vwl_winter2010 VBOOK

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

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LEXINGTON OUR FIRST FOCUS IN OUR »NEW CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL COLUMN

W I NTE R 2010

C E L E B R A T I N G

T H E

G O O D

L I F E

Juicy Couture « VIRGINIA’S

NORTON

DRESSES FOR SUCCESS AS A NATIVE GRAPE FULL OF FLAVOR AND HISTORY

STICK A FORK IN IT IT’S FUN TO FONDUE THIS WINTER

VIRGINIA’S FINEST TASTY TIDBITS FOR ENTERTAINING

PLUS

A WINTER WONDERLAND IN LOUDOUN COUNTY:

WHERE TO SIP, WHERE TO SUP, WHERE TO STAY AND WHERE TO SHOP WHEN THE COLD WINDS BLOW

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GREAT GREAT CUSTOMER CUSTOMER SERVICE SERVICE• •INCREDIBLE INCREDIBLE SELECTION SELECTION• •LOWEST LOWEST PRICES PRICES

Virginia’s Virginia’s LOWEST LOWESTPRICES PRICES 8,000 8,000 WINES WINES • 1,000 • 1,000 BEERS BEERS •& •& MORE MORE

The TheBest BestWines Wineson onEarth.

Earth.

The TheLowest LowestPrices PricesAnywhere.

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YouYou don’t don’t have have to to choose choose between between great great service service and and low, low, lowlow prices. prices.

WeWe areare committed committed to to having having thethe lowest lowest prices prices onon wine, wine, beer beer and and more. more.

With With over over 6565 superstores superstores (and (and counting), counting), wewe have have thethe buying buying power power to to deliver deliver onon that that promise. promise. ™ ™ WeWe areare committed committed and and dedicated dedicated to to bringing bringing youyou thethe Total Total Wine Wine Experience Experience . .

Visit Visit oneone of our of our 14 14 Virginia Virginia Wine Wine Superstores: Superstores:

www.totalwine.com www.totalwine.com

VWL TOTAL WINE.indd 1

Springfield Springfield Chantilly Chantilly McLean McLean

Alexandria Alexandria Sterling Sterling Manassas Manassas

South Richmond RichmondNewport Newport News News Fredericksburg Fredericksburg South Virginia Virginia Beach Beach Norfolk Norfolk - Ghent - Ghent Fairfax Fairfax Chesapeake West West Richmond RichmondChesapeake

10/29/10 3:34 PM

The first sip.

Get a taste of Active Adult living at New Kent Vineyards.

Enjoy it fully in a single-family home starting from $199,990.

6 K. Hovnanian’s® Four Seasons community at New Kent Vineyards is now open and selling new homes designed for those age 55 and better. Our new information center just off I-64 at Exit 211 between Williamsburg and Richmond will introduce you to both your choice of beautiful home styles and the signature Four Seasons resortat-home lifestyle.

Four Seasons and New Kent Vineyards are brimming with amenities, including: Rees Jones-designed Golf Course New Kent Winery Walking & Biking Trails Planned Clubhouse

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With Williamsburg, four scenic rivers and Virginia Beach a short drive away, this one-of-a-kind community is perfectly located. Visit www.khovnewkent.com and call 1-866-407-3809 to schedule an appointment. Then come and visit today!

Directions: Take Exit 211 (Talleysville) off I-64 and drive a half-mile north on Route 106. Signs will direct you to our information center on the right.

1-866-407-3809 www.KhovNewKent.com

Photo for illustration purposes only. Brokers warmly welcomed. At least one resident must be 55 or better. No permanent residents under the age of 19. Prices and features reflect base prices and are subject to change without notice. Lot premiums may apply and community association fees are required. Offer not good in CT, NJ and NY. Void where prohibited. Terms and conditions may apply. See Community Sales Manager for details.

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WINTER 2010 Contents | Features A grape grows in Richmond 19 Cultivated almost 200 years ago in Virginia, the Norton grape takes firm root.

Chef Jonathan Highfield, instructor at Culinary Institute of Virginia in Norfolk, with sweet treats he baked for our Seasonings feature.

Interviews by Joe Tennis Introduction by Patrick Evans-Hylton

Special Sections & Supplements

18 Vino! Virginia Great Getaways – 26 Outstanding offerings across Virginia

14

49 Classifieds

Contents | Departments 5 Publisher’s Note

ACCOUTREMENTS

6 Editor’s Note

13 Wine, dine and

22 Baby, it’s cold outside –

shop mighty fine

POPPING THE CORK

Wehner, second generation Virginia wine grower, has great grapes on the Eastern Shore.

14 Spicy seasons greetings

– a dash of Colonial Virginia and a soupcon of the Caribbean make a trio of tasty holiday goodies.

10 Cork Report – A full pour

of wine-related news

12 Try This At Home –

Wonderful wines and incredible eats pair for a perfect wine tasting event.

a wintertime retreat to Loudoun County warms the heart, imagination.

SEASONINGS

8 Quaff Quiz – Jon

A PERFECT PAIR

16 Ski lodge chic – fondue

is fun to do, on the slopes and off.

A FORK & THE ROAD

BLOGGERS IMBIBE

50 Horton Norton “The Tower

Series”; Linden Petit Verdot

25 History Uncorked:

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

Lexington, home of VMI, resting place of Lee and Jackson.

C E L E B R A T I N G

G O O D

L I F E

« VIRGINIA’S

NORTON

DRESSES FOR SUCCESS AS A NATIVE GRAPE FULL OF FLAVOR AND HISTORY

37 Wineries and wine

STICK A FORK IN IT

events in Virginia

38—Wine Map 40—Winery Listing 42—Wine events

T H E

Juicy Couture

GRAPEVINE

ry LEXINGTON OUR FIRST FOCUS IN OUR Histo ked »NEW CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL COLUMN Uncor

W I NTE R 2010

IT’S FUN TO FONDUE THIS WINTER

VIRGINIA’S FINEST TASTY TIDBITS FOR ENTERTAINING

PLUS

A WINTER WONDERLAND IN LOUDOUN COUNTY:

WHERE TO SIP, WHERE TO SUP, WHERE TO STAY AND WHERE TO SHOP WHEN THE COLD WINDS BLOW

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On the Cover Photo By: Jim Pile

For Advertising Information 757-422-8979 ext.156 or tthompson@hrmag.com The annual subscription rate is $9.95. For subscription orders and changes of address, call (757) 422-8979.

POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Virginia Wine Lover, 1264 Perimeter Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454.

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Publisher’s Note The tasty trip of wine education

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et me be the first to say that publishing a wine magazine does not qualify one as a wine expert, Virginia or otherwise. My wife and I recently took a weekend to get away in the Shenandoah Vally and found ourselves enjoying a wine tasting at Rockbridge Vineyard. There we met and were conversing with a nice couple when the inevitable question came up as to what I did for a living.

In answering that, I noticed one of the magazines my company publishes (Virginia Wine Lover) sitting on the counter, and I explained that they should not draw any conclusions as to my ability to discern or recommend one wine over another. I quickly explained that my editor and the writers were the true experts and that by every definition I am a neophyte to the world of wine.

My involvement and interest in this niche began purely as a business interest, but I can honestly say that this magazine has evolved into one of the most enjoyable ones we publish. I’m sure that many of our readers are far more knowledgeable than I am on the topic of wine and specifically Virginia wine. However, I feel like many of you are right there with me, learning as we go and enjoying the ride without any pretense or wine snobbery.

With this issue we’ve added a few new features that hopefully will add to your learning and enjoyment, one of which is a video component that features a Virginia winemaker showing and telling us about one of his or her favorite vintages: what gives it its special flavor, what to look for in tasting it and suggestions on what to pair with it.

There will be a different featured wine and accompanying video for each month. You can find the wines being featured the next three months on page 12 of this issue. We invite you to watch the video with friends, sample the wine and score it with a convenient score card VWL executive editor Patrick Evans-Hylton has provided for you on our website, virginiawinelover.com. Post your comments and those of your guests on our website, as well.

One of my favorite learning experiences comes from our weekly e-newsletter. Each week Patrick includes a short Wine 101 factoid.

Like the rest of the newsletter, it is quick and easy to read. The newsletter also includes a featured event of the week, a weekend getaway and a great recipe. Access the newsletter through our website and then be sure to sign up to receive the free weekly editions.

Learning about wine is a journey, and I hope that you’ll allow me to tag along, continuing to grow and learn more with each issue of Virginia Wine Lover and our companion e-newsletter.

Cheers!

Always a good time at

February 25-27, 2011 Greater Richmond February 25-27, 2011 Convention Center Greater Richmond Richmond, Virginia

Convention Center

Richmond, Virginia

Plan your wine weekend at

VirginiaWineexpo.com Randy Thompson Publisher sponsored by sponsored

by

Plan your wine weekend at

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Editor's Note

VOLUME 3

ISSUE 4

You’re going to make it on your own

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n 1982 I ordered my first bottle of wine at a Magic Pan creperie in suburban Atlanta. I was still in high school and desperately wanted to impress the young lady I was with. I looked at the wine list with great angst and realized I didn’t even know where to begin.

“Parducci Chablis”, I ordered with as much confidence as I could muster. With a “very good, sir,” the server retreated and came back to the table. He presented the bottle to me. I stared blankly. He opened it and handed me the cork. Something rang true here—something I had seen on television. Sniff it, a tiny voice in the back of my mind whispered. I did, with such vigor that the server must have thought I was going to inhale half of the stopper.

“Does it meet your satisfaction, sir?” he quickly and shockingly asked. It did, I guess. I had no idea what I was sniffing for. Nor did I have a clue what to be looking for as the wine passed over my tongue.

The same television show that taught me that I needed to sniff the cork also told me that I should be performing a whole bunch of other rituals, so I put on a three-ring circus act of swirling the wine so hard that some splashed out onto my pink Izod shirt (thank goodness it was white wine), slurping it aloud, and doing something akin to gargling with it, all in hopes of picking up hints of citrus and notes of vanilla.

Years later, I realized my early wine education—the one from the television show—came from Ted Knight’s buffoon-esque character, Ted Baxter, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show as I watched an rerun episode in horror one evening on Nick At Night and all those suppressed memories came flooding back.

We are not taught how to order wine, how to detect if it is corked or not, what bouquet we should be picking up, what flavor profile to be looking for, or how to pair the wine with food. Some folks do take wine classes, and that is great, but for too many of us, drinking wine is a sitcom that quickly develops into a melodrama.

Starting in November, I’ve got a video for you to watch, and a new one each new month. It’s part of our exclusive series of conversations with Virginia winemakers. Each takes one of their favorite vintages and simply describes the wine, its properties, and how to pair it. The videos can be found on our website, www.virginiawinelover.com. We guarantee not a single one will ever have you snorting a cork halfway up one of your nostrils in public.

1264 Perimeter Parkway Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454 757-422-8979 www.VirginiaWineLover.com Publisher Randy Thompson Editor-in-Chief Melissa M. Stewart Executive Editor Patrick Evans-Hylton Web Editor Ashley Schafer Associate Editor Kelsey Clayton Contributing Writers J.D. Humphreys, Warren Richard, Joe Tennis Art Director David Uhrin Associate Art Director Matt Haddaway Production Manager Kathleen Thibault Contributing Designers K. Thibault Director of Photography Jim Pile Contributing Photographers Patrick Evans-Hylton, David Uhrin Photo Editor Richard Hailey Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Sales Manager Jay Bellamy Account Executives Jack Butka, Elizabeth Cummings, Sandy Godwin, Donna Richardson, Kevin Rose, Brenda Whitlow Sales Coordinator Tracy Thompson Circulation Manager George Carter

Cheers!

Circulation Marketing Coordinator Brittany Monroe Special Events & Style Coordinator Pamela Hopkins Virginia Wine Lover is published by

www.VGnet.com

Rry Photo Courtesy of the Blue ridge Mountain assoCiation

Words and Map by Patrick Evans-Hylton

Make Roanoke (www. visitroanokeva.com) your home base and enjoy the Star City’s shops, restaurants and fine hotels; some must-sees include the Roanoke Star (www.roanokestar.com), Market Square (www. downtownroanoke.org), Taubman Museum of Art (www.taubmanmuseum.org), O. Winston Link Museum (www.linkmuseum.org) and Dixie Caverns (www.dixiecaverns.com). Next, head south to sample Virginia wine at AmRhein Wine Cellars (www.amrheinwine.com) and Valhalla Vineyards (www. valhallawines.com).

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kirting the summit of mountains for some 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides scenic views through the Appalachians at just about every winding twist-and-turn of the blacktop.

This national parkway—and national treasure— turns 75 this year; the road was begun on Sept.

11, 1935, originally as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program to bring jobs to the unemployed of the Great Depression.

During the past three-quarters of a century, much of the parkway has remained the same. It’s still a slow-paced drive that changes dramatically from season to season. Brilliant green canopies of leaves, showy wildflowers and abundant wildlife great motorists in the spring; fiery displays of orange, yellow and red leaves play out each autumn, as do crystal-clear views of the surrounding valleys which seem to go on forever.

But a lot has changed along the parkway, too, including a proliferation of places to stop and explore. Just off the parkway, or close by, are quaint towns filled with shops and restaurants, wineries serving up Virginia vino, and charming beds-and-breakfasts extending a stay, and more.

Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway—you’ll find more on our website, www.virginiawinelover.com. Grab a map, jump in the car, and travel not just RE on another road that takes you from M O ON Point A to Point B, but one that takes you through history.

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ROCKY KNOB RESPITE At the southern end of the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, spend a day exploring two wineries: Chateau Morrisette (www. thedogs.com) and Villa Appalaccia (www.villaappalaccia.com), both in the Rocky Knob America Viticultural Area (www.virginiawine.org).

Nearby, visit Blacksnake Meadery (www.blacksnakemead.com) for some honey wine and Foggy Ridge Cider (www.foggyridgecider. com) for cider made from heirloom apples. Explore the town of Floyd (www.visitfloyd.org) or Meadows of Dan (www.visitpatrickcounty. com) and listen to some good old-time mountain music along The Crooked Road (www.thecrookedroad.org) music trail. Extend your stay at an area bed-and-breakfast (www.innvirginia.com).

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VIRGINIA WINERIES ASSOCIATION

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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.

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STAR CITY SHOWCASE

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On Jan. 1, we will draw for five lucky winners!

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Visit our website at www.virginiawinelover.com with your contact information and where you found the cork.

Controller Anita Burns Production Manager Robin Cather IT Director Mark Hall Accounts Receivable Margaret Hawkins Web Creative Director Christine Murphy Publisher's Assistant Sheila Wood

Fall Issue

A Fork & the Road » Blue Ridge Parkway

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Find the hidden “VWL” cork in this issue to enter a raffle for a free subscription to Virginia Wine Lover.

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Find The Cork

Patrick Evans-Hylton patrick@virginiawinelover.com

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Celebrating the good life

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Cook and Quaff in Your Own Kitchen with our Try It At Home Videos!

CELEBR ATING

THE

GOOD

LIFE

Sip, swirl and learn about a Virginia wine in a video straight from the vintner. Then pair it with an easy-to-make meal, with step-by-step video instructions from VWL’s Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton.

Visit www.VirginiaWineLover.com to see our latest pairing video.

The Original, the Star, where it all started

Can we talk Wine & Romance?

For the Wine Geek in you.

6190 Georgetown Road Broad Run, VA 20137 540.347.3475 PearmundCellars.com

4970 Antioch Road Haymarket, VA 20169 703.753.9360 WineryatLaGrange.com

7150 Lineweaver Road Vint Hill, VA 20187 703.991.0191 VintHillCraftWinery.com

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Like Parents, Like Son

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on Wehner, owner and operator of Chatham Vineyards, looks out across his vineyard, growing in the sandy, loamy soil of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Here on this narrow strip of land, with cross breezes from the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Chesapeake Bay to the west, Wehner grows wine grapes in the shadow of Chatham, a Federal-period brick house built in 1818 and along the tranquil shores of Church Creek.

Wehner is a second generation Virginia wine grower; his mother and father planted a vineyard in Great Falls

in 1970. Wehner and his wife, Mills, started Chatham Vineyards in 1999 and have been growing grapes on Virginia’s Eastern Shore for more than a decade now with more than 32,000 French vinifera vines planted in a high density 20-acre vineyard.

In addition to overseeing the growing, winemaking and sales at Chatham Vineyards, Wehner is also general management. Mills also works fulltime for the winery, and owns/manages Eastern Shore Classic Wines, the wholesale business the couple run to distribute their wines.

How do you think folks outside Virginia view the wine industry here?

Folks outside Virginia are curious about our state. I always find when I travel abroad or within the country that Virginia has a mystic appeal to it. Our ties to the old world, our agrarian history and our winemaking efforts beginning with Jamestown and Monticello have created this image.

I think we need to continue our efforts to improve the quality of our wines overall, and to educate people outside the state. I feel fortunate to be operating in partnership with such strong state support from Governor and First Lady McDonnell, his administration, the Virginia Wine Marketing Office, and the Virginia Tourism Commission.

HOW WOULD YOU RECOMMEND SOMEONE LEARN MORE ABOUT WINE? The best way to learn about wine is to taste. Visit tasting rooms and ask questions. Traveling is a great way to immerse yourself in wine culture.

WHAT FACTORS DO YOU CONSIDER IN PAIRING WINE WITH A DISH? One of the most important factors is to pair the weight of the wine with the weight of the meal. Delicate reds should be paired with delicate food, heavier reds should be prepared with heavier food.

Crisp whites should be paired with lighter more subtle cuisine.

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NAME THREE THINGS FOLKS SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A WINE. When I choose a wine I first decide on red or white. I then think about wine styles, different wine regions, the food I am having and the friends that I am sharing it with.

Also, weather is a huge factor. Crisp whites are wonderful during the summer whereas big reds are nice during the winter months. People’s eating habits change with the seasons. I look at price, I try to avoid the extremes of high and low.

I hate to be disappointed.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST REWARDING ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB AND WHY? The most rewarding aspect of my job is getting wine into the bottle. Once it goes into the bottle, it becomes a time capsule of weather conditions, vineyard decisions and the people who worked endless hours making it expressive of the vintage and place.

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Jon wehner, second generation virginia wine grower, has great grapes on the eastern shore | By Patrick Evans-Hylton

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS SOME OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES TO THE VIRGINIA WINE INDUSTRY? The weather is certainly one of the biggest challenges. It is also what makes it so rewarding. I have never seen a perfect vineyard site, not in California or in France.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE GRAPE (OR TWO) GROWN IN THE STATE, AND WHY? The flavor profile of Chardonnay and the ripeness and color of Petit Verdot are consistent in my vineyard, year after year, making them my favorites to grow. This is important when you are developing a brand and creating a following for specific wines. I also think Viognier has a lot of potential.

WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF VIRGINIA WINE? The future of Virginia wine is huge. Virginia wine has come a long way in a short period of time.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THOMAS JEFFERSON WOULD THINK OF VIRGINIA WINE TODAY? I think Thomas Jefferson would be delighted.

NAME THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE VIRGINIA WINES OF THE MOMENT, AND WHY. Wine not only reflects its place but also the quality of the people who make it. I have always admired Jim Law at Linden and Luca Paschina at Barboursville.

They both produce wonderful wines and contribute to our industry by running a sustainable business.

I have also been impressed with the winemaking talent of Matthieu Finot at King Family. I recently enjoyed his Meritage, the winner of the 2010 Governor’s Cup. VWL

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Chatham Vineyards 9232 Chatham Rd., Machipongo 757-678-5588 www.chatham vineyards.net

PHOTO BY DAVID UHRIN

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CHESAPEAKE BAY WINE CLASSIC The largest and most successful wine auction in Virginia turns 20 in November.

The Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation Grand Auction will be held Nov. 13 at a private estate on the grounds of Bayville Golf Club overlooking the Lynnhaven River.

Activities begin at noon with a preview reception featuring cuisine from eight of the region’s top chefs complemented by champagnes and other wines.

Auctioneers Fritz Hatton and Elyse Luray take to the stage with an assortment of rare and highly collectible wines; guests can also bid on packages, which range from getaways, dining at area restaurants, luxury merchandise and more.

Around two-dozen wineries are participating; wines complement small plates from the Chase Barton of Burton’s Grill, Richard Boone of Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro, Bobby Huber of Steinhilbers Thalia Acre Inn, Todd Jurich of Todd Jurich’s Bistro, Sam McGann of The Blue Point, Jerry Weihbrecht of Zoes Restaurant and Alvin Williams of Cobalt Grille.

The Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization which has raised and distributed millions of dollars, with the primary beneficiary being the ACCESS College Foundation. ACCESS has helped nearly 75,000 students in the college admission process throughout 10 winter 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

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wine producing regions of the United States and explores why 200 years after Thomas Jefferson’s failure to cultivate grapes at Monticello the region is finally flourishing as a producer of quality wines,” the film’s producers state.

Silverthorn Films worked some 60 days shooting the documentary at such vineyards as Barboursville, King Family, Kluge, Jefferson, Veritas and White Hall.

Interviews for the film include Gabrielle Rausse, Luca Paschina, Bill Moses, Tony Champ, David King, Chris Hill, Michael Shaps, Andrew Hodson and others.

To order a DVD copy of Vintage: The Winemaker’s Year for $19.95 plus shipping and handling, or for more information on the film, visit www. silverthornfilms.com/vintage

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the past 21 years.

Over the course of the year, Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation hosts several events in addition to the Grand Auction; the Grand Tasting occurs in late winter/ early spring, and the ladies-only billfish tournament, Wine, Women and Fishing, takes place in late summer.

A preview of the live auction lots, silent auction lots and collectors lots, as well as more event information, is available at the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic website, www.cbwc.org

VINTAGE: THE WINEMAKER’S YEAR A new feature-length documentary focusing on the Virginia wine industry was released in autumn, airing on PBS stations across the nation in October to coordinate with Virginia Wine Month.

The film, Vintage: The Winemaker’s Year, is also available for purchase from the movie’s producers, Silverthorn Films.

Streaming trailers from the film are also on the website.

The project has received rave reviews: an examination of the players and places of the Monticello Wine Region in central Virginia culminates in the 2008 vintage.

Along the way, the wine industry’s meteoric rise is explored, including its impact on the such attributes as Virginia’s cultural, social and economic standings.

“Vintage examines the factors that make Virginia unique amongst the VINTAGE Photos Courtesy of Silverthorn Films

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Photo Courtesy of virginia wine board marketing office

GOVERNOR’S CUP WINNER – PARADISE SPRINGS

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Twenty-four Virginia wineries notes say the vintage is “well-balanced submitted wines during the competition, and full-bodied … fruit forward with hints which was judged using the Davis 20 of pear, crisp green apples and a long, point system. Judges awared one gold, smooth finish of toasted marshmallows.”

Paradise Springs Winery, just in silver and bronze for each of the 12 The wine is aged in first- and its first year of competition, varietal categories together with two second-year French oak for has taken top honors in the Best of Show medals. nine months sur lie.

Sur lie WEB EXCLUSIVE – prestigious Governor’s translates literally from for a complete RE Cup for white M O ON the French for “on lees,” list of winners Best of Show VWL wine with its 2009 which refers to bottling of the red wine was awarded to: Chardonnay. a wine directly from the and white wine King Family cask after fermentation categories for r ia Vineyards’ 2007 Win Love CrossKeys Chardonnay 2008 e without racking, or the Governor’s Meritage won the Winemakers notes: “This delightful wine filtering the wine, from Cup awards, Governor’s Cup for was barrel-fermented in new and used the lees—a remaining visit our website, red wine earlier this French oak for nine months. yeasty residue. In the www.virginiawine year. This was the first Pale straw in color with case of Chardonnay, lover.com year the Governor’s Cup a bouquet of apple, this can impart WEB competition was divided flowers, honey and additional flavors, RE EXCLUSIVE – M O ON into two competitions: the judging vanilla, this wine has VWL especially woody/nutty/ for a complete of red wines was held in February and a clean acidity and toasty flavors, and add list of winners the judging of white wines was held in rich mouth-feel that more complexity to the of the 2010 August. This was necessary, competition makes it a perfect r ia wine. e Win Lov Town Point e officials say, because of the surge of complement to Paradise Springs’ 2009 Virginia Wine entries: there were less than 50 in 1982, semi-soft cheeses or Chardonnay is available at Competition, visit our website, the first year of the event, and more than seafood and roasted the winery’s tasting room in www.virginiawine 400 in 2010. poultry dishes.” $18 Clifton. The wine is priced at lover.com The Governor’s Cup for white wine was www. $27. For more information, visit awarded at Monticello in early fall during crosskeysvineyards.com www.paradisespringswinery.com a ceremony hosted by First Lady Maureen McDonnell and Secretary of Agriculture Cooper Noche NV TOWN POINT VIRGINIA Todd Haymore. The competition is Winemakers notes: “Virginia Norton WINE COMPETITION sponsored by the Virginia Wineries infused with essence of chocolate.” $17 Association. www.coopervineyards.com - PEH The 19th annual Town Point Virginia More than 200 entries vied for the spot, Wine Competition was held Oct. 8 at the which went to Paradise Springs’ offering Town Point Club in downtown Norfolk. of 100 percent Chardonnay. Winemaker’s www.VirginiaWineLover.com n winter 2010

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Paired with Chesapeake Chicken: grilled chicken breast topped with sliced Virginia ham and melting cheese with jumbo lump crab garnish Winemaker tasting notes: “The 2008 Cabernet Franc is a medium-bodied wine with a nose of dark cherries. It has mature tannins, with flavors of dark cherry and currants, and good length and depth on the finish. It is 100 percent Cabernet Franc and is an ideal wine for steaks and hearty pastas.”

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And what to enjoy with your wine? We’ve paired exclusive recipes with our Editor’s Picks and created cooking videos with step-by-step instructions—look for a link on our website for these.

Our recipes are developed

by VWL executive chef Patrick Evans-Hylton, a Johnson & Wales University-trained culinarian.

The most important thing to remember is to drink—and eat—what o you enjoy: these are just At H suggestions. The next most important thing to remember is to send in your photos and results of your at-home wine tasting, using our partyplanning tools found on the Virginia Wine Lover website. VWL – PEH

fter hearing of a successful Champagne Smackdown from Hampton Roads wine enthusiast George Kotarides—pitting some impressive French wines against the 2007 Kluge Blanc de Blanc, a Virginia sparkling which came in second place, thankyou-very-much­—we decided to create a column for Virginia Wine Lover.

Th is Our “Try This At Home” column encourages wine lovers to host tastings in their home, and report their findings to us.

Enthusiasts of all levels can participate —we give you the tools you need for a successful vino venue at our website, www.virginiawinelover.com Where to start? How about with a tasting of your favorite Virginia wines coordinated in a theme. Maybe taste all Meritage blends, or all Chardonnays, or wines from the Eastern Shore; below, we offer some wines in which to get started, and even have posted video interviews on our website with winemakers to tell you a little more about their vintage.

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Wonderful wines and incredible eats pair for a perfect wine tasting evening

DuCard 2008 Popham Run Red Paired with Spaghetti alla Puttanesca with Vegetarian Meatballs Winemaker tasting notes: “Rich red wine bursting with ripe cherry and raspberry aromas, and spicy, peppery character. Named for the stream that runs through the edge of the vineyard. Pairings: pasta and red sauce, grilled kebobs, chicken dishes.”

Sweely 2006 “1867” Meritage

Paired with The Ultimate Burger with Sweet Potato Fries; burger stuffed with goat/blue cheese and served on artisanal buns with wine-mustard and garden fresh greens.

Winemaker tasting notes: “Our first release of 1867 is a blend of 75 percent Merlot and 25 percent Cabernet Franc, aged 12 months in new French oak. This wine delivers a ripe black cherry and raspberry nose that reveals rich and toasty aromas with a whiff of vanilla. As this wine opens, the elegance of the fruit exposes a fresh, well balanced wine, with a nose that continues to capture a myriad of slightly caramelized candy and spice aromas.”

Hosting a Virginia Wine Lover wine tasting party at home is easy: 1. Go to www.virginiawinelover. com and download our free, exclusive guidelines. You’ll find wine selection and serving tips, party planning ideas, food pairing guidelines, and easy-to-follow judging sheets for everyone at your party. It couldn’t be easier!

2. Host your party, have fun, and take lots of pictures. Gather your judging sheets from everyone in attendance at the end of the evening; just by participating, you and all your friends will be signed up for our free Virginia Wine Lover e-newsletter featuring exclusive content like wine tips, recipes and giveaways.

3. Send your photos and wine tasting results to us; we’ll post the results on our website and, once per issue of Virginia Wine Lover magazine, we’ll feature a party in print—with everyone in attendance winning a free one-year subscription to the publication.

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(2) A little drizzle will do you with the EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL from Hampton Roads gourmet grocer Taste Unlimited.

This premium oil, from the Pierrakos family estate in the Laconia region outside Sparta, Greece, is so good, we

(4) Rich and smokey and full of flavor, EDWARDS VIRGINIA HAM PATE is a smooth, spreadable version of the Surry company’s country ham. We like to top a toasted piece of baguette with the pate, add a dollop of crème fraiche, and garnish with matchstick cuts of country ham. We picked our can up at Taste Unlimited in Norfolk for $7.99. www.virginiatraditions.com VWL

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(1) We love the fiery flavors that each crisp chip delivers with ROUTE 11’s MAMA ZUMA’S REVENGE HABANERO POTATO CHIP. This is a great chip to add some heat and some crunch to mini crab balls at holiday gatherings: crush chips finely and roll crab balls, prepared from your favorite recipe, in the breading before cooking. Don’t have a favorite crab ball recipe? Check out our Web Exclusive (see below) for our exclusive recipe. Available in combo cases and tins; prices vary. www.rt11.com

(3) Serve guests a Virginia Highland Maple Coffee by adding 1 ounce PURE VIRGINIA MAPLE SYRUP along with 2 ounces dark rum to a mug of hot coffee, stir, and top with whipped cream for a unique take on Irish Coffee. This syrup comes from the southernmost commercial collection point of maple syrup, and yeah, it’s pretty awesome on pancakes and waffles, too. Available in plastic jugs and glass maple leaf bottles from 50 ml. to gallon size. www.southernmostmaple.com

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The Virginia’s Finest program promotes a wide assortment of made-in-Virginia products from baked goods to cheese to seafood to snack foods—many which pair perfectly with Virginia wine. It’s easy to put together a basket with a couple of the tasty treats and a bottle or two of vino for seasonal gift-giving or incorporate some of the products in holiday entertaining. Here are a few of our favorite Virginia products, and how we like to show them off:

don’t mask the flavors: we drizzle it on a relish tray with a variety of olives, artisancured meats, feta and hard cheeses, then garnish with fresh rosemary. $16.99. www. tasteunlimited.com

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Web exclusive Check out www.VirginiaWineLover.com for our exclusive Route 11 chip-encrusted crab ball recipes from VWL’s executive editor, Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton

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hristmas in Colonial Virginia was a time for showcasing one’s wealth and prosperity from the previous year, done so through a variety of methods, notably holiday entertaining. When guests were received, the absolute best that household finances would allow was presented, from an assortment of meats and >>

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By Ramin Ganeshram Dough Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 cup light brown sugar 1/ 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/ 4 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1/ 4 teaspoon ground allspice 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened 2 1/2 cups freshly grated or frozen grated coconut (not dried or sweetened) 1 cup raisins 1/ 2 cup candied cherries, roughly chopped

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Sugar Syrup (optional) Ingredients 1/2 cup sugar 3/4 cup water

Method Preheat oven to 350F and grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice. Stir in the butter, coconut, raisins, cherries and candied peel.

In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, vanilla and Mixed Essence. Add to the dry ingredients and beat well. You will have a heavy batter. Divide the batter equally between the prepared loaf pans and sprinkle with currants. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Remove the breads from the oven and let cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

While the breads are cooling, make the Sugar Syrup by mixing the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Simmer until the sugar melts and the mixture slightly thickens to a thin syrup, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

Brush the loaves with the syrup and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Set aside to dry.

Note on Mixed Essense, from Ramin We Ganeshram: “Mixed Essence, which is often found pair in West Indian baked goods, is essential to the our flavor. It is available in Caribbean markets, but if Sweet you can’t find it, you can substitute equal parts Bread of vanilla extract, almond extract and pear with Holly essence. Store it in a tightly sealed, darkcolored jar.” VWL Grove Vineyards’

2009 Celebration ($18).

Special thank you to Chef Jonathan Highfield and Culinary Institute of Virginia, where Highfield instructs, for creating the dishes shown above.

More information: www.chefva.com

1/ 2 cup mixed candied citrus peel 3/4 cup milk 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/ 2 teaspoon Mixed Essence (see note) 3 tablespoons currants or golden raisins, for garnish (optional) G ranulated sugar, for garnish (optional)

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<< seafood, to pies and preserved fruits, wines and punches, and baked goods.

Baked goods this time of year featured fancy ingredients, such as spices and exotic fruits coming up as part of the triangular trade routes between the Caribbean, the Colonies and England. Trade between Virginia and the Caribbean for a number of products—spices, rum and sugar among them—was regular and frequent.

From Ramin Ganeshram comes Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad and Tobago (Hippocrene Books, $19.95) and a wealth of recipes from that island nation, the homeland of her father.

Included in the book are many wonderful dishes, including an assortment of sweets that are flavored wonderfully with Caribbean spices.

Three of our favorite sweets are perfect for holiday entertaining, including two fruitcake-like baked goods, a Black Cake and Sweet Bread. These are not your typical fruitcakes: the flavors are well developed and accented with a myriad of spices.

They are great for entertaining and holiday giftgiving. Another delightful treat are the Coconut Tarts—sinfully, sugary bites bursting with flavors from the islands.

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ord association: fondue. Rich, dark wood walled ski chalets.

Titanic hearths ablaze with a roaring fire. A snowy, winter wonderland. Sitting on a furskin rug, legs crossed and tooties cozy in wool socks at a communal table with others, laughing and telling stories from the slopes, all the while dipping slices of fresh French bread in an earthenware pot of melted cheese. Some tall blonde guy named Lars fillingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;then refillingâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;your glass with a great wine.

Virginia may not be Switzerland, and you may lack any friends named Lars, but you can have a fabulous fondue party this winter, at a ski resort or at home. Here is how:

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To do: Toss 1 pound grated Guyere cheese with 2 tablespoons flour to coat and set aside. Cut 1 garlic clove in half and rub around the inside of your fondue pot. Add 2 cups dry white wine to the pot, place on a stove top and bring to a simmer; do not boil. In small handfuls, add the coated cheese, stirring with a wooden spoon until melted; repeat until all cheese is melted. Add 2 tablespoons brandy and 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg. Stir continually and heat until it comes to a boil, then transfer pot to a low heat source for serving.

Dip-ins: chunks of French bread, firm vegetables like broccoli and miniature carrots, and pieces of cooked meat like grilled chicken; offer fondue forks to spear the food and dip into the cheese.

Pair with: Although this fondue is made with white wine, the nutty, hearty flavor of the cheese, along with the addition of the garlic, brandy and nutmeg, make it richer and able to stand up to a good red. We recommend the Sunset Hills Vineyards 2008 Benevino Cabernet Franc ($22).

From the winemakers’ notes: “… a delicate wine, with bright cherry and spicy fruit mixed with an earthy, slate quality … food-friendly, lighter and with a wonderfully delicate balance.”

Here is a list of Virginia slopes: Bryce Resort 1982 Fairway Dr., Basye 540-856-2121 www.bryceresort.com Season: December – mid-March typically Base elevation: 1,250 feet; summit elevation: 1,750 feet Slopes: 25 skiable acres; longest run: 3,500 feet; lifts: 5 Snow: 30 inches annually; 100 percent manmade on all slopes Signature Trail: Revenuers Run The Homestead 7696 Sam Snead Hwy., Hot Springs 540-839-1766 www.thehomestead.com Season: December – March typically Base elevation: 2,500 feet; summit elevation: 3,200 feet Slopes: 45 skiable acres; longest run: 4,200 feet; lifts: 5 Snow: 50 inches annually; 100 percent manmade on all slopes Massanutten Resort 1822 Resort Dr., McGaheysville 540-289-9441 www.massresort.com Season: December – mid-March typically Base elevation: 1,750 feet; summit elevation: 2,925 feet Slopes: 70 skiable acres; longest run: 4,100 feet; lifts: 7 Snow: 56 inches annually; 100 percent manmade on all slopes Signature trail: ParaDice Wintergreen Resort Route 664, Wintergreen 434-325-2200 www.wintergreenresort.com Season: November – late March, typically Base elevation: 2,512 feet; summit elevation: 3,515 feet Slopes: 90 skiable acres; longest run: 7,392 feet Snow: 40 inches annually; 100 percent manmade on all slopes Signature trail: Wild Turkey VWL

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THE VIRGINIA WINE INDUSTRY SALUTES VINO! VIRGINIA

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irginia now proudly boasts almost 150 wineries, producing quality quaffs that are gaining a well-deserved national and international reputation. Increasingly, restaurants throughout Virginia are featuring these wines and offering selections not only by the bottle but also by the glass as a means of introducing even more folks to our world-class vintages.

The following restaurants all offer Virginia wine(s) by the glass, and Virginia Wine Lover magazine invites you to stop by one of these fine establishments and raise a glass – or two – to our wine industry.

NORTHERN REGION

Restaurant 3 Arlington

Bilbo Baggins Restaurant Alexandria

Stardust Alexandria Tempo Restaurant Alexandria

Brass Cannon Restaurant Gainesville

The Red Fox Inn Middleburg

Café Torino Warrenton

The Wine Kitchen Leesburg

Fire Works Pizza Leesburg Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar McLean Goodstone Inn & Estate Middlebrug

The Jefferson Hotel Lemaire, T.J.’s Richmond

CENTRAL REGION

The Melting Pot Richmond

Aberdeen Barn of Charlottesville Charlottesville

Jackson 20 Alexandria

Madigan’s Waterfront Historic Occoquan Magnolias at the Mill Purcellville

ino! irginia

serves Virginia win oudly t pr es by ran the tau s e

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Ramparts Restaurant Alexandria

Recognition Award from

Charleys Waterfront Café and Wine Bar Farmville Depot Grille Lynchburg

Downtown Grille Charlottesville

Lightfoot Restaurant Leesburg

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Palladio Restaurant, Barboursville Vineyards Barboursville

Dish Lynchburg

Lansdowne Resort Leesburg

South River Restaurant & Wine Shop Waynesboro

Tuscarora Mill Restaurant Leesburg

Harry's Tap Room Arlington

Hunter’s Head Tavern Upperville

Siips Wine & Champange Bar Charlottesville

Thornton River Grille Sperryville

The II Georges Inn Danville

Historic Cedar Knoll Inn Restaurant Alexandria

Restaurant Pomme Gordonsville

The Dining Room at Berkley Hotel Richmond

Griffin Tavern Flint Hill

Hidden Horse Tavern Middleburg

Outer Banks Seafood Company Midlothian

Edible Garden Richmond Hamiltons’ at First & Main Charlottesville Hunter’s Head Tavern Upperville Keswick Hall Keswick Main St. Eatery and Catering Company Lynchburg Mangia Lynchburg Maxine’s Fine Dining at The Manor Resort Farmville

The Pointe at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel Charlottesville The White Hart Café Lynchburg WESTERN REGION Oddfella’s Cantina Floyd Zeppolis Inc. Blacksburg EASTERN REGION Abbey Road Pub & Restaurant Virginia Beach Aberdeen Barn of Virginia Beach Virginia Beach Angelo’s By The Sea Virginia Beach Berret’s Seafood Restaurant Williamsburg Bistro 515 at Holiday Inn & Suites Williamsburg Blue Talon Bistro Williamsburg Brutti’s Portsmouth

Café Provencal Williamsburg Catch 31 Virginia Beach Deja Blu Virginia Beach Fin Newport News

Restaurant owners

Gabriel Archer Tavern Williamsburg

and sommeliers:

Little Italy Ristorante Nassawadox

do you offer Virginia

Lynnhaven Fish House Virginia Beach

wine by the glass, too?

Mahi Mah’s Seafood Restaurant and Sushi Saloon Virginia Beach

Let us know!

Contact Tracy at

Montgomery Grill Portsmouth

tthompson@

Outer Banks Seafood Company Virginia Beach

virginiawine lover.com

Passion the Restaurant Chesapeake Riverstone Chophouse N. Suffolk Riverwalk Yorktown Rockafeller’s Restaurant Virginia Beach Salacia – Prime Steaks and Seafood Virginia Beach Sonoma Wine Bar & Bistro Va Beach Schlesinger’s Newport News Smithfield Station Smithfield Surf Club Virginia Beach Swan Terrace at The Founders Inn & Spa Virginia Beach

The City Dock Restaurant at Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Norfolk The Trellis Restaurant Williamsburg Tradewinds at the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel Virginia Beach Vintage Kitchen Norfolk Vintage Tavern Suffolk Waterman’s Surfside Grille Virginia Beach Williamsburg Lodge Restaurant Williamsburg SHENANDOAH REGION

Buon Amici Williamsburg

Sweet Madeline's Cafe & Catering Hayes

One Block West Winchester

Burton’s Grill Virginia Beach

The Boxwood Inn Newport News

Staunton Grocery Staunton

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in Richmond Cultivated almost 200 years ago in virginia, the norton grape takes firm root Interviews by Joe Tennis Introduction by Patrick Evans-Hylton

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olks had high hopes for winegrowing in Virginia from the very first settlers in 1607 through the period of Thomas Jefferson in the late 18th-century; alas, growing conditions in the colony-cum-state made it difficult for the European vitis vinifera— the typical wine-producing grape—to take root here.

But in the first part of the 1800s, Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton developed his own grape from the native American vitis aestivalis to be a viable wine-making fruit.

Norton first grew the grape—thought to be a long forgotten variety—in Richmond in 1830. The intense flavor is similar to the Concord but less sweet. Winemakers realized the value in using the Norton grape to produce high-quality, dry table wine—unusual for a native American grape.

One of the most successful ventures came from Charlottesville’s Monticello Wine Company, which blended it in its Virginia Claret. Norton became a staple of American winemaking before Prohibition.

Norton is established in Virginia once again and present in award-winning wines from around 30 of the state’s wineries.

To find out more about this American beauty, writer Joe Tennis talks grapes with three of the state’s key Norton players: Neil Glaser, marketing director at Horton Vineyards since 1989; Washingtonian Magazine food and wine editor Todd Kliman, author of The Wild Vine: A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine; and Jennifer McCloud, owner of Chrysalis Vineyards.

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scale of intensity in difference in flavor.

Once you got it in your mouth, it had the characteristics of the Spanish reds that were real fruity reds that I happen to like. And so I fell love with Norton.

Dennis Horton VWL: How did you get interested in the Norton grape?

GLASER: Dennis Horton is from Hermann, Missouri. There was a winery next to him. And they had a Norton.

And he had always heard about the Norton grape coming originally from Virginia . . . He was interested in growing his grapes here in Virginia in ’87, ’88, ’89. When they were getting ready to plant, he thought, ‘Hey, let’s bring Norton back to Virginia.’

KLIMAN: I drank the wine one night at a, sort of, thrown-together dinner. And I was really intrigued by it, because it didn’t taste at all like anything that I had had before. It didn’t taste anything like a European grape.

It didn’t taste anything like what I had been drinking from California or Oregon or Washington ... It was very earthy and kind of wild, and it was just interesting.

JENNIFER MCCLOUD: There was a conference in Charlottesville ...

The theme that year that year was ‘Alternative Grape Varieties,’ and that really appealed to me. . . And speaking on the speakers’ table was Dennis Horton (of Horton Vineyards) and Alan Kinne . . . Then after lunch, out came this stuff called Norton, and I had never heard of it before … I had never tasted anything quite like it. It reminded me from a character sense alone (of being) kind of out there, a little bit, you know, pungent, a little bit—‘gamey’ is not the right word, but it’s almost in the same

VWL: How did you get involved in the growing of the Norton grape?

GLASER: It was 1989. It was like five acres of the original 55-acres of vines.

And we planted it at the bottom of the hill, which was the toughest spot of the mountain, where we planted grapes . . . And he figured Norton would do well.

And so he put it at the toughest spot.

And it thrived—in the tough spot.

MCCLOUD: I came to Virginia specifically to grow Norton and the other grape varieties that I felt would ripen properly and rise to a level of world-class properties . . . And then when I heard of Norton being native, growing on its own root, being the most disease-resistant variety grown in the world . . . It was exciting to me.

VWL: How do you think folks in general perceive wine made with the Norton grape?

GLASER: I’ve poured Norton for probably more people than most in the last 15 years or 20 years. And it’s always interesting. If the American wine connoisseur walks up, and he tastes Norton for the first time, there’s a real 50-50 shot there if it’s going to go good or bad. The aroma of the wine and the flavors of the wine and the big acidity are shocking to someone who’s a Cabernet drinker or a Merlot drinker—if that’s their expertise.

It really attacks your palette. It’s a different kind of wine . . . But for people who don’t drink red wine, it’s like ‘Wow, that’s the first red wine that I’ve ever liked.’

KLIMAN: People either love the Norton or hate the Norton. And, in the book, I say that it’s the grape of love and hate—and nothing in between … It’s a grape of extremes. And it’s the wine of extremes. It’s the wine of love and hate … I love the fact people would hate it, as well as love it. I love that it provokes that kind of extreme reaction.

MCCLOUD: The people who maybe turn their nose up a little bit at them are the ones that are sort of an up-andcoming wine snoot, you know? And the people that I found that really are attracted to Norton are either new to wines, and they don’t have these ideas

Todd Kliman and they haven’t listened to the Robert Parkers of the world.

VWL: How do you think wine lovers generally perceive wine made with the Norton grape?

GLASER: When you age these wines, the connoisseurs will like them when they’re really old . . . I always suggest to them, ‘Lay it down and try it out in seven years.’ At first, it may be too fruity and acidic when it’s young for your average wine lover . . . It’s a really good bottle of wine that ages beautifully. Some of the best juice I’ve had is old Norton.

KLIMAN: They’re divided, too. I know there are wine lovers who love it. I know there are wine lovers who hate it.

And I don’t think there are many who fall in between.

MCCLOUD: I think it’s a matter of their experience with wines and a matter of their interest in regionality of wines . . . I think wine lovers perceive Norton as an alternate to the more

Read more about it The Wild Vine: A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine

By Todd Kliman Clarkson Potter, 2010 $25 More information: www.toddkliman.com

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MCCLOUD: Well, you know, you’re talking to, like, the prime evangelist of the Norton grape. I have the world’s largest planting of it. I came here to grow it. I think it’s absolutely worthy of restoration. And I am kind of proud to be leading the charge for the restoration of Norton.

mainstream European red . . . It has a very unique character and identity, which I think is a necessary quality for a great grape. I mean, if it tasted like some other grape, then why not just have the other grape?

VWL: What are the best properties of the Norton grape for wine making?

GLASER: The first year we picked Norton, it was difficult. Because each of the berries was so small, there’s hardly any juice inside the berry.

MCCLOUD: Balance is a key to any kind of quality level … We’re balancing acid, fruitiness—and, in the case of a red wine, tannin, alcohol . . . A really good red wine has to be balanced . . .

In that sense, Norton has it all going for it for an age-worthy red wine—one that can improve in the bottle for years and years, or decades, even. So it has high acid. It has incredible fruitiness.

The fruit has staying power . . . Norton has gobs of fruit. So it can balance its firm acidity with sufficient fruit.

VWL: What are the challenges of growing the Norton grape?

GLASER: I know some years it’s been a very easy grape to grow. And other years there’s been problems that have been unforeseen.

MCCLOUD: If you work at it, Norton is truly our only grape variety that can be grown organically ... There aren’t any challenges … once it’s established, the stuff is bulletproof. . . . It wants to grow here. It’s native … We joke that if it’s not in a vineyard, the damn thing’s a weed.

VWL: What are the challenges of wine making with the Norton grape?

GLASER: It’s not that same kind of balance chemically. The sugar is a little lower, and you have an acid that’s much higher . . . When it come to the winemaking part of it, then you have to make those adjustments.

MCCLOUD: There are challenges in making good red wines with the Norton fruit. I think those challenges center around ensuring that you’re harvesting ripe Norton fruit . . . Handling the acids is probably the key constraint to quality wine-making with Norton.

VWL: What is the future of the Norton grape?

GLASER: We’re making these Port wines. We made one recently where we blended three different old, old, old

Jennifer Mccloud barrels of Norton—12 and 11 and 10 year-old barrels of Norton for our Port wines . . . I think people are trying to find ways to market it better, to get it under people’s noses. Sometimes that might take a slight gimmick.

KLIMAN: I think there is renewed or new interest in the Norton. I think that’s a great thing. I just can’t see it becoming what it was destined to become. It had a real future 120130 years ago, and I can’t see it ever reaching that again. But I think it will continue to grow, and I think it will have a place for certain people

VWL: How does the Norton grape fit in with Virginia’s ambitions to be known as a wine-growing region?

GLASER: Whenever the marketing offices, or the Powers That Be, whenever they think about Norton, they sort of hide the fact that this thing comes from Virginia. It doesn’t seem to be popular from the Powers That Be. But when it comes to wine makers and wine lovers and folks who are Norton fans, they want to see a lot more made about that it’s from Virginia.

KLIMAN: Even among this outsider wine region, and Virginia still really is, Norton remains an outsider. That interests me . . . I find it interesting that Norton remains an outsider among outsiders MCCLOUD: I think Virginia’s native grape has a great future. I think people are going to again appreciate regionality . . . And I would rather make the world’s best Norton than the world’s 400th-best Merlot . . . It’s our grape.

I think Norton fits in at the top. Let’s restore our own native grape—our wine that was once renowned. VWL

Wineries with Norton releases Abingdon Vineyard Winery Barrel Oak Winery Belle Mount Vineyards Bluemont Vineyard Bright Meadows Farm Burnley Vineyards Byrd Cellars Casanel Vineyards Castle Gruen Vineyards and Winery Chrysalis Vineyards Cooper Vineyards Dry Mill Vineyards Winery DuCard Vineyards Glass House Winery Horton Vineyards

Hummel Vineyards Keswick Vineyards Lexington Valley Vineyard Molliver Vineyards Mountain Cove Vineyards New Kent Winery Paradise Springs Winery Potomac Point Winery Rappahannock Cellars Rockbridge Vineyard The Winery at La Grange Veramar Vineyard Weston Farm Vineyard and Winery Wisteria Farm & Vineyard Source: www.virginiawine.org

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Baby, It’s Cold Outside

A wintertime retreat to Loudoun County warms the heart, imagination

By Patrick Evans-Hylton

Just 25 miles west

of Washington, D.C., Loudoun County feels worlds apart.

The rolling countryside and charming villages make a great retreat; close enough to the city for convenience, yet far enough for a true feeling of escape.

Although some warm weather activities are put on hold this time of year, the winter season (average Leesburg high temperature in December is 47F) provides charm on its own: visits to some of the two-dozen area wineries; touring art galleries and antique shops; enjoying dinner at some of the region’s fine dining restaurants that support local farmers; and a host of holiday-themed events among them.

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We checked into Lansdowne Resort, and were warmly greeted in the lobby.

We walked on plush carpet to a soaring atrium that opened up and provided incredible views through floor-to-ceiling windows to the adjacent, beautiful countryside. Our views stretched from the resort to the Potomac River nearby; 22 winter 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

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it was a perfect crisp, cool day with powder blue skies. We couldn’t wait to get to the room and begin exploring Loudoun County.

Lansdowne offers a number of getaways, including a girls weekend, romance packages, and offerings tied to their spa services and, in season, golfing; check their website for more details.

The resort itself offers some 296 rooms, including 14 spacious suites. Our room was well-appointed and provided us with a look out to pastoral surroundings.

The resort offers many wintertime ways to unwind, including Spa Minerale, the multi-pool Aquatic Complex and a health club. The Spa Minerale is a welcome relief to the stresses of the holiday period: wrapped in a luxurious, thick robe, tea cam be enjoyed by a fireplace before enjoying a number of treatments.

Among the Spa Minerale offerings are massage, body treatments, facials and other skin care, salon services, and steam, sauna and whirlpool. The atmosphere in the 12,000-square-foot facility is sophisticated, calming and relaxing—a perfect treat.

Throughout the facility, service was remarkable, from check-in to valet service, as was service at the On The Potomac restaurant, where we enjoyed a fantastic meal. In fact, one of the best charcuterie platters I’ve ever had was served for us at On The Potomac, a beautiful prelude to a completely enjoyable meal.

Dinner at On The Potomac was also a wonderful way to get a taste of local wines: there are plenty of Virginia wines offered at the eatery, all selected to perfectly pair with the exquisite cuisine.

The menu offerings of food and wine are seasonal.

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A large portion of our time was spent in Leesburg, completely charming with a quaint historic district filled with shops, art galleries, wine boutiques and fine dining restaurants.

Two of our favorite places to dine are very local-centric, through both food and wine. Magnolias at the Mill (www. magnoliasmill.com) in Purcellville is welcoming and alluring and set in an continued on pg 24 >>> old mill.

Photos courtesy of loudoun convention/visitors Association

11/2/10 10:46 AM

A Fork & the Road » Loudoun

Lansdowne Resort

Where to go,

what to know Corcoran Vineyards

Where to stay Lansdowne Resort

Lansdowne Resort 44050 Woodridge Pkwy., Lansdowne. 877-509-8400 www.lansdowneresort.com

Wines include: Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Malbec, Meritage www.corcoranvineyards.com

Wines include: Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin www.notavivavineyards.com

Doukenie Winery

Wines include: white wine blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, red wine blends, late harvest zinfandel www.goombawine.com

There are also wonderful bedand-breakfasts in the area. A full listing of B&B options can be found through the Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia, www.innvirginia.com

Wines include: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, white wine blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, red wine blends, Syrah, various fruit wines including raspberry and blackberry www.doukeniewinery.com

Where to imbibe

Dry Mill Vineyard & Winery

There are some two-dozen wineries in Loudoun County, including:

8 Chains North

Wines include: Sauvignon Blanc, white wine blends, Merlot, Bordeaux-style blends www.8chainsnorth.com

Bluemont Vineyard

Wines include: Vidal Blanc, Viognier, rose’, Merlot, Norton and various fruit wines including peach, strawberry and blackberry www.bluemontvineyard.com

Wines include: Chardonnay, Traminette, Viognier, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Norton, Syrah www.drymillwine.com

Fabbioli Cellars

Wines include: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Meritage, Sangiovese, various fruit wines including raspberry, pear (port style) and black raspberry (port style) www.fabbioliwines.com

Hidden Brook Winery

Wines include: Bordeaux-style blends, rose’ www.boxwoodwinery.com

Wines include: Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Merlot, red wine blends www.hiddenbrookwinery.com

Breaux Vineyards

Hiddencroft Vineyards

Boxwood Winery

Wines include: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Seyval Blanc, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, rose’, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Meritage, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot and Syrah www.breauxvineyards.com

Casanel Vineyards

Wines include: Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Norton www.casanelvineyards.com

Chrysalis Vineyards

Wines include: Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, red wine blends, and various fruit wines including sweet cherry, raspberry-Chambourcin and blueberry-Chambourcin www.hiddencroftvineyards.com

Hillsborough Vineyards

Wines include: Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Fer Servadou, Meritage, red wine blends, Tannat www.hillsboroughwine.com

Lost Creek Vineyard & Winery Wines include: Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Merlot www.lostcreekwinery.com

Loudoun Valley Vineyards Chrysalis Vineyards

Wines include: Albarino, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, rose’, Norton, Petit Verdot, red blends, Tannat www.chrysaliswine.com

Notaviva Vineyards

Wines include: Chardonnay, Riesling, white wine blends, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Merlot, red wine blends, various fruit wines including apple www.loudounvalleyvineyards.com

Quattro Goomba’s Winery

Sunset Hills Vineyard Wines include: Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Merlot www.sunsethillsvineyard.com

Swedenburg Estate Vineyard Wines include: Chardonnay, Riesling, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir www.swedenburgwines.com

Tarara Winery

Wines include: Chardonnay, Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage, Merlot, red wine blends, Syrah www.tarara.com

Village Winery

Wines include: Viognier, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, red wine blends, various fruit wines including apple and elderberry www.villagewineryandvineyards.com

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Wines include: Albarino, Chardonnay, Riesling, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Merlot, Petit Verdot, various fruit wines including apple www.willowcroftwine.com

Zephaniah Farm Vineyard

Wines include: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Merlot www.zephwine.com

What to do Some of our favorite winter-time things to do while in Loudoun County include:

Ashburn Ice House

Facility with two NHL-size ice rinks, video arcade, restaurant and proshop; Ashburn www.ashburnice.com

Blue Ridge Thunder Cloggers Percussive dance group performing to a variety of music from bluegrass to pop; Waterford. www.brtc.us

Christmas in Middleburg

A holiday celebration with a horse country-theme, including a parade of nearly 100 horses and riders in red riding coats; Middleburg www.middleburg.org

Christmas Light Trolley Tour A tour through Purcellville neighborhoods aboard a trolley viewing Christmas lights displays followed by an evening of carols, roasting marshmallows and sipping hot cocoa; Purcellville www.purcellvilleva.gov

Crossroads of Conflict: Northern Virginia Civil War Trails

Self-guided trail featuring prominent Civil War sites in Northern Virginia. www.civilwartrails.org

Cooking Class Weekend at Briar Patch

A weekend getaway at Briar Patch B&B with cooking classes and gourmet goodies; Middleburg. www.briarpatchbandb.com

Dining Out

Scores of restaurants are located across Loudoun County; a full list can be found on the Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association website. www.visitloudoun.org

Gallery 222

A gallery of original fine art from some of the region’s premier artists; Leesburg. www.gallery222.com

Glenfiddich Farm Pottery

A collection of handmade saltglazed, functional stoneware items; Leesburg. www.glenfarmpottery.com

Leesburg’s First Friday

An event celebrating Leesburg through the arts, shopping, food and wine on the first Friday of each month, except January; Leesburg. www.leesburgfirstfriday.com

Leesburg Vintner

An accommodating shop filled with local wines and Virginia foods; Leesburg. www.leesburgvintner.com

National Sporting Library

A research center chronicling horse and field sports though art, literature and culture; Middleburg. www.nsl.org

Shopping - Antiques

Dozens of antique shops are located across Loudoun County; a full list can be found on the Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association website. www.visitloudoun.org

More information regarding attractions, lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment is offered through the Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association, www.visitloudoun.org www.VirginiaWineLover.com n winter 2010

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O carefully whom we would call on this time around, and whom we would visit on our next trip.

Our stops included Doukenie Winery (three to try: 2009 Mandolin, 2008 Vintner’s Reserve, 2008 Petit Verdot), Fabbioli Cellars (three to try: Apertif Pear Wine, 2009 Rosa Luna, 2008 Tre Sorelle) Loudoun Valley Vineyards (three to try: 2005 Legacy, 2005 Dynasty Reserve, 2006 Vinifera White) and Sunset Hills Vineyard (three to try: 2008 Cabernet Franc, 2009 Viognier, 2008 Unoaked Chardonnay.)

Because much of Loudoun County is rural, and many wineries are located down winding, narrow roads, and because we wanted to sample in earnest without worry about navigating ourselves safely back to the hotel, we used the services of Virginia Wine Adventures (www.vawineadventures.com) to take us from winery-to-winery.

The service was professional—our driver was charming and informative— and touring was made easy and effortless as we traversed wine country in a comfortable mini bus. The good folks at Virginia Wine Adventures even provided a light lunch of sandwiches, cheese and crackers, and sweets, which we enjoyed during our stop at Sunset Hills Vineyard.

Each winery was wonderful in its own way—a folksy, country farmhouse-style was predominate at Doukenie Winery and Sunset Hills Vineyard; eclectic garagistes form-and-function was offered at Fabbioli Cellars; and mid-century modern style was evident at Loudoun Valley Vineyards.

Note: do check with wineries regarding their hours of operation during winter months, as they can vary greatly from other times of the year.

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Middleburg Christmas Parade, first Saturday in December. <<<continued from pg 22

An American regional menu offers a number of small plate items, including brick oven pizzas, sandwiches and burgers, as well as an assortment of dinner entrees—offered at great price points. Some items come from the wood fire oven, including shrimp and grits, bacon-wrapped filet and a duo of local sausages. Eight Virginia wines were offered on the list.

Sister restaurant Tuscarora Inn (www. tuskies.com) in Leesburg also offers a casual but fine dining experience with a menu featuring ingredients from many local farmers, growers and producers. As with Magnolias, the emphasis is on fresh, seasonal American regional cuisine at attractive prices. On a recent menu, Duck & Waffles caught our attention with such components as: grilled Hudson Valley duck breast, basil-roasted garlic waffle, foie gras-stuffed prunes, Waterford elderberry glaze, snow peas and Vidalias.

Tuscarora Inn’s commitment to Virginia wine goes beyond their list, however; the restaurant offers the Tuskies Wine Trail (www.tuskies.com/WineTrail/), a large charactateur map of the region featuring not only area wineries, but other services and amenities such as limos and lodging.

The 24 inch-by-36 inch map shows muststop places in the region, as well as providing address, contact information and descriptions of each participating establishment. You can pick one up at Tuscarora Inn or Magnolias.

A side excursion was made one afternoon for some holiday shopping at

the nearby Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets (www.premiumoutlets.com), a collection of more than 100 outlet stores including Barneys New York, Coach, Juicy Couture, Polo Ralph Lauren and more.

Hillsborough Viineyard

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Another large part of our visit was spent exploring nearby wineries. Around two dozen wineries produce awardwinning quaffs from the terroir of the region, so we had to pick-and-choose

Leesburg and Loudoun County were wonderful to visit. The attractions, even in the winter, plentiful and substantial; the folks everywhere we met friendly and generous.

Our heart and imagination warmed and long weekend done, we made a stop one last time at the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, then down the road at Tysons Corner, to get some shopping done. Our car was loaded with vino from what Loudoun bills itself as “D.C.’s Wine Country;” some for us and some for giftgiving.

It was a great getaway; we look forward to returning when the earth tilts the other way on its axis and seeing what the region offers then.

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Uncorked

The Civil War’s Sequicentennial

Stonewall Jackson House House museum with many of Jackson’s belongings www.stonewalljackson.org

Stonewall Jackson House*

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Virginia Military Institute Museum Museum with focus on the Civil War and cadet history www.vmi.edu/museum/ A full site, activities and events can be found at the LexingtonRockbridge County Chamber of Commerce website. www.lexingtonvirginia.com

TO STAY

he small town of Lexington, We like the Alexander-Withrow House, built in 1789 and located settled in 1777, is an in the center of downtown independent city within Lexington.

Rockbridge County and www.lexingtonhistoricinns.com located about 50 miles A full listing of lodging can north of Roanoke. History be found at the LexingtonRockbridge County Chamber of predominates Lexington; Commerce website. the town seems at ease in both the www.lexingtonvirginia.com past and present. In fact, that is a large part of its charm, found in TO SUP the hospitality of its people, the We enjoy house-roasted coffee architecture of many of its buildings, and fresh baked goods at Lexington Coffee Shop. and the theme of many of its events. www.lexingtoncoffee.com Hunter’s Raid took place here; an attack by Union Gen. David Hunter on the town and specifically Virginia Blue Ridge Military Institute (VMI.) VMI was Vineyard instrumental in training of the Southern Fincastle Vineyard & armies and, as a unit, participating in Winery actual battles, such as the Battle of 220 New Market. Also, Southern luminaries Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson Virginia Mountain are both buried in Lexington.

Vineyards History Uncorked is an ongoing column examining Virginia people and places of the American Civil War during its sesquicentennial through travel to historic destinations statewide.

Roanoke * Courtesy of the Stonewall Jackson House Collection, Stonewall Jackson Foundation, Lexington, Virginia

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Classic regional fare (fried chicken, sautéed rainbow trout, meatloaf, liver and onions) is enjoyed at Southern Inn. www.southerninn.com

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Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery Jackson and hundreds of other Confederates are buried here www.lexingtonvirginia.com

Valhalla Vineyards Wines include: Chardonnay, Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Sauvignon, red wine blends, Sangiovese, Syrah, dessert www.valhallawines.com

Rockbridge Vineyard

A full listing dining options can be found at the LexingtonRockbridge County Chamber of Commerce website. www.lexingtonvirginia.com

Virginia Mountain Vineyards Wines include: Chardonnay, Traminette, white wine blends, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, red wine blends www.vmvines.com

TO SIP

- PEH

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VMI

Rockbridge Vineyard Wines include: Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Concord, Meritage, Merlot, Norton, Pinot Noir, Syrah www.rockbridgevineyard.com

Lee Chapel at Washington & Lee University Campus Robert E. Lee and family are buried here www.chapelapps.wlu.edu

Lexington: Home of vmi, resting place of lee jackson

VMI Photo by Kevin Remington

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A Fork & the Road » Lexington

Wineries in the region include:

Charlottesville

Barren Ridge Vineyards Wines include: Chardonnay, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Meritage, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Touriga, Viognier-Vidal Blanc ice winestyle blend www.barrenridgevineyards.com

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Blue Ridge Vineyard Wines include: Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Traminette, white wine blends, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, red wine blends, dessert www.blueridgevineyard.com Fincastle Vineyard & Winery Wines include: Chardonnay, Traminette, Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon www.fincastlewine.com

Rockbridge Vineyard

Lexington Valley Vineyard

Lexington

60 Buena Vista

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Great getawaYS

Abingdon Art and History Make Abingdon an Ideal Holiday Excursion

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Fall 2010 Events

Nov 5-7 — Mistletoe Market at SW Virginia Higher Education Center Nov 19-21 — Christmas Craft Show at Cooms Center Nov 20 — A Taste of Home Cooking School December 4 — Polar Express Storytelling at the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum Dec 5 — Christmas Tour of Historic Homes Dec 13 — Community Christmas at the Barter Theatre Nov 27-Dec 18 — Holiday Market at the Farmers Market - Every Saturday

“Entertain Your Senses”

Abingdon

Throughout the Holiday Season

Abingdon, VA is Home to: Barter Theatre Virginia Creeper Trail White’s Mill William King Museum Historical District Fields-Penn House Museum Star Museum

800-435-3440 • www.abingdon.com • 276-676-2282

ocated just north of the Virginia-North Carolina border, Abingdon sits in the Blue Ridge Highlands of Southwest Virginia. Its rich history and abundance of arts aren’t the only things that will put Abingdon on the top of your vacation list.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities year-round and shopping, spas, restaurants and wineries will satisfy just about anyone.

Hike, bike or horseback ride along more than 34 miles of breathtaking scenery on the Virginia Creeper Trail, which began as a railroad in the early 1900s.

As you stroll through Abingdon, its downtown will reveal brick-lined sidewalks, buildings dating back to the 1700s, and other historic landmarks, including White’s Mill, a water-powered grist mill.

With museums, theaters and art galleries, you will quickly see how the arts influence Abingdon’s charming culture. Every summer, Abingdon’s streets are filled with arts and crafts, antiques, entertainers and nationallyknown writers and lecturers as it hosts the Virginia Highlands Festival. The festival began in 1948 to preserve and celebrate the arts and culture of the area, and has continued to flourish over the last several decades, being named one of the Top 100 Art Festivals in 2010.

Whether you want to spend a night or just the day at the Martha Washington Hotel and Spa, it’s definitely worth a visit. Originally built in 1832 as a private residence, it went on to hold a finishing school for young women, a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and a women’s college.

Today, it has evolved into an elegant hotel and spa while still honoring its significant past.

Head to Barter Theatre, Abingdon’s yearround theatre, to see a show and experience its rich history. Get into the holiday spirit with a showing of It’s a Wonderful Life or one of the other holiday-themed shows playing this season.

Please see our Wine Map and Guide starting on page 38 for information on wineries in the area.

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Great getawaYS

Lexington a rustic retreat

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ake one look at the breathtaking vistas that surround Lexington and you will surely be singing how the hills are alive. Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lexington abounds with awe-inspiring views and that good ‘ole Appalachian music—not to mention a rich history dating all the way back to the Civil War era.

Lexington is a city of adventure. Formidable mountains brace the county with walls eager to be tackled by a willing hiker. Parks and hiking trails litter the landscape to the brim ready for hikers any season. Even the ever popular Appalachian Trail runs through the county in a few locations, making Lexington a true hiker’s paradise.

With a scene as beautiful as Lexington’s so many other outdoor activities are available too, such as camping, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding and hunting. Or just sit back and enjoy some local Appalachian tunes “…Lexington by one of the many abounds with bluegrass groups of awe-inspiring the area.

Head south of views and the city and bare that good ‘ole witness to one of Appalachian Virginia’s most music—not to unique and immense natural wonders, mention a rich the Natural Bridge. history dating all Twenty stories of pure rock formation, the way back the Natural Bridge to the Civil draws in sightseers War era.” from all over. In addition, you can explore the underground formations of the caves nearby.

As for the historic aspects of Lexington, the city is home to the Virginia Military Institute, which has a museum on campus.

Travel back in time to the Civil War as you enter the Stonewall Jackson House.

Discover the mysteries of the past and learn about the legendary nickname “Stonewall” at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery where the general himself is buried.

A visit to Lexington isn’t complete without tasting some of the award-winning wines at Rockbridge Vineyard and Lexington Valley Vineyard, both local wineries in the area.

“Great Weekend Getaway”, featured in Nat’l Geo Travel Magazine August-09

Osceola Mill

Bed & Breakfast Fine Dining & Lodging Valley Mill by P. Buckley Moss

The Historic Lower McCormick Mill now serves as a premier restaurant and inn.

Lexington, Virginia area.

540-377-mill(6455) • 866-747-mill osceolamill.com osceolamill@gmail.com

LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA The streets, roads and trails are paved with memories.

Call for your free travel guide.

Toll-free: 877-453-9822 | lexingtonvirginia.com

Lexington • Buena Vista RockBRidge county

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Great getawaYS

Harrisonburg call harrisonburg your home for the holidays

I Your first resort.

Massanutten Resort MassResort.com | (540) 289-4952

n the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is the ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a long stay. History comes to life and outdoor adventures abound in this small Virginia town, but not without fine dining, shopping and wine around every corner to complement your excursion.

With its rich history, Harrisonburg is the perfect place to antique shop, find heirloom jewelry or a piece of furniture with a story to tell. Harrisonburg’s “buy fresh, buy local” attitude can be seen at local markets and produce stands, which you won’t want to miss. Bring some of the local Virginia flavors home with you.

For a fun-filled day, head over the Massanutten Resort, east of Harrisonburg.

Winter is the ideal time to try skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing. After a day in the cold, head indoors to make a splash at Massanutten’s WaterPark. Open year-round, it’s always 84 degrees inside and lots of fun.

Massanutten also features a spa and plenty of dining options to spend the day relaxing.

If you’re looking for a unique activity, head north to the Shenandoah Caverns. A guided tour will take you underground to discover a hidden world of natural wonders and remarkable crystalline formations, unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

After a fun-filled day, head to downtown Harrisonburg to enjoy an evening of food, wine and theater at Temptations at the Theater. For shows, times and more information, call 540-432-8922.

During the holidays, Harrisonburg comes alive, and the Christmas Parade & Holidays on Main Street on Dec. 3 is not to be missed. Traditional holiday festivities take place on Court Square, reminiscent of a simpler time with carolers, carriage rides and cocoa. For more information, visit www. downtownharrisonburg.org.

Experience Virginia’s wine country. Many places offer tastings and tours and you can take home a bottle of award-winning wine to share with friends during the holidays.

Please see our Wine Map and Guide, starting on page 38, for all the wineries in the Harrisonburg area.

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Great getawaYS

Charlottesville the napa valley of the east

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America’s First Wine Connoisseur

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ome to Thomas Jefferson, the Cavaliers, majestic mountains, of course, and delicious Virginia wine, Charlottesville is a gem nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dubbed the Napa Valley of the East, Charlottesville is an all-in-one package for the wine connoisseur and the traveler. Exquisite scenery, fine dining, a pulsing city, thrilling adventures and a bounty of charming wineries peppered across the rolling hills of the historic city await you.

Ranked as the Best Place to Live in America by Frommer’s Cities Ranked and Rated, Charlottesville has something for everyone to enjoy. With more than 20 different wineries and vineyards to choose from, prolific cities like Charlottesville make Virginia the fifth largest producer of wine in the nation. Choose from award-winning wineries that have entered wines in state, national and international wine competitions.

For your more adventurous side, take to the hills and explore the mountains that once dazzled Thomas Jefferson himself on one of the many hiking or biking trails.

Only 45 minutes away lies the infamous Blue Ridge Parkway, home to some Virginia’ prettiest vistas; with the leaves beginning to fall, the sights will be even more clear.

The Downtown Pedestrian Mall serves as an ideal place to casually amble by shops and restaurants with friends and family. Street performers always liven up the already thriving atmosphere and the variety of locales to choose from allow for an exciting shopping experience.

Tucked away in the furrows of the Southwest Mountains, sits the illustrious home of one of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson. Monticello provides a historic experience like no other. History buffs are given something to stand in awe of and the everyday sightseer can marvel at the influential architecture or backdrop the plantation sits upon.With so much to offer, it is easy to see why Jefferson fell in love with Charlottesville—and you will too.

Please see our Wine Map and Guide starting on page 38 for all of the great Virginia wineries in the area.

VWL 026-035 GREAT GETAWAYS 11_10.indd 29

your every tradition

Join us at The Boar's Head this holiday season for a variety of experiences.

‘‘... the region’s

most consistent track record.’’

For detailed information on our 2010 Holiday Packages, please visit us online at www.boarsheadinn.com.

— WINE SPECTATOR MAGAZINE

STEWARDS OF JEFFERSON’S ORIGINAL 1774 VINEYARD

800.476.1988

SITES, ONE MILE SOUTH OF MONTICELLO

W W W. J E F F E R S O N V I N E YA R D S . C O M 8 0 0 -2 72-3 042

www.boarsheadinn.com

dining | lodging | golf | tennis | spa | meetings | weddings

For more information on planning your trip to Charlottesville, visit

VisitCharlottesville.org or call

(877) 386-1103 Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau 610 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Move Over, California!

Move Over, California!

Move California!

Move Over, Over, California!

With more than 200 years of tradition, Thomas Jefferson would be mighty proud of the With more than 200 earned years of by tradition, Thomas Jefferson wouldand the consistently great taste international prestige Albemarle County wines, With moreproud than 200 of tradition, Thomas Jefferson would be mighty theyears international prestige earned by Albemarle With more than of 200 years ofalong tradition, Thomas Jefferson would produced by wineries found the Monticello Wine Trail. When it comes to quality and be mighty proud of the international prestige earned by Albemarle County wines, and the consistently great taste produced by mighty proudState of the has international value,bethe Golden met its prestige match!earned by Albemarle County wines, and great taste produced County wines,along andthe the consistently taste produced wineries found theconsistently Monticellogreat Wine Trail.

Whenby it by comes

wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail.its When it comes wineries found alongthe the Monticello Wine When it comes The funfound starts with you! to quality and value, Golden State hasTrail. met match!

quality and State has met match! to quality andvalue, value, the the Golden Golden State has met itsits match!

A to leisurely drive from Washington, DC and points throughout Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland makestarts for a spectacular weekend getaway. Wrap your visit with some great golf, The fun with you!

Thefun funstarts starts with you! spaThe pampering, exquisite dining, shopping and a night or two at one of our wonderful Bed & you!

A leisurely drive from or Washington, and points throughout Breakfast Inns, hotels resorts. DC A leisurely drive from Washington, DC and points throughout A leisurely driveCarolina from Washington, DC and Virginia, North and Maryland makepoints for a throughout spectacular Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland make for a spectacular Virginia, North Carolina for a spectacular weekend getaway.

Wrapand yourMaryland visit with make some great golf, spa weekend getaway. Wrap your visit with some great golf, spa weekend getaway. visit with great pampering, exquisite Wrap dining,your shopping andsome a night or golf, two atspa onewww.VirginiaWineLover.com pampering, exquisite dining, shopping and a night or two at one pampering, exquisite dining, shopping and or aornight or two at one of our wonderful hotels resorts. of our wonderfulBed Bed&&Breakfast Breakfast Inns, Inns, hotels resorts. of our wonderful Bed & Breakfast Inns, hotels or resorts.

For more information on planning your trip to Charlottesville, visit

n winter 2010

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Great getawaYS

Lynchburg

Discover Lynchburg From a New Perspective

Pursue HaPPiness! exPlore THomas Jefferson’s secluded reTreaT Guided Tours daily aPril–november (closed Tuesdays)

(434) 525-1806 | Forest, Virginia

www.poplarforest.org

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center

With ‘fresh and funky’ sites from eclectic shopping to the nation’s only year-round, outdoor snow sports slope, it’s not your grandmothers’ Lynchburg anymore!

Surrounded by renowned sites like the National D-Day Memorial, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway and more, Lynchburg offers gracious lodging and dining making it the perfect spot to nestle down a few extra days and see all Central Virginia has to offer.

discoverlynchburg 1-800-732-5821 www.discoverlynchburg.com Visit us on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter!

Thomas JeFFerson

Wine festival

November 20, 2010 • 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

TickeTs $20.00 in advance • $25.00 at the door

Johnson’s Orchards From Blossom To Bottle

(540)586-3707

1218 Elmos Rd. Bedford, VA 24523

We are minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway!

More than just fine wineS, we offer fresh fruits in season, fruit Butters, Preserves, Jams, Jellies, Juice Sweetened Spreads, Hot Sauces, Salad Dressings, Relishes, Honey, BBQ Sauces, and more !

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

Visit us online at:

www.PeaksOfOtterwinery.com

snow, shopping and spas—spend your holidays in lynchburg

T

ucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lynchburg is a thriving city waiting to be explored.

Established in 1786, Lynchburg went on to be an important tobacco port. As businesses came to the city, so did culture, arts, architecture and education. Today, Lynchburg is still drawing crowds with its technology, healthcare and education systems, including five universities.

You’ll find plenty of other reasons to explore this vibrant city. Whether you’re hoping for a relaxing weekend getaway or an activity-filled vacation, you will find everything you’re looking for in Lynchburg.

Surround by scenic foothills and views of the James River, you can get your fill of the outdoors as your walk or ride trails, float down the river, or take in the views from the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre that offers year-round skiing, snowboarding and tubing.

For the history buffs in your group, visit one of the many historic landmarks and estates, such as the National D-Day Memorial or the Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park.

If you’d rather spend the day indoors, head to downtown Lynchburg to experience some of its unique shops. Don’t miss the Lynchburg Community Market, the third oldest farmer’s market in the country, where you’ll find much more than just baked goods and produce. A trip to one of Lynchburg’s spas is a great way to spend the day pampering yourself.

In addition to the culture and history, Lynchburg is also home to several wineries and vineyards. Spend the afternoon sipping some of Virginia’s well-known varietals or take a tour and see how your favorite wine is made. Please see our Wine Map and Guide, starting on page 38, for more information. Then head out on the town to one of Lynchburg’s many restaurants for an evening of culinary delights.

After exploring all that Lynchburg has to offer, you may just find yourself staying a few extra days to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway or explore more of what Lynchburg has to offer.

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Great getawaYS

Faquier County

Narmada

WINERY

Rappahannock County, Virginia

virginia’s wine country of the north

S

et against a vibrant backdrop of rolling mountain peaks and rustic farmlands, Fauquier County offers a quaint atmosphere you only see in movies. Cozy comes alive in every sense of the word in Fauquier. The open pastures and idyllic scenes stretching from horizon to horizon will surely grant the tired traveler a reprieve from city strain. Only 45 minutes from Washington D.C., these rolling hills are home to some of Virginia’s finest wineries and a few carry traditions that are decades, even centuries old.

Fauquier offers more than 21 different parks and recreational centers for the soul including golf “…Fauquier active courses and equestrian County trails. Be sure to visit the flying circus while you offers a are here. Yes, flying. The quaint Flying Circus Aerodrome atmosphere in Bealeton is an air show you only see presenting patrons with awe-inspiring stunts. in movies.”

With all the farmlands in the area, Fauquier abounds with farmer’s markets brimming with fresh fruits and produce and fun activities for the whole family.

With wineries around every corner, many consider Fauquier County to be Northern Virginia’s wine country. The vineyards are steeped in tradition, family values and varietals that will suit just about anyone.

Please see our Wine Map and Guide, starting on page 38, for more information.

Rich history abounds all over the Fauquier area. Delve into Civil War times as you walk across Manassas Battlefield, the site of the First and Second Battles of Bull Run, only minutes away.

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, enlighten your cultural side at one of the many art galleries in the area. Find unique paintings and handcrafted jewels unlike those you would find anywhere else.

Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or a wine-filled weekend, travel to Fauquier County and experience the history, shopping, wine and breathtaking scenery any time of year.

Experience India...

Taste Virginia

Visit us and look down on the tops of the mountains Great Wines - Great VieWs Great times

Authentic Indian food complimented by hand-crafted Virginia wines.

Authentic Indian food complimented by hand-crafted GRAND OPENING IN NOVEMBER Virginia wines. with expanded hours.

NOW OPEN WEEKENDS!

Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm

Friday 11am-8pm with live entertainment

Winner of 3 Platinum Medals in the Virginia Wine Lover 2010 Wine Classic

Saturday, Sunday & Federal Holiday Mondays 11am-6pm www.narmadawinery.com

Amissville, Virginia • 540-937-6613

43 Narmada Lane / Amissville, Virginia 540-937-8215 www.narmada winery.com

Mon. - Fri. 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sat. & Sun. 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM 3310 Freezeland Road Linden, Virginia 22642 540-636-6777 www.foxmeadowwinery.com

www.VirginiaWineLover.com n winter 2010

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Great getawaYS

Fairfax Washington Post 2 1/2 Stars Fall Dining Guide 2010

the perfect city escape

T Closest winery to washington, DC!

Winner of the 2010 Governor’s Cup

Rustic elegance set within Main Street charm serving Creative American Cuisine.

7134 Main Street • Clifton, VA 20124

13219 Yates Ford Rd., Clifton | 703.830.9463 www.paradisespringswinery.com

703.266.1623

www.trummersonmain.com

holiday holiday tradi traditions aditions

Have the happiest holidays in Fairfax County!

From sightseeing to shopping, Fairfax County is the perfect starting point for holiday traditions! With festive fun from magically lit streets to oldfashioned sleigh rides, it’s where holiday traditions are made! Stop by our Visitor Center at Tysons Corner Shopping Center.

Visit FXVA.com Download our app at the iTunes Store – just search for “Visit Fairfax.”

he city life has quite the draw, what with streets teeming with life and street lights shimmering to seemingly perpetuate the hours of the day. Washington D.C. has such a feel, but it does make an individual grow weary. Find the oasis of Northern Virginia only a few minutes away from the nation’s capital in the suburban city of Fairfax. Don’t be fooled. Though it may be a suburb, Fairfax is still quite an active place and holds many treasures for both the traveler and the wine connoisseur.

Located within one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, the city of Fairfax is situated amidst many of the finer things “Though in life, including its it may be scenery. Escape to a suburb, one of the many parks or lakes the Fairfax is still city has to offer— quite an active perfect for a day of place and picnicking with that favorite Cabernet. holds many Have a taste for treasures a faster paced day? for both the Take a stroll down the streets of Reston traveler and Towne Center, which the wine offers more than 50 retail shops and connoisseur.”

30 restaurants to choose from. Fill the night with figure-eights and feel the cool of the winter air at the Pavilion Ice and Skating Rink opened seasonally at the heart of the Towne Center.

After a hefty fill of fun activities, enjoy what you really came to do, sip some wine at Fairfax’s first winery, Paradise Springs Winery, “Winner of the 2010 Governor’s Cup.” Enjoy a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life while tasting their award-winning wines.

You won’t want to miss one of the many annual festivals that Fairfax hosts, including the Festival of Lights and Carols that celebrates the best of the holiday season.

After taking in the sights, smells and tastes of Fairfax, you will see why it’s the ideal place to spend a weekend away.

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Great getawaYS

Williamsburg Shopper's Escape Package old fashioned charm with a modern twist

GREAT Shopping in Williamsburg, VA

W

illiamsburg provides an ideal setting for a weekend getaway or longer trip, whether you want to immerse yourself in its history or experience its shops, restaurants and spas, and of course, great Virginia wines.

Cobblestone streets, quaint buildings and the picturesque James River are just a few of the charming traits of Williamsburg, but this city is full of all the modern amenities needed on a trip away from home.

The first thing that stands out about Williamsburg is its rich history, which is at the heart of this region. Williamsburg is part of the Historic Triangle, which is also made up of Yorktown and Jamestown.

History buffs can visit one of the many museums of the area, step back in time at one of the many buildings of Colonial Williamsburg, or visit the famous battlefields and plantations that have stories to tell.

For a faster paced day, visit the area’s amusement park, Busch Gardens Williamsburg. In addition to roller coasters, this park offers live entertainment, concerts, animal exhibits and plenty of restaurants that will take you around the world with global-inspired cuisine. During the holiday season, Busch Gardens turns into Christmas Town, with themed attractions, shows, rides and plenty of shopping for everyone on your list.

Experience Virginia’s southern hospitality at one of Williamsburg’s many dining establishments. Complement innovative dishes from well-known chefs with a glass of locally-made wine.

For a relaxing day, pamper yourself at one of the many spas in the area and then head to the quaint specialty stores to find something special, where you will find everything from well-known outlets to highend boutiques. It’s never too early to get started on holiday shopping.

If you are in Williamsburg during the holiday season, the city comes alive with events, festivals, carolers and old-fashioned celebrations that are one-of-a-kind.

While in the area, don’t miss Williamsburg Winery, one of Virginia’s largest, and just up I-64 is New Kent Winery. Please see our Wine Map and Guide, starting on page 38, for more information.

Shop 'til you drop in Williamsburg, VA, enjoy a tour & tasting at the Williamsburg Winery and then relax at the Country Inn & Suites Williamsburg East.

PER NIGHT RATE INCLUDES:

• Deluxe continental breakfast • 2 Williamsburg Winery “Tour & Taste” tickets • Premium Outlets coupon book • Passport to Savings coupon book

For more information call: (757) 229-6900 • www.countryinns.com/williamsburgva_east

Winter Wine Getaway....

Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter The Greater Wine Getaway • WinterWilliamsburg Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Tourist Information Center Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway •For more information call 1-800-446-9244 or visit goWilliamsburg.com www.VirginiaWineLover.com n winter 2010

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Great getawaYS

Staunton the queen city of shenandoah

Blackfriars Playhouse 2010 Holiday Season

W

The Twelve Dates of Christmas The Santaland Diaries A Christmas Carol

Attention Virginia Wineries: Look for information soon on how to apply for the Virginia Wine Lover Wine Classic Awards

A Christmas

Check www.VirginiaWineLover.com in early January for details.

www.ASCstaunton.com 1.877.MUCH.ADO John Harrell in A Christmas Carol 2007

CELEBR ATING

THE

GOOD

LIFE

ith a charming downtown and the Shenandoah Valley as a backdrop, Staunton is the perfect destination for a weekend or midweek getaway in Virginia.

Its five historic districts are packed with architecture, unique shops, art galleries and restaurants—best explored on foot with a good pair of walking shoes.

Staunton is home to the American Shakespeare Center and the Blackfriars Playhouse, a re-creation of Shakespeare’s original indoor theatre. Shakespearian favorites play throughout November and come December, spend an evening “Its five historic with the playhouse districts are as it gets in the holiday spirit with packed with several holidaythemed shows. architecture, Walk through unique shops, traditional rural buildings from all over the world art galleries and as you learn the restaurants…” stories of the first pioneers that came to America at the Frontier Culture Museum.

Exhibits show the life of the early colonists and how the country we live in today was shaped by its past. In December, the museum offers Christmas Lantern Tours with music, refreshments and a visit to the Old World farms.

If you feel like brushing up on the life and legacy of Woodrow Wilson, visit The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum. Explore Wilson’s life—from his early years through his presidency—in the museum’s seven galleries, and then tour his birthplace and experience what life was like in the 1800s.

A visit to Staunton wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Barren Ridge Vineyards.

Tours and tastings are offered in the former apple barn, which has been converted into a state-of-the-art winery. Try some of Virginia’s best varietals as you take in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley scenery.

Please see our Wine Map and Guide starting on page 38 for more information.

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Register to win...

AN ESCAPE TO MASSANUTTEN RESORT 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS IN A TWO-BEDROOM CONDO + FOUR WATERPARK PASSES + FOUR SKI PASSES

You work hard during the week. Which is why we’re working hard to help you make the most of your weekends. With our incredible Weekend Getaway package you can take a vacation that won’t take your whole paycheck. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and navigate over 70 acres of breathtaking slopes at Virginia’s premier mountain resort. Not a skier? Not a problem! We’ve got WaterPark, Golf, and Spa packages, too. So give us a call and plan your escape today!

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

VWL MASSANUTTEN_GETAWAY AD 11_10.indd 1

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Great getawaYS

Loudoun County holidays, horses and history in loudoun county

I

Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm In Loudoun County at 14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro, VA (540) 668-6464 For a list of events, visit www.DoukenieWinery.com

Visiting Loudoun County Wine Country?

Visiting Loudoun County Wine Country? www.tuskies.com/WineTrail/

Tuscarora Mill and Magnolias at the Mill Two great places to refresh and refuel, after a vigorous round of winery cruising.

203 Harrison St. SE Leesburg, VA 20175

703-771-9300 tuskies.com

198 21st St. 540-338-9800 Purcellville, VA 20132 magnoliasmill.com

t might be hard to find Loudoun County on the map, but its charming towns, spectacular scenery and abundance of wineries make it unforgettable. Spend a wine-filled weekend, plan a getaway focused on history and horses, or relax with a game of golf and a trip to one of its luxurious spas.

Located just 25 miles from Washington, D.C., Loudon Country is surrounded by civil war battlefields, horse farms and estates, golf courses, spas and all types of shopping. With more than 20 wineries and vineyards, it can easily call itself DC’s wine country.

Loudoun County includes several small towns and numerous villages—all which offer the perfect mix of southern hospitality and Virginia heritage. Whether you want to experience the thrill of a steeplechase race or take a leisurely trail ride through Virginia’s scenic landscape, you will find yourself swept away by Loudon County’s enchanting horse country.

Neighboring Leesburg and Middleburg, both steeped with history, have historic downtowns that are also worth a visit.

Leesburg is also home to premium outlets in an outdoor shopping center, but there are plenty of old-fashioned country stores along the way.

With an emphasis on farm-to-table dining, many of the local restaurants use items from their own gardens and farms. At the many orchards and farms, you can pick your own produce for an evening meal or to share with friends back home. You’ll discover local favorites such as peanut soup and barbecue, as well as global-inspired cuisine at Loudoun County’s many restaurants. To complete your culinary weekend, sign up for a local cooking class or take a guided wine tour to make the most of your visit.

For a unique experience, take a ride on White’s Ferry, which has operated since 1786. This ferry is the last working ferry on the Potomac River and runs daily between Maryland and Virginia.

Loudoun County really lights up during the holidays. Many of its quaint towns have annual holiday celebrations, hunt club parades and arts and crafts shows.

Whether you want a weekend of wine or a day trip to the country, Loudoun County has something for everyone.

Please see our Wine Map and Guide, starting on page 38, for more information on the area’s many wineries.

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WINERY MAP • LISTING • REGIONAL WINTER EVENTS

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A SELECTION OF WINE EVENTS IN VIRGINIA

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O

O

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JEFFERSON VINEYARDS

O

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Grapevine

HARVEST FEAST An annual celebration of the close of harvest season with wine paired with local fruits, vegetables and meat, prepared family-style in the barrel rooms of the winery. Space is limited. $75.

Nov. 13 Jefferson Vineyards

central

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Virginia Winery Map

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Where to Find Virginia Wine With the number of Virginia wineries surpassing 150—and no signs of slowing down—there are plenty of places to find some mighty fine wine, right from the source. On the next page is an alphabetical listing of Virginia wineries, by region, along with the city and phone number. The regions listed correspond with our Grapevine calendar of events. This listing is provided as a service to readers and wineries, which are listed free of charge. Send any changes to: patrick@virginiawinelover.com.

ROCKING

Harris

S-12

HIGHLAND Staunton AUGUSTA

S-2

BATH

SHENANDOAH

Waynes

S-14

ROCKBRIDGE ALLEGHANY

64

S-10

64

C-5 C

64 60 220

V

Y

W

K BUCHANAN

C

E

I

G

R

I

N

I

S-20

Roanoke ROANOKE

N

Salem

E 77

TAZEWELL

BLAND

Radford

WISE ALT 58

W-10

Norton

81

WESTERN

RUSSELL

WYTHE

W-11

SMYTH

SCOTT WASHINGTON

58 81

Bristol

E

N

N

C-43

C-21 W-3

100

221

CARROLL

W-2

77

58

GRAYSON

W-4 W-6

C-32

C-49 W-9

PITTSYLVANIA

C-20

Martinsville

Galax

Danville HENRY

E

S

S

E

E N

O

R

T

H

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

38 WINTER 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

VWL 037-047 GRAPEVINE 11_10.indd 38

MOLLIVER

8

PATRICK

T

CAMPBELL

FLOYD

91

W-1

Bedford

FRANKLIN

W-9

80

C-30

PEAKS OF OTTER

C-53

S-17

S-1

MONTGOMERY

PULASKI

W-5

72

581

Lynchburg

C-37

11 460

DICKENSON

W-7

A BEDFORD

T

K

C-11

S-7

CRAIG GILES

U

AMHERST 81

T

S

C-40

S-3

BOTETOURT

A

Buena Vista

Lexington

Covington

11/2/10 4:58 PM

O

O

SPECIAL

KEY

S-11 M A R Y L A N D

N-21 N-49 N-36 N-6 N-12 N-20 N-22 N-14 N-26 Winchester N-47 N-16 N-35 N-27 N-53 S-16 S-19 N-15 S-18 N-7 N-4 CLARKE N-56N-57 LOUDOUN N-1 FOX N-48 N-43 WARREN MEADOW N-11 S-8 N-2 N-13 N-5 Front Royal N-41 N-25 N-51N-55 LA GRANGE N-9 N-3 N-50 S-1 N-10 N-23 N-31 PEARMUND N-40 66 N-39 N-44 FAUQUIER Manassas N-28 Park & N-38 Manassas NARMADA RAPPAHANNOCK N-54 HILL N-34 N-30 VINT PRINCE CRAFT WILLIAM N-17 N-18 N-52 N-32 N-46 CULPEPER

S-13

S-15 S-22 S-5 S-4

S-21

Harrisonburg

C-47 C-45

C-36

N-45

N-42

1 95

N-19

MADISON

C-4

E-10

KING GEORGE

Fredericksburg

C-35

E-8

BARBOURSVILLE

HE

BUCKINGHAM

AMHERST

3 203

E-12

NO

RT

HU

RIC

GA

ND

Bloxom

E-1

201

D

E-3

200

NC

354

QU

EEN

GW

3

ON

LA

KIN

ER LA

ND

HM

KIN

Chincoteague

MB

360

ACCOMACK

3

AS

TER

Onancock

E-13

Accomac Onley

Richmond

IAM

MIDDLESEX

NEW KENT

MB

E-9

CU

Lynchburg

E-2

17

CAROLINE

C-55

EASTERN

95

CHARLES CITY

AMELIA

C-30

E-5

202

ESSEX

64

CENTRAL

APPOMATTOX

RELAND

ILL

ICO

POWHATAN

ER

C-11

WESTMO

E-7

NR

ND

C-40

CHESTERFIELD

Exmore

E-6

Nassawadox

MATHEWS

NORTHAMPTON

E-4

Eastville

GLOUCESTER

JAMES CITY

13

Williamsburg CAMPBELL

C-44

Colonial Heights

Hopewell

NOTTOWAY

PRINCE EDWARD

E-11

PRINCE GEORGE

Petersburg

C-7

85

Hampton

s w Ne

C-32

MOLLIVER

rt

DINWIDDIE

Poquoson

po

SURRY

C-42

YORK 64

w Ne

NIA

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Alexandria

FAIRFAX 95

STAFFORD

N-8

LA

ena ta

Fairfax

ORANGE SPOTSYLVANIA C-33 LAKE ANNA N-29 MATTAPONI N-24 C-5 C-23 C-8 S-2 ALBEMARLE C-15 64 C-28 CharlottesvilleC-46 C-27 C-38 JEFFERSON Waynesboro C-26 C-17 C-50 C-2 C-46 COOPER LOUISA C-12 C-18 C-54 C-10 95 C-6 C-22 C-29 FLUVANNA GRAYHAVEN C-54 C-51 C-16 C-13 C-19 C-33 C-14 GOOCHLAND 64 HANOVER NELSON C-9 C-31 C-25

C-52

S-14

O

Falls Church

GREENE

Staunton

AH

N-38

C-39

S-12

USTA

PARADISE SPRINGS

81

S-6

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

NORTHERN

PAGE ROCKINGHAM

ADVERTISER

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81

SHENANDOAH

BUSINESS NAME

DOUKENIE

FREDERICK

CHARLOTTE

95

ISLE OF WIGHT

C-3 C-24

Portsmouth

64

Norfolk

LUNENBURG SUSSEX BRUNSWICK

HALIFAX

264

Virginia Beach

SOUTHAMPTON 95

MECKLENBURG

C-20

58

Emporia

GREENSVILLE

85

C-41

C

A

R

O

L

I

N

A

Franklin

Suffolk

Chesapeake

See next page for our coresponding winery listing.

»

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O Virginia Winery Listing S-7 Fincastle Vineyard

O

N-3 Barrel Oak Winery

& Winery Fincastle – 540-591-9000

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL

Delaplane – 703-798-8308

N-4 Bluemont Vineyard

WESTERN

S-8 Fox Meadow Winery

WESTERN REGION W-1 Abingdon

Vineyard & Winery Abingdon – 276-623-1255 Dugspur – 540-834-6172

O

Middleburg – 540-687-9770

N-6 Breaux Vineyards Hillsboro – 540-668-6299

S-9 Glen Manor Vineyard N-7 Casanel

Wirtz – 540-721-5215

Vineyards Leesburg – 540-751-1776

Front Royal – 540-635-6324

W-3 Brooks Mill Winery

S-10 Lexington Valley

Vineyards Rockbridge Baths – 540-462-2974

W-4 Chateau Morrisette Winery Floyd – 540-593-9218

Meadworks Winchester – 540-888-4420

and Vineyard Rural Retreat – 276-686-8855

W-6 Foggy Ridge Cider Dugspur – 276-398-2337

S-12 MistyRay Winery Harrisonburg – 540-433-8243 Vineyard & Winery Maurertown – 540-436-9463

W-7 Mountain Rose Vineyards Wise – 276–328–2013

S-14 Rockbridge Vineyard Raphine – 540-377-6204

W-8 Rural Retreat Winery & Dye’s Vineyards Rural Retreat 276-686-8300

W-9 Villa Appalaccia Winery Floyd – 540–593–3100

W-10 Vincent’s Vineyard Lebanon – 276-889-2505

S-17 Valhalla Vineyards Roanoke – 540–725–9463

W-11 West Wind Farm

Vineyard & Winery Max Meadows – 276-699-2020

Front Royal – 540-636-8086

Winchester – 703-447-0648

CENTRAL WESTERN

S-1 AmRhein Wine Cellars Bent Mountain – 540-929-4632

S-20 Virginia Mountain Vineyards Fincastle – 540–473–2979

N-19 Hartwood Winery

Vineyard & Winery Edinburg – 540-984-3306

Fredericksburg – 540–752–4893

N-20 Hidden Brook Winery Leesburg – 703–737–3935

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH

S-4 Cave Ridge Winery

EASTERN

Mt. Jackson – 540-477-2585

CENTRAL WESTERN

NORTHERN REGION

S-5 Crooked

Run Cellars Mount Jackson – 540-477-9030

N-17 Gadino Cellars

Amissville – 540-937-4869

S-22 Wolf Gap

Eagle Rock – 540-798-7642

N-16 Fabbioli Cellars Leesburg – 703-771-1197

N-18 Gray Ghost Vineyards

& Vineyard Stanley – 540-742-1489

S-3 Blue Ridge Vineyard

N-14 Doukenie Winery Purcellville – 20132 14727 Mountain Road 540–668–6464 www.doukenie winery.com Everyday 10am -6pm

Washington – 540-987-9292

S-21 Wisteria Farm

S-2 Barren Ridge Vineyards Fishersville – 540-248-3300

N-12 Corcoran

Winery Leesburg – 571-271-6799

Berryville – 540–955–5510

EASTERN

SHENANDOAH REGION

N-11 Chrysalis Vineyards Middleburg – 540-687-8222

N-15 Dry Mill Vineyards

S-18 Veramar Winery S-19 Vino Curioso

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH

N-21 Hiddencroft

Vineyards Lovettsville – 540-535-5367

N-22 Hillsborough

N-1 8 Chains North Winery Waterford – 571-439-2255

S-6 Cross Keys Vineyards

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

N-9 Chateau O’Brien

Delaplane – 540-592-7210

Tavern Winery Bluemont – 202-255-509

Broad Run – 20137 6190 Georgetown Rd. 540-347-3475 www.pearmund cellars.com Daily 10am – 6pm

N-41 Piedmont Vineyards & Winery The Plains – 540-687-5528

N-13 Delaplane Cellars

S-16 Twin Oaks

N-26 Lost Creek Winery Leesburg – 703-443-9836

N-39 Pearmund Cellars

N-28 Marterella Wineries Warrenton – 540-347-1119

Vineyards Waterford – 540-882-9073

Vineyards Edinburg – 540-984-8699

Linden – 540-364-1997

Winery Clifton –20124 13219 Yates Ford Rd., 703-830-9463 www.paradise springswinery.com Wed – Sun 11am – 7pm Fri Happy Hour 5pm – Dark

N-40 Philip Carter

N-10 Chester Gap Cellars

S-15 Shenandoah

N-25 Linden Vineyards

N-38 Paradise Springs

N-27 Loudoun Valley

at Northpoint Markham – 540-364-6441

S-13 North Mountain

Spotsylvania – 22551 5621 Court House Rd., 540-0895-5085 www.lakeanna winery.com Open year round Wed – Sat 11am -5pm, Sun 1pm – 5pm Except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years

N-8 Castle Gruen

Vineyards and Winery Locust Dale – 540-229-2498

S-11 Misty Mountain

W-5 Davis Valley Winery

Mt. Crawford –

N-5 Boxwood Winery

O

W-2 Blacksnake Meadery

Bluemont – 540-554-8439

Linden – 22642 3310 Freezeland Road 540-636-6777 www.foxmeadow winery.com Mon – Fri 11am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am – 6pm Other times by appointment

N-24 Lake Anna Winery

Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-6216

N-23 Hume Vineyards Hume – 540-364-2587

Vineyards Waterford – 540–882–3375

N-29 Mattaponi Winery

Spotsylvania – 22551 7530 Morris Road 540-582-2897 www.mattaponi winery.com Weekends 11am – 6pm Weekdays by appointment

N-30 Mediterranean Cellars Warrenton – 540–428–1984

Winery Hume – 540-364-1203

N-42 Potomac Point

Vineyard & Winery Stafford – 540-446-2266

N-43 Quattro Gombas Winery Aldie – 703-327-6542 N-44 Rappahannock Cellars Huntly – 540-635-9398

N-55 Vintage Ridge Vineyard Rectortown – 540-364-3371

N-56 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Leesburg – 703-777-8161

N-57 Zephaniah Farm Vineyard Leesburg – 703-431-2016

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

EASTERN REGION E-1 Athena Vineyards & Winery Heathsville – 804-580-7327

E-2 Belle Mount

Vineyards Warsaw – 804-333-4700

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

E-4 Chatham Vineyards Machipongo – Eastern Region 757-678-5588

E-5 The Hague Winery Hague – 804-472-5283

N-31 Miracle Valley Vineyards Delaplane – 540-364-0228

N-45 Rogers Ford Farm Winery Sumerduck – 540-439-3707

E-6 Holly Grove Vineyards

N-32 Molon Lave

N-46 Sharp Rock Vineyards

E-7 Hummel Vineyards

Vineyards Warrenton – 540-439-5460

N-33 Naked Mountain Vineyard Markham – 540–364–1609

N-34 Narmada Winery

Amissville – 20106 43 Narmada Lane, 540-937-8215 www.narmada winery.com Summer Hours: Thur 12pm – 5pm, Fri 12pm – 6pm, Sat 11am – 7pm, Sun 12pm – 6pm Federal Holidays Mondays 11am – 6pm All other days by appointment

N-35 North Gate

Vineyard Purcelleville – 540-668-6248

N-36 Notaviva

Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-6756

N-37 Old House

Vineyards Culpeper – 540–423–1032

Sperryville – 540–987–9700

N-47 Sunset Hills

Vineyard Purcellville – 703-725-3546

N-48 Swedenburg

Estate Vineyard Middleburg – 540–687–5219

N-49 Tarara Winery Leesburg – 703-771-7100

Franktown – 757-442-2844

Montross – Eastern Region 804-493-1554

E-8 Ingleside Vineyards Oak Grove – 804–224–8687

E-9 New Kent Winery

New Kent County – 804-932-8240

E-10 Oak Crest Winery King George – 540–663–2813

E-11 The Williamsburg

Winery Williamsburg – La Grange 757-229-0999 Haymarket – 20169 4970 Antioch Rd., 703-753-9360 E-12 Vault Field Vineyards WineryatLagrange.com Kinsale – Daily 11am – 6pm 804-472-4430

N-50 The Winery at

N-51 Three Fox Vineyards E-13 White Fences Delaplane – 540-364-6073

N-52 Unicorn Winery

Vineyard Irvington – 804-438-5559

Amissville – 540–349–5885

N-53 Village Winery Waterford – 540–882–3780

N-54 Vint Hill Craft Winery Vint Hill – 20187 7150 Lineweaver Road 703-991-0191 www.vinthillcraft winery.com Fri – Sun 11am – 6pm

NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN

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

40 WINTER 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

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C-2 Albemarle

Ciderworks North Garden 434-297-2326

C-19 Grayhaven Winery

C-3 Annefield

Vineyards Saxe – 434-454-7559

C-4 Autumn Hill

Vineyards Standardsville – 424-985-6100

C-5 Barboursville

Vineyards Barboursville – 22923 17655 Winery Rd Barboursville 540-832-3824 www.barbours villewine.com Tasting Room: Mon-Sat 10am -5pm, Sun 11am-5pm Winery Tours: Sat & Sun 12pm-4pm or by appointment

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

C-7 Bright Meadows

Farm Vineyard & Winery Nathalie – 434-349-5349

C-8 Burnley Vineyards & Daniel Cellars Barboursville – 540-832-2828

C-9 Byrd Cellars

Goochland – 804-475-8536

C-10 Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery Afton – 540-456-8400

C-11 Chateau Z Vineyard Lynchburg –

C-20

C-21

C-22

C-23

C-24 Hunting Creek

Vineyards Clover – 434-454-9219

C-25 James River Cellars Glen Allen – 804–550–7516

C-26 Jefferson Vineyards

C-28 King Family

Vineyards Crozet – 434-823-7800

C-29 Kluge Estate

Winery & Vineyard Charlottesville – 434–977-3895

C-13 DelFosse Vineyard

and Winery Faber – 434-263-6100

C-30 Leo Grande Winery Goode – 540-586-4066

C-31 Lovingston Winery Lovingston – 434–263–4533

C-32 Molliver Vineyards Nathalie – 24577 2046 Waller Rd., 434-349-1000 www.mollivervineyards.com Summer 11am-8pm Winter 12pm-6pm

C-14 Democracy

Vineyard Lovingston – 434-964-6124

C-15 DuCard Vineyards

C-33 Montdomaine

C-16 First Colony Winery

C-34 Mountain Cove

Etlan – 540-923-4206

Charlottesville – 434–979–7105

Charlottesville – 434-971-8142 Vineyard & Wine Garden Lovingston – 434–263–5392

C-17 Flying Fox

Vineyard Afton – 434-361-1692

C-35 Mountfair Vineyards

C-18 Gabrielle Rausse Charlottesville – 434-296-5328

Crozet – 434-823-7605

Put Your Name On Our Map

C-41 Rosemont Vineyards & Winery LaCrosse – 434-636-9463

C-42 Sans Soucy Vineyards Brookneal – 434-376 –9463

Charlottesville – 22902 C-43 Savoy-Lee Winery 1353 Thomas Huddleston – Jefferson Pkwy, 540-297-9275 434-977-3042 C-44 Spring Creek Wine Cellar www.jefferson vineyards.com Pamplin – Daily 10am – 6pm 434-248-6981 tours and tastings C-45 Stone Mountain C-27 Keswick Vineyards Vineyards Keswick – Dyke – 434-244-3341 434–990–9463

C-12 Cooper

Vineyards Louisa – 23093 13372 Shannon Hill Rd., 540-894-5253 www.cooper vineyards.com Daily year round 11am – 5pm

C-36 Neala Estate Vineyards Gum Springs – 23065 Madison – 4675 East Grey 540-948-6570 Fox Circle 804-556-3917 C-37 Peaks of www.grayhaven Otter Winery winery.com Bedford – 24523 Everyday 11am – 5pm 1218 Elmos Rd., 540–586–3707 Greenwood www.peakesofotter Vineyards winery.com Vernon Hill – Weekends: 434-579-2836 Jan-Mar 12pm – 5pm Daily: Apr-Dec – Hickory Hill 12pm – 5pm Vineyards Moneta – C-38 Pollak Vineyards 540–296–1393 Greenwood – 540-456-8844 Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery C-39 Prince Michel Nellysford – Vineyard & Winery 434-361-1266 Leon – 540-547-3707 Horton Cellars C-40 Rebec Vineyards Winery Amherst – Gordonsville – 434–946–5168 540-832-7440

C-46 Sugarleaf Vineyards North Garden – 434-984-4272

C-47 Sweely Estate

Advertise with us and receive an extended write-up on your winery and name on our winery map.

Winery Madison – 540-948-9005

C-48 Thibaut-Janisson

Winery Afton - 434-996-3307

C-49 Tomahawk Mill Winery Chatham – 434–432–1063

C-50 Veritas Winery Afton – 540-456-8000

C-51 Virginia Wineworks Charlottesville – 434-923-8314

C-52 White Hall Vineyards White Hall – 434-823-8615

C-53 White Rock

Vineyards & Winery Goodview – 540-890-3359

C-54 Wintergreen Winery Nellysford – 434-361-2519

C-55 Woodland Vineyard Farm Winery Midlothian – 804-739-2774

To Advertise with us, contact Tracy Thompson at 757-422-8979 ext.156 or tthompson@virginiawinelover.com

www.VirginiaWineLover.com n WINTER 2010

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11/2/10 5:02 PM

O Stories and Songs Nov. 5. Wine, dinner and guitar and mountain dulcimer music.

MountainRose Vineyards.

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O

Harvest Soup Festival Nov. 6-7; Nov. 13-14. Five gourmet soups paired with AmRhein wine. $. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

AmRhein Wine Cellars.

Tales of Suspense Nov. 12 -13. Wine, three-course dinner with play. $. 7 p.m.

Chateau Morrisette.

Nov. 5, 6; 13,14.

Peaks of Otter Winery

O

WESTERN

Photo Courtesy of Peaks of otter Winery

Grapevine PEAK FOLIAGE OPEN HOUSE Awesome autumnal views of the mountains are enjoyed along with apples, fresh cider and Fruit Of The Farm Wines at Peaks of Otter Winery; picnic facilities available. Free. Nearby: the National D-Day Memorial and Bedford Memorial to make a full day of it. Free.

Open House Nov. 30. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Vincent’s Vineyard.

Tree Trimming Dec. 4. Wine, lunch and decorating a tree. MountainRose Vineyard.

Holiday Open House Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19.

Wine, snacks, cider. Noon – 4 p.m.

Chateau Morrisette.

Holly Days Dec. 11-12. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

AmRhein Wine Cellars.

Holiday Open House Dec. 11-12. Sample mead and wassail by the fire in the tobacco barn. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Blacksnake Meadery.

New Year’s Celebrations Dec. 31, Jan. 1. Special menus at the restaurant on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Chateau Morrisette.

EASTERN Secrets of the Chocolate Maker Nov. 2; Nov. 7. Learn how raw cocoa beans are processed into chocolate and how chocolate was used in 18th-century cooking. $. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Colonial Williamsburg. 800-447-8679. www. colonialwilliamsburg.com/holidays Urbanna Oyster Festival Nov. 5. The 53rd celebration of the oyster; food, entertainment and a Wine Garden featuring an assortment of Virginia Wineries. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. www. urbannaoysterfestival.com Eastern Shore Oyster Riot Nov. 12. An “all-you-care-to” extravaganza with fresh oysters and other food, Eastern Shore wines and live entertainment. $.

6-9 p.m. The Inn and Garden Café,

central

Onancock. 757-787-8850. www. theinnandgardencafe.com

Swine & Wine 2010 Nov. 13. Annual benefit for local community organizations feature a pig roast, along with other foods, music and Chatham wine. $. 6-10 p.m. Chatham Vineyards.

Fall Barrel Tasting Nov. 13. Sample wines direct from French and American oak barrels and see how the wines are maturing. $. 1 – 4 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards.

Virginia Roast & Toast Nov. 14. Oyster roasting and microbrew beer tasting along with barbecue and more. Featured Virginia breweries include O’Connor (Norfolk), St. George (Hampton) and Starr Hill (Charlottesville.) $. 3-6 p.m.

Hermitage Museum and Gardens, Norfolk. 757-423-2052. www.thfm.org Art and Mysteries of Brewing Nov. 20. Program demonstrating the process of brewing beer as it was practiced in the 18th century. $. 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Colonial Williamsburg. 800-447-8679. www.history.org

Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia Nov. 24-26. Events at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center exploring ow food was gathered, preserved and prepared on land and at sea by Virginia’s English colonists and Powhatan Indians. $. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 888-5934682. www.historyisfun.org

Open Studio and Vineyard Tour Nov. 26, 27. Self-drive holiday shopping and wine tasting tour hosted by The Artisans Guild of the Eastern Shore. Guild members open their studios to the public to demonstrate their crafts and show and sell their work with stops at local wineries along the way. www. esartisanguild.org Bacchus Wine and Food Festival Feb. 4. Wines paired with food selections from 18 local restaurants mixed with entertainment and a VIP reception. $ 6-10 p.m. Virginia Living Museum, Newport News.

757-595-1900. www.thevlm.org

CENTRAL Heart of Virginia Wine Trail Harvest Passport Weekend Nov. 6-7. A tour of wineries along the

Heart of Virginia Wine Trail. $. 11 a.m.

– 5 p.m. www.hovawinetrail.com Fall Barrel Tasting Nov. 6-7. Taste 2009 and 2010 wines from the barrel. $.

Horton Vineyards.

Sunday Country Brunch Nov. 7. $. 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery.

Cooking Class Nov. 7. Class with guest chef Terre Sisson of Charlottesville Wine and Culinary. $. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

First Colony Winery.

French Crepe Day. Nov. 7. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

Fall Farm Feast Nov. 13. Celebration with local fruits, vegetables and meats served family style in the barrel room.

Wine. $. Jefferson Vineyards.

Wine and Chocolate Nov. 13. A pairing of gourmet chocolates with red wines.

Reservations required. $.

Stone Mountain Vineyards.

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Oyster Roast at Cardinal Point Nov. 13-14. Bivalves from the Rappahannock River Oyster Company, music and wine. Noon-5 p.m. Cardinal Point Winery.

Annual Truffle Feast Nov. 13-14. Four-course truffle feast paired with Barboursville wines on Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon, prepared by guest chef Craig Hartman of Keswick Hall. $.

Barboursville Vineyards.

Chili & Wine Weekend Nov. 13-14. Enjoy a cup of chili paired with wine; tours. $.

James River Cellars.

Wine and Food Pairing Nov. 14. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m.

DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

Cooking Class Nov. 14. Cooking class with personal chef Cindy Shepard uses seasonal and local ingredients. Reservations required. $. DuCard Vineyards.

Fridays Over The Patio Nov. 19. Indoor picnic with food, wine, music. $. 6-9 p.m. James River Cellars.

Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival Nov. 20. Virginia wineries, local food, purveyors and artisans, music and more, including an appearance of “Mr. Jefferson” to discuss his love of wines and his home at Poplar Forest. Held at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest; tours of the home available. $. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest. 434-5348120. www.poplarforest.org Luna-See Nov. 20. Wine, music and dancing at The Verandah. 7-10 p.m.

Wintergreen Winery.

Holiday Open House Nov. 20-21. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cooper Vineyards.

Thanksgiving Open House Nov. 20-21. Noon – 5 p.m.

Peaks of Otter Winery.

Thanksgiving Celebration Nov. 25. A five-course dinner prepared by Chef Melissa Close Hart, paired with Barboursville wines. Reservations required. $.

Barboursville Vineyards.

Tasting Room Open House Nov. 26. Open house with hot mulled wines and wine spritzers.

Byrd Cellars.

Holiday Open House Nov.26-28. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Wintergreen Winery.

Thanksgiving Open House Nov. 26-28. Taste new releases including Cabernet Sauvignon and hot mulled wine made with Spicy Rivanna. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Burnley Vineyards.

Holiday Open House Nov. 26-27. Barboursville Vineyards.

Thanksgiving Open House Nov. 26-27. Open house with Horton Norton Chili. $. Horton Vineyards.

Holiday Open House Nov. 27-28. Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery.

Christmas Open House Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, Dec. 11-12, Dec. 18-19. Noon – 5 p.m.

Peaks of Otter Winery.

Thanksgiving Open House Nov. 28. Burnley Vineyards.

Grand Opening of the Glass Conservatory Dec. 4. Noon – 6 p.m.

Glass House Winery.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, visit our website and become speechless!

Enjoy our fine wines and our 134 acre grounds

Molliver Vineyards & Winery www.molliver-vineyards.com (434) 349-1000

Holiday Open House Dec. 4. Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery.

Holiday Open House Dec. 5. Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery.

Holiday Open House Dec. 4-5. Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery.

Holiday Open House Dec. 4-5. Burnley Vineyards.

Heart of Virginia Wine Trail Jingle Bell Weekend Dec. 4-5. A tour of wineries along the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail. $. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.hovawinetrail.com Holiday Open House Dec. 5. Wine tasting including hot cider and cookies for kids. $.

Woodland Vineyard.

French Crepe Day Dec. 5. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

Holiday Open House Dec. 11. Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery.

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O Holiday Open House Dec. 11-12. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cooper Vineyards.

Wine and Food Pairing Dec. 12. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m.

DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

International Cheese Tasting Nov. 13-14. A sampling of more than 25 cheeses from around the world paired with Grayhaven wines, including new fall releases. Given – Grayhaven’s Cheese 101 with information on cheese including tasting notes and where to find them in the Richmond area. $. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Grayhaven Winery.

Gala gathering to celebrate the release of Gray Ghost’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2007 vintage year. This is the only time the winery will open the Reserve Cabernet. Evening activities include live music by the Seth Kibel Jazz Trio, open wine bar and an extensive buffet. Advance ticket purchase required. $108.

Nov. 6 Gray Ghost Vineyards

Holiday Open House Dec. 18. Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery.

Holiday Open House Dec. 18-19. Hours vary. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery.

Holiday Open House Dec. 18-19. Hours vary. James River Cellars.

Photo By of Allison Dugan

Christmas Eve Celebration Dec. 24. A five-course dinner prepared by Chef Melissa Close Hart, paired with Barboursville wines. Reservations required.

Barboursville Vineyards.

northern SHENANDOAH UNCORKED

This family-friendly event features live music and some mighty fine wine from the Shenandoah Valley; featured wineries include: Crooked Run Cellars, Cave Ridge Vineyard, North Mountain Vineyard, Shenandoah Vineyards and Cedar Creek Winery.

Uncorked focuses on supporting local businesses, which not only includes area wineries, but also gourmet food vendors and local farm produce and specialty products. The event is held indoors at the Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns. Wine tasting, $10; regular admission, $5.

Nov. 13 Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns, Quicksburg 888-422-8376 www.shenandoahuncorked.com 44 winter 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

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GALA RELEASE PARTY

Photo Courtesy of Gray Ghost Vineyards

Holiday Open House Dec. 11. Tomahawk Mill Winery.

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Grapevine

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O The Masked Ball Dec. 31. Black-tie optional ball following a five-course winemaker’s dinner. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. Veritas Vineyard & Winery.

O

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New Year’s Eve Celebration Dec. 31. A five-course dinner prepared by Chef Melissa Close Hart, paired with Barboursville wines. Reservations required.

Barboursville Vineyards.

New Year Day 2011 Brunch Jan. 1. $. 12:30 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

Wine & Cheese Pairing Jan. 15. Guided presentation of artisanal cheeses paired with Wintergreen wines. Reservations required. $. 6-8:30 p.m. Wintergreen Winery.

Wine and Food Pairing Jan. 16. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m.

DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

French Crepe Day Jan. 30. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner Feb. 12. $. 6 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

Virginia Wine Expo Feb. 25-27. More than 350 regional wines sampled against a backdrop of food/wine and related exhibitors, chef demonstrations, seminars and more. $. Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. www.virginiawineexpo.com

Toast to the Host!

Looking for a way to punch up a party? Add some Virginia wine! Visit our Try This At Home department on our website for step-by-step instructions to hosting your own Virginia Wine Tasting Party. Share pictures and information on your party with us and you just might be featured in the next issue of Virginia Wine Lover Magazine!

Wine and Food Pairing Feb. 20. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m.

DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

French Crepe Day Feb. 27. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

Wine & Cheese Pairing Mar. 5. Guided presentation of artisanal cheeses paired with Wintergreen wines. Reservations required. $. 6-8:30 p.m. Wintergreen Winery.

Wine and Food Pairing Mar. 13. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m.

DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.

CELEBR ATING

THE

GOOD

LIFE

Visit www.VirginiaWineLover.com for more information.

NORTHERN Caledon Natural Area Art and Wine Festival Nov. 6. A large assortment of artists and wineries including Oak Crest, Cooper, Roger’s Ford Farm, James River Cellars, Vault Fields and Mattaponi. $. Caledon Natural Area, King George.

540-663-3861. www.caledonnatural areafriends.webs.com Gala Release Party Nov. 6. Celebration of the 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon release. $. 7:30-10:30 p.m.

Gray Ghost Vineyards.

Market

Six Locations in Hampton Roads

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HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE True Blue Burgoo Nov. 6. Celebration of the third anniversary with special tastings from local gourmet food purveyors, long with music. 1-5 p.m.

Bluemont Vineyard.

Dec. 18, 19 James River Cellars

Open house with wine tasting, including seasonal wines. Gift shop open; visit with special craft vendors.

Cedar Creek Duo Nov. 6. Cedar Creek Duo performing flute and classical guitar music. 2 – 5 p.m.

Fox Meadow Vineyards.

Fudge-apalooza Nov. 6-7. Wines paired with six fudges. $. Fox Meadow Vineyards.

S’mores & Hot Chocolate Weekend Nov. 6-7. Wine tastings with s’mores. $. 1 – 5 p.m.

Willowcroft Vineyards.

Soup Weekends Nov. 6-7, Nov. 13-14, Nov. 20-21.

Homemade soup and wine around the hearth. Noon – 5 p.m.

Old House Vineyards.

Fall Chef & Winemaker Dinner Nov. 7. Dinner paired with wines from Pearmund Cellars , Winery at La Grange and Vint Hill Craft Winery. $. 6 p.m. The Landing Restaurant, Moneta. 540-721-3028.

Winemaker’s Dinner Nov. 10. Vint Hill Craft Winery winemaker DJ Leffin hosts a wine dinner. $. 6 p.m. Clarke’s Grill & Sports Emporium, Manassas Park.

703-330-1213.

Food & Wine Pairing Nov. 11. Food and pairing of Hiddencroft Vineyards wines at Stone Manor Bed & Breakfast. $.

7-10 p.m. Hiddencroft Vineyards.

Wine & Tapas Nov. 13. Corcoran wine paired with locally grown foods at On The Potomac restaurant at Lansdowne Reort. $. 4 p.m. Corcoran Vineyards.

Beast Feast Wine Maker’s Dinner Nov. 13. Exotic game dinner.

Dress in an animal print or hunter outfit. $. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Pearmund Cellars.

Winemaker’s Dinner Nov. 13. Multi-course dinner from Chef Eric Stamer paired with wine. $. 6:30 p.m. Naked Mountain Vineyard and Winery.

central

Civil War Authors Day Nov. 13. Local authors and historians discuss the Civil War; wine. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Gray Ghost Vineyards.

Bark & Wine SPCA Benefit Nov. 13. Wine tastings, music and more to benefit the Fauquier Animal Shelter. 2 – 5 p.m.

Philip Carter Winery.

Chili Days Nov. 13-14. Chili and wine.

Fox Meadows Vineyards.

Vintners Dinner Nov. 14. Linden Vineyards vintners dinner at Blue Rock Inn. $. 5:30 – 8 p.m. The Blue Rock Inn, Washington. 540-987-3388. www.thebluerockinn.com First Anniversary Celebration Nov. 20. Celebration of Narmada Winery’s first anniversary and the Indian celebration of lights, Diwali. Indian food, music, dancers.

Narmada Winery.

Fall Celebration Nov. 20-21. Music, tours, wine tastings, light hors d’oeuvres. $.

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hartwood Winery.

Holiday Open House Dec. 4-5. Wine, hors d’oeuvres, music. Naked Mountain Vineyard and Winery.

Winemaker’s Barrel Tasting Nov. 27. Compare between the new harvest and existing vintages in the tasting room. Philip Carter Winery.

Holiday Open House Dec. 5. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Chateau O’Brien.

Murder Mystery Dinner Nov. 27. Murder mystery dinner. $.

7 – 10 p.m. Chateau O’Brien.

November Talent Nov. 27. Concert with Dave Pepper.

Noon – 5 p.m. Casanel Vineyards.

Turkey Chili Weekend Nov. 27-18. Turkey chili and wine. $. Noon – 4 p.m.

Willowcroft Vineyards.

First Friday Music Night Dec. 3. Live music and soup. $ 6 – 9 p.m. Old House Vineyards.

Holiday Open House Dec. 4-5. Wine, snacks, entertainment. $. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Gray Ghost Vineyards.

Winemaker’s Dinner.

Dec. 11. Christmas winemaker’s dinner. . 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Winery at La Grange.

Champagne Event Dec. 11. Annual Champagne, sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres event. $. Noon – 4 p.m. Willocroft Vineyards.

Christmas at the Cellars Dec. 11-12. Holiday festivities include chocolate and wine pairing, special releases and more.

Rappahannock Cellars.

Route 9 Barrel Tasting Jan. 15. Barrel tastings with winemakers at these wineries along Route 9 in Loudoun County: Doukenie Winery, Sunset Hills Vineyard and Loudoun Valley

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Live Music and Spiced Holiday Wine Nov. 13. Live music from Rick Burnette and Bill Foster to celebrate the Spiced Holiday Wine.

2-5 p.m. North Mountain Vineyard & Winery.

Red Wine Tasting By Candlelight Nov. 20. An evening of red wine tasting by candlelight and soft piano music, with food including a carved filet station, special cheeses and fruits. $. North Mountain Vineyard & Winery.

Photo Courtesy of James River Cellars

Soup ‘n Sip Nov. 28. Complimentary soups, breads, coffees, mulled wine and seasonal music. 1 – 5 p.m.

Blue Ridge Vineyard.

Vineyards. $. Noon-6p.m.

540-668-6464 Virginia Wine Showcase Feb. 12-13. Large exhibit of Virginia wineries with sampling along with culinary seminars and marketplace with food/wine and related retailers. $. www.vawineshowcase.org

SHENANDOAH Wines and Chocolates Nov. 6. Pairing of wine with artisan chocolates. $. Veramar Vineyard.

Vintner Dinner at Skyland Resort Nov. 12. Dinner from Shenandoah Executive Chef Peter Bizon featuring vintages from Chateau Morrisette Winery. Fee includes Friday night lodging, four-course dinner with wine pairings, Shenandoah Seasonings cookbook and etched wine glass. $.

Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park. 800-999-4714. www.visitshenandoah.com

Illumination Dec. 4. Illumination of the winery along with carolers, mulled wine, holiday treats and special wine gifts. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

CrossKeys Vineyards.

Taste wines at 4 wineries for an exceptional value of $10!

Holiday Open House Dec. 4-5. Wine and snacks.

Shenandoah Vineyards.

Holiday Open House Dec. 4-5. Wine sampling, holiday snacks. Noon – 5 p.m.

Rockbridge Vineyard.

Soup ‘n Sip Dec. 5. Complimentary soups, breads, coffees, mulled wine and seasonal music. 1 – 5 p.m.

Blue Ridge Vineyard.

Holiday Open House Dec. 5. Wine, cider, snacks, music. 1 – 5 p.m. Virginia Mountain Vineyards.

Holiday Wine Dinner Dec. 10. $. 7 p.m. Valhalla Vineyards.

New Year’s Eve Ball Dec. 31. Ball with dinner and wine to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. $. CrossKeys Vineyards.

Valentine’s Concert Feb. 12. Music, wine and fivecourse dinner. $. CrossKeys Vineyards.

Calendar listings are provided as a reader service. Because of space limitation, check with your favorite winery for more detailed event information and/ or other possible events. Virginia Wine Lover is not responsible for erroneous information. To submit calendar listings, email: grapevine@ virginiawinelover.com VWL

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Bloggers Imbibe

Cyber sips and tips from the blogosphere

The internet bring folks together—instantly. Across the world, folks 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—J. D. Humphreys and Warren Richard—share their current Virginia wine finds with VWL:

Horton Norton apropos to the holidays J. D. Humphreys

‘‘

The baked garlicky penne was the perfect companion to Horton’s “The Tower Series” Norton 2007. My meal concluded with a delicate fruit-topped panna cotta that played very nicely together. I was first introduced to Horton’s Norton during my visit to Horton Vineyards years ago on a Saturday wine excursion with friends. While blazing through the extensive wine list, I concluded it was robust red (Virginia) wines I preferred most, characteristics I cherish in Horton’s Norton.

Native to Virginia since the 1820s, owner Dennis Horton reintroduced Norton to a skeptical wine market in the early 1990s. This masterpiece is a regular visitor (that doesn’t stay long) in my wine rack.

On pour, Horton’s Norton is a deep rich maroon purple with a thin ruby halo on the brim that remains opaque even when just a

Horton Vineyards Horton Norton— The Tower Series—2007

few sips remain in the glass. A swirl and sniff, after decanting, gives a preview of what you’re about to experience—spicy with dark fruit aromas and oak. Sipping reveals further notes of black currants, tart cherries with the spicy, dry oak finish that has a tendency to gently tickle the sinuses when sipped too fast. Red wine drinkers should rejoice while strict white wine drinkers would find it intimidating.

Not only does Norton pair well with Italian dishes, its spicy character would pair beautifully with rabbit or venison, making it ideal for post-Thanksgiving meals. By itself, very apropos to savor next to the fire after a day of holiday shopping and festivities.

’’

J. D. Humphreys blogs at www.virginiawinesnob.blogspot.com

Photo by paul armstrong

Liinden’s Petit Verdot: elegant and flavorful Warren Richard

‘‘

with cracked pepper and fresh thyme When the weather transitions to leaves served with a side of roasted cooler temperatures, I tend to favor potatoes. A simple meal to be sure heavier dishes that feature beef and yet elegant with spicy, earthy flavors; pork. I also take stock of the bolder Virginia wines that have been I wanted the wine to be likewise resting on my wine rack. So elegant and flavorful. My search of the wine rack on the first brisk autumn Linden ended when I grabbed evening, I decided to plan Vineyards this selection from Linden a meal that would be Petit Verdot­— complemented by the 2007 Vineyards.

2007 Petit Verdot from Linden The 2007 vintages were the product of an optimal Vineyards. growing season of cool nights I sampled this gem at and hot dry days that resembled Linden Vineyards’ barrel tasting and California rather than Virginia, so was impressed enough to purchase a bottle upon its release. My wine I anticipated a more fruit forward selection always depends on food, wine. Dense in color, the 2007 Petit Verdot presented a nose of dark and on this particular evening my menu included filet mignon seasoned plums and currants, dried herbs, and

mocha; in the mouth, rich dark plum flavors finished with a spicy edge. With the pepper-crusted beef and roasted potatoes tossed with herbs, the wine was a perfect match.

As the cooler seasons hold sway, why not consider a favorite Virginia red wine?

I can recommend the 2007 Petit Verdot from Linden Vineyards.

’’

Warren Richard blogs at www.virginiawinetime.com Bloggers Imbibe is a new column featuring opinions from well-respected wine bloggers from across the state who focus on Virginia vino. —PEH 50 WINTER 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

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