CULINARY CHAMELEON CELEBRATE BRUNCH – WE HAVE (STRAWBERRY) MIMOSAS!
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SPRING/ SUMMER 2012
*Best
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T H E
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ON IS THE LIF N G E VI
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2012
Spring Summer
Contents | Feature
p.
20
Pop the Cork Celebrating VWL’s Second Annual
Readers’Choice
Best Of
Awards By Patrick Evans-Hylton
Contents | Departments 6 Publisher’s Note
ACCOUTREMENTS
9 Editor’s Note
18 Wine, dine and shop mighty fine
POPPING THE CORK
10 Quaff Quiz – Virginia by way of Vermont:
An internship and introduction brought star chef Melissa Close-Hart to Palladio Restaurant at Barboursville Vineyards
12 Try This At Home – Colleagues and
compatriots sip and tell in casual wine tastings.
A FORK & THE ROAD
26 From the Mountains to the Sea –
A travel quandary is answered: you can do both.
GRAPEVINE 44 Winery map
13 Cork Report – A full pour
46 Winery list
SEASONINGS
14 Virginia grown: It’s farmers market season,
56 Cyber sips and tips from
of wine-related news.
and the eating is fresh and fabulous.
A PERFECT PAIR
16 A culinary chameleon: Brunch celebrates lazy days with a diversity of dishes.
48 Wine events BLOGGERS IMBIBE
the blogosphere
Contents | Special Special Sections & Supplements 30 Great Getaways – Outstanding offerings across Virginia 41 R ed Wines for Hot Weather
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. 4 SPRING/SUMMER 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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the Princess Anne Wine Classic will be held on a picturesque 80 acre horse farm complete with white picket fences and horses roaming the adjoining pastures as we sip fine Virginia wines and taste craft beers. The Noblemen, an area philanthropy organization made up of local business men who have, this past year alone, successfully raised over 1 million dollars in donations and community impact for area kids in need, are happy to be hosting the first ever wine tasting in the south end of Virginia Beach. Hampton Roads is no stranger to successful wine festivals and we look forward to a wonderful turnout from quality vendors as well as the many citizens of Pungo and Virginia Beach . The event will include up to 16 Virginia wineries, craft beers, BBQ with all the fixings sold on site, local artist show, corporate tables and chalets, and live entertainment by Lewis McGehee as well as The Pete Hansen Trio.
Tickets are $30.00 in advance and $35.00 at the door. CorPorAte tABleS include 10 tickets and a fruit, wine and cheese tray for $500
SPonSoreD By:
with a Pungo twist!
the event will include: 16 Virginia Wineries with tastings and full bottle sales 10 Craft Beers with tastings and bottle sales
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Corporate Tables Corporate Chalets
from Noon to 6PM
Live Music by Lewis McGehee and The Pete Hansen Trio
Back Bay Farms
Local Artist's Show
1833 Princess Anne Road Virginia Beach, VA (At the Pungo light!)
Purchase Advance Tickets for the Event at www.thenoblemen.org/events
BBQ with all the fixings sold on site Horse Bingo! Best of Show Contest conducted by Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton of Hampton Roads Magazine and Virginia Wine Lover Magazine
Corporate Chalets include 25 tickets, full service private buffet, butler service, and 4 bottles of complimentary Virginia wine. Chalets are $1,800 until March 31 and $2,000 beginning April 1. Email Mike Reff for more information about purchasing a Corporate Table or Chalet at mreff@towneinsurance.com
Questions about the PAWC can be directed to Dawn Miller at PrincessAnneWineClassic@yahoo.com or call 757-331-0153
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Publisher’s Note A new wine classic raises a glass this spring
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Celebrating the good life
Virginia Wine Lover magazine— the premiere publication that celebrates Virginia wines and the good living that accompanies them through food, travel and other pleasures.
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Today!
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s a resident of the rural southern end of Virginia Beach known as Pungo, I am particularly proud to affiliate Virginia Wine Lover magazine with one of the commonwealth’s newest wine festivals to be held at a beautiful 80-acre horse farm in the heart of the hamlet. On April 28 from noon until 6, Back Bay Farms will host the firstever Princess Anne Wine Classic. Sixteen Virginia wineries will be offering tastings through the afternoon. Organizers are promising a “Pungo Twist,” which will bring craft brewers from around the region into the mix. There will also be People’s Choice and Critics’ Choice awards, coordinated by VWL. Many people don’t realize that nearly half of the city of Virginia Beach is rural with beautiful farmland and horse farms wrapping around Back Bay all the way to the North Carolina state line. I can’t imagine a better setting than Pungo in the spring for a classic wine festival such as this. Close to the Oceanfront and the resort area, the fete will make for a nice weekend getaway to the beach. The Princess Anne Wine Classic is a charity event hosted by the Noblemen, an area philanthropy organization made up of local businessmen who have, this past year alone, successfully raised more than $1 million for community needs. Virginia Wine Lover and our sister publication, Hampton Roads Magazine, are proud to be sponsors; I hope you can make it to Virginia Beach for this inaugural event. Cheers!
Randy Thompson randy@vgnet.com
6 SPRING/SUMMER 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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VOLUME 5
ISSUE 1
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 Associate Editor, Web Angela Blue Contributing Writers Frank Morgan, Warren Richard Interns Jeanine McDougald, Courtney Thompson Corporate Art Director Holly Watters Creative Director David Uhrin Associate Art Director Matt Haddaway Production Manager Eileen Dalby Contributing Designers Eric Cardenas, Chris Meligonis, Stephanie Martinec, Don Spencer, Brian Woelfel Web Design and Development Web Creative Director Chris Murphy Web Developer Monica Huett Web Marketing & Promotions Manager My Nguyen Intern ShantĂŠ Edmonds Director of Photography Jim Pile Contributing Photographers Patrick Evans-Hylton, Frank Morgan, Warren Richard, David Uhrin Photo Editor James Miller Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Sales Manager Jay Bellamy Account Executives Christie Berry, Elizabeth Cummings, Laura Kinney, Kevin Rose, Brenda Whitlow Sales Coordinator Tracy Thompson Circulation Manager George Carter Special Events & Style Coordinator Pamela Hopkins Virginia Wine Lover is published by www.VGnet.com VistaGraphics Staff Production Manager Robin Cather Accounts Receivable Margaret Hawkins Controller Anita Burns Administrative Assistant Andrea Farrell Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited. Opinions in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent management views. Contributing photography supplied by Thinkstock.com memberships:
VIRGINIA WINERIES ASSOCIATION For advertising information please contact Tracy Thompson at (757) 422-8979 ext. 156 or tthompson@vgnet.com
Celebrating the good life www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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M A G A Z I N E
e-Newsletter
Quench Your Thirst For Virginia Wines!
If four issues of Virginia Wine Lover isn’t enough to satisfy your wine lover needs, get the weekly winedown sent straight to your email inbox with Virginia Wine Lover magazine’s new weekly e-newsletter! The Virginia Wine Lover Magazine e-Newsletter is filled to the brim with Virginia wine events, wine weekender getaways, recipes to pair with our Executive Editor’s favorite Virginia vinos, spectacular giveaways and even a Wine 101 section.
The Virginia Wine Lover Magazine e-Newsletter is FREE to receive, so SUBSCRIBE NOW at
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Editor’s Note
A toast to the Tides.
E
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Get away from the crowds at this beautiful Chesapeake resort on its own scenic peninsula. Tour the regional Wine Trail, enjoy the Tides’
The state of deliciousness
renowned regional cuisine, play championship
raveling across the state, it is easy to be reminded of the beauty of Virginia. It is also easy to be reminded of how delicious the commonwealth is, too. At Virginia Wine Lover magazine, we celebrate the wide array of Virginia wines each issue, but look a bit deeper and you see we also celebrate the tasty dishes offered as well. What pairs better with Virginia wine than Virginia food? We showcase that remarkable combination through our columns like Accoutrements, A Perfect Pair and Seasonings. Sure, you can buy a French Viognier, but honor the state by purchasing a Virginia Viognier. While potato chips like Lay’s or Utz are almost everywhere, seek out the made-in-the-state Route 11 chips. Italian Chianti verses Barboursville Sangiovese—I know my pick. Cheese from Wisconsin or cheese from Charlottesville? For me, a no-brainer. It’s more than just pride for where we live that draws me to these selections—and I hope you, too. It’s the faces behind the products. You can go and visit with winemaker Andy Reagan at Jefferson Vineyards or Mathieu Finot at King Family Vineyards. You can sit down and talk with Pam Barefoot at Blue Crab Bay Co. or Sam Edwards of Edwards of Surry hams. It’s the craftsmanship in local products and the fact that we are supporting our friends and neighbors, especially in these hard economic times. And, to paraphrase the bumper sticker, whether you are a Virginian by birth or by the grace of God, it is the right thing to do. So raise a glass, and a fork, to Virginia, and enjoy your upcoming spring and summer.
marine-inspired
T
golf, and unwind with spa treatments. 480 King Car ter Dr. | Ir vington, Virginia | 800.843.3746 | tidesinn.com
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Patrick Evans-Hylton patrick@VirginiaWineLover.com
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Melissa in her herb garden outside of Palladio Restaurant.
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Virginia O By Way Of Vermont An internship and introduction brought star chef Melissa CloseHart to Palladio Restaurant at Barboursville Vineyards
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By Patrick Evans-Hylton
elissa Close-Hart was no stranger to the kitchen when her travels drew her to Virginia a dozen years ago. The executive chef of Palladio Restaurant, located on the grounds of Barboursville Vineyards just outside Charlottesville, had been cooking since she was 15 years old, starting at a fast-food restaurant. “[Later] I was in graduate school, studying to be a high school teacher, but paid my bills working in a [full service] restaurant [with a trained chef],” she says. “It was my first chef who told me I’d never be happy as a teacher, but I’d be a great chef. I did not believe him until I was doing my student teaching and began realizing that I was a much better cook than a teacher. I returned to the restaurant business.” Close-Hart worked under Frank Stitt at Bottega in Birmingham, Ala., who instilled a love of Italian cuisine in her. At age 27, she began formal training at the New England Culinary Institute in Montpelier, Vt. and came to Charlottesville to intern under Craig Hartman, then at Clifton Inn. “It was with Craig that I started learning menu design and wine pairing. I count Craig as my biggest influence to the type of chef that I’ve become,” she says. There was another internship in San Francisco. She worked again with Hartman, this time in Colorado. And it was Hartman who knew of an executive chef opening back in Charlottesville that Close-Hart would be perfect for. “Craig believed it was time for me to head my own kitchen and got me in touch with his good friend Luca Paschina, and my life at Palladio began. I have headed the kitchen here since October 2000.”
Tell me about your job. My culinary team includes myself and three great cooks. We change our menu every two months and are driven by what my farmers have available; the concept of our 50-seat restaurant is fine dining Italian. We take classic Italian dishes and concepts and put a modern twist on them. For example, in the summer when melons are in season, instead of the classic melon & prosciutto, we will pair slices of prosciutto with a melon-mint sorbet. We make as much in 10 SPRING/SUMMER 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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house as possible; all of our breads, desserts, pastas and the like are made on property. We have a great horticulturist at Barboursville, so I get a good bit of my herbs, produce and flowers from the property. I support the local farmers in the area as much as possible. This year we raised our own Bor Bok goats on property, which will be featured on the February menu with porcinis and polenta. Virginia is such a great area to be a chef. The bounty of this area makes creating a menu a pleasure. We also have the space to cater events up to 150 people. This includes weddings, wine dinners and other special events. One of my favorite traditions that we have at Palladio is our guest chef series. Starting with the Morel Dinner in May and ending with the Truffle Dinner in November, we host chefs from around the country and even from Italy. It is always exciting working with great chefs and learning from them.
Melissa plating a fish dish in the kitchen of Palladio Restaurant.
do tastings. When in a wine shop buy a wine you’ve never tried. Take notes on the wines you drink to start remembering characteristics of the different grape varietals. Name three things folks should consider when choosing a wine? I believe the most important thing is if you like the wine. The rule of white with fish, red with beef is outdated. Drink what you like. You should consider the body of the wine. Do you want a light- or fullbodied wine. One should also consider the fruit of the wine. Would you like a sweet, fruity wine or rich, complicated wine. And I suppose the price should be a factor. Not all great wines carry a big price tag. What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job and why? I have the greatest office in the world. Who wouldn’t want to work on a vineyard as beautiful as Barboursville. It is such a pleasure doing what I love as a career. I get to create and execute beautiful food that is consumed to nourish the mind and body of my customers. What do you see as some of the biggest challenges to the Virginia wine industry? I guess the biggest hurdle for Virginia is to get the word out that we are a great
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How do you think folks outside Virginia view the wine industry here? Most people I come across are always surprised that there is even a wine industry here. Then they are even more surprised that they wine is good. I believe that this is changing, especially since all the national press that Virginia and Barboursville Vineyards have gotten in the last few months. What factors do you consider in pairing wine with a dish? We usually create the menu before we pair the wine, since we are seasonally driven. Alessandro Medici, our sommelier, does all the pairings. When I’m pairing wines, I tend to follow a few simple concepts: match the flavors or contrast the flavors. For example, a rich braised veal cheek pairs great with a rich deep red, such as a Cabernet Franc. When trying to contrast flavors, try pairing a spicy Asian dish with a sweet, fruity wine, such as Riesling. How would you recommend someone learn more about wine? The best way to learn about wine is to drink, drink, drink. Visit wineries and
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wine producer. Not all great American wines come from California and Oregon. Do you have a favorite grape (or two) grown in the state, and why? For white, I’ve always enjoyed Viognier and for red, Cabernet Franc. These two grapes are proving to be the grapes of Virginia. What is the future of Virginia wine? It can only get better. Virginia is becoming more and more known for their wines. What do you think Thomas Jefferson would think of Virginia wine today? I believe that he’d be very impressed with what the winemakers are doing for the state. Name three of your favorite Virginia wines of the moment, and why? Of course, Barboursville wines are some of my favorites. After the best in class win in San Francisco for our 2008 Cabernet Franc, I tasted it again, and it made me realize Luca’s artistry. I always enjoy the wines from King Family Vineyards. I really like their Meritage. It is a very complex yet balanced blend. I also like good bubbly wines. One of my favorites is Veritas Scintilla. It is very acidic and fruity. VWL www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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Popping the Cork Try This At Home
The Wines
Sip Into Something Red
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A VWL reader hosts a Cabernet Sauvignon tasting and reports the delish findings
orge Raposo and his wife, Tracie, are true wine lovers, hosting tastings in their Stafford home for more than 10 years now. After seeing our Try This At Home challenge, they held their first Virginia-themed tasting last fall, focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon. “Our tasting format is slightly different than what you describe on your website,” says Raposo. (Which is just fine with us; we just want wine lovers to enjoy themselves!) “Each of our attending couples/ persons picks their own bottle of the varietal we have chosen for the tast-
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ing, with this year being the Virginia Cabernet Sauvignon. As they make their selections, they call us and Tracie logs their entries after making sure it hasn’t already been submitted by someone else. “As people come in, their wine is taken, bagged and numbered randomly so that the tasting is truly blind. Whoever brings in the winning wine, wins a pair of engraved wine glasses.” The Raposos have a system to evaluate based on sight, smell, taste and finish, allowing for each taster to have a possible score of 30. There were 19 folks in attendance at their event, and here are the results in order or rank:
A backstory from Jorge Raposo: “Although we’ve been enjoying Virginia wines for years, our passion for Virginia wine does not end there. We decided some time back that we didn’t want to be in the corporate world forever. So on our way back from a trip to the Willamette Valley in Oregon a few years ago, we started planning what will become our future. We are currently planning/ building what will be the Brent Manor Inn & Vineyards (www.brentmanorinn. com), a small bed-and-breakfast and winery in Nelson County just south of Charlottesville, right in the middle of Virginia Wine Country.”
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“The night was very much a success. Since most of our friends are fans of weekend wine tasting trips, the overall reaction was just as expected,” Raposo says. “Everyone had a great time and came away with some new wines to try ... ” Food pairings included: pumpkin and ricotta stuffed shells; a butternut squash, arugula and spicy sausage lasagna; meatballs; Brie baked with an apricot chutney and rosemary in puff pastry; a variety of cheeses, dips, crackers and chips; and pumpkin-chocolate brownies, tiramisu and flan, prepared by Tracie. Comments “[Guest] comments on the wines varied from the tame (good finish, yummy, earthy, bitter) to the somewhat more colorful (liquid saw dust, smells like socks, fizzy and sour like pop rocks on your tongue),” says Raposo. In attendance: Jorge and Tracie Raposo Analia and Sam Warren Jennifer and Gerald Kulp Amy and Dave Farmer Amy Duff and Simon Bramhall Candi and Mark Adams Andrea and Chris Staples Cristina Dussault and Tim Moore Jennifer Buscemi Jimmy Collins and Dan Shelkrot Camila Shover and Brian Jacobs We encourage 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, where you will also find helpful videos to learn more about the Virginia vintages, www.virginiawinelover.com.
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2007 Keswick Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Carafe Wine Makers, Midnight Cruise 2007 Keswick Vineyards, Petit Verdot 2008 Barboursville Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Gray Ghost Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Hartwood Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Williamsburg Winery, Arundell Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Breaux Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Chateau Morrisette, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Willowcroft Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon Prince Michel Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon Rapidan River Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon American Gabrielle Rausse Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon
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VIRGINIA WINE EXPO
The fifth annual Virginia Wine Expo takes place Feb. 24–26 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, featuring seminars, special events and tastings of more than 400 Virginia wines to an audience of more than 10,000 people. Seminars include: Why Virginia? The State of Virginia Wine; Modern Charcuterie & Virginia Wine; and Your Pleasure Senses and Professional Wine Tasting Techniques. An impressive 60-plus wineries will be pouring. Tickets are on sale now. More information: www.VirginiaWineExpo.com
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Do you have wine news to share? Email to: patrick@VirginiaWineLover.com
GOVERNOR’S CUP TO NEW KENT
New Kent Winery’s 2009 Reserve Chardonnay was named the 2011 Virginia Governor’s Cup for white wines, according to the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office. The designation came in the fall. The competition is open to Virginia appellation wines and ciders that use 95 percent or greater fruit grown in the state. “I am honored to accept this award and do so with great pride. I acknowledge the others who made this possible; my partners in this winery, Boddie-Noell Enterprises, deserve much credit. I also want to thank the wonderful New Kent Winery staff—their dedication and hard work have contributed greatly to our success. Finally, I want to thank our wonderful winemaker, Tom Payette. Tom’s expertise and magical touch has helped New Kent Winery establish itself as one of Virginia’s premier wineries,” said New Kent Winery owner Pete Johns in a release. The announcement of the Governor’s Cup award winner for red wine will be Feb. 23 in conjunction with the Virginia Wine Expo, which runs Feb. 24–26, 2012 in Richmond. VWL will announce the winner in our next issue.
OAKENCROFT
Virginia wine pioneer Felicia Warburg Rogan’s (www.lva.virginia.gov/public/ vawomen/2011/rogan.htm) Oakencroft, which operated from 1982 to 2008, will once again produce juice—non-alcoholic, artisan grape juice. John and Amy Griffin purchased the winery in 2009 and have made the shift at the property, now named Oakencroft Farm. Three varieties of juice are made from some well-known grapes: Seyval Blanc, Traminette and Chambourcin, grown through environmentally-friendly methods. More information: www.oakencroft.com
WINE – BY DESIGN
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) hosts its 21st annual Wine By Design on Feb. 24 as a fundraiser for the center’s art education programs. This year’s event, Warhol and Wine, teases the visual palate for the May opening of the Andy Warhol Portraits exhibit, which opens in May. Tickets are on sale now. Virginia wines will be offered. The evening features food prepared by local chefs, along with accompanying wines. Live entertainment and a silent auction are also featured. An after-party takes place at Catch 31 in the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront. More information: www.VirginiaMOCA.org
Live music from local favorites Lewis McGehee and The Pete Hansen Trio will be the backdrop to the fete, as well as food like traditional Southern barbecue. There will also be a display of works from local artists. The Princess Anne Wine Classic is produced by The Noblemen, a philanthropic group; proceeds from the event will benefit their charities, which focus on the needs of children. More information: www.thenoblemen.org/wineclassic
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Michael Shapps’ Virginia Wineworks has announced a soon-to-be-released red blend with Malbec and Merlot in the traditional Bordeaux style. The winery also says its first offering with a screw cap enclosure is coming this year, topping off its new, off-dry Harris Creek White, a blend of Gewurtztraminer, Vidal Blanc, Viognier and Traminette. More information: www.VirginiaWineworks.com
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Twenty-two awards went to Virginia wines at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition in January, according to the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office. Barboursville Vineyards took several awards, including Best in Class for Cabernet Franc for the 2008 Cabernet Franc Reserve. A complete list of Virginia medals in the competition is at: www.virginiawine. org/industry/documents
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A NEW WINE FESTIVAL – WITH A TWIST
Virginia Wine Lover magazine and our sister publication, Hampton Roads Magazine, are proud to be sponsors of the Princess Anne Wine Classic, which will raises glasses to Virginia vino for the first time ever on April 28. The event takes place in the Virginia Beach hamlet of Pungo, a small agricultural community south of the Oceanfront resort, at Back Bay Farms. Sixteen Virginia wineries will be featured, offering tastings and full bottle sales, along with a twist—10 craft beers with tastings and sales, too.
Virginia has been named one of the Top 10 wine travel destinations by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The publication gave the state the designation in its February issue; it was one of only three domestic wine regions recommended for 2012. The list included two areas in California, as well as regions in Chile, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand and Spain. “Virginia’s vibrant wineries and talented wine makers are becoming less of an insider’s secret. Indeed, the word is getting out that some amazing, well-balanced, old-world styled wines are being made right here in the commonwealth,” state Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore said in a release. VWL —PEH www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Pasta with Pesto (recipe online!) Free Range Pulled Chicken Barbecue with Slaw Lettuce Wraps (recipe online!) Sausage Stuffed Roasted Bell Peppers (recipe online) Goat & Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs (recipe in this issue of VWL!)
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It’s farmers market season, and the eating is fresh and fabulous
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A list of farmers markets can be found on the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov/ vagrown/
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ust as soon as the earth tilts on its axis and ushers in the spring equinox, a seasonal rite begins to make its way across the state—the opening of local farmers markets. Farmers markets have become the new gathering place on Saturdays, and sometimes other mornings, operating roughly between spring and fall. Seasonal produce makes its way to the stands and so do artisan products like cheese and charcuterie. It is a place of food and fellowship and a celebration for the bounty of the season. Shopping at a farmers market once or twice a week provides unique opportunities to craft impromptu meals; try going to the market without a shopping list and buying what looks great to you that day—then craft your supper around your purchases. We offer a menu with some ideas for using those farmers market finds below, and, of course, we recommend pairing your dishes using Virginiagrown products with Virginia wine.
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From VWL executive editor, Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton
Deviled eggs are a Southern classic, and in our version we make the yolk filling even more rich and decadent with a good amount of Virginia goat cheese from one of our favorite sources, Caromont Farm (www. CaromontFarm.com), which produces artisanal goat and cow milk cheeses near Charlottesville.
METHOD
INGREDIENTS
Halve the eggs lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks. Place yolks in a medium bowl and mash; stir in Greek yogurt, goat cheese, hot sauce, thyme, salt and pepper and mix until smooth. Fold in blue cheese crumbles. Fill egg white cavities with the yolk mixture and garnish with a fresh thyme sprig and sliver of a sliced grape tomato.
6 large eggs, hard-boiled, peeled 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons goat cheese 1/2 teaspoon Thai hot sauce, such as Sriracha 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons blue cheese crumbles
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Web Exclusives
Visit us online at www. VirginiaWineLover.com for recipes for Grilled Seasonal Vegetable Pasta with Pesto, Free Range Pulled Chicken Barbecue with Slaw Lettuce Wraps and Sausage Stuffed Roasted Bell Peppers from VWL executive editor, Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton
www.VirginiaWineLover.com n spring/Summer 2012
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Brunch celebrates lazy days with a diversity of dishes
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runch is a food chameleon, forever changing its look to please the diner. Sometimes brunch is heavy on the breakfast items, while other times lunch dishes rule the table. Other times still there is a harmonious mix of pancakes aside cheeseburgers; the meal is truly a melting pot. We love brunch, and not just for Sundays, although those days tend to be particularly lazy and lend themselves to another two of the best attributes of brunch— a meal that seemingly goes on and on for hours and an excuse to imbibe early in the day. A few of our favorite brunch items are assembled in a menu for your consideration this spring—dishes heavy on the foods and foodways of Virginia; many recipes can be found as a web exclusive online at www. VirginiaWineLover.com. Also included is a recipe for that most celebrated of brunch cocktails, the mimosa, but with a twist of using fresh, seasonal strawberries and a wonderful Virginia sparkling wine in the mix.
Strawberry Mimosa Recipe From VWL executive editor, Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton The classic Mimosa— an omnipresent brunch beverage— is elevated with the addition of strawberry coulis from fresh berries, in season through mid-spring through mid-summer in Virginia, and the use of a favorite sparkling Virginia wine; for our cocktail we used Thibaut-Janisson Winery’s Blanc de Chardonnay.
1 cup strawberries, caps removed Strawberry Coulis Ingredients 1/2 cup sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Words and Food Styling by Patrick Evans-Hylton | Photo by Jim Pile 16 spring/Summer 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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On the menu
Strawberry Mimosas (recipe in this issue of VWL!) Amuse of Pimento Cheese and Country Ham Slider (recipe online!) Blueberry-Bacon Pancakes Bacon, Egg & Cheese Burrito with Avocado Salsa (recipe online!) Virginia Poutine (recipe online!)
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Visit us online at www. VirginiaWineLover.com for recipes for Amuse of Pimento Cheese and Country Ham Slider; Bacon, Egg & Cheese Burrito with Avocado Salsa; and Virginia Poutine from VWL executive editor, Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton
Mimosa Ingredients
2 tablespoons strawberry coulis 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice 4 ounces Virginia sparkling wine Fresh strawberries
Strawberry Coulis Method
Mimosa Method
In a medium saucepan, add strawberries, sugar and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and reduce heat to a simmer, cooking about five minutes and stirring continually. Puree in a blender until smooth and strain, or press contents through a fine sieve. Chill well before use; will keep refrigerated up to one week.
In a champagne flute, spoon strawberry coulis in the bottom of the bowl and add orange juice; top off with Virginia sparkling wine and garnish with fresh strawberries sliced, cut and placed on the glass rim, or skewered in the glass bowl. VWL
www.VirginiaWineLover.com n spring/Summer 2012
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Accoutrements
O Salty—and spicy— Virginia products kick spring and summer up a notch By Patrick Evans-Hylton
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(1) A classic Southern party treat gets a bit of zest in these Taste of the Bay Cheese Straws with a hint of bay seafood seasoning added to the mix. Crunchy, buttery, cheesy and just ever-so-slightly spicy, these are great to serve as-is or with a tangy pimento cheese for dipping. y $13 from Taste Unlimited, Norfolk (www.TasteUnlimited.com)
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(2) A sweet-heat amalgamation of plums and other fruits, sugars, vinegar and ginger and other seasonings come together for a delicious offering in this Spicy Plum Chutney rendition of the traditional South Asian condiment. There are many applications, from hors d’oeuvres to entrees, including Roast Pork with Spicy Plum Chutney, which can be found on the producer’s website. $6.95 from Virginia Chutney Co. (www.VirginiaChutney.com)
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O (5) The full-forward flavor of one of Virginia’s best-known crops shines through heat elements in this Spicy Peanut Sauce. We like it as a dip for eggrolls and chicken wings, to spoon in a stir fry or pasta dish, as a base for satay and to fold a bit into vanilla icing and frost a cake or cupcakes. $7.49 from Rowena’s (www.Rowenas.com)
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(4) Smoky, salty Virginia ham is minced and made into a wonderful Hickory Smoked Pate from Edward’s of Surry (www. VirginiaTraditions.com), perfect for spreading on crackers and toast points and garnishing with contrasting flavors, like diced pickle, or something more elaborate, such as using the devilishly good mixture as an omelet filling. We picked ours up at Taste Unlimited in Norfolk for $7.95.
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(3) A wide assortment of wonderfully tasty (and crunchy) potato chips come from Route 11, including our picks: Sweet Potato, Dill Pickle and Chesapeake Crab. We love all the flavors, and they are great out-of-hand, as a side to sandwiches and more casual fare or as a delish coating to crabcakes, chicken and the like when finely crunched. A variety of sizes, and prices, are offered from Route 11 (www.rt11.com)
(6) Fiery by nature, this Spicy Bay Mustard with Horseradish is great for slathering on sandwiches and to use in cooking, too, from additions to deviled eggs and potato salad, marinating or glazing meats, giving crabcakes a kick and adding a pop to housemade vinaigrettes. $5.99 from Blue Crab Bay Co. (www.bluecrabbay.com) VWL
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What pairs better with Virginia wine than Virginia food?
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In each Accoutrements we showcase our picks for products that enhance the Virginia wine experience with cusine and give you tips on serving them at your next soiree.
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Web extra: visit us online at r ia Win Love e www.VirginiaWineLover.com for VWL executive editor Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton’s recipes for Crabcake MustardCream sauce (using Blue Crab Bay’s Spicy Bay Mustard with Horseradish), Asian Pasta Salad (using Rowena’s Spicy Peanut Sauce) and Potato Chip Crabcakes (using Route 11’s Chesapeake Crab chips.)
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www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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Pop The Cork By
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s Virginia Wine Lover magazine approaches our fourth anniversary, we continue to grow and evolve with the lifestyle that we celebrate: the Virginia wine community. The number of statewide wineries continues to increase, as well as folk’s appreciation for the vintages, and the accouterments surrounding them, like quaint inns nestled in wine country, limo tours, shops that specialize in Virginia wine and restaurants that include the offerings on their lists. Continuing with the popular Best Of awards we began last year, we again opened our forums to you, the true Virginia wine lover, to see what is on your mind and in your glass in our Best Of reader awards. An incredible 9,823 votes were cast in our polling, telling us favorite vintages, favorite winemakers, even favorite wine dog. You’ve shared with us where you like to take a weekend getWINE – OVERALL away and where you like to stay when you get there. Contact information It’s been a great response for our second Best Of for wineries can be endeavor. Here are the results: found in the Virginia
Winery Map & Listing in the Grapevine section of this magazine page 44.
Best Of
Celebrating VWL’s
Second Annual
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Awards 20 SPRING/SUMMER 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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Wine - OVERALL
1. Sunset Hills Vineyard Hills Viognier 2010 2. Sunset Hills Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Franc 2009 3. Three Fox Vineyards Allouette Cabernet Franc 2010 4. Narmada Winery Dream 2010 5. Veramar Vineyard Rooster Red NV
WINERY FOOD OFFERINGS - OVERALL 1. Barboursville Vineyards 2. Bogati Bodega & Vineyard 3. Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards 4 – tie Chateau Morrisette Vintage Ridge Williamsburg Winery 5. – tie Narmada Winery Sunset Hills Vineyard
VIRGINIA WINERY FOR PICNICS OVERALL 1. Barrel Oak Winery 2. Sunset Hills Vineyard 3 . – tie Three Fox Vineyards Winery at LaGrange 4 – tie Pollak Vineyards Veramar Vineyard 5. Hillsborough Vineyards
WINEMAKER - OVERALL 1. - tie Nate Walsh, Sunset Hills Vineyard Gabriele Rausse, Gabriele Rausse Winery
TASTING ROOM OVERALL
1. Casanel Vineyards 2. King Family Vineyards 3. Paradise Springs Winery 4. Pollak Vineyards 5. Veritas Vineyard & Winery
2. Michael Shapps, Michael Shapps Winery 3. – tie Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars Tom Payette, New Kent Winery & Vineyards 4. Justin Bogaty, Veramar Vineyards 5. Luca Paschina, Barboursville Vineyards
WINERY VIEW/ OUTDOOR SPACE OVERALL
WINE BOTTLE ARTWORK - OVERALL 1. Blenheim Vineyards Painted Red 2. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery Sweet Vixen 3. Keswick Vineyards Les Vents d’Anges 4. Capitol Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 5. – tie Barrel Oak Winery BOWHaus Red Sunset Hills Vineyard Sunset Hills Vineyard White
1. Bluemont Vineyards 2. Hillsborough Vineyards 3. – tie King Family Vineyards Veritas Vineyard & Winery 4. Breaux Vineyards 5. – tie Chateau Morrisette MountainRose Vineyard
SPECIAL EVENTS AT A VIRGINIA WINERY OVERALL
1. Breaux Vineyards 2. Barrel Oak Winery 3. Chateau Morrisette 4 – tie Keswick Vineyards King Family Vineyards 5. Rosemont
THE MOST ROMANTIC WINERY - OVERALL
WINERY TOUR BY A VIRGINIA WINERY OVERALL
1. Barboursville Vineyards 2. Keswick Vineyards 3. Winery at La Grange 4 - tie Glass House Winery Veritas Vineyard & Winery 5. – tie Chateau Morrisette Sunset Hills Vineyard
1. Barboursville Vineyards 2 – tie Breaux Vineyards Chateau Morrisette 3. Jefferson Vineyards 4 – tie Paradise Springs Winery Veramar Vineyard 5. – tie Sunset Hills Vineyard Zephaniah Farm Vineyard Posh at Three Fox Vineyards
Tuscarora Mill Restaurant
Charlottesville
The Town of Buena Vista
www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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THE MOST ECO-FRIENDLY/ GREEN WINERY OVERALL 1. Cooper Vineyards 2. Barrel Oak Winery 3. North Gate Vineyard 4. DuCard Vineyards 5. – tie Glass House Winery Sunset Hills Vineyard
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THE BEST GOURMET SHOP IN VIRGINIA FOR FOOD AND WINE OVERALL 1. Uncorked, Buena Vista www.uncorked-va.com
2. Olde Dominion Wine Shoppe, Occoquan www.olddominionwine.com 3. Leesburg Vintner, Leesburg www.leesburgvintner.biz 4 – tie The Inn Store at The Boar’s Head, Charlottesville www.boarsheadinn.com Taste Unlimited, Norfolk/ Hampton Roads www.tasteunlimited.com 5. Feast! Charlottesville
By Varietal
Best Of Readers’Choice
Awards
BEST VIRGINIA RESTAURANT WINE LIST - OVERALL 1. Tuscarora Mill, Leesburg www.tuskies.com
2. Magnolia’s at the Mill, Purcellville www.magnoliasmill.com 3. Iron Bridge Wine Company, Warrenton www.ironbridgewines.com 4. Old Mill Room at The Boar’s Head, Charlottesville www.boarsheadinn.com 5. – tie Siips, Charlottesville www.siipswine.com Zeppoli’s Italian, Blacksburg www.zeppolis.com
FOR ACCESSORIES - OVERALL 1. The Inn Store at The Boar’s Head, Charlottesville www.boarsheadinn.com 2. Olde Virginia Gourmet, Stafford www.oldevagourmet.com 3. Grape and Gourmet, Virginia Beach www.grapeandgourmet.com 4. Total Wine, locations across Virginia www.totalwine.com 5. Virginia Wine Experience, Fredericksburg 540-373-8878
1. - tie Sunset Hills Vineyard Viognier 2010 Sunset Hills Vineyard Viognier 2009 2. Breaux Vineyards Viognier 2009 3. Narmada Winery Viognier 2010 4. Keswick Vineyards Viognier Reserve 2009 5. – tie Barrel Oak Winery Viognier Reserve 2009 Bluemont Vineyard The Goat Viognier 2010
WHITE WINE OVERALL
1. Paradise Springs Winery Chardonnay 2010 2. Chatham Vineyards Church Creek Steel Chardonnay 3. – tie Holly Grove Vineyards Celebration NV (blend) Barrel Oak Winery Seyval Blanc 2010 5. – tie Three Fox Vineyards Gatto Bianco NV (blend) White Hall Vineyards Sugar Ridge White NV (blend: Petit Manseng, Muscat, Gewurztraminer)
(CITY AND/OR COUNTY) - OVERALL 1. Charlottesville, Albemarle County www.visitcharlottesville.org 2. Leesburg, Loudoun County www.visitloudon.org 3. Floyd County www.floydcova.org/visitors/ 4. Nelson County www.nelsoncounty.com/cvb/ 5. Staunton, Augusta County www.visitstaunton.com www.co.augusta.va.us/
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THE BEST CHEESE SHOP IN VIRGINIA – OVERALL
THE BEST GOURMET SHOP IN VIRGINIA
VIOGNIER OVERALL
THE BEST DESTINATION FOR A WINE-THEMED WEEKEND
1. Wegman’s, locations across Virginia www.wegmans.com 2. The Cheese Shoppe, Williamsburg www.cheeseshopwilliamsburg.com 3. Feast!, Charlottesville www.feastvirginia.com 4 – tie Greenwood Grocery & Deli, Crozet www.greenwoodgrocery.com Cheestique Alexandria www.cheesetique.com 5. Taste Unlimited, Norfolk/ Hampton Roads www.tasteunlimited.com
CHARDONNAY - NORTON OVERALL OVERALL 1. Paradise Springs Winery Chardonnay 2010 2 - tie Keswick Vineyards Chardonnay 2010 Sunset Hills Vineyard Reserve Chardonnay 2010 3 - tie Jefferson Vineyards Chardonnay Reserve 2010 Veramar Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 4. Chrysalis Vineyards Barrel Reserve Chardonnay 2010 5. Philip Carter Winery Chardonnay 2009
1. Chrysalis Vineyards Norton Locksley Reserve 2009 2. Veramar Vineyard Norton 2008 3. – tie Horton Vineyards Norton 2009 Keswick Vineyards Norton NV 4. Barrel Oak Winery Norton 2010 5. Paradise Springs Winery Norton 2010
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THE BEST WINE TOURS/ LIMOUSINE COMPANY - OVERALL 1. Arcady Vineyard Wine Tasting Tours, Charlottesville www.arcadyvineyard.com
2. Reston Limousine Service, Northern Virginia/ Metropolitan Washington www.restonlimo.com 3. Camryn Executive Limo, Charlottesville www.camryn-limo.com 4. Boomerang, Northern Virginia/Metropolitan Washington www.zerve.com/ Boomerang/Vineyard 5. – tie Albemarle Limousine and Travel, Charlottesville www.albemarlelimousine.com Blue Ridge Wine Excursions, Charlottesville www.blueridgewine excursions.com
WINE DOG - OVERALL 1. Posh, Three Fox Vineyards 2. Rascal, Barrel Oak Winery 3. Cortoman, Philip Carter Winery 4. Dogbert, Glass House Winery 5. Jiggy Pig, Grayhaven Winery
RED WINE OVERALL
1. - tie Paradise Springs Winery Cabernet Franc Reserve 2008 Barboursville Vineyards Octagon 2008 2. Chrysalis Vineyards Tannat 2007 3. Veramar Vineyard Rooster Red 4. DelFosse Vineyards and Winery Cuvee Laurant 5. – tie Breaux Vineyards Nebbiolo 2006 Chateau Morrisette Black Dog
MERITAGE/ MERITAGESTYLE OVERALL
THE BEST BED & BREAKFAST IN VIRGINIA FOR A WINE WEEKEND GETAWAY OVERALL 1. Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, Charlottesville www.arcadyvineyard.com
2 – tie Boar’s Head Bed, Breakfast and Balloon, Charlottesville www.boarsheadinn.com Iris Inn Bed and Breakfast, Ashland www.irisinnbb.com 3. Inn at Meander Plantation, Locust Dale www.meander.net 4 – tie Bella La Vita Inn, Floyd www.bellalavitainn.com Wedmore Place, Williamsburg www.wedmoreplace.com 5. Inn at Poplar Hill, Orange www.innonpoplarhill.com
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VIRGINIA WINERY FOR WEDDINGS - OVERALL 1. Veritas Vineyard & Winery 2. Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards 3. King Family Vineyards 4. Keswick Vineyards 5. Old House Vineyards
FRUIT WINE OVERALL
1. Corcoran Vineyards Apple Wine 1. King Family 2. North Gate Vineyard Vineyards Apple Wine Meritage 2009 3. Fabbioli Cellars Raspberry Merlot 2 – tie 4 – tie Barboursville Attimo Winery Vineyards Sudden Downpour Octagon 2006 (apple/white Pearmund Cellars wine blend) Ameritage 2007 Chateau O’Brien 3. Tarara Winery Virginia Apple Wine Long Bomb 5. Hill Top Berry Farm Edition Two & Winery 4. RdV Vineyards Sweet Vixen Rendezvous (strawberry) 5. Sunset Hills Vineyard Sunset Hills Vineyard Red 2009
THE BEST WINE FESTIVAL IN VIRGINIA OVERALL
1. Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour, Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens www.mountvernon.org 2 – tie Montpelier Wine Festival, Montpelier: Home of James Madison www.montpelierwine festival.com Virginia Wine Expo, Richmond www.virginiawineexpo.com 3. Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, Norfolk www.festevents.org 4. Vintage Virginia Wine Festival, Centreville www.vintagevirginia.com 5. – tie Rebec Vineyards Garlic Festival, Amherst www.rebecwinery.com Neptune Fall Wine Festival, Virginia Beach www.neptunefestival.com www.thedogs.com
SPARKLING WINE OVERALL
1. Barboursville Vineyards Brut 2010 2. Thibaut-Janisson Winery Blanc de blancs 3. Thibaut-Janisson Winery Blanc de Chardonnay 2009 4. Horton Vineyards Sparkling Viognier 5. Paradise Springs Winery Sparkling Viognier
DESSERT WINE OVERALL
1. Rockbridge Vineyard V d’Or 2 – tie Gray Ghost Vineyards Adieu 2009 Narmada Winery Primita 2009 3. Barrel Oak Winery Chocolate Lab 2009 4. Cooper Vineyards Noche NV 5. – tie Winery at La Grange Snort Sunset Hills Vineyard Nettare di’Tramonte 2008
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By Best Of
5. Holly Grove Vineyard
BEST WHITE
4. Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, Norfolk www.festevents.org 5. No Placement
1. Chatham Vineyards Church Creek Steel Chardonnay
NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN
Readers’Choice
Awards
NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN
SOUTHERN
CENTRAL VIRGINIA BEST WINERY 1. Keswick Vineyards 2. King Family Vineyards 3 – tie Barboursville Vineyards Blenheim Vineyards 4. Pollak Vineyards 5. Glass House Winery
BEST WHITE WINE 1. Keswick Vineyards Verdejo 2010 2. King Family Vineyards Viognier 3. Keswick Vineyards Viognier 4. Barboursville Vineyards Chardonnay 5. James River Cellars Vidal Blanc 2010
BEST RED WINE 1. Barboursville Vineyards Octagon 2008 2. King Family Vineyards Meritage 2009 3. Afton Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 4. Blenheim Vineyards Merlot 2006
5. Barboursville Vineyards Nebbiolo
BEST FRUIT WINE 1. Wintergreen Winery Raspberry 2. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery Cranberry 3. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery Blackberry 4. Mattaponi Winery Odeimin (Strawberry) 5. Peaks of Otter Winery Pear
BEST SPARKLING WINE 1. Afton Mountain Vineyards Tete de Cuvee 2. Barboursville Vineyards Brut 3. Veritas Vineyard & Winery Sciintilla 4. Thibaut-Janisson Winery Brut 5. Horton Vineyards Sparkling Viognier
BEST DESSERT WINE 1. Keswick Vineyards Nektar 2008 2. King Family Vineyards Seven 2010 3. Pollak Vineyards Mille Fleurs 2009
4. Barboursville Vineyards Phileo 5. Cooper Vineyards Noche
BEST WINE FESTIVAL 1. Montpelier Wine Festival, Montpelier: Home of James Madison www.montpelier winefestival.com 2. Rebec Vineyards Garlic Festival, Amherst www.rebec winery.com 3. Virginia Wine Expo, Richmond www.virginia wineexpo.com 4. Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival, Poplar Forest www.poplar forest.org 5. Cardinal Point Winery Oyster Roast www.cardinal pointwinery.com NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL
2. Holly Grove Vineyard Chardonnay 3. New Kent Winery & Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 4. New Kent Winery & Vineyards White Norton 5. No Placement
BEST RED 1. Holly Grove Vineyard Petit Verdot 2009 2. Chatham Vineyards Church Creek Vintners Blend 3. Ingleside Plantation Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2005. 4. New Kent Winery & Vineyards Meritage 2009 5. Saude Creek Vineyards Tavern Red
BEST FRUIT No nominations
BEST SPARKLING No nominations
BEST DESSERT No nominations
BEST WINE FESTIVAL
WESTERN
EASTERN VIRGINIA BEST WINERY 1. Ingleside Plantation Vineyards 2. New Kent Winery & Vineyards 3. Williamsburg Winery 4. Chatham Vineyards
1. Fall Town Point Virginia Wine Festival, Norfolk www.festevents.org 2. Neptune Fall Wine Festival, Virginia Beach www.neptune festival.com 3. Chesapeake Wine Festival www.chesapeake vawinefestival.com
NORTHERN VIRGINIA BEST WINERY 1. Sunset Hills Vineyard 2. Three Fox Vineyards 3. Barrel Oak Winery 4 – tie Paradise Springs Winery Breaux Vineyards 5. – tie Casanel Vineyards Pearmund Cellars
BEST WHITE 1. Sunset Hills Vineyard Viognier 2010 2 – tie Bogati Bodega & Vineyard Tango Blue NV Breaux Vineyards Viognier 2010 3. Three Fox Vineyards Gatto Blanco 4. Casanel Vineyards Don Lorenzo’s White 2010 5. Unicorn Winery Chardonnay
BEST RED 1. Sunset Hills Vineyard Reserve Cabernet Franc 2008 2. Sunset Hills Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2009 3 – tie Three Fox Vineyards Il Volpe 2008 Casanel Vineyards Batucada Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 4. Barrel Oak Winery Petit Verdot 2009 5. Linden Vineyards Hardscrabble
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NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN
BEST FRUIT 1. North Gate Vineyard Apple 2. Bluemont Vineyard Peach 3. Corcoran Vineyards Apple 4 – tie Fabbioli Cellars Raspberry Merlot Hiddencroft Sweet Cherry 5. Hiddencroft Vitis Rubus 2009
BEST SPARKLING 1. Paradise Springs Winery Apres Sparkling Viognier 2. No Placement 3. No Placement 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
BEST DESSERT 1. Sunset Hills Vineyard Nettare di’Tramonte 2008 2. Barrel Oak Winery Chocolate Lab 3 – tie Casanel Vineyards Late Harvest Viognier Dulce 2009 Narmada Winery Primita 2009 4. Corcoran Vineyards USB 2010 5. Gray Ghost Vineyards Adieu
BEST WINE FESTIVAL 1. Vintage Virginia 2. Mount Vernon 3. Herndon Wine and Jazz 4. Breaux Vineyards Cajun Fest 5. Breaux Vineyards Key West Fest
SHENANDOAH VIRGINIA BEST WINERY 1. Veramar Vineyard 2. Barren Ridge Vineyards 3 – tie Cross Keys Rockbridge Vineyard 4. DuCard Vineyards 5. Linden Vineyards
BEST WHITE 1. Veramar Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 2. Barren Ridge Vineyards Tinkling Spring 2010 3. DuCard Vineyards Vidal Blanc 2009 4. Rockbridge Vineyard Tuscarora White 5. Rockbridge Vineyard DeChiel Riesling 2009
BEST RED 1. Veramar Vineyard Rooster Red 2. Linden Vineyards Hard Scrabble 3. Linden Vineyards Petit Verdot 2010 4. Barren Ridge Vineyards Petit Verdot 2007 5. Virginia Mountain Trinity
BEST FRUIT 1. Shenandoah Vineyards Raspberry Serenade
2. Rosemont Vineyards and Winery Kilravock 2008 3. No Placement 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
2. Barren Ridge Vineyards Christof 2009 3. No Placement 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
BEST WINE FESTIVAL
BEST FRUIT
1. Daylily & Wine Festival, Fishersville www.daylilyandwinefestival.com
No nominations
2. Stonewall Jackson Hotel Winter Wine Festival, Staunton www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com 3. The Wine Festival at The Plains www.winefestivalattheplains.com 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
BEST DESSERT 1. Rosemont Vineyards and Winery Milis Or 2. No Placement 3. No Placement 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN
SOUTHERN
No nominations
BEST RED 1. Attimo Winery Deep Silence 2010 2. Davis Valley Winery Chambourcin 3. MountainRose Vineyard Jawbone 2010 4. Abingdon Winery Royal Blend 2009 5. Attimo Winery AD 325 2010
BEST FRUIT 1. Attimo Winery Sudden Downpour 2010 2. Villa Appalaccia Winery Raspberry Beret 3. Coltsfoot Winery Blackberry 2009 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
BEST SPARKLING
SOUTHERN VIRGINIA BEST WINERY
NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN
2. No Placement 3. No Placement 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
WESTERN VIRGINIA
2. Annefield Vineyards 3. Savoy-Lee Winery 4. Tomahawk Mill Vineyards and Winery 5. No Placement
BEST WINERY
BEST WHITE 1. Annefield Vineyards Viognier 2009
No nominations
BEST RED
BEST DESSERT
1. Annefield Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2009
1. Villa Appalaccia Winery Rustico Vivace
CENTRAL WESTERN
1. Rosemont Vineyards and Winery
BEST SPARKLING
1. Rockbridge Vineyard V d’or 2009
No nominations
BEST WINE FESTIVAL
NORTHERN SHENANDOAH
2. Rosemont Vineyards and Winery Traminette 2009 3. No Placement 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
2. No Placement 3. No Placement 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
BEST SPARKLING
5. West Wind Farm Riesling 2009
1. Attimo Winery 2. Villa Appalaccia Winery 3. Chateau Morrisette 4. Abingdon Winery 5. MountainRose Vineyard
BEST WHITE 1 – tie Attimo Winery Sonnet 98 2010 Attimo Winery I Do 2010 2. Abingdon Winery White Pinot 2010 3. Chateau Morrisette Our Dog Blue 4 – tie MountainRose Vineyard Riesling 2010 MountainRose Vineyard Traminette
BEST DESSERT 1. Attimo Winery Sweet Berry Sunset 2010 2. Villa Appalaccia Winery Raspberry Beret 3. MountainRose Vineyard Autumn Gold 2010 4. No Placement 5. No Placement
BEST WINE FESTIVAL 1. Black Dog Jazz Festival at Chateau Morrisette 2. Blacksburg Fork and Cork www.blacksburgforkandcork.com 3. No Placement 4. No Placement 5. No Placement VWL
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Photo By David Uhrin
Photo courtesy of Foggy Ridge
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A Fork & The Road
From the Mountains to the Sea A travel quandary is answered: you can do both
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By Patrick Evans-Hylton
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t is one of those age-old travel dilemmas—mountains or sea? In Virginia, there is an option for both. This is a big state, covering some 42,774-plus square miles, and stretching from the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay to the rolling Piedmont and Blue Ridge chain of the Appalachian Mountains. Best of all, modern highways and scenic byways criss-cross the commonwealth, making a get-away in either locale easily possible. It’s been a few years since we visited these parts of the state in our Fork & The Road column, and we wanted to bring you highlights from those pieces to aid in your spring break and summer vacation travel planning.
Mountains The Roanoke Valley in southwest Virginia sits like a vast green bowl with a smoky, blue rim atop. Within the bowl, which runs about 20 miles long, lies the city of Roanoke, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to the city, the Roanoke River runs through the valley, and large expanses of nature are found throughout. It’s a wonderful place to explore considering all that is there— city life with all the amenities of the arts, fine dining and nightlife. There is wildlife, too, and lots of land to explore. Some of that land includes
wineries; around Roanoke there are a number of wineries to the north and south. To the east, in Bedford, we took some time to visit, taste and enjoy this beautiful part of the state.
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High on top of Mill Mountain is the Mill Mountain Star, an 88-and-some-odd foot-tall structure with more than 2,000 feet of neon tubing running its perimeter and illuminated nightly with 17,500 watts of power. The 60-year-old star is omnipresent, looking down on the city day and night. Within sight of the star, we stayed at the Hotel Roanoke, a beautifully
restored Tudorbethan-style hotel, built in 1882 and just a few blocks from downtown Roanoke. Plenty of luxurious offerings entice visitors. The rich setting and hospitable staff are top notch. Arriving at the impressive Tudorfaçade property, guests get the real feeling that this isn’t just another hotel. The special details that have been a part of this building for more than 100 years still speak in their own way, offering a timeless experience. Of special importance, too, is the location of Hotel Roanoke, a perfect setting for launching our tour of Star City.
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O Photo Courtesy of The Blue Ridge Mountain Association
Winery and White Rock Vineyards & Winery. Other wineries on the trail are Hickory Hill Vineyards and Savoy-Lee Winery. Close to Roanoke, but not part of the trail, is Valhalla Vineyards. Winding country roads lined with trees ablaze in red, orange and yellow took us to our stops. The misty, blue-hued mountains as the backdrop and crisp, cool fall air filled our senses and primed us for enjoying some Virginia wine.
Photo Courtesy of Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission
O Photo courtesy of Château MorrisetteWinery
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Sea Roanoke boasts numerous arts, history and cultural venues in town, and we used our short weekend to stop by the Virginia Museum of Transportation and the O. Winston Link Museum. On our next trip, we plan to visit the Taubman Museum of Art, take in a performance of either the opera or ballet at the Jefferson Center and stop by the History Museum of Western Virginia. We also would like to visit the Mill Mountain Zoo on a future visit. Our visits to the two train-related museums tied in with the history behind the Hotel Roanoke (which was built originally by the Norfolk & Western— now Norfolk Southern—railroad) and to get a taste of the importance this mode of transportation has to the city. Both were engaging and nostalgic. The actual physical presence of the powerful locomotives at the transportation museum was both a stunning contrast and complement to the beautiful, haunting representation of them in the
photography of O. Winston Link. The weekend also included a brief drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This asphalt ribbon stretches across the top of the mountains in the region and beyond, offering stunning views in all seasons. Being locavores, we also visited the Roanoke Historic Farmers Market, which has been in business since 1882. A few souvenirs and a couple of nibbles were picked up during our stroll through this charming venue.
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The other part of our Roanoke Valley weekend was focused on visiting a few of the wineries just east of the city. The venues we visited were all part of the Bedford Wine Trail, a confederation of five wineries located between Roanoke and Lynchburg. Of the five, we stopped in on Leo Grande Vineyards, Peaks of Otter
In the not so distant past, in a place not so far away from presentday Virginia Beach, a group of Englishmen stepped ashore and began exploring the New World. One of them, Arthur Barlowe, wrote in his diary on July 13, 1584: “ … very sandie and low toward the waters side, but so full of grapes as the very beating and surge of the Sea overflowed them, of which we found such plentie, as well there as in all places else, both on the sand and on the greene soil on the hils, as in the plaines, as well on every little shrubbe, as also climing towards the tops of high Cedars, that I thinke in all the world the like abundance is not to be found … “ And, although this variety of grapes was not suitable for winemaking and www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel at Sunset
the resulting vintage was repugnant, so began our region’s love affair with local wine. Fast forward some 425-plus years and the coast where Barlowe, Sir Walter Raleigh and others came ashore is lined with soaring hotels and timeshares and not great vines of grapes climbing towards the tree tops. But it doesn’t mean the natives here—and guests— don’t love a good wine. Virginia Beach is a wonderful place to visit many months out of the year, but summer is when everything and everyone is in high gear. The resort city is home to great restaurants, entertainment venues, nightlife and places to relax and unwind. Although far from where many folks think of as Virginia wine country, Virginia Beach is an easy drive to three wineries on the Eastern Shore (Bloxom, Chatham and Holly Grove) and two on the Peninsula (New Kent and Williamsburg.) From mornings exploring Virginia wineries to afternoons of picnics on the beach and evenings of dining out and catching a play or concert, we like to think Virginia Beach is a great getaway for Virginia wine lovers.
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Although a little more than 20 miles in length, the Chesapeake Bay BridgeTunnel (www.cbbt.com) transports drivers to place that seems much, much further than it is. That place is the Eastern Shore of Virginia, the elongated southern part of the Delmarva Peninsula, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Chesapeake Bay on the other. To the north is Maryland, and to the south is the bridge-tunnel.
It’s an appropriate way to begin a weekend trip to the Shore, as folks have shortened the official title. Leaving Hampton Roads, it’s literally a drive out to sea. Although—on clear days—you can see both masses of land, there is still something isolated about the stretch of highway. A ribbon of asphalt, passing vehicles and a bevy of seagulls are all that’s seen for about a half-hour. That is, unless you stop northbound at the first of the couple of manmade islands and get your free Pepsi product touted on the coupon handed to you when you pay the toll. Once you reach the Shore, you are still on that ribbon of highway, but just a short jaunt off Route 13 are countless small towns and hamlets with lots to explore. Antiquing is a great way to spend time here, as well as shopping at boutiques in Cape Charles, Onancock and Chincoteague.
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Our trip included stopping in some antique shops and art galleries before heading to The Inn and Garden Café, a charming bed-and-breakfast and fine dining restaurant in Onancock. Onancock is a great place to launch a weekend excursion on the Shore because of its central location. Onancock is a town not unlike the fictitious Mayberry, with a compact downtown and Victorian homes tucked along the main street behind picketfences. It’s great to rent a bike or walk, soaking up the local flavor and doing some shopping along the way. One of our favorite walks is down to the wharf, the site of the old Hopkins General Store. The view out across the creek is calming and
serene, with a variety of pleasure boats constantly pulling in and out. If you are staying on the Shore in season and have the time, a ferry takes folks out to Tangier Island for a day excursion (www.tangierferry.com). Selfishly, another reason we favor the wharf is the restaurant there—Mallards (www.mallardsllc.com). There is chef/ owner Johnny “Mo” Morrison, known on the Eastern Shore as the singing chef because he often runs out of the kitchen—still in chef whites—and picks up his guitar and sings with his band during performances. He is also known for his creative use of fresh, local ingredients. We like his crab cakes, and he is also recognized in these parts for his dish of mussels in a jalapeno-wine broth. The region is not lacking for tasty places to dine—In Onancock, there is also the Irish pub-themed The Blarney Stone (www.blarneystonepubonancock. com), the contemporary Bizzotto’s Gallery & Café (www.bizzottos.esva. net), and fine dining at the Charlotte Hotel (www.thecharlottehotel.com). We enjoy the cooking of Chef Gary Sokaitis at The Inn and Garden Café, too. Talking about food here would not be complete without mentioning Tammy & Johnny’s (757-787-1122), a fast-food restaurant with one-and-only location that does fried chicken so good you will want to smack your momma. Trust us on this one. One of the Shore’s biggest attractions of late has been the outstanding wineries there—Bloxom, Chatham and Holly Grove. It seems that the land is special in many ways, including the soil and climate there, which makes growing a certain number of grape varietals exceptional. VWL Courtesy Photo
Photo By David Uhrin
A Fork & the Road » From the Mountains to the Sea
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w h a t
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Hotel Roanoke
Mountains Where to stay We stayed at the Hotel Roanoke. A variety of rooms are available, as well as special package deals. Hotel Roanoke 110 Shenandoah Ave., Roanoke 540-985-5900 • www.hotelroanoke.com There are also many 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
Where to imbibe Wineries on the Bedford Wine Trail we visited for tastings on our tour included: Peaks of Otter Winery, Leo Grande Vineyards & Winery and White Rock Vineyards & Winery. Also on the trail are Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery and Savoy-Lee Winery. Not on the wine trail, but near to Roanoke is Valhalla Vineyards.
Although there are numerous hotels along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, three stood out for our visit not only because of quality, but also location.
The Inn and Garden Café is a charming circa 1880 hometurned bed-and-breakfast. Located near the center of Onancock, shopping and dining and entertainment are all within an easy stroll. The property, rehabilitated in 2003-2004, is AAA threediamond rated and features a 50-seat fine dining restaurant.
Right in the middle of the beachfront action is the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront (www.hilton.com), which includes the restaurants Catch 31 and Salacia as well as the Sky Bar lounge some 20-stories above the beachfront. Just up Atlantic Avenue from the resort strip, in the more neighborhoodsy North End, is the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront (www.wyndham.com), which includes the Surf Club Ocean Grill restaurant. Both the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront and Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront offer spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Bloxom Vineyard
North and east of Virginia Beach are three wineries on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, all within an easy drive:
Peaks of Otter Winery
Saude’ Creek Vineyards
Savoy-Lee Winery
Williamsburg Winery
White Rock Vineyards & Winery
Winery contact information can be found in the Grapevine section of VWL.
Blue Ridge Parkway www.blueridgeparkway.org O. Winston Link Museum www.linkmuseum.org Roanoke Historic Farmers Market www.downtownroanoke.org/market.htm Virginia Museum of Transportation www.vmt.org More information regarding attractions, lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment is offered through the Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau. www.visitroanokeva.com
Where to imbibe
Where to imbibe
New Kent Winery
Our stops included:
There are also other many wonderful bed-and-breakfasts in the area. A full listing of B&B options can be found through the Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia, www.innvirginia.com
There are three wineries on the Eastern Shore of Virginia:
Leo Grande Vineyards & Winery
WHAT TO DO
The Inn and Garden Café 145 Market St., Onancock 757-787-8850 • www.theinnandgardencafe.com
Another pick of ours is the Virginia Beach Resort Hotel & Conference Center (www.virginiabeachresort.com) located on the Chesapeake Bay; the hotel includes TradeWinds restaurant.
Hickory Hill Vineyards & Winery
The wineries we visited were all part of the Bedford Wine Trail, a grouping of five wineries just east of Roanoke. www.bedfordwinetrail.com
Eastern Shore Where to stay
Bloxom Vineyard Chatham Vineyards Holly Grove Vineyards North and west of Virginia Beach are three wineries on the Peninsula, all within an easy drive:
Winery contact information can be found in the Grapevine section of VWL.
k n o w :
Where to stay
What to do
Photo By David Uhrin
Courtesy Photo
Hampton Roads
t o
Chatham Vineyards Holly Grove Vineyards
Holly Grove Vineyards
Winery contact information can be found in the Grapevine section of VWL.
What to do Some of our favorite things to do while on the Eastern Shore: Southeast Expeditions Explore the Shore by kayak and be rewarded by paddling up to Chatham Vineyards for a tasting. www.southeastexpeditions.net Ker Place Stroll in and around the circa 1800 Federal-style house museum and surrounding grounds. www.kerplace.org New Kent Winery
Some of our favorite things to do in Virginia Beach are: Nothing And we mean nothing more than lay on the beach and enjoy the rays. Museums Great stops include the Old Coast Guard Station (www.oldcoastguardstation.com), Virginia Aquarium (www.virginiaaquarium.com) and Contemporary Art Center of Virginia (www.cacv.org). Performing Arts Fab performing arts venues include Sandler Center for the Performing Arts (www.sandlercenter.org) and the Virginia Beach Amphitheater (www.livenation.com). Shopping There are a myriad of shopping experiences in Virginia Beach, including upscale shops at 31 Ocean (www.31ocean.com), Hilltop (www.hilltopshops.com), Lynnhaven Mall (www.lynnhavenmall.com) and Town Center of Virginia Beach (www.vabeachtowncenter.com). More information regarding attractions, lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment is offered through the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.vbfun.com
North Street Playhouse An offering of three separate theater series and more than 60 performances/events per year. www.northstreetplayhouse.org Barrier Island Center A collection of buildings with collections of historic artifacts relating to the Shore and the ways of its people. www.barrierislandcenter.com Downtown Onancock A charming town compactly laid out offers a fabulous chance to walk and explore (and burn off some calories from all the good food and wine; we like to stroll to the wharf). While you are out-and about, shop for home and garden at gardenART (www.gardenartonking.com), examine items from the useful to the unusual at the House of Deals and satisfy the innergourmet at North Street Market (757-787-8805). Antiquing The Shore offers a huge assortment of places to search for antiques and fine gifts, including Blue Crow Antiques in Keller, Cape Charles Emporium and Duck, Duck, Goose on Chincoteague Island. More information regarding attractions, lodging, dining, shopping and entertainment is offered through the Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission, www.esvatourism.org VWL
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Photo Courtesy of Holly Grove Vineyards and Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission, www.esvatourism.org
W h e r e
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Discover the sounds of the good life at the Botetourt Wine Trail Summer Concert Series. APRIL 28 · Seldom Scene · Daleville Town Center MAy 19 · Beggar’s Circus · Fincastle Winery June 16 · Solrevolt · Virginia Mountain Vineyards August 11 · The Fat Daddy Band · Blue Ridge Vineyard sePteMbeR 15 · To Be Announced · Daleville Town Center
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.botetourtwinetrail.com
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The Boar’s Head P
Your Home Away from Home
lan to make The Boar’s Head your home away from home while you explore the Monticello Wine Trail. The Boar’s Head, Charlottesville’s premier full service resort won a Wine Spectator award this year for its outstanding wine list, including examples from Blenheim Vineyard, owned by musician Dave Matthews, along with Barboursville Vineyards and Jefferson Vineyards. Meet for drinks in Bistro 1834. Enjoy one of our local Virginia wines or micro brews and learn why we’re an historic hotel. Dine in the Old Mill Room, the historic heart of the resort and Virginia’s only restaurant to retain the coveted AAA award for a quarter century. The menu features extraordinary Virginia grown ingredients and Southern influences of our historic roots. “Dining in the Old Mill Room is like being at home with friends and family” says Courtney Roane, Director of Food and Beverage for The Boar’s Head. “It’s a culinary experience…it’s about great times, food, wine, friends, and conversation.” Complementing the Old Mill menu is a wine list of over 200 offerings, including a robust selection of bottles under $40 and boasts a broad selection of Virginia wines that can be ordered by the glass or by the bottle. With the Garlic Thyme Infused Grilled Veal Chop with Braised Red Cabbage, Mustard Spaetzle, Petit Green Beans, Marsala Jus, the sommelier suggests a 2007 Jefferson Meritage from nearby Jefferson Vineyards. The Boar’s Head offers 175 classically elegant guest rooms with historic touches. Nine are suites ideal for VIP guests who appreciate additional space and amenities such as working fireplaces. You’ll love the airy feel of our restyled guest rooms. The new room design, debuting early spring 2012, updates the resort’s classic style while rich textures and finishes in both furniture and fabrics add a warm, residential feeling to the rooms. Experience The Boar’s Head today, and make it your home away from home. The Boar’s Head • 200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903 • 800-476-1988 • www.BoarsHeadInn.com 30 SPRING/SUMMER 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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visit
www.endstationtheatre.org
or
call
(434)
826-0391
to request a free Festival Guide and find out where to eat, drink, stay and play in scenic Central Virginia.
c o m e p l a y. at the
2012 B l u e R i d g e S u m m e r T h e a t r e F e s t i v a l
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS June 1 - July 20 by William Shakespeare
BIG RIVER
June 21 - July 1
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Music and Lyrics by ROGER MILLER Book by WILLIAM HAUPTMAN Adapted from the novel by Mark Twain
MACBETH
July 6 - July 22 by William Shakespeare
LEESBURG, VIRGINIA
Explore Loudoun County, D.C.’s wine country. Savor the benefits of our “Loudoun Fine Wine Tour” package. Sip and stroll at your favorite vineyard, then sink into one of our beds for a luxurious overnight stay. Or, indulge in the multi-winery “Shared Wines & Treasured Times” package, a decadent wine and dine adventure. Reserve today. Loudoun Fine Wine Tour Package, from $209* Shared Wines & Treasured Times Package, from $779* Book now at LansdowneResort.com or call 877-512-8400. *Pricing does not include resort fee or tax.
44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 • 30 miles west of Washington, D.C. • 8 miles from Dulles Airport
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Photo by Michael Besant
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Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop Discover shenanDoah
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here are so many treasures hidden deep in the valley of Shenandoah, and now it’s becoming easier for visitors to discover the very best of the region. Simply follow the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop, spanning the unmatched beauty of the Shenandoah from the scenic Glen Manor and Chester Gap Vineyards in the north to the elegant DuCard Vineyards in the south. The loop will take you on a relaxed journey around the northern Blue Ridge Mountains where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the finest of Virginia wineries, excellent eateries, impeccable lodging and an amazing whiskey distillery. For your travelling convenience, choose to access the loop from the north through Front Royal or the south by Luray. Map out your favorite stops along the loop, including the majestic Luray Caverns. On the north end of the loop, visit Chester Gap Cellars and enjoy a glass of artisan red and white wine while taking in a stunning mountain view from the sun deck. Next, head to Rappahannock Cellars, one of the region’s larger vineyards with a large variety of delicious product and an impressive tasting room and sitting areas. Or, opt to follow the loop to the west side of the Blue Ridge and visit Glen Manor Vineyard sitting on a mountain side vineyard with spectacular views. Try their fine reds or Sauvignon Blanc, boasting a remarkable aroma of apricot and a touch of grapefruit. When you’re ready for lunch, consider one of the extraordinary eateries identified along the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop. Stop by Griffin Tavern in Flint Hill, a casual dining restaurant with cozy dining rooms as well as an outdoor dining section and a classic British pub where friends and strangers mingle. Indulge in one of their homestyle cooked meals or pub favorites using fresh ingredients and local products. Try the Artisans Grill in Luray with a gourmet deli style sandwich featuring fresh grilled specialties and locally sourced meat and produce entrées. Or consider the exquisite Thornton River Grille in Sperryville for their open flame grilled sandwiches or entrées and relax in their elegant yet casual atmosphere. Consider a “not to miss” visit to Gadino Cellars after lunch and sample Italian-inspired selections in their spacious tasting room. For those planning to venture into the beautiful Shenandoah National Park, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop, enjoy the Chef’s first class dining experience at Sky Land or Big Meadows while taking in the breath taking views of the Shenandoah Valley from high above - don’t miss a serving of the renowned blackberry Ice cream pie. Learn about the process of distilling whiskey at Copper Fox Whiskey Distillery, located in an antique former apple processing facility. Visit their shop where you can buy unique and tasty Virginia distilled whiskey products. Next visit Sharp Rock Vineyards, located in a historic farm at the base of Old Rag Mountain—one of Virginia’s top hiking locations. Take a stroll if you wish, and enjoy a glass of artisan wine along with available fresh sausage, cheese and bread. Be sure to travel a few minutes south to DuCard Vineyards to taste an exquisite selection of wines in the lovely Gibson Hollow. If you’ve opted to access the loop from the south through Luray, start at the historic restored train depot in Luray and gather information from the Visitors Center before heading to Wisteria Farm and Vineyard, in Stanley, VA. At this family-run small farm and vineyard you can enjoy a personal tasting session in their cozy tasting room and then wander among the sheep and chickens into the vineyard. From Wisteria Farm and Vineyard, follow the loop north up beautiful country roads and pass through the Shenandoah National Park across Thornton’s Gap Into Sperryville on the East side of the Blue Ridge. Take the southern excursion of the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop to Sharp Rock and Ducard vineyards near the enchanting landscape of the famed “Old Rag Mountain”. Then continue to move north and visit the Copper Fox Distillery and the three vineyards leading to Front Royal. After a delightful experience at Chester Gap - the northern most winery - complete your Whiskey Wine experience with a visit to Glen Manor Vineyards. To make the most of your excursion, plan in a night or two at one of the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop’s premier lodging experiences. Depending on your desires, stay Luray’s historic and renovated Mimslyn Inn - a grand hotel in the center of town with a full host of services, a formal dining room, and the locally favorite “Speak Easy Pub”. For a “simply charming” timber frame cabin, stay at Shadow Mountain Escape, located on 15 secluded acres bordering the Shenandoah National Park. Experience the pleasures of solitude and the wilderness in a comfortable and modern “old world” timber frame cabin. Once you experience the wonderful simplicity of traveling the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop, you’ll be yearning to explore more of your passions this way. Coming soon through Discover Shenandoah to the Shenandoah Valley will be the “Antiquer’s Treasure Trail” as well as the “Art Lover’s Buy-way”, giving you all the more reason to discover Shenandoah.
Discover Shenandoah www.DiscoverShenandoah.com 540-843-0584 info@discovershenandoah.com
34 SPRING/SUMMER 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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Shenandoah Caverns ENTHRALL YOUR SCIENTISTS, YOUR EXPLORERS AND YOUR HISTORY BUFFS
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iscover this underground world of wonder along a one-mile tour circuit where a comfortable 56-degree temperature is maintained year-round. Come and celebrate the Caverns’ 90th year as you explore the same breathtaking geology and extraordinary crystalline formations that folks have been enjoying since 1922. Trouble getting around? No worries — the caverns are appropriate for people of all ages as they are the only cavern in Virginia to provide elevator service. With gradual slopes and no stairs, only their sights are breathtaking! While underground, you’ll see the famous “Breakfast Bacon” limestone formations…so unusual that they’ve appeared in National Geographic. You’ll also be delighted by soaring rooms like Long View Hall, and be amazed by the variety of unique, intricate and unexpected formations such as Capitol Dome, Diamond Cascade and Rainbow Lake. After exploring the underground wonders, you’ll walk along Main Street of Yesteryear and marvel at the authentic vintage window displays. Upon exiting, you can stop in for a tasty treat at the Caverns Café. Sit at the counter and sip a homemade cherry coke, milkshake or root beer float from the original soda fountain dating back to 1957. (Before you leave, don’t forget to purchase a special souvenir. The caverns shop features rocks, minerals, Amethyst cathedrals, clothing, Virginia ham and honey and unique food items with a local Shenandoah Valley flavor.) Many years ago, a gradual movement of water combined with violent earthquakes American Celebration on Parade will be your next stop—a and formed underground caverns. These natural occurrences combined together in unique collection you won’t find anywhere else. This huge display the magnificent and fascinating creation of the Shenandoah Caverns. Dotted with houses over 30 stunning floats from the Rose and Thanksgiving Day intriguing stalactite and stalagmite formations, beautiful flowstone and unique bacon Parades as well as props and stage settings from famous presidential formations, the Caverns will enthrall you all. inaugurals dating back to Harry Truman. In addition to the natural formations in the caverns, visitors will also experience a Finally, visit part of American history (as well as a bit of Americana) at Main Street of Yesteryear, The Yellow Barn American Celebration on Parade and The Yellow Barn. The Shenandoah Caverns to experience family of attractions has something for every member of the family. everything from a first-hand look at farm life to live musical performances on a rotating stage. Take a step back in time with historic displays and a collection of restored carriages and farm vehicles. While the children enjoy the wonders of nature at our live animal mini-farm and indoor beehive, the adults can partake of the wine shop. The Yellow Barn Wine Shop showcases Virginia wines exclusively, with special emphasis on wines produced nearby using grapes grown in the distinctive limestonerich soils of the Shenandoah Valley. Daily tastings of these delicious award-winning wines assure that you will find just what you’re looking for. And make sure you try the Frozen Wine Ice Stirs. They have become guests’ favorite treat and always invoke an Shenandoah Caverns “Oh Wow!” reaction. 261 Caverns Rd. There are very few wine shops that carry Virginia wine exclusively, and the Yellow Quicksburg, VA 22847 Barn has an excellent selection that inspires many people to visit the nearby wineries 540-477-3115 after spending time at Shenandoah Caverns. There are five wineries nearby, and tours shenandoahcaverns.com are available every day from 9–5 except for Christmas Day. 36 SPRING/SUMMER 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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Picture your next getaway in V i r g i n i a
Shenandoah Caverns • Route 11 Potato Chips • Virginia Museum of the Civil War Hupp’s Hill Civil War Park • Edinburg Mill Quaint shops • Vineyards • Bryce Resort
There’s Only One Shenandoah County in the Shenandoah Valley Make Our Home Your getaway
Shenandoah County Tourism
600 North Main St., Suite 101 • Woodstock, VA 22664 888-367-3965 • www.shenandoahtravel.org • www.shenandoah-ed.org www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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Harrisonburg Plan your adventure!
H
arrisonburg is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and is easily accessible from Richmond and Washington, D.C. Weekend travelers come here to find rest and relaxation just two hours away from the busy cities in which they live. The town offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, Civil War history and a thriving downtown. Harrisonburg is recognized as a bronze Bike Friendly Community, Appalachian Trail Community, Main Street Community and Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation. Trying to decide which season is the best to visit? Harrisonburg is a four-season destination with plenty to enjoy throughout the year. There is something for every passion—arts, romance, music, food, history, adventure, nature—you name it; they have it—all year. Head to their historic downtown area featuring the most unique shopping and eclectic dining establishments. Plus, experience an astounding assortment of cultural attractions, art and music such as Explore More Discovery Museum, Virginia Quilt Museum, Harrisonburg Fire Department Museum and Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center, which is home to the Valley Turnpike Museum and Civil War Orientation Center. Discover the Civil War Trails, or stop by the OASIS Gallery to view their collection of fine arts and crafts. Take a stroll around the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, or take in a show at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. Visit the modern campus of Eastern Mennonite University, where they hold an excellent Bach music festival each June. Harrisonburg also hosts an International Festival and a Court and Market Days Festival each year among other annual celebrations. Visit their website for a complete calendar of events. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy a trip to Cross Keys Vineyard, a Tuscany-inspired vineyard where elegance and culture combine to create an experience that cannot be found anywhere else in Virginia. Bluestone Vineyard is also close by. Sit and sip where the views of the western mountains can only be described as spectacular. If you’d like to spend an entire day shopping, you’re in luck. Shopping in Harrisonburg is especially unique. There are clothing boutiques, stores committed to only selling Virginia made items, wine shops, consignment stores, music shops, national chains and everything in between. In downtown’s Court Square, you literally walk around a square with dozens of fabulous shops—window shopping at its best! Holidays are especially pretty as they dress up their storefronts. All that shopping is sure to make you hungry, and Harrisonburg is known as the dining destination of the Shenandoah Valley. Try the local flavor, international restaurants or national favorites. Enjoy the perfect weather from the patios and rooftops of downtown. Local favorites include: Clementine’s Café, Dave’s Downtown Taverna, Jack Brown’s, Billy Jack’s and newly opened Capital Ale House featuring close to 100 ales and lagers on tap. After dinner, get a good night’s rest at one of Harrisonburg’s 19 hotels or extended stay properties, or choose one of the three unique bed and breakfasts for the perfect getaway: The Stonewall Jackson B&B, By the Side of the Road Inn and the Joshua Wilton House Inn and Restaurant. All of these properties provide guests with a home away from Harrisonburg Tourism & home atmosphere and master the art of customer service. Visitor Services Begin planning your adventure today and discover all the wondrous beauty, delectable www.HarrisonburgTourism.com food offerings and unforgettable shopping that Harrisonburg has to offer. The eclectic mix of 540-432-8935 eateries, vineyards and endless possibilities of culture tantalizes the senses and makes this a tourism.info@harrisonburgva.gov getaway that will never be forgotten. 38 SPRING/SUMMER 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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The Bluestone Experience
Against the Backdrop of the Beautiful Allegheny Mountains
O
n your next visit to the Shenandoah Valley, make a point to stop by Bluestone Vineyard, located in the heart of the valley. The views of the western mountains from Bluestone can only be described as spectacular, and their tasting room is a welcoming atmosphere to experience the personality of the vineyard, winery and the products they produce. Winemakers Curt and Lee Hartman enjoy focusing on classic style dry wines, but as with many other wineries, their two sweet wines, Beau—a Traminette and Vidal Blanc blend— and Crooked and Weedy—a Chambourcin based sweet red— are the best sellers. After sampling Bluestone’s wonderful selection of on-site produced wines, purchase a bottle of your favorite along with some delicious locally produced cheese and chocolates, crackers and artisan-style meats, and relax at the outdoor picnic facilities, or bring your own blanket for a delightful afternoon picnic. If you visit on a Friday, partake in Bluestone’s
Toast the Weekend event that features live music, wine tasting and light fare from the tasting room every second and fourth Friday of the month. The vineyard also hosts Wine Pairing Dinners, five course chef-prepared dinners prepared in the barrel room by candlelight. Aside from featuring fabulous events yearround, Bluestone is also the ideal location to host your special event. Imagine your nearest and dearest friends gathered in the sunlit tasting room for a grand celebration, or picture a beautiful reception held at the owners’ home on the hill. There are many options available on the picturesque grounds, depending on the size of your event. No matter if you’re visiting for a leisurely tasting, a relaxing picnic or to create memories that will last a lifetime, you’re sure to enjoy the spectacular wine and the Bluestone experience against the backdrop of the beautiful Allegheny Mountains.
www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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2/2/12 4:36 PM
Narmada
WINERY
Rappahannock County, Virginia
A Tuscan getaway
close to home.
Mention or bring this ad for a
complimentary tasting for two through 6/15/12
Tasting Room Hours: Open Year Round Thursday-Saturday, & Monday 11-5 • Sunday 12-5 Scan this to view our video.
Experience India... Taste Virginia Authentic Indian food complimented
“Posh”
with expanded hours.
BEST WINE IN VIRGINIA 3rd Place - Alouette Cabernet Franc 2010 BEST WINERY IN VIRGINIA 2nd Place BEST WHITE WINE IN VIRGINIA 5th Place - Gatto Bianco NV (blend) BEST VIRGINIA WINERY FOR PICNICS 3rd Place
Thank You Readers For Voting For Us.
Authentic Indian by hand-crafted Virginia wines. food complimented NOW OPEN WEEKENDS! Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm by hand-crafted Virginia wines. GRAND OPENING IN NOVEMBER
BEST WINE DOG IN VIRGINIA 1st Place - “Posh” the West Highland White Terrier
10100 Three Fox Lane, Delaplane, VA • 540-364-6073 www.threefoxvineyards.com
Friday 11am-8pm with live entertainment Saturday, Sunday & Federal Holiday Mondays 11am-6pm www.narmadawinery.com
Amissville, Virginia • 540-937-6613
Thank you readers for voting for us. 43 Narmada Lane Amissville, Virginia 540-937-8215 narmadawinery.com
40 SPRING/SUMMER 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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Red Wines for Hot Weather
Maybe I have a seasonal affective disorder since I always veer away from red wine during the hot months. It’s hard wired into my DNA, and I find it more thirst-busting to lace my fingers around a chilled glass of rose or white when the mercury rises. But there are Harvesting the Power of the Sun a lot of red-wine-etarians out there, and I occasionally desire something bolder, even as to bring you fine Virginia wine sweat drools down my face. Enjoy reds in the summer? Sure. The best way to overcome the summer heat? Chill it. Environmentally Conscious Most people drink reds too warm. When something reads ‘drink at room temperature,’ it 100% Solar Powered Open Friday 11am to 8pm doesn’t take into account the oppressive summer months. That deceptive two-word descripSaturday thru Monday 11am to 6pm tion actually indicates room temperature in French wine caves, 60 to 65 degrees. Above a comfortable 72, the alcohol in red wine rises to the forefront, reminiscent of dollar shots in 16031 Hillsboro Road college. You could store bottles in the fridge, but here’s the rub: Chill a red too much and Purcellville, VA 20132 the cold steals any semblance of fruit, creating a tannic, astringent mess. To solve that quan540.668.6248 www.northgatevineyard.com dary, chill your reds for 30 minutes in the fridge or 10 minutes submerged in ice water. Will this solve all the summer red woes? Not really. Although there’s nothing wrong with drinking big wines in the summer, fullbodied reds—cabernet sauvignon and merlot/cabernet blends—simply don’t quench. But plunge a lighter, lower-in-alcohol red wine into a tub of ice, and magical things happen. Red quaffers—as I’ve affectionately coined light, fruity red wines—possess similar personalities: soft, approachable Best Virginia Winery tannins; berry flavors; and enough acidity Best Virginia Wines to complement food. Summer lovin’ options include malbec, zinfandel and Shiraz. Better yet, try sparkling Shiraz. Served cold, this carbonated dry red wine tastes rich, spicy and cherry-laden. Pair with some salty cheese or meats, and it might convert even red-wine-etarians. VWL
—Taylor Eason
Purcellville,Virginia www.sunsethillsvineyard.com 540-882-4560
Great Tastes Whether it’s locally raised lamb chops, a wild salmon salad, or another delicious choice from our menus, your meal will always be memorable at Magnolias and Tuskies.
Best Of Readers’Choice
AWARDS 2012AwardWinner
Our chefs work closely with local farmers and vintners to prepare a creative menu using the freshest ingredients available. Add to that the warm ambience of our beautifully restored locations in 19th Century grain mills, and you’ll understand why we’ve been recognized as two of the “best” by readers of Virginia Wine Lovers magazine. Call today for reservations and experience the great tastes of Magnolias and Tuscarora Mill.
American Restaurant, Café & Bar 198 North 21st St. Purcellville VA 540.338.9800 MagnoliasMill.com
Great Tastes.VAWineLover.indd 1
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203 Harrison St. SE Leesburg VA 703.771.9300 Tuskies.com
9:47 AM2012 www.VirginiaWineLover.com n 1/27/12 SPRING/SUMMER
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C e l e b r a t i n g
t h e
g o o d
l i f e
Scan this QR Code for our Free Mobile Guide To Virginia Wineries
1.
2.
3.
Scan QR CODE with your smart-phone's camera
Scan
To Shake Things Up, get our free app today!
4.
Home page will pop up. Go directly to the region of your choice or‌
Click on "Welcome" for an overview ad statemap from which you may select a region
Select your winery of choice
Press for mapping & directions
To see Winemaker's video
VWL 026-043 FORK IN THE ROAD H_11final.indd 42
a m
Call WInery
For a current special if one is offered
2/2/12 4:40 PM
If you think history is written by men, you don’t know the whole story. Mrs. Stonewall Jackson, Mrs. Robert E. Lee, and countless other strong, passionate women made — and continue to make — our town great. And carve their place in our nation’s history.
In Rockbridge County, women make history every day. The story of Rockbridge County is not one simply of events, it’s also of people. Visit us.
For your free travel guide call toll-free: 877-453-9822 or visit: lexingtonvirginia.com.
Photos courtesy of Special Collections, Leyburn Library, Washington and Lee University.
www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING/SUMMER 2012
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Virginia Winery Map
O
O
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
SH-4 HIGHLAND Staunton AUGUSTA BATH
ShEnandoah SH-11
64
C-5 C
64 60 220
V
Y
W
K BUCHANAN
C
E
I
G
R
I
N
I
Roanoke ROANOKE
W-3
N
77
TAZEWELL
BLAND
Radford
DICKENSON
W-10 WISE ALT 58
W-15
Norton
WASHINGTON
T
E
N
N
58 81
Bristol
E
WYTHE
W-16
S
100
S
E
C-44
C-24 W-5
221
77
W-4
91
58
W-2
GRAYSON
S-1
W-11
W-6 W-9
S-11 W-14
PITTSYLVANIA
Martinsville
C-8
PATRICK
W-13
E O
S-7
S-5
8
Galax
N
R
S-4 Danville
HENRY
T
H
This map is intended for travel planning only and not navigational purposes. 44 Spring/Summer 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
VWL 042-045 WINERY LISTING 2_12.indd 44
C CAMPBELL
FLOYD
CARROLL
SMYTH
W-7
C-33
Bedford
FRANKLIN
W-12
80
Lynchburg
C-38
C-55
SH-20 SH-1
MONTGOMERY
PULASKI
W-8
72
SCOTT
11 460
Attimo
W-1
81
Western
RUSSELL
581
Salem
E
C-42
C-32
A BEDFORD
T
K
81
SH-8
CRAIG GILES
U
AMHERST
SH-23
T
S
C-3
SH-3
BOTETOURT
A
Buena Vista
Lexington
Covington
64
Waynes
SH-17
ROCKBRIDGE ALLEGHANY
SH-16 SH
2/3/12 9:29 AM
O
O
Special
Key
SH-14 M A R Y L A N D
SH-22 SH-6 SH-15
N-43 N-20 N-7 N-59 N-54 81 SH-13 N-15 SH-9 N-61 Front Royal N-65 N-52 N-13 N-2 N-4 SHENANDOAH Glen Manor N-19 N-34 SH-18 N-67 PHILIP N-9 Fairfax SH-10 N-14 CARTER SH-25 Chester N-16 N-40 66 N-50 N-55 N-51 Gap N-49 SH-12 Manassas FAUQUIER N-37 SH-5 Park & Rappahannock N-5 N-31Narmada FAIRFAX N-64 Manassas RAPPAHANNOCK N-44 N-39 PRINCE WILLIAM N-24 N-26 N-62 N-25 GADINO PAGE N-41 N-57Sharp rock CULPEPER N-42 SH-24 STAFFORD N-53 N-56 Wisteria C-18 1 ducard N-47 C-41 95 N-27 N-11 C-19 C-8
81
SH-7 C-47
BUCKINGHAM
C-32
E-13 E-11 WESTMO
RELAND
E-10
E-8
202
ESSEX
E-2
17
CAROLINE
3
E-6
203
E-17
RIC
HM
KIN
GA
ND
GW
NC
C-59
C-45
Colonial Heights
Onancock
E-18
Accomac Onley
Exmore
E-9
Nassawadox
MATHEWS
NORTHAMPTON
E-4
Eastville 13
Hopewell
NOTTOWAY
PRINCE EDWARD
E-16
PRINCE GEORGE
Petersburg
Poquoson
rt
Hampton
s w Ne
85
CHARLOTTE
95
ISLE OF WIGHT
S-2 S-6
64
SUSSEX BRUNSWICK
264
Virginia Beach
SOUTHAMPTON 95
MECKLENBURG
S-4
Portsmouth
Norfolk
LUNENBURG
SOUTHERN
HALIFAX
YORK 64
po
DINWIDDIE
S-5
TER
GLOUCESTER
JAMES CITY
SURRY
S-3
AS
Eastern
w Ne
4
S-7
E-3 ACCOMACK
E-7
3
MIDDLESEX
95
CHARLES CITY
Bloxom
E-5
NEW KENT
AMELIA
ND
200
IAM
E-12 E-15
LA
E-1
201
ILL
Richmond
ER
D
354
QU
Chincoteague
MB
Williamsburg
CAMPBELL
NIA
HU
3
ON
EEN
KIN
CHESTERFIELD
S-10
RT
LA
64
C-17
NO
360
C-7
CU
Lynchburg
ICO
POWHATAN
Central
APPOMATTOX
C-33
95
NR
MB
AMHERST
HE
C-42
ND
C-3
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Alexandria
GREENE
LA
ena ta
Falls Church
KING GEORGE
Fredericksburg
ER
SH-17
MADISON
C-37
C-4 C-30 ORANGE C-43 SPOTSYLVANIA N-38 SH-16 C-36 C-22 C-5 C-54 N-33 C-9 C-26 SH-2 AFTON C-46 ALBEMARLE C-12 MOUNTAIN 64 Charlottesville C-8 C-29 C-1 C-40 C-31 C-53 Waynesboro C-51 C-28 C-21 C-2 C-48 C-11 LOUISA C-14 C-50 C-39 95 C-25 C-52 C-6 FLUVANNA C-58 C-20 C-15 C-23 C-56 C-35 C-49 C-16 GOOCHLAND 64 HANOVER NELSON C-57 C-10 C-34 C-27
Staunton
USTA
O
O
SH-4
BLUESTONE
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.
THREE LOUDOUN FOX
WARREN
ADVERTISER
Northern
ROCKINGHAM
Harrisonburg
BUSINESS Name
N-29 N-12 N-46 N-8 N-17 N-60 N-28 NORTH N-30 N-21 N-35 Winchester GATE N-18 N-45 N-23 SUNSET HILLS N-58 N-36 N-63 N-1N-3N-22 SH-19 SH-21 N-48 N-6N-32 N-10 CLARKE N-66 N-68
FREDERICK
E-14 58
Emporia
GREENSVILLE
85
Franklin
Suffolk
Chesapeake
C-9 C
A
R
O
L
I
N
A
See next page for our coresponding winery listing.
»
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O NORTHERN
SH-17 Rockbridge Vineyard N-11 Castle Gruen
NORTHERN
SHENANDOAH
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Virginia Winery Listing
EASTERN
EASTERN
CENTRAL
CENTRAL
WESTERN
WESTERN
WESTERN REGION
SH-18 Shenandoah Vineyard Edinburgh – 540-984-8699
Shenandoah REGION
W-1 Attimo Winery
O
W-2 Abingdon
O
SH-1 AmRhein Wine Christiansburg– 24073 Cellars 4771 Childress Road Bent Mountain – 540-382-7619 540-929-4632 www.attimowinery.com April-June Fri.-Sun. SH-2 Barren Ridge 2pm-6pm Vineyards Summer Wed.-Sun. Fishersville – 11am-6pm 540-248-3300 SH-3 Blue Ridge Vineyard
Vineyard & Winery Abingdon – 276-623-1255
Eagle Rock – 540-798-7642
SH-4 Bluestone Vineyard
★W-3 Beliveau Estate
W-4 Blacksnake Meadery Dugspur – 540-834-6172
W-5 Brooks Mill Winery Wirtz – 540-721-5215
W-13 Stanburn Winery Stuart 276-694-7074 W-14 Villa Appalaccia Winery Floyd – 540–593–3100
W-15 Vincent’s Vineyard Lebanon – 276-889-2505
SH-11 Lexington Valley Vineyards Rockbridge Baths – 540-462-2974 ★SH-12 Little Washington Winery Washington – 540-987-8265
★SH-13 Mountain View Vineyard Stratsburg – 540-635-5369
W-16 West Wind Farm
Vineyard & Winery Max Meadows – 276-699-2020
SH-14 Misty Mountain Meadworks Winchester – 540-888-4420
SH-15 North Mountain Mauertown – 540-436-9463
SH-16 Ox Eye Vineyards Staunton 540-849-7926
Roanoke – 540–725–9463
N-50 Pearmund Cellars
N-32 Hunter’s Run
N-51 Philip Carter
Wine Barn Hamilton 703-926-4183
at Northpoint Markham – 540-364-6441
N-33 Lake Anna Winery Spotsylvania – 540-0895-5085
N-14 Chester Gap Cellars
SH-21 Veramar Winery Berryville – 540–955–5510
SH-22 Vino Curioso Winchester – 703-447-0648
Virginia Mountain Vineyards Fincastle – 540–473–2979 Wisteria Farm & Vineyard Stanley – 22851 1126 Marksville Road 540-742-1489 wisteriavineyard.com Thurs-Mon 12-6pm Wolf Gap Edinburgh – 540-984-3306
N-15 N-16
N-17 N-18
NORTHERN
N-19
SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN
NORTHERN REGION 8 Chains North Winery Waterford – 571-439-2255 Aspen Dale Winery Delaplane – 540-364-6178 The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards Hamilton – 703-801-9489
N-4 Barrel Oak Winery Delaplane – 703-798-8308
N-5 Berry Hill Vineyard Flint Hill 540-675-2205
N-6 Bluemont Vineyard Bluemont – 540-554-8439
N-7 Boxwood Winery Middleburg – 540-687-9770
N-8 Breaux Vineyards Hillsboro – 540-668-6299
N-9 Capitol Vineyards Delplane 845-598-2662
N-10 Casanel Vineyards Leesburg – 540-751-1776
N-31 Hume Vineyards
N-13 Chateau O’Brien
SH-20 Valhalla Vineyards
SH-5 Cave Ridge Vineyard Mt. Jackson Chateau Morrisette 540-477-2585 W-6 Winery Floyd – ★SH-6 Cedar Creek Winery SH-25 540-593-9218 Star Tannery – 540-436-8394 W-7 Coltsfoot Winery Abingdon SH-7 Cross Keys 888-685-8750 Vineyards Mt. Crawford – 540-234-0505 W-8 Davis Valley Winery and Vineyard Rural Retreat – SH-8 Fincastle Vineyard 276-686-8855 & Winery Fincastle – 540-591-9000 W-9 Foggy Ridge Cider Dugspur – 276-398-2337 SH-9 Fox Meadow Winery N-1 Linden 540-636-6677 W-10 Mountain Rose Vineyards Wise – SH-10 Glen Manor Vineyard 276–328–2013 Front Royal – 22630 N-2 2244 Browntown Road 540-635-6324 ★W-11 Mt. Vale Vineyards Galax – www.glenmanor 276-238-9946 vineyards.com ★N-3 Apr-Nov: Wed-Sat, 11am-5pm. Sun, W-12 Rural Retreat Winery & Dye’s Vineyards 12pm-5pm. Dec-Mar: Rural Retreat Fri & Sat, 11am-5pm. 276-686-8300 Sun, 12pm-5pm.
N-49 Paradise Springs
Hume – 540-364-2587
Winery Purcellville 540-668-7707
Tavern Winery Bluemont – 202-255-509
N-30 Hillsborough Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-6216
N-12 Catoctin Creek
SH-19 Twin Oaks
Bridgewater- 22812 4828 Spring Creek Rd, 540-828-0099 SH-23 www.bluestone vineyard.com Hours: Nov-Mar; ThursMon Noon-6pm; April-Oct; Mon-Thurs SH-24 11-6pm, Fri-Sat 11-7pm Sun 1-6pm
Winery Blacksburg – 276-623-1255
Vineyards and Winery Locust Dale – 540-229-2498
Raphine – 540-377-6204
SHENANDOAH
Front Royal – 22630 4615 Remount Rd N-34 Linden Vineyards 540-636-8086 Linden – www.chestergap 540-364-1997 cellars.com Fri-Sat, 11am-6pm. N-35 Lost Creek Winery Sun, 11am-5pm. Leesburg – Also open Monday 703-443-9836 Holidays, or anytime by appointment N-36 Loudoun Valley Vineyards Chrysalis Vineyards Waterford – Middleburg – 540–882–3375 540-687-8222 N-37 Marterella Wineries Cobbler Mountain Warrenton – Cellars 540-347-1119 Delaplane 540-364-2802 N-38 Mattaponi Winery Spotsylvania – Corcoran Vineyards 540-582-2897 Waterford – 540-882-9073 N-39 Mediterranean Cellars Crushed Cellars Warrenton – Purcellville 540–428–1984 571-374-WINE (9463) N-40 Miracle Valley Delaplane Cellars Vineyards Delaplane – Delaplane – 540-592-7210 540-364-0228
N-20 Desert Rose Ranch
N-41 Molon Lave
& Winery Hume – 540-635-3200
Vineyards Warrenton – 540-439-5460
N-21 Doukenie Winery
★N-42 Morais Vineyards
N-22 Dry Mill Vineyards
N-43 Naked Mountain
N-23 Fabbioli Cellars
N-44 Narmada Winery
Purcellville – 540–668–6464
Bealeton – 703-369-2241
Winery Leesburg – 571-271-6799
Vineyard Markham – 540–364–1609
Leesburg – 703-771-1197
N-24 Gadino Cellars
Washington – 22747 92 Schoolhouse Road 540-987-9292 www.gadinocellars.com Fri-Mon 11:30am- 5pm; Saturdays until 6pm.
N-25 Granite Heights
Orchard and Winery Warrenton 540-349-5185
N-45
N-26 Gray Ghost
Vineyards Amissville – 540-937-4869
N-27 Hartwood Winery
N-46
N-28 Hidden Brook
N-47
Fredericksburg – 540–752–4893 Winery Leesburg – 703–737–3935
N-29 Hiddencroft
Vineyards Lovettsville – 540-535-5367
★N-48
Winery Clifton – 703-830-9463 Broad Run – 540-347-3475
Winery Hume - 22639 4366 Stillhouse Road 540-964-1203 www.pcwinery.com Open daily, year-round. Between December and March call to confirm.
N-52 Piedmont Vineyards & Winery The Plains – 540-687-5528
N-53 Potomac Point
Vineyard & Winery Stafford – 540-446-2266
N-54 Quattro Gombas Winery Aldie – 703-327-6542
N-55 Rappahannock
Cellars Huntly – 22640 14437 Hume Road 540-635-9398 http://rcellars.com Sun - Fri, 11:30am-5pm. Sat, 11:30am-6pm.
N-56 Rogers Ford
Farm Winery Sumerduck – 540-439-3707
n-57 Sharp Rock Vineyards
Sperryville – 22740 5 Sharp Rock Road 540–987–9700 www.sharprock vineyards.com Mid Feb - Dec, Fri - Sun, 11am- 5pm.
N-58 Sunset Hills
Vineyard Purcellville – 20132 38295 Fremont Overlook Lane 540-882-4560 www.sunsethills vineyard.com Mon-Thur 12-5pm Fri-Sun 12-6pm
Amissville –20106 43 Narmada Lane 540-937-8215 www.narmada winery.com Jan & Feb N-59 Swedenburg Estate Vineyard Fri – Sun 12pm – 5pm Middleburg – Mar – Dec Thur – Mon 12pm -6pm 540–687–5219 Tues & Wed closed N-60 Tarara Winery Leesburg – North Gate 703-771-7100 Vineyard Purcelleville – 20132 16031 Hillsboro Rd N-61 Three Fox Vineyards 540-668-6248 Delaplane – 20144 www.northgate 10100 Three Fox Lane vineyard.com 540-364-6073 Open Friday www.threefox 11am-8pm vinyards.com Mon., Thurs.-Sat. 11am-5pm Notaviva Vineyards Sunday 12pm-5pm Purcellville – 540-668-6756 N-62 Unicorn Winery Amissville – Old House 540–349–5885 Vineyards Culpeper – 540–423–1032 N-63 Village Winery Waterford – 540–882–3780 Otium Cellars Purcellville – 540–338-2027
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N-64 Vint Hill Craft Winery E-15 Saude Creek N-65 Vintage Ridge
N-66 Willowcroft Farm Vineyards Leesburg – 703-777-8161
Winery Williamsburg – 757-229-0999
La Grange Haymarket – 703-753-9360
C-18 DuCard Vineyards
C-38 Peaks of
Vineyard Irvington – 804-438-5559
NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN
SOUTHERN
NORTHERN
CENTRAL REGION
SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN
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★E-5
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E-7 e-8 E-9
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E-11 E-12 E-13 ★e-14
Crozet – 434-823-7605
E-18 White Fences
Vineyards Concord 434-993-0722
C-1 Afton Mountain
Vineyards Madison – 540-948-6570
Etlan – 22719 40 Gibson Hollow Lane 540-923-4206 www.ducard vineyards.com ★C-39 Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday holidays, 11-6. And by appointment. SeptNov: Open daily, 11-6. C-40
C-19 Early Mountain Vineyard Madison – 540-948-9005
★C-57 Windy RIver Winery
C-36 Mountfair Vineyards C-37 Neala Estate
Vineyard Leesburg – 703-431-2016
E-2
Vineyard Lovingston – 434-964-6124
C-17 Devault Family
N-68 Zephaniah Farm
EASTERN REGION
C-16 Democracy
E-17 Vault Field
Vineyards Kinsale – 804-472-4430
N-67 The Winery at
Vineyard & Wine Garden Lovingston – 434–263–5392
and Winery Faber – 434-263-6100
E-16 The Williamsburg
Vineyard Rectortown – 540-364-3371
E-1
C-15 DelFosse Vineyard C-35 Mountain Cove
Vineyards Williamsburg– 804-843-7100
Vint Hill – 703-991-0191
Otter Winery Bedford – 540–586–3707 Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards North Garden 434-202-8063 Pollak Vineyards Greenwood – 540-456-8844
C-41 Prince Michel
Vineyards Afton – 22920 234 Vineyard Lane C-20 First Colony Winery Charlottesville – 540-456-8667 Athena Vineyards 434–979–7105 www.aftonmountain & Winery C-42 vineyards.com Heathsville – Wed.-Mon. 10am-6pm C-21 Flying Fox 804-580-7327 Vineyard Afton – Belle Mount C-2 Albemarle ★C-43 434-361-1692 Ciderworks Vineyards North Garden Warsaw – 434-297-2326 804-333-4700 C-22 Glass House Winery Free Union 434-975-0094 Bloxom Vineyard ★C-3 Ankida Ridge C-44 Vineyards Bloxom – Amhearst 757-665-5670 C-23 Grayhaven Winery Gum Springs – 434-922-7678 804-556-3917 Chatham Vineyards C-45 Machipongo – C-4 Autumn Hill Vineyards Eastern Region C-24 Hickory Hill Winery Moneta – Standardsville – 757-678-5588 540–296–1393 424-985-6100 The Dog and Oyster C-46 Barboursville Vineyard C-5 C-25 Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery Vineyards Irvington Nellysford – Barboursville – 804-438-WINE(9643) 434-361-1266 540-832-3824 C-47 General’s Ridge Vineyard C-6 Blenheim Vineyards C-26 Horton Cellars Winery Charlottesville – Hague Gordonsville – 434-293-5366 804-472-3172 540-832-7440 C-48 Good Luck Cellars C-7 Bodie Vineyards Powhatan Kilmarnock C-27 James River Cellars Glen Allen – 804-598-2625 757-472-6973 804–550–7516 C-49 Brightwood The Hague Winery C-8 Vineyard & Farm Hague – C-28 Jefferson Vineyards Charlottesville – Brightwood 804-472-5283 434-977-3042 540-948-6845 ★C-50 Holly Grove Vineyards C-9 Burnley Vineyards C-29 Keswick Vineyards Keswick & Daniel Cellars Franktown – 434-244-3341 Barboursville – 757-442-2844 C-51 540-832-2828 Kilaurwen Winery Hummel Vineyards C-30 Stanardsville Montross – C-10 Byrd Cellars 434-985-2535 Goochland – Eastern Region C-52 804-475-8536 804-493-1554 C-31 King Family Vineyards Ingleside Vineyards C-11 Cardinal Point Crozet – Vineyard & Winery Oak Grove – C-53 434-823-7800 Afton – 804–224–8687 540-456-8400 New Kent Winery C-32 Lazy Days Winery Amherst New Kent County – C-12 Castle Hill Cider 434-381-6088 Keswick 804-932-8240 C-54 434-971-8887 Leo Grande Winery Oak Crest Winery C-33 Goode – King George – ★C-13 Chestnut Oak 540-586-4066 Vineyard 540–663–2813 C-55 Barboursville 434-242-6697 Pungo Ridge Winery C-34 Lovingston Winery Lovingston – Virginia Beach – 434–263–4533 757-426-1665 C-14 Cooper Vineyards C-56 Louisa – 540-894-5253
Vineyard & Winery Leon – 540-547-3707 Rebec Vineyards Amherst – 434–946–5168
Beaverdam 804-449-6996
C-58 Wintergreen Winery Nellysford – 434-361-2519
C-59 Woodland Vineyard Farm Winery Midlothian – 804-739-2774 NORTHERN SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL WESTERN
SOUTHERN
SOUTHERN REGION S-1 Alta Vista Vineyards Hurt 434-324-4160
S-2 Annefield
Vineyards Saxe – 434-454-7559
S-3 Bright Meadows
Farm Vineyard & Winery Nathalie – 434-349-5349
S-4 Greenwood
Vineyards Vernon Hill – 434-579-2836
S-5 The Homeplace Vineyard Chatham 434-432-9463
S-6 Hunting Creek Vineyards Clover – 434-454-9219
S-7 Molliver Vineyards Nathalie – 434-349-1000
S-8 Preston Ridge Winery Martinsville 276-957-2100
S-9 Rosemont Vineyards & Winery LaCrosse – 434-636-9463
S-10 Sans Soucy Vineyards Brookneal – 434-376 –9463
S-11 Tomahawk Mill Winery Chatham – 434–432–1063
Reynard Florence Vineyard Barboursville – 540-832-3895 Savoy-Lee Winery Huddleston – 540-297-9275 Spring Creek Wine Cellar Pamplin – 434-248-6981 Stinson Vineyards Crozet 434-823-7300 Stone Mountain Vineyards Dyke – 434–990–9463 Sugarleaf Vineyards North Garden – 434-984-4272
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Thistle Gate Vineyard Scottsville 434-386-7781 Trump Winery Charlottesville 434-984-4855 Veritas Winery Afton – 540-456-8000 Virginia Wineworks Charlottesville – 434-923-8314 Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery Louisa 540-967-4647 White Hall Vineyards White Hall – 434-823-8615 White Rock Vineyards & Winery 540-890-3359 Windsong Winery Columbia 804-457-2865
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O EASTERN A TASTE OF WINE & CHOCOLATE
Feb. 11. Discover the flavors of wine and chocolate pairings featuring Ingleside wines. Reservations required. $. 5 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards.
CHARDONNAY & OYSTER TASTING
March 4, 11, 18. Guests will enjoy a special sampling of Church Creek wines and oysters at the vineyard. $. 12 p.m. Chatham Vineyards.
SPRING BARREL TASTING
April 14. Be among the first to experience the newest Ingleside wines from the barrel; includes tour, tasting, wine glass, live music, and light fare. $. 1 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards.
WINE & RUN FOR THE ROSES
May 5. A benefit for the Muscarelle Museum of Art at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg features a live telecast of the 138th Kentucky Derby, along with a diverse tasting of Virginia wines. $. 3 p.m. Information – www.wm.edu/muscarelle/wineauction; 757-221-2717
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A Taste of New Kent
May 12. Enjoy Virginia wines, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment. $. 11 a.m. New Kent Winery.
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Note: contact information for Virginia wineries can be found in the Virginia Winery Listing in this issue of VWL
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SPRING VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL
Corvettes for the Vets
July 1. Enjoy a wine-paired lunch and Corvette exhibition to benefit US veterans. $. 11 a.m. Williamsburg Winery.
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May 12. This sixth annual festival features a wide selection of Virginia Wines, live music, gourmet food, and craft vendors. $. 11 a.m. Held at Town Point Park. www.festevents.org
CENTRAL
VIRGINIA BEER FESTIVAL
Feb. 11-14. Enjoy free wine tastings and artisan chocolates made with wines. 11 a.m. Cardinal Point Winery.
May 19. Now in its 11th year, this festival features live music, food vendors, and beers from across the state and beyond. $. 2 p.m. Held at Town Point Park. www.vafest.org
SUMMER CELEBRATION WINE FESTIVAL
June 9. Enjoy wine tastings, live music, and food and craft vendors at this annual event. $. 11 a.m. Held at Lee Hall Mansion. www.leehall.org
ROCK & ROLL OLDIES
June 23. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner while enjoying music of the golden oldies, winery tours, and tastings. Reservations required. $. 6 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards.
April 28. Virginia Wine Lover magazine and our sister publication, Hampton Roads Magazine, are proud to be sponsors of the Princess Anne Wine Classic, which will raises glasses to Virginia vino for the first time ever on April 28. The event takes place in the Virginia with a Pungo twist! Beach hamlet of Pungo, a small agricultural community south of the Oceanfront resort, at Back Bay Farms. Sixteen Virginia wineries will be featured, offering tastings and full bottle sales, and a twist – 10 craft beers with tastings and sales, too. Live music from local favorites Lewis McGehee and The Pete Hansen Trio will be the backdrop to the fete, as well as food like traditional Southern barbecue. There will also be a display of works from local artists. The Princess Anne Wine Classic is produced by The Noblemen, a philanthropic group; proceeds from the event will benefit their charities, which focus on the needs of children. More information: www.thenoblemen.org/wineclassic
MUSIC ON THE HILL
Feb. 5. Celebrate with food, wine, and music. 2 p.m. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.
VALENTINE’S WEEKEND
Valentine’s Day Party
Feb. 11. A five-course, wine-paired dinner in Saddleback Hall with music and dancing. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. Veritas Vineyard & Winery.
WINEMAKER’S VALENTINE DINNER
Feb. 11. This sixth annual dinner features a five-course gourmet meal paired with James River Cellars wines. Reservations required. $. 6 p.m. James River Cellars.
SOVA WINTER WINE FESTIVAL
Feb. 18. Enjoy wines from 12 wineries, live music, and food. $. 12 p.m. Held at Olde Dominion Agricultural Foundation. www.sovawinetrail.com
MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
Feb. 21. Celebrate Mardi Gras with New Orleans specialties, live entertainment, and Wild Wolf beers. 11:30 a.m. Wild Wolf Brewery.
VIRGINIA WINE EXPO
Feb. 24-26. This fifth annual event exclusively features Virginia wine along with specialty food, gourmet luncheons, and wine and food pairing seminars. $. Held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. www.virginiawineexpo.com
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Feb. 29. Celebrate leap day with a special gourmet cheese and wine pairing. $. 11 a.m. James River Cellars.
Meritage Vertical Tasting
March 3. Enjoy a vertical tasting and library release party, compare the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 vintages, as well as the 2010 blend straight from the barrel. Cheese and charcuterie will be available before, during and after the tasting. Reservations required. $. 6 p.m. King Family Vineyards.
SPRING OPEN HOUSE
March 10-11. Sample award-winning wines, preview upcoming new releases, and enjoy gift shop specials. 11 a.m. James River Cellars.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY OPEN HOUSE
March 17-18. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with food-paired wine tastings. 11 a.m. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery.
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O WINE & FOOD PAIRING
March 25. Enjoy an early spring wine and food pairing featuring Chef Genevieve DelFosse. Reservations required. $. 11 a.m. DelFosse Vineyards & Winery.
Annual Spring Cabernet Tasting
March 31-April 1. A vertical tasting of the last seven vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon, including the recently bottled 2010 vintage. $. 11 a.m. Burnley Vineyards.
EASTER SUNDAY WINEMAKER’S BRUNCH
April 8. Enjoy a four-course, wine-paired brunch in Saddleback Hall. Reservations required. $. 12 p.m. Veritas Vineyard & Winery.
BLUE RIDGE OYSTER FESTIVAL
April 21. Enjoy fresh steamed and raw oysters with local craft beer. $. 1 p.m. Devils Backbone Brewing.
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Farmville Wine Festival
April 21. An annual event featuring some of Virginia’s premier wineries, food vendors, arts, and live entertainment. $. 11 a.m. Held at Riverside Park. www.farmvillewinefestival.com
BLACKSBURG FORK & CORK
April 28. Enjoy food, music, art, and cooking demonstrations and sample wines from 20+ Virginia wineries at this fourth annual event. $. 12 p.m. www.blacksburgforkandcork.com
TIME OUT FOR MOM
May 12-13. Winery visit with complimentary wine tasting and refreshments. 10 a.m. Wintergreen Winery.
MOTHER’S DAY AT CARDINAL POINT
May 13. Enjoy tastings paired with complimentary hors d’oeurvres. 11 a.m. Cardinal Point Winery.
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MOTHER’S DAY WINEMAKER’S BRUNCH
May 13. A four-course, wine-paired brunch in Saddleback Hall. Reservations required. $. 12 p.m. Veritas Vineyard & Winery. May 20. Enjoy barbequed chicken and plenty of pulled pork with all the fixings prepared by Hill City BBQ of Lynchburg with King Family wines. Reservations required. $. 12 p.m. King Family Vineyards.
FATHER’S DAY AT CARDINAL POINT
June 17. Enjoy tastings paired with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. 11 a.m. Cardinal Point Winery.
2012 PINK RIBBON POLO CLASSIC
June 17. Bring a picnic or purchase lunch while enjoying a day of polo and wine to benefit breast cancer care at the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center. $. Reservations required. King Family Vineyards.
July 4. Celebrate the holiday with wine, live music, wine and gift shop specials; picnic fare available. Wintergreen Winery.
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REDS, WHITES, & BLUEGRASS
July 4. Bring a picnic basket or purchase food from Mr. Chip’s Barbeque while enjoying live bluegrass music and wine. 1 p.m. Keswick Vineyards.
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ANNUAL PIG ROAST
JULY FOURTH AT WINTERGREEN
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Tomahawk Mill Summer Festival
July 28. Enjoy wines from five guest wineries, food vendors, crafters, clowns, grape stomping, hay rides, and live music. $. 1 p.m. Tomahawk Mill Vineyard & Winery.
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NORTHERN
Ravishing Red Days of Winter
Feb. 5. A special cellar tasting of current and past vintages of Le Renard Rouge; also
features trail blends set up of the 2009 Le Renard Rouge. Reservations required. $. 11:30 a.m. Fox Meadow Winery.
Chocolate & Cabernet Tasting
Feb. 11. Enjoy hand-rolled truffles and imported chocolate in the barrel room, paired with Cabernet Sauvignon. Reservations required. $. 11 a.m. Breaux Vineyards.
Sinfully Sweet Weekend
Feb. 11-12. Dessert and wine pairing. Reservations required. 1 p.m. Potomac Point Winery.
Irresistible Chocolates and Cabernet
Feb. 11. An event in its 17th year, sample decadent chocolate desserts and Gold medal winning red wines; admission includes a collectible Valentine glass. $. 11 a.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards.
L’amour et du vin
Feb. 11. Enjoy a special wine-paired dinner with music from a strolling guitarist. Reservation required. $. 7 p.m. Philip Carter Winery.
SEVENTH ANNUAL VIRGINIA WINE SHOWCASE
Show Some Love!
Feb. 18-19. Taste all of the best artisan wines from the farm wineries of Virginia at this major event. $. 11 a.m. Held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington. www.vawineshowcase.org
Cooking Class & Winemaker Dinner
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Feb. 24. Learn braising techniques and enjoy wine-paired dinner with Chef Mike Lund. Reservations required. $. 6:30 p.m. Delaplane Cellars.
Mid-Winter Celebration
Feb. 25. Enjoy tasting wines from Hartwood and their guest winery, tours, light hors d’oeuvres, and live music. $. 11 a.m. Hartwood Winery.
St. Patrick’s Day at Fox Meadow
March 17-18. Enjoy pairings of Irish and/or green foods with wine. $. 11 a.m. Fox Meadow Winery.
50 Spring/Summer 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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Wearing of the Green Weekend
March 17. Event features Irish cuisine, music, dancing, and wine. 1 p.m. Potomac Point Winery.
ANNUAL MERLOT VERTICAL
Cherry Blossom Celebration & Rosé Release
April 7. Enjoy wine tastings including the 2011 Rosé, food and craft vendors, and live music. 11 a.m. Breaux Vineyards.
EASTER BRUNCH
April 12. Extensive menu of brunch dishes, including baked ham, raspberry croissant French toast, vegetable frittata, cheesecake with pineapple compote and lemon meringue pie paired with Potomac Point wines. $. 11 a.m. Potomac Point Winery.
GREAT GRAPES WINE FESTIVAL
April 28-29. Sample wines from more than 20 Virginia wineries; also features live music and food and craft vendors. $. 11 a.m. Held at Reston Town Center. www.uncorkthefun.com
Mother’s Day Celebration
May 12. Bring a picnic, play bocce and enjoy wine tasting, and the music of Magick Kat. 2 p.m. Gadino Cellars.
GRAPEHOUND WINE TOUR – VIRGINIA
May 11-13. A celebration of greyhounds and greyhound adoption, with proceeds from the event being donated to participating greyhound adoption groups and local shelters. Wine-centric events hosted at several Northern Virginia vineyards. www.grapehounds.com
SPRING WINE FESTIVAL
May 18-20. A spring celebration of the history of the Virginia wine industry with tastings from wines 16 Virginia wineries, live jazz music, concessions, and sunset tours of Mount Vernon. $. 6 p.m. Held at Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. www.mountvernon.org
Hottest Cool Jazz Festival
May 19-20. Tenth annual festival featuring live music and wine. $. Chrysalis Vineyards.
June 2. A celebration with wine, live music, food vendors, and winery tours. $. 11 a.m. Hartwood Winery.
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VIRGINIA WINE COUNTRY HALF MARATHON
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March 24. Sample and discuss various vintages of Merlot with winemaker David Pagan Castaño; wines paired with a three-course gourmet meal. Reservations required. $. Breaux Vineyards.
23rd Anniversary Celebration
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June 2. The race course begins and ends at Doukenie Winery with a post-race wine and music festival featuring food, entertainment, the awards ceremony, and wine tasting from Loudoun’s vintners. $. 7 a.m. www.run4virginiawine.com
Cajun Festival
June 16. This 15th annual festival features live Cajun and Zydeco music, Cajun fare for sale, hayrides, kids’ activities, wine tasting, and craft vendors. $. 11 a.m. Breaux Vineyards.
SUMMER BREWFEST
June 23-24. Enjoy local and regional beers with food made by local restaurants, live music, artisans and crafters, and activities for children. $. 11 a.m. Held at Morven Park Equestrian Event Center. www.novabrewfest.com
DIA DEL AMIGO FESTIVAL
July 7. A celebration of the Argentinean Friends Day holiday includes a buy-one, get-one bottle of wine purchase when you bring a friend. Veramar Vineayrd.
Gray Ghost Wine Festival
July 7-8. 18th annual festival featuring wine tasting, winery and vineyard tours, live jazz, food vendors, and a Civil War camp. $. 11 a.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards.
Key West Festival
July 14. Seventh annual festival featuring island-inspired food, wine, wine-a-ritas, activities for children, vineyard tours, live reggae, and music from the Key West Band. $. 11:00 a.m. Breaux Vineyards.
MID-SUMMER WINE FESTIVAL
July 14. Sample wines from Hartwood and guest wineries; with live music, winery tours, light hors d’oeuvres, and walks in the vineyard. $. 11 a.m. Hartwood Winery.
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WESTERN
Wine & Dine Adventure
Feb. 11. The Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing is teaming up with AmRhein’s Wine Cellars for an event featuring a winepaired, five-course dinner, lodging, and breakfast. Reservations required. $. 6:30 p.m. AmRhein’s Wine Cellars.
Wine, Chocolate & Torch Songs
Feb. 11. An annual wine and chocolate pairing with the addition of love songs performed by The NoneSuch Playmakers. Reservations required. 3:30 p.m. $. Château Morrisette Winery.
VALENTINE’S CELEBRATION
Feb. 14. Enjoy a five-course dinner with wine and live music. Reservations required. $. Rural Retreat Winery & Vineyards.
SPRING OPEN HOUSE
April 21-22, 28-29. Enjoy complimentary wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres, winery tours, and discounts in the gift shop. 12 p.m. Château Morrisette Winery.
PICNIC DOWN THE PARKWAY
June 23-24. Visit seven wineries for picnic treats paired with fine wine, cider, or mead. http://mountainroadwineexperience.com/
Lavender Festival
June 24. Learn about lavender, try dishes made with lavender, and enjoy live music and wine. 1 p.m. Beliveau Estate Winery.
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SHENANDOAH
Sparkling Wine and Chocolate
Feb. 11. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with sparkling wine, chocolate fountains, and live music. Reservations required. $. 12 p.m. Veramar Vineyard.
VALENTINE’S DAY BRUNCH
Feb. 12. Four courses paired with DuCard wine from a menu by mark Gresge and the acclaimed l’Etoile restaurant in Charlottesville. Music from harpist Vicky Lee. Reservations required. $. 11:30 a.m. DuCard Vineyards.
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Experience Arlington & D.C.
Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial Sweet treats from CakeLove in Shirlington
Artisphere in Rosslyn Spirited performance by Bowen McCauley Dance
Live music at Clarendon’s IOTA Club & Café
Stay, shop, dine and play in Arlington, Virginia – at the heart of the nation’s capital. With more than 40 hotels in vibrant, Metro-centered urban villages, Arlington’s home to historic treasures, world-class shopping, diverse dining and cutting-edge arts. For information and your free Arlington Visitors Guide, visit www.stayarlington.com or call (800) 677-6267.
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Wine & Chocolate Pairing
Feb. 11-14. Enjoy special wine pairings with chocolate. $. CrossKeys Vineyards.
Historic Staunton Foundation Winter Wine Festival
ROSE’ RELEASE PARTY
March 3. Release of the new French-style rose’. 1 p.m. DuCard Vineyards.
Wine Soup Weekend
March 3-4. Warm up with a bowl of soup and a glass of wine in front of the fireplace. $. 12 p.m. Veramar Vineyard.
Toast to the Weekend
March 9. Enjoy music and wine in the winery tank room; the tasting room will be open for wine and food sales. $. 6:30 p.m. Bluestone Vineyard.
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VALLEY FEST
May 26. An annual beer and wine festival with food and craft vendors, live music, and wines and microbrews of the Shenandoah Valley. $. Held at Massanutten Resort. www.hrchamber.org/valleyfest
VINEYARD CONCERT
LADIES’ NIGHT
June 2. Bring a picnic or purchase dinner to enjoy with wine while listening to the music of Skyler McCurley. $. 6 p.m. Fincastle Vineyard & Winery.
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Feb. 18. Sample a variety of Virginia wines at this indoor wine festival to benefit the Historic Staunton Foundation. $. 12 p.m. Held at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel and Conference Center. www.historicstaunton.com
Wine & Dine Adventure
March 10. The Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing is teaming up with Virginia Mountain Vineyards for an event featuring a wine-paired dinner. Reservations required. $. Virginia Mountain Vineyards.
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April 14. A music-filled event with gourmet cupcakes, fortune tellers, and wine. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. Veramar Vineyard.
SPRINGTIME IN PARIS
April 28. Enjoy a Parisian-themed wine dinner at the vineyard. Reservations required. $. Cave Ridge Vineyard.
WINE & CRAFT FESTIVAL
May 19. Enjoy wine tastings from 20 Virginia wineries; also features children’s activities, live entertainment, and more than 100 artisans and crafters and food vendors. $. 10 a.m. Held in downtown Front Royal. www.wineandcraftfestival.com
COVINGTON CORK AND PORK FESTIVAL
June 29-30. This outdoor festival features a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned competition with wine, music, food, street entertainment, and family fun. www.covingtoncorkandpork.com Because of space limitations, check with your favorite winery for other possible events. Virginia Wine Lover is not responsible for erroneous information. To submit calendar listings, email: patrick@VirginiaWineLover.com VWL
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54 Spring/Summer 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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Your
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lexington
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I-64 exit 91, 15 Four Square Lane, Fishersville, VA
540-213-9500
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staunton Enjoy attractions and wineries by day, sleep in luxurious comfort by night. Free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness room, cable/HBO, wireless, kids stay free. Near Wilson Birthplace, Frontier Culture Museum, Glass Blowing, shopping & dining.
I-81 exit 188-B, 401 East Nelson St, Lexington, VA
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charlottesville Indoor pool, restaurant, lounge, business center, free wireless, HD TV cable/HBO, conference center. Just minutes to University of Virginia, Historic Downtown Mall, Monticello, Ashlawn, Paramount Theater, the Charlottesville Pavillion, dining and shopping.
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harrisonburg Visit local vineyards and attractions nearby and come home to Residence Inn! Hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool, putting green, sports complex, workout room, luxurious rooms and suites with fully equipped kitchens, wireless, and we’re pet friendly! Near JMU, EMU, Grand Caverns, historic downtown, shopping mall. Walking distance to dining.
Charlottesville
434-979-4442 WaYnesboro
A place you can call home when you’re nowhere near it. Hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool, putting green, sports complex, workout room, luxurious rooms and suites with fully equipped kitchens, wireless, and we’re pet friendly! Near Moss Museum, Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, Grand Caverns, Wilson Birthplace, Frontier Culture Museum and shopping mall. Walking distance to dining.
I-81 exit 247-A, 1945 Deyerle Ave., Harrisonburg, VA
I-64 exit 94, 44 Windgrove Dr., Waynesboro, VA
www.marriott.com/shdhr
www.marriott.com/shdri
540-437-7426
540-943-7426
www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SPRING /SUMMER 2012
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Cyber sips and tips from the blogosphere
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Warren Richard
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world, folks Facebook, Tweet and otherwise blog about everything going on in their lives; fortunately many of them are imbibing at the same time. What are some of Virginia’s top bloggers enjoying at the moment? Two of them—VWL contributing editor Frank Morgan, who blogs at Drink What You Like, and Warren Richard of the blog Virginia Wine Time—share their current Virginia wine finds with us.
2009 Boxwood: a burger and steak red
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—Frank Morgan Morgan blogs at www.DrinkWhatYouLike.wordpress.com
2009 Annefield Cabernet Franc: the only regret is finishing the bottle Paul and I first tasted the wines from Annefield Vineyards at a wine festival a couple of years ago, and we were immediately impressed with the quality of the wines. We visited the winery this past summer and ended up getting a case of wine that included our favorite, the 2009 Cabernet Franc. So how did we end up opening a bottle of the Annefield Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc? Food always drives our decisions about wine, and after a holiday season filled endless servings of ham, turkey, yams, and cranberries, we were ready for a juicy filet of beef topped with mushrooms and fresh cracked pepper. Sides of roasted veggies and mashed potatoes completed our holiday-relief therapy. All we needed was the perfect wine to complete the remedy, and we remembered that tasting at Annefield Vineyards. The 2009 Cabernet Franc, with its dense garnet color and dark berry fruit elements, stood out as a beef-friendly pour that promised to send memories of Tom Turkey packing for another year. The Annefield Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc was as impressive as we remembered it to be. Notes of black raspberry, currants and cedar were complemented by brambleberry flavors along with hints of chocolate and black pepper. With each bite of succulent beef, the fruity, earthy elements came forward to perfect our cure for the holiday menu doldrums. Its velvety finish allowed us to linger over the Annefield Vineyards 2009 Cabernet Franc long after the meal was done, and we only regretted finishing the bottle. VWL
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Frank Morgan
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As winter releases its grip on the Mid-Atlantic, many wine enthusiasts turn to crisp whites and Rosés to pair with Virginia’s hot and humid summers. Though steel fermented Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and dry Rosés make perfect summer wines—especially when paired with fresh seafood from the Chesapeake Bay— summer cookouts with steaks or burgers call for red wine. Boxwood Winery, located in picturesque Middleburg, produces one of my favorite burger and steak reds—the 2009 Boxwood ($25). Founded by former Redskins owner John Kent Cooke, Boxwood grows only classic Bordeaux grapes—Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Under the watchful eye of global wine consultant Stephane Derenoncourt, winemaker Adam McTaggart and Rachel Martin, the Boxwood team produces three Bordeaux-styled reds made from 100 percent estate-grown fruit. Like the wines of Bordeaux’s ‘leftbank,’ the 2009 Boxwood is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine blended with Merlot and Petit Verdot. Dark purple in color with aromas of dark cherry, cassis, leather and hints of earth. Medium to full-bodied with nice acidity and ripe tannins, with a dark berry finish. Perfect for a summer evening cookout. Boxwood wines are sold at select retail shops and at four Boxwood Tasting Room Wine Bars located in Middleburg, Reston Town Center, Chevy Chase and National Harbor. Boxwood conducts winery tours by appointment.
—Warren Richard Richard blogs with Paul Armstrong at www.VirginiaWineTime.com —PEH
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