy Ridge Cider 540-635-6324 Markham – Purcellville – Vineyards Dugspur – 540-364-1025 540-668-7707 Middleburg – 276-398-2337 SH-12 Guilford Ridge 540-364-1997 Vineyard N-19 Chateau O’Brien SH-35 The Winery at Mountain Rose Luray – Kindred Point at Northpoint N-42 Linden Vineyards Vineyards 540-778-3853 Mount Jackson – Markham – Linden – Wise – 540-477-3570 540-364-6441 540-364-1997 276-328-2013 SH-13 Hunt’s Vineyard Stuarts Draft – N-43 Lost Creek Winery N-20 Chester Gap Cellars SH-36 Wisteria Farm Mt. Vale Vineyards 540-942-8689 & Vineyard Front Royal – Leesburg – Galax – Stanley – 540-636-8086 703-443-9836 276-238-9946 SH-14 Jump Mountain 540-742-1489 Vineyard Chrysalis Vineyards Loudoun Valley N-44 N-21 Rural Retreat Winery Rockbridge Baths – Middleburg – Vineyards SH-37 Wolf Gap & Dye’s Vineyards 540-348-6730 540-687-8222 Waterford – Vineyard & Winery Rural Retreat – 540-882-3375 Edinburgh – 276-686-8300 SH-15 Lexington Valley 540-984-3306 N-22 Cobbler Mountain Vineyards Cellars N-45 Maggie Malick Stanburn Winery Rockbridge Baths – Delaplane – Wine Caves Stuart – 540-462-2974 540-364-2802 Purcellville – 276-694-7074 540-668-6042 SH-16 Little Washington N-23 Corcoran Vineyards Winery Villa Appalaccia Winery Waterford – N-46 Marterella Wineries Washington – Floyd – 540-882-9073 Warrenton – NORTHERN 540-987-8330 540-358-0357 540-347-1119 REGION N-24 Crushed Cellars SH-17 Luray Caverns Vineyard Vincent’s Vineyard Purcellville – N-47 Mattaponi Winery N-1 868 Estate Vineyards Lebanon – Luray – 571-374-WINE (9463) Spotsylvania – Purcellville – 276-889-2505 540-743-6551 540-582-2897 540-668-7008 N-25 Delaplane Cellars SH-18 Mountain View West Wind Farm Delaplane – N-48 Mediterranean Cellars N-2 8 Chains North Winery Vineyard & Winery Vineyard 540-592-7210 Warrenton – Waterford – Max Meadows – Stratsburg – 540-428-1984 571-439-2255 276-699-2020 540-635-5369 NORTHERN

NORTHERN

SHENANDOAH

EASTERN

CENTRAL

WESTERN

W-1

W-2

W-3

W-4

W-5

W-6

W-7

W-8

W-9

W-10

W-11

W-12

W-13

W-14

CENTRAL

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

WESTERN

NORTHERN

SHENANDOAH

EASTERN

W-15

W-16

W-17

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

CENTRAL

WESTERN

N-50 Molon Lave Vineyards Warrenton – 540-439-5460 N-51 Morais Vineyards Bealeton – 703-369-2241 N-52 Naked Mountain Vineyard Markham – 540-364-1609 N-53 Narmada Winery Amissville – 540-937-8215 N-54 North Gate Vineyard Purcelleville – 540-668-6248 N-55 Notaviva Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-6756 N-56 Old House Vineyards Culpeper – 540-423-1032 n-57 Otium Cellars Purcellville – 540-338-2027 N-58 Paradise Springs Winery Clifton – 703-830-9463 N-59 Pearmund Cellars Broad Run – 20137 6190 Georgetown Rd 540-347-3475 pearmundcellars.com Year round. Daily 10am6pm. All other times by appointment. See our ad on pg. 47 N-60 Philip Carter Winery Hume – 540-964-1203 N-61 Piedmont Vineyards & Winery The Plains – 540-687-5528 N-62 Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery Stafford – 540-446-2266 N-63 Quattro Gombas Winery Aldie – 703-327-6052 N-64 Rappahannock Cellars Huntly – 540-635-9398 N-65 RdV Vineyards Delaplane – 540-364-0221 N-66 Rogers Ford Farm Winery Sumerduck – 540-439-3707 N-67 Sharp Rock Vineyards Sperryville – 540-987-8020 N-68 Stonehouse Meadery Purcellville – 540-338-5283 N-69 Stone Tower Winery Leesburg – 703-777-2797 N-70 Sunset Hills Vineyard Purcellville – 20132 38295 Fremont Overlook Ln 540-882-4560

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 46-49 MAP_LISTINGS SPR_SU14cgm.indd 52

2/12/14 4:24 PM

sunsethillsvineyard.com Year round: Mon-Thurs, 12-5pm FriSun, 12-6pm. Apr-Oct: Fri, 12-8pm See our ad on pg. 47 N-71 Swedenburg Estate Vineyard Middleburg – 540-687-5219 N-72 Tarara Winery Leesburg – 703-771-7100 N-73 Three Fox Vineyards Delaplane – 540-364-6073 N-74 Unicorn Winery Amissville – 540-349-5885 N-75 Village Winery Waterford – 540-882-3780 N-76 Vint Hill Craft Winery Vint Hill – 703-991-0191 N-77 Vintage Ridge Vineyard Rectortown – 540-364-3371 N-78 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Leesburg – 703-777-8161 N-79 The Winery at Bull Run Centreville – 703-815-2233 N-80 The Winery at La Grange Haymarket – 703-753-9360

E-9 The Hague Winery Hague – 804-472-5283 E-10 Holly Grove Vineyards Franktown – 757-442-2844 E-11 Hummel Vineyards Montross – 804-493-9998 E-12 Ingleside Vineyards Oak Grove – 22443 5872 Leedstown Rd 804-224-8687 inglesidevineyards.com Year round: Mon-Sat10am-5pm. Sun12-5pm. Summer hours: Mon-Sat10am6pm. Sun12-6pm. Closed New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, & Christmas See our ad on pg. 46

e-14 New Kent Winery New Kent County – 804-932-8240

EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

E-15 Oak Crest Winery King George – 540–663–2813 E-16 Pungo Ridge Winery Virginia Beach – 757-426-1665 E-17 Saudé Creek Vineyards New Kent– 804-966-5896

E-19 Vault Field Vineyards Kinsale – 804-472-4430

EASTERN REGION

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL

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

WESTERN

SOUTHERN

CENTRAL REGION

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

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

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

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

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

C-3 Ankida Ridge Vineyards Amhearst – 434-922-7678

E-5 The Dog & Oyster Vineyard Irvington – 804-438-WINE(9463) e-6 Gauthier Vineyard Barhamsville – 703-622-1107 E-7 General’s Ridge Vineyard Hague – 804-472-3172 e-8 Good Luck Cellars Kilmarnock 804-435-1416

C-8 Bodie Vineyards Powhatan – 804-598-2625

C-30 Grayhaven Winery Gum Springs – 804-556-3917

C-9 Bold Rock Cider Nellysford – 434-361-1030

C-31 Hickory Hill Winery Moneta – 540-296-1393

C-10 Brightwood Vineyard C-32 Hill Top Berry & Farm Farm & Winery Brightwood – Nellysford – 540-717-2165 434-361-1266 C-11 Burnley Vineyards & Daniel Cellars Barboursville – 540-832-2828 C-12 Byrd Cellars Goochland – 804-652-5663

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

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH

C-29 Grace Estate Winery Crozet – 434-823-1486

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

E-13 Jacey Vineyards Wicomico Church – 804-580-4053

E-18 The Williamsburg Winery Williamsburg – 23185 5800 Wessex Hundred 757-229-0999 Mar – Dec: Mon–Sun 10 am-6 pm. Last tour begins at 5 pm. See our ad on pg. 26

N-81 Zephaniah Farm Vineyard Leesburg – 703-431-2016

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

C-4 Autumn Hill Vineyards Standardsville – 434-985-6100 C-5 Barboursville Vineyards Barboursville – 22923 1765 Winery Road 540-832-3824 barboursvillewine.com Mon-Sat 10am-5pm Sun 11am-5pm See our ad on pg. 8 C-6 Blenheim Vineyards Charlottesville – 434-293-5366

C-15 Chateau MerrillAnne Orange – 540-656-6177 C-16 Chateau Z Vineyard Lynchburg – 434-455-4485 C-17 Chestnut Oak Vineyard Barboursville – 434-964-1264 C-18 Cooper Vineyards Louisa – 540-894-5474 C-19 DelFosse Vineyard & Winery Faber – 434-263-6100

C-33 Honah Lee Vineyard Gordonsville – 434-989-2751 C-34 Horton Cellars Winery Gordonsville – 540-832-7440 C-35 James River Cellars Glen Allen – 804-550-7516 C-36 Jefferson Vineyards Charlottesville – 434-977-3042

C-51 Peaks of Otter Winery Bedford – 24523 2122 Sheep Creek Rd 540-586-3707 peaksofotterwinery.com Jan - Mar, Fri - Sun, 12pm-5pm. Apr - Dec, Mon - Sun, 12pm-5pm See our ad on pg. 54 C-52 Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards North Garden – 434-202-8063 C-53 Pollak Vineyards Greenwood – 540-456-8844 C-54 Potter’s Craft Cider Free Union – 850-528-6314

C-56 Ramulose Ridge Vineyards Moneta – 540-309-6375 C-57 Rebec Vineyards Amherst – 434-946-5168

C-38 Kilaurwen Winery Stanardsville – 434-985-2535

C-59 Savoy-Lee Winery Huddleston – 540-297-9275

C-39 King Family Vineyards Crozet – 434-823-7800

C-60 Skippers Creek Vineyard Powhatan – 804.598.7291

C-41 Lazy Days Winery Amherst - 24521 C-20 Democracy Vineyard 1351 N Amherst Hwy Lovingston – 434-381-6088 434-263-VINE(8463) lazydayswinery.com Wed-Sun 11am- 5pm C-21 Devault Family See our ad on pg. 49 Vineyards C-42 Leo Grande Winery Concord – 434-993-0722 Goode – 540-586-4066 C-22 DuCard Vineyards C-43 Loving Cup Etlan – 22719 40 Gibson Hollow Ln Vineyard & Winery North Garden – 540-923-4206 434-984-0774 ducardvineyards.com Fri-Sun & Mon holidays, C-44 Lovingston Winery 11am-6pm. And by appointment. Sept-Nov: Lovingston – Open daily, 11am-6pm. 434-263-8467 See our ad on pg. 38 C-45 Meriwether Springs C-23 Early Mountain Vineyard Vineyard Ivy – Madison – 434-270-4299 540-948-9005

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

C-61 Spring Creek Wine Cellar Pamplin – 434-248-6981 C-62 Stinson Vineyards Crozet – 434-823-7300 C-63 Stone Mountain Vineyards Dyke – 434-990-9463 C-64 Sugarleaf Vineyards North Garden – 434-984-4272 C-65 Thistle Gate Vineyard Scottsville – 434-286-7781 C-66 Trump Winery Charlottesville – 434-984-4855 C-67 Turk Mountain Vineyards Afton – 434-989-2182

C-24 Elk Island Winery Goochland – 804-627-3929

C-46 Montdomaine Charlottesville – 434-971-8142

C-25 First Colony Winery Charlottesville – 434-979-7105

C-47 Moss Vineyards Dyke – 434-990-0111

C-26 Flying Fox Vineyard Afton – 434-361-1692

C-48 Mountain Cove Vineyard & Wine Garden C-70 Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery Lovingston – Louisa 434-263-5392 540-967-4647 C-49 Mountfair Vineyards C-71 White Hall Vineyards Crozet – White Hall – 434-823-7605 434-823-8615 C-50 Neala Estate Vineyards Madison – 540-948-5270

C-27 Gabriele Rausse Winery Charlottesville – 434-296-5328 C-28 Glass House Winery Free Union – 434-975-0094

C-73 Windsong Winery Columbia – 804-457-2865 C-74 Wintergreen Winery Nellysford – 434-361-2519 C-75 Wisdom Oak Winery North Garden – 434-984-4272 C-76 Woodland Vineyard Farm Winery Midlothian – 804-739-2774 NORTHERN

C-55 Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery Leon – 800-800-WINE(9463)

C-37 Keswick Vineyards Keswick - 22947 1575 Keswick Winery Dr 434-244-3341 keswickvineyards.com Open Daily 9am–5pm. Closed Major holidays. See our ad on pg. 49

C-40 Knights Gambit Vineyard Charlottesville – 434-566-1168

C-72 White Rock Vineyards & Winery Goodview – 540-890-3359

C-68 Veritas Winery Afton – 540-456-8000 C-69 Virginia Wineworks Charlottesville – 434-296-3438

SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

SOUTHERN

SOUTHERN REGION S-1 2 Witches Winery & Brewing Co Danville – 434-549-2739 S-2 Altillo Vineyards Hurt 434-324-4160 S-3 Annefield Vineyards Saxe – 434-454-6017 S-4 Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard & Winery Nathalie – 24577 1181 Nathalie Rd 434-FIX-WINE (349-9463) Wed-Sat, 10am-6pm. Sun, 1-6pm. Mon & Tues later hours by appointment. See our ad on pg. 46 S-5 Greenwood Vineyards Vernon Hill – 434-579-2836 S-6 Hamlet Vineyards Bassett – 276-629-2121 S-7 The Homeplace Vineyard Chatham – 434-432-9463 S-8 Hunting Creek Vineyards Clover – 434-454-9219 S-9 Molliver Vineyards Nathalie – 434-349-1000 S-10 Preston Ridge Winery Martinsville 276-957-2100 S-11 Rosemont Vineyards & Winery LaCrosse – 434-636-9463 S-12 Sans Soucy Vineyards Brookneal – 434-376-9463 S-13 Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Clarksville – 804-497-9630 S-14 Tomahawk Mill Winery Chatham – 434-432-1063 S-15 White Oak Mountain Meadery Chatham – 888-264-6323

www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 46-49 MAP_LISTINGS SPR_SU14cgm.indd 53

2/12/14 4:24 PM

grapevine

Grapevine WESTERN CAFÉ SATURDAYS Weekly. Enjoy lunch, live music, and wine at the vineyard. $. 11 a.m. West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery. WINE & TAPAS Feb. 6. Enjoy four wines paired with tapas. Reservations required. $. Beliveau Estate Winery. CHOCOLATE & WINE DINNER Feb. 14. Enjoy a four-course, wine-paired Valentine’s Day dinner with music from Stone Canyon Band. Reservations required. $. Beliveau Estate Winery. Wine & Chocolate Pairing Feb. 15. Join wine-crafter, Rachel Lagergren and Master Chocolatier, Dona Peters for this presentation of wines paired with Wilbur Chocolates. Reservations required. $. Chateau Morrisette. BLACKSBURG FORK & CORK May 3. This sixth annual wine and art festival features wines from 20 Virginia wineries, food from local restaurants, cooking demonstrations, regional art, and live music. $. 12 p.m. Held at the First & Main Shopping District. www.blacksburgforkandcork.com

May 10. Ten Virginia wineries from the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail and four exciting harness races pair beautifully in this second annual event. There will be plenty of food, crafts and music as well. $. Hours vary. Shenandoah County Fairgrounds, 300 Fairground Rd., Woodstock. Call 540-459-3867 or visit www.ShenCoFair.com

LAVENDER FESTIVAL June 29. An annual festival featuring live music, local artists, lavender products and plants, lavender lectures; wines available for tasting and purchase. 12 p.m. Beliveau Estate Winery.

VALENTINE’S DAY AT THE VINEYARDS Feb. 14. Enjoy a glass of wine and chocolate fondue by the fireplace. $. Wisteria Farm & Vineyard.

Black Dog Rhythm & Vine Festival July 5. This third annual festival features Virginia wines, food, artists, and live music. $. 11 a.m. Chateau Morrisette.

VALENTINE TASTING Feb. 15-16. Sample a variety of wine and food pairings throughout the weekend. Shenandoah Vineyards.

SHENANDOAH

HISTORY & HAUNTINGS Feb. 19, 26. Enjoy a buffet dinner, wine, and a tour of the Manor House focusing on its haunted history. Reservations required. $. 6:30 p.m. Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery.

Couples Wine & Art Feb. 14. Create art under the guidance of artist, Lindee Katdareand, and enjoy a gourmet dinner and wine tasting together at the winery. Reservations required. $. 6:30 p.m. Fincastle Winery.

The Horse & Hound Wine Festival July 12, 2014

BedfordWine.com Peaks of Otter Winery & Orchards 2122 Sheep Creek Rd. Bedford, VA 24523

540.586.3707 PeaksOfOtterWinery.com JohnsonsOrchards.com 54

WESTERN: SECOND ANNUAL WINE AND TROTTER FESTIVAL

SUNSETS AT THE VINEYARD Feb. 21. Live music, wine, dinner, and dancing every third Friday at the vineyard; dinner is available for purchase or bring your own picnic. $. 7 p.m. Barren Ridge Vineyards. WINTER WINE FESTIVAL Feb. 22. Historic Staunton Foundation’s fourth annual festival features wines from more than 15 Virginia wineries and local artisan fare. $. 12 p.m. Held at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. www.historicstaunton.org CELLAR TASTINGS March 15-16. Join the winemaker for barrel tastings of the 2013 vintage. $. Wisteria Farm & Vineyard.

FLY FISHING & WINE FESTIVAL April 12-13. This 14th annual festival offers lectures on all aspects of fly fishing; Virginia wine tastings and live music are included. $. 9 a.m. Held at Constitution Park. www. vaflyfishingfestival.org SPRING GRAPE PLANTING April 26. Celebrate Earth Day and take part in Spring Planting Day; volunteers receive a free tasting and discounts in the tasting room. 8 a.m. Wisteria Farm & Vineyard. WINE & TROTTER FESTIVAL May 10. Sample wines from area wineries; enjoy live music, food, crafters, and watch the harness races. $. 11 a.m. At the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds. www.shencofair.com Mother’s Day Brunch May 11. Celebrate Mother’s Day with brunch at the vineyards; includes a buffet and a glass of wine. Reservations required. $. 12 p.m. CrossKeys Vineyards. Mother’s Day Wine Pairing May 11. A wine and cheese pairing to celebrate Mother’s Day. Shenandoah Vineyards.

Sip & Splash Painting Class March 30. An afternoon of wine and painting at the vineyards. Reservations required. $. 1 p.m. CrossKeys Vineyards.

VIRGINIA WINE & CRAFT FESTIVAL May 17. Enjoy wine tastings from 20 Virginia wineries; over 100 artisans/crafters, regional foods, and live entertainment for the whole family will be featured. $. 10 a.m. Held in Downtown Front Royal. www.wineandcraftfestival.com

WINE & EWE SHEARING DAY April 12. Take part in shearing day at the farm; drinks and snacks will be served and the tasting room will be open. 10 a.m. Wisteria Farm & Vineyard.

CORK & BLUES FEST May 24. A festival of blues music, regional food, and wine tastings showcasing six Virginia vineyards. $. 4 p.m. Held at Glen Maury Park. www.glenmaurypark.com

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 44-56 GRAPEVINE SPR_SU14.indd 54

2/12/14 4:02 PM

grapevine

Valentine’s Beer Dinner Feb. 13. A special beer-paired dinner for the holiday. Reservations required. $. 5 p.m. Wild Wolf Brewing Company. Valentine’s Event in the Glass House Feb 14. Celebrate the holiday with a buffet dinner, music, and wine. Reservations required. $. 6 p.m. Glass House Winery. Wine & Chocolate Feb. 14. Enjoy Hickory Hill wines paired with chocolates from Stacy’s Sweet Spot. $. 4 p.m. Hickory Hill Vineyards. VALENTINE’S DAY WINEMAKER’S DINNER Feb.14. A five-course, wine-paired dinner for the holiday; music and dancing to follow. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. Veritas Vineyard & Winery. VALENTINE’S DAY Feb. 14-15. Sit by the fire and enjoy holiday wine tasting. Peaks of Otter Winery.

WESTERN: VALLEY FEST BEER & WINE FESTIVAL

May 24. Kick off the start of summer at the 14th Annual ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival! Spend your Memorial Day weekend sampling regional wines, craft & microbrews, listening to live music, enjoying delicious food and browsing the wares of quality crafters and artisans. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. $.Massanutten Resort, 4620 Massanutten Dr., McGaheysville. Call Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, 540-434-3862. Father’s Day BBQ June 15. A Father’s Day celebration with food and wine at the vineyards. Reservations required. $. 12 p.m. CrossKeys Vineyards.

Valentine’s Beer Dinner Feb. 12. Enjoy a five-course dinner with Blue Mountain Brewery beers. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. Blue Mountain Brewery.

Rosé Release Party Feb. 15. Sample the newly unveiled 2013 vintage; live music from Erin Lunsford. 1 p.m. DuCard Vineyards. Be Mine with Wine Feb. 15. A special Valentine’s dessert and wine pairing. Keswick Vineyards. WINE LOVERS 5K Feb. 15. The race starts and finishes in the vineyard; enjoy live music and wine afterward. Reservations required. $. 10 a.m. Cardinal Point Winery. Wine & Chocolate Celebration Feb. 15. A fourth annual event featuring live music and chocolates paired with six wines. Reservations required. $. 1 p.m. White Hall Vineyards.

4th of July BBQ July 4. Enjoy a holiday celebration with food, wine, and entertainment at the vineyards. Reservations required. $. 12 p.m. CrossKeys Vineyards. Annual Country Cookout July 5. Celebrate the summer with a country cookout, wine, and dancing beneath the stars to live music. Reservations required. 6:30 p.m. Shenandoah Vineyards. DAYLILY AND WINE FESTIVAL July 19-20. An annual festival featuring Virginia wines, beers, local food, and fresh produce from the farm; daylily gardens will be in bloom. At Andre Viette Farm and Nursery. daylilyfestival.com

CENTRAL GROUNDHOG OPEN HOUSE Feb. 1. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting for the holiday. 11 a.m. Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery. First Wednesday Feb. 5. An evening of wine and dinner by the fire. $. 5 p.m. King Family Vineyards. Mardi Gras Celebration Feb. 8. Celebrate Mardi Gras with gumbo, beads, wine tasting, and cellar tours. $. 11 a.m. Horton Vineyards. Wine & Chili Feb. 8. Taste new First Colony wines and enjoy a hot bowl of chili or soup with live music. $. 12 p.m. First Colony Winery. GROWING HOPS IN THE SOUTHEAST Feb. 11. A daylong workshop covering hops establishment, growing, and management; includes lunch and a tour of Blue Mountain Brewery with owner and head brewer Taylor Smack. $. 8 a.m. At Rockfish Valley Community Center. rockfishvalleycommunitycenter. memberlodge.com www.VirginiaWineLover.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 44-56 GRAPEVINE SPR_SU14.indd 55

2/12/14 4:02 PM

grapevine

Valentine’s Sunday Brunch Feb. 16. A four-course, wine-paired Valentine’s brunch catered by Mark Gresge and l’Etoile restaurant in Charlottesville. Reservations required. $. DeCard Vineyards. PRESIDENTS’ DAY CELEBRATION Feb. 17. Celebrate the holiday with wine and live music from Jim and Renee Oliphant of Ragtop at the vineyards. 2 p.m Democracy Vineyards. Mardi Gras Madness Fun Run Feb. 22. Take part in a 5k, 10k or two-person team fun run at the brewery with beer to follow; Mardi Gras costumes encouraged. $. 2 p.m. Devils Backbone Brewing Company. Vertical Tasting March 1. Vertical tastings of Horton Vineyards reds and whites. $. 11 a.m. Horton Vineyards. Mardi Gras March 1. A Heart of Virginia Event at the vineyards featuring wine, food, and entertainment. James River Cellars. Saint Patrick’s Day March 17. Enjoy holiday tastings at the winery; wear green to receive discounts on wine purchases. 12 p.m. Peaks of Otter Winery. Third Thursday Music Series March 20. Enjoy free live music in the tasting room; tastings, glass pours, and bottles of wine available for purchase. 6:00 p.m. Trump Winery. SPRING OPEN HOUSE March 22-23. Celebrate spring with wine and entertainment. James River Cellars.

Central: TASTE OF MONTICELLO WINE TRAIL FESTIVAL

April 10-12. Three days of events celebrating the wine industry in central Virginia. Start off Thursday evening by attending the competition for the prestigious Monticello Wine Cup at the historic Jefferson Theater. Friday get out and visit the wineries where there will be a variety of special activities during the day. Friday night will feature a variety of wine-maker dinners at some of Charlottesville’s best restaurants. The festival climaxes on Saturday with the third annual tasting event at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion where you can sample wines from over 30 wineries. Choose between the General Admission ticket or the VIP experience that includes catered food, extra limited wines, and other upgrades. $. Hours vary. nTelos Wireless Pavilion at 700 E. Main St., Charlottesville. www.MonticelloWineTrailFestival.com ANNUAL SPRING CAB SAV TASTING March 29-30. A vertical tasting of the seven vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon; each wine will be available for purchase. $. Burnley Vineyards. Spring Cellar Tasting April 5. Taste new vintage wines and tour the cellars of the stone winery. $. 11 a.m. Horton Vineyards. CELEBRATION OF THE VINE April 12. Enjoy a day of wine tasting from 18 award-winning Virginia wineries; live music, food vendors, and artisans will also be featured. $. 11 a.m. At Chesterfield County Government Complex. www.acelebrationofthevine.com BUD-BREAK OPEN HOUSE April 12. Celebrate the arrival of spring with complimentary wine tastings in the farm house tasting room. 12 p.m. Hickory Hill Vineyards. Clarksville Lake Country Wine Festival April 12. Enjoy samples from 15 Virginia wineries, food, live music, and artisans. $. 12 p.m. Held in downtown Clarksville. www.clarksvilleva.com BEAVERDAM WINE FESTIVAL April 12. Taste wines from four Virginia wineries at the John Lewis Thompson Learning Center; live music, food, and arts/crafts vendors will be featured. $. 12 p.m. www.beaverdamwinefestival.org

RASSAWEK SPRING JUBILEE WINE & HERITAGE FESTIVAL June 7-8. The Wine Festival features nine Virginia wineries, hand-crafted chocolate and gourmet food. $. 10 a.m. Rassawek Vineyard. Summer Solstice Wine Festival June 21-22. This sixth annual festival features Virginia foods and wines, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. $. Lazy Days Winery. WATERMELON WINE FESTIVAL July 5. This fourth annual festival features wine, live music and entertainment, and watermelon sangria. $. 2 p.m. DeVault Vineyards. HORSE & HOUND WINE FESTIVAL July 11-12. Enjoy Virginia wines, live music, art/craft and food vendors; events include the Parade of Horses and muskrat racing. $. 11 a.m. Johnson’s Orchards Farm. www.bedfordwine.com Pig Roast July 12. A day of live music, wine tasting, and delicious food. Reservations required. $. 11 a.m. Horton Vineyards. WINE & CHEESE WEEKEND July 12-13. Sample cheeses from Virginia and beyond paired with wines. $. Burnley Vineyards. Summer Runnin’ Night Run July 26. An evening 5K/10K trail run at the brewery with beer to follow. 8 p.m. Devils Backbone Brewing Company.

Afton After Hours April 19. Bring a picnic and enjoy wine with live music with Bet Williams and the Family Band. $. 6 p.m. Afton Mountain Vineyards.

NORTHERN

Spring Food & Wine Pairing April 27. Enjoy four wine-paired dishes prepared by Chef Yvette. Reservations required. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

BLIND WINE TASTING Feb. 1. Fourth annual “big game” blind tasting event led by winemaker Rob Cox. Reservations required. $. Paradise Springs Winery.

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 44-56 GRAPEVINE SPR_SU14.indd 56

2/12/14 4:02 PM

Ravishing Red Days of Winter Feb. 8-9. A weekend of wine blending and tasting. Fox Meadow Vineyards.

Valentine’s Dinner Feb. 14. Enjoy a wine-paired, multi-course holiday dinner. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. 868 Estate Vineyards. Valentine’s Wine Dinner Feb. 14. A wine-paired dinner for the holiday. Reservations required. $. The Winery at Bull Run. VALENTINE’S DAY WINEMAKER DINNER Feb. 14. Join Doug Fabbioli at the Airlie Center for a special Valentine’s dinner. Reservations required. $. www.airlie. com/winemakers. Valentine’s Dinner Feb. 14. A special, wine-paired dinner for the holiday. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. The Barns at Hamilton Station. Valentine’s Celebration Feb. 15. Enjoy a glass of wine and live music from Aubrey Driggers. $. 1:30 p.m. Gadino Cellars. Winemaker’s Small Plates Dinner Feb. 15. Enjoy mini portions of a four-course, wine-paired in the Enoteca room. Reservations required. $ 7 p.m. Bogati Bodega & Vineyard. Aromas of Love Feb. 15. Explore five different Narmada wines and compare them with perfumes, scents, and oils to discover their similarities. Reservations required. $. Narmada Winery.

Chocolates and Cabernet Feb. 15-16. The 20th Anniversary of this popular Valentine’s Day event features chocolate desserts and red wines; admission includes a collectible holiday glass. $. 11 a.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards. Valentine Chocolate Fondue Feb. 15-16. Enjoy chocolate fondue and wine by the fire. $. 12 p.m. Old House Vineyards. Let’s Go Nuts Feb. 22-23. A special pairing of a variety of nuts with Fox Meadow wines. Fox Meadow Vineyards. Add a sparkle Feb. 22-23. Sparkling wine tasting. Reservations required. $. Willowcroft Farm Vineyards. Samedi Gras/FAT SATURDAY March 1. Kick off Mardi Gras a few days early with wine samples, dancing, king cake and live Zydeco music from Jamnation. 12 p.m. Breaux Vineyards. Mardi Gras Weekend March 1-2. Celebrate Mardi Gras with special décor, bistro selections, and wine. 6 p.m. Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery. St. Patrick’s Day March 15. Enjoy live music from Dontez Harris in the tasting room. $. 1:30 p.m. Gadino Cellars. St. Patrick’s feast March 15-16. Begin your St Patrick’s Day celebration early with corned beef, cabbage, beef stew, and wine. $. 12 p.m. Old House Vineyards.

Earth Day Celebration April 26. An annual event featuring live music from Robbie Limon and wine in the vineyards. $. 2 p.m. Gadino Cellars. Ranger Reserve Blending Class May 3. Join winemaker Al Kellert as he guides participants through the fine art of blending wines; box lunch and glass of wine included. Reservations required. $. Gray Ghost Vineyards. Mother’s Day Celebration May 10. Featuring Paula & Troy Haag of Magick Kat - Saturday celebrate the holiday with a picnic, wine, and live music from Paula and Troy Haag. $. 2 p.m. Gadino Cellars. Mother’s Day Event May 11. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a wine tasting to celebrate the holiday; mothers will receive a complimentary herb plant. $. 10 a.m. Doukenie Winery. Spring Music Festival May 24. Bring chairs and blankets, your family and friends to enjoy live music and wine; food available for purchase. $. Doukenie Winery. Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon May 31. Doukenie Winery is the beginning and end point for the third annual East Coast Destination Race, half Marathon; the end of race festival includes live music, wine tasting, food vendors, exhibitors, and more. Reservations required. $. Doukenie Winery. Father’s Day June 15. Celebrate the holiday with wine tastings, live music, winery tours, and box lunches. $. 11 a.m. Gray Ghost Vineryards.

www.VirginiaWineLover.com | SPRING/SUMMER 2014

VWL 44-56 GRAPEVINE SPR_SU14.indd 57

grapevine

Aphrodisiac Wine Dinner Feb. 14, 15. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a seven-course, wine-paired gourmet dinner in the Cork & Key room. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. Breaux Vineyards.

2/12/14 4:02 PM

grapevine

Massanutten Getaway!

EASTERN: SPRING TOWN POINT VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL

May 3-4. Spend a spring weekend in Town Point Park enjoying vintages from more than 25 Virginia wineries; live music, gourmet foods, and craft vendors will also be featured. $. 11 a.m. http://www.festevents.org/

MANASSAS WINE AND JAZZ FESTIVAL June 15. This tenth annual festival features headline jazz artists and tasting/purchasing wines from Virginia wineries. $. Held on the Manassas Museum lawn. www.visitmanassas.org

Spring Barrel Tasting April 12. Be among the first to the new wines from the barrel; includes tours, tasting, souvenir wine glass, light fare, and live music. Reservations required. $. 1 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION July 5. Celebrate Independence Day with live music; get a complimentary glass of sangria with every paid tasting. Bogati Bodega & Vineyard.

NORTHERN NECK WINE TASTING FESTIVAL April 19. Taste wines from 10 local wineries on the grounds behind the historic Rice’s Hotel/Hughlett’s Tavern; food will be available for purchase. $ 11 a.m. www.rhhtfoundation.org

EASTERN

WINE & RUN FOR THE ROSES May 3. Fourth annual wine auction on Kentucky Derby Day benefit for The Muscarelle Museum of Art. The day includes a tasting of Virginia wines, a live auction of rare and fine wines, and the televised Kentucky Derby on widescreen televisions. $. Muscarelle Museum of Art, Williamsburg. web.wm.edu/muscarelle/programs/index.htm

Sunday Afternoon Music & Wine Feb. 2. Enjoy listening to music with Saudé Creek wines available for tasting. $. 2 p.m. Saudé Creek Vineyards. FLOWING WITH COLORS Feb. 7. An opening reception in the Vines Room with artwork by Faith Gaillot. General’s Ridge Vineyard.

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

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

Email Laurie ltfitnessmama@gmail.com for more information and availability. 58

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 | Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 44-56 GRAPEVINE SPR_SU14.indd 58

BACCHUS WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL Feb. 7. The Virginia Living Museum’s tenth annual gala fundraiser features a variety of wines and food from 13 local restaurants. $. 7 p.m. www.thevlm.org A Taste of Wine & Chocolate Feb. 8. Enjoy Ingleside wines paired with artisanal handmade chocolates by Potts Chocolate. Reservations required. $. 5 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards. VAlentine’s Day Feb. 14. Celebrate the holiday with live music from Jocelyn Oldham and wine tastings paired with chocolates. 7 p.m. New Kent Winery. VALENTINE’S DINNER Feb. 14. Wine-paired Valentine’s Day dinner. Reservations required. $. 6 p.m. Jacey Vineyards. Race for the Chocolate 10K/5K Feb. 15. Viniterra run to be held at New Kent Winery & Vineyards with a wine and chocolate after-party. $. 9 a.m. New Kent Winery & Vineyards. www.raceforthechocolate.com Presidents’ Day Weekend Feb. 15-17. Enjoy cherry cheesecake and wine tasting at the winery. 11 a.m. The Hague Winery. Wine & Cherries Weekend Feb. 15-17. Join the wineries of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail for a celebration of Presidents Day Weekend; each winery will be offering a special cherry treat to pair with its tastings. 12 p.m. www.chesapeakebaywinetrail.com

Taste of New Kent May 10. This annual festival features more than a dozen Virginia wineries, food vendors, arts, live music, and carriage rides. $. 11 a.m. New Kent Winery & Vineyards. www.atasteofnewkent.com Ladies ONLY Wine Class May 17. An interactive, informal class covering various aspects of wine featuring tastings and unusual pairings. Reservations required. $. Ingleside Vineyards. NEPTUNE’S SPRING INTERNATIONAL WINE TASTING May 17. Taste Virginia wines and wines from around the world at this annual festival; live entertainment and food vendors will be featured. $. 12 p.m. At the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, 31st Street Park. www.neptunefestival.com Rock-n-Roll Oldies June 21. An evening of dancing and live oldies music in the courtyard, winery tours, tasting, and an optional dinner. $. 6 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards. SUMMER BREWFEST July 11. Sample a wide variety of summer beers from local, regional, national international breweries at Town Point Park. 5 p.m. www.festevents.org For more festivals and events, or to submit your own listing, visit www.VirginiaWineLoverMag.com and click the “Festivals & Events” tab. – peh VWL

Thirsting for