SAY FROMAGE! FIVE FABULOUS VIRGINIA CHEESES
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EXPLORING THE VALLEY ONE SIP & BITE AT A TIME
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Contents | Feature
Summer Fall 2012 p.
20 Reasons to
Raise a Glass Dozens of Virginia vinos sipped, swirled—and scored—in the fifth Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Wine Classic By Patrick Evans-Hylton
Home Of The Horse & Hound Wine Festival
Contents | Departments
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5 Great Getaways – Outstanding offerings across Virginia
A FORK & THE ROAD Special
Winery & Orchards
6 Publisher’s Note
1218 Elmos Rd, Bedford, Va. 24523 540-586-3707
9 Editor’s Note POPPING THE CORK
30 Six Days in the Shenandoah: Exploring the Valley provides a sense of place, a sense of self
We are minutes away from the Blue Ridge Parkway and the D-day Memorial More than just Fine Fruit Wines. We offer A Country Store with, Fresh Fruits in season, Cider, Gifts, Canned Goods, T-Shirts and more!
All with that old fashioned homemade quality and taste that you love. Free Tastings Daily: April - December Weekends: January - March Noon to 5 And you can bring your own glass!
10 Quaff Quiz – A passion for wine, a passion for Virginia: Annette Boyd says a win-win combination adds up to a dream job as Virginia Wine Marketing Office director 12 Cork Report – A full pour of wine-related news ACCOUTREMENTS
44 History Uncorked – First Family, First Entertainers: Mount Vernon offers a glimpse into the wining and dining lives of George and Martha Washington GRAPEVINE 46 Winery Map 48 Winery List
16 Outstanding Virginia comestibles A PERFECT PAIR
50 Wine Events
18 My Oh My - Pies can make a well-rounded meal
58 Cyber sips and tips from the blogosphere
BLOGGERS IMBIBE
For Advertising Information 757-422-8979 ext.156 or tthompson@hrmag.com www.PeaksOfOtterWinery.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 SUMMER/FALL 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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Your
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I-64 exit 124, 1793 Richmond Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22911
434-979-4442 www.StayHGI.com
HARRISONBURG Visit local vineyards and attractions nearby and come home to Residence Inn! Hot breakfast buffet, indoor pool, sports court, workout room, luxurious suites with fully equipped kitchens, wi-fi, and we’re pet friendly!
I-81 exit 247-A, 1945 Deyerle Ave., Harrisonburg, VA
540-437-7426 www.marriott.com/shdhr
STAUNTON Enjoy attractions and wineries by day, sleep in luxurious comfort by night. Minutes to Barren Ridge and Rockbridge vineyards. Free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, fitness room, cable/HBO, wireless, kids stay free. Near Wilson Birthplace, Frontier Culture Museum, Glass Blowing, shopping & dining.
Closest hotel to Barren Ridge Vineyards; nearby vineyards include Afton Mountain, Veritas, King Family, Pollack, Cardinal Point and Flying Fox also Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive and major attractions.
I-64 exit 91, 15 Four Square Lane, Fishersville, VA
540-213-9500
www.waynesborostuartsdraft.hamptoninn.com
LEXINGTON Hampton Inn Col Alto in historic Lexington is a unique combination of a gentler time, paired with today’s conveniences. Stay in the historic 1827 Manor House or modern hotel rooms. Free hot breakfast, wireless, outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, fitness room, conference center. Walking distance to downtown, dining, shopping, VMI, W&L, Stonewall Jackson House. Rockbridge Vineyard, Lexington Valley Vineyard and Virginia Horse Center nearby.
I-81 exit 188-B, 401 East Nelson St, Lexington, VA
540-463-2223
www.hamptoninn.com/hi/lexington-historic
WAYNESBORO
IT’S NOT A ROOM - IT’S A RESIDENCE Minutes from your favorite wineries, Barren Ridge, Veritas, King Family, Pollack, Afton Mtn, Wintergreen, Cardinal Point Hilltop Berry Farm, Delfosse, and more. Enjoy hot full breakfast buffet; relax or barbeque on the patio at night with your favorite wine. All suites have full kitchens; complimentary wireless; indoor heated pool and spa. We are waiting for you!
I-81 exit 220, 40 Payne Lane, Staunton, VA 24401
I-64 exit 94, 44 Windgrove Dr., Waynesboro, VA
www.hamptoninn.com/hi/staunton
www.marriott.com/shdri
540-886-7000
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FISHERSVILLE
540-943-7426
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Publisher’s Note A SHENANDOAH HOMECOMING
V
irginia Beach is my home, and I love the rural, coastal area of Pungo where I live. But every time I return to the Shenandoah Valley, there is something very solid and substantive about being there. In this issue, Executive Editor Patrick Evans-Hylton brings us all to the Valley for a homecoming of sorts with a look at some fantastic attractions, wineries, dining establishments, accommodations and more. Born and raised in Roanoke, nearly every horizon I viewed as a youth was draped by the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. I’m sure my viewpoint is skewed by many pleasant childhood memories, but I definitely associate the solid foundation of these surrounding mountains with the secure feeling I have when returning. I attended school 100 miles up the Valley at James Madison University. During this time in my life, pleasant memories accumulated at warp speed. When I return today I feel like I have a goofy grin that I just can’t wipe off my face. Fortunately, with a son playing football at Bridgewater College and the chance to see JMU football in action when it doesn’t conflict with Bridgewater, we have a number of opportunities to head to the Valley this fall. Not that we need any more excuses to visit, but we recently solidified our tie to the area by purchasing a vacation home at Massanutten. We even signed up for the special savings card from the nearby Martin’s supermarket. With that food card on my key chain, I am reminded daily that we at least have one toe in my “homeland.” As you all know, good wine and good food mix well with special destinations, and the Valley is truly a very special place. I hope you enjoy this excursion through Patrick’s eyes and are fortunate enough to plan your own homecoming very soon. Cheers!
Randy Thompson randy@vgnet.com 6 SUMMER/FALL 2012 ■ Virginia Wine Lover
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VOLUME 5
ISSUE 2
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 Editor Frank Morgan Contributing Writers Patti Hinson, Jason Phelps Corporate Art Director Holly Watters Creative Director David Uhrin Associate Art Director Matt Haddaway Production Manager Eileen Dalby Designer Don Spencer Contributing Designer Eric Cardenas, Chris Meligonis, Stephanie Martinec, Brian Woelfel Web Design and Development Web Creative Director Chris Murphy Web Developer Monica Huett Web Marketing & Promotions Manager My Nguyen Intern Shanté Edmonds Director of Photography Jim Pile Contributing Photographers Patrick Evans-Hylton, Frank Morgan, Jason Phelps, David Uhrin Photo Editor James Miller Vice President of Sales & Distribution Paul Brannock Sales Manager Jay Bellamy Account Executives Christie Berry, Lori Conti, Elizabeth Cummings, Kim Lyda, Kevin Rose, Brenda Whitlow, Samuel Wilson 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
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Readers’Choice
AwArds Which Meritage holds the most merit? Which Norton never ceases to knock your socks off? What is the hippest, greenest or most romantic Virginia Winery? And what Wine Festival is marked on your calendar months in advance? It’s time again for our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. We again open our forums to you, the true Virginia wine lover, to see what is on your mind and in your glass.
Winners will be published in the 2013 Spring/Summer issue of Virginia Wine Lover Magazine, and polls close on December 15, so… VOTE NOW!
www.VirginiaWineLover.com/BestOf
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Editor’s Note
our best, your best
A
s we start a new year at Virginia Wine Lover magazine, we also celebrate the wonderful vintages of the state with our fifth annual wine classic awards. It has been an absolute delight to serve as chairman for the awards and lead our panel of wine experts in evaluating scores of offerings from across the commonwealth. Our magazine staff and volunteers put in a wonderful effort to pull off the event, done with the help of our friends at River Stone Chophouse in Suffolk, which provides the venue and support. In the back, Pam Hopkins, our special events coordinator, has row after row of bottles lined up, ready to pour blind flights for the judges. In the front, I am guiding our panel through the flights and collecting evaluation sheets for tallying. In the end, we have a great list of excellent wines for you to check out over the course of the next year—and beyond—as you explore Virginia wines; look to our feature “Reasons to Raise a Glass” for our findings. Even as we wrap up this issue of VWL, we already look ahead to the next—our Best Of Readers’ Choice Awards. This is the time for you to be the critic and tell us your favorite wines, wineries, getaways and more. Results will be posted in our Spring/ Summer 2013 issue; online voting begins Aug. 1 and runs through Dec. 15. Be sure to vote here: www.VirginiaWineLover.com/BestOf Best,
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Name: Annette Boyd Job title: Director of the Virginia Wine Marketing Office Responsibilities: Managing the overall marketing of the Virginia wine industry
Photo by David Uhrin
By Patrick Evans-Hylton
ittle did Annette Boyd know when working at a wine shop in college that she would today be managing the overall marketing of the burgeoning Virginia wine industry. “We had tastings every Wednesday and Friday. It was during that time that the 1982 Bordeaux were released and everyone was talking about an attorney in Maryland that had started a newsletter about wines. It was at the time that Robert Parker became Robert Parker,” she says. Her love for wine grew. “[I] later promoted Virginia wines as an employee of the Virginia Department of Agriculture,” she says. Then the Virginia Wine Marketing Office was created, and Boyd stepped in as director. “My degree was in marketing, so to apply my knowledge of wine with my chosen field of marketing was a dream come true. Still is.” How do you think folks outside Virginia view the wine industry here? I think we have a wide variety of opinions. Many people outside Virginia may not realize that Virginia produces wine, but for the industry insiders that have heard about Virginia wines, I think most have heard that tremendous strides have been made in the quality of wines being produced here and that some exciting things are happening. Particularly with Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and blended, Bordeaux-style wines.
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I think Mr. Jefferson would be very proud of the Virginia wines being produced today. In fact, I think he would be amazed not only of Virginia wines, but about the scope and size of the entire U.S. wine industry. It’s exactly what he envisioned.
is that we can see and measure our impact with Virginia wines. Sometimes in marketing your work doesn’t see the light of day, or you are only one small piece of a much larger effort to the point that it’s hard to measure what impact you have had. In our office, we get to see results from our work every day whether it’s an article being written on Virginia wines or an ad, or an event, we can see how we have helped to shape the outcome of that work. It’s a great experience and one that we never take for granted.
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What factors do you consider in pairing wine with a dish? First and foremost, I decide what I’m in the mood to drink, then I work backwards into what I want to cook. But usually I like to pair wines that are similar in weight or flavors to the food I’m eating. For example, simple foods with simple wines. Heavy cream sauces or fatty foods with bigger style wines and acidic foods with acidic wines. These are general guidelines that I follow, but then add the fun part—if a wine has a nutty flavor than it might match well with a toasty chardonnay, or if it has a peppery taste than it might match well with a peppery steak. There is an art to some of the best food and wine pairings, and that’s when I visit the expert sommeliers we have in Virginia restaurants. How would you recommend someone learn more about wine? Taste a lot of wine and make notes about what you taste. Over time, you will see patterns in what you like and conversely, what you don’t like. There are also tons of great books on wine and wine schools in Virginia. Name three things folks should consider when choosing a wine? 1. Drink what you like. 2. Don’t be afraid to experiment; there are literally thousands of different types of wines, and that’s part of the fun. 3. If you are in a winery, restaurant or wine shop, don’t be afraid to ask staff about the wines you are considering. They have tasted many of their wines and can add to your information. What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job and why? This really is a dream job for me. It brings together my passion for wine and Virginia wines in particular, with marketing. But I’ve been in many marketing positions, and one of the most rewarding aspects of this role
What do you see as some of the biggest challenges to the Virginia wine industry? I think that as Virginia wine’s reputation grows there will a short supply of the wines. I see production as a large issue in a couple of years. Virginia wines really are a small batch artisanal product. Since it takes time to establish a vineyard there is going to be more demand than supply sooner than people realize. What is the future of Virginia wine? I see a very bright future. The style of wines produced by Virginia are coming into vogue again. People are requesting leaner-style wines that are more restrained and that express the fruit flavors of the wine without masking those flavors with a heavy use of oak. What do you think Thomas Jefferson would think of Virginia wine today? I think Mr. Jefferson would be very proud of the Virginia wines being produced today. In fact, I think he would be amazed not only of Virginia wines, but about the scope and size of the entire U.S. wine industry. It’s exactly what he envisioned. Name three of your favorite Virginia wine varietals of the moment, and why? At this very moment, I’m really into Virginia rosés. I love the dry rosés coming from Virginia, and many have amazing flavors. Also include Virginia Viogniers and our blended Meritage-style wines. Six months ago I would have said Cabernet Francs and Petit Verdots; I switch around frequently. VWL
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O Do you have wine news to share? Email to: patrick@VirginiaWineLover.com
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Historic Christ Church Bayne Center, Irvington Aug. 4, 4–6 p.m. Williamsburg Winery Williamsburg Aug. 5, noon–4 p.m. Winery at Bull Run Aug. 25, noon–4:30 p.m. Reston Great Grape Festival Reston Sept. 8, 9, all day For more information, visit Leahy’s blog, www.RichardLeahy.com
B E Y O N D
Jefferson’s Vines THE EVOLUTION OF QUALITY WINE IN VIRGINIA
RICHARD G. LEAHY
Photo Courtesy of River & Trail Outfitters
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Paddling, Pouring And Performing A multi-adventure day for outdoor enthusiasts is offered by River and Trail Outfitters. There are two tour options, available weekends through October. Following a slow-paced guided kayaking or canoeing tour down the Potomac River (no prior paddling experience is needed to participate), folks land at Tarara Winery (in Loudoun County, near Leesburg), which parallels the waterway, and relax while sampling six wines, including Viognier, Chardonnay, rose’ and Charval (a white blend), paired with artisan cheeses. The event progresses to the winery’s 475-acre farm to enjoy a live musical performance under the starry skies. “We wanted to create a fun, relaxing trip that lets people unplug while enjoying the serene natural beauty and the delicious wines being crafted from the surrounding land,” says Natasha Baihly of River and Trail Outfitters. For more information, visit www.RiverTrail.com or call 888-446-7529.
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Virginia and East Coast wine guru Richard G. Leahy has written a book detailing the history and status of Old Dominion vino titled Beyond Jefferson’s Vines: The Evolution of Quality Wine in Virginia ($19.95, Sterling Publishing). Leahy’s knowledge comes honestly; he has been writing on Virginia wine since 1986 and is a regional editor for the Oxford Companion to the Wines of North America. Beyond Jefferson’s Vines includes historical perspective on wine growing and production in the state, as well as interviews with top wine industry leaders. Leahy has scheduled book signing appearances through the late summer and fall:
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Beyond Jefferson’s Vines
Photo Courtesy of Richard Leahy
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Breaux Vineyards, located in Purcellville, has been given a coveted space in wine expert Oz Clarke’s new book chronicling the best wines in the world. Clarke ranked Breaux’s Viognier number 87 in his 250 Best Wines 2012. It is one of only three United States wines ranked in the top 250. “There’s something special about Virginia wines, particularly when it comes to Viognier,” says the winery’s Jennifer Breaux Blosser in a release. “With an outstanding collection of flavorful classics, Virginia wines are holding their own with the best in the international marketplace, and we’re thrilled to be selected with this latest recognition.”
Photo Courtesy of Breaux Vineyards
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Northern Neck Sign Reveal: From left to right: Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore, Doug Flemer of Ingleside Winery, Virgina Delegate Margaret Ransone and Virginia Senator Richard Stuart.
Sign Of The Times
A new wine region sign program to attract more visitors to Virginia’s wine regions—and the vineyards within— has been kicked off. The signs, placed along roadways, announce to visitors that they are entering a particular American Viticultural Area (AVA)—a designated region noted for certain unique wine growing characteristics. The first sign was unveiled April 19 in the Monticello AVA at King Family
Vineyards by First Lady Maureen McDonnell, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore, Interim Virginia Tourism Corporation Director Rita McClenny and David King, coowner of King Family Vineyards. Throughout the spring and summer, signs will be placed at key points of entry in the Eastern Shore AVA, Northern Neck-George Washington Birthplace AVA, Shenandoah AVA and the Northern Virginia Wine Region. www.VirginiaWineLover.com n summer/fall 2012
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This summer’s OpSail 2012 in Hampton Roads brought dozens of visiting ships from across the country; it also showcased culinary prowess in the Fleet Chef Challenge, a cooking competition of about two dozens teams of regional chefs and their international counterparts in port for the event. Preliminary competition on Saturday reduced the number of teams to five for finals the next day. Using a mix of Virginia products—including wine, produce, seafood and specialty food items from across the state, as well as other ingredients—the chefs competed against each other, the 90-plus-degree heat in the improvised outdoor kitchen at Town Point Park in Norfolk and time; there was one hour to create dishes to wow a host of judges that included culinary professionals. The competition was coordinated by Culinary Institute of Virginia, the Virginia’s Finest arm of the state’s agriculture department, and Festevents. Winners were Chef Scott Simpson of the Founders Inn in Virginia Beach and Jose Franklin Obregon Uzhoa of the Ecuadorian ship Guaya, who worked in unison. Aided by Simpson’s knowledge of the Spanish language and a bit about the culture and foodways of Ecuador, where he had lived for 2-1/2 years, the international collaboration was enough to take home top honors. The duo prepared corn husk-wrapped black sea bass stuffed with lemons, onions and rosemary grilled on a cedar plank and topped with a sauce made from Virginia white wine, fresh leeks, Edwards country ham, fresh tomatoes, a splash of cream, and regional oysters. It was served with Ecuadorian-style rice made with fresh coconut water, studded with Chesapeake jumbo lump crab and topped with grilled local corn kernels. Along the side was a traditional South American salad with grilled hearts of palm, avocado, tomato and lime-pickled red onions.
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Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named Delaplane’s Barrel Oak Winery the most family-friendly winery around, besting operations in California, New York, Australia and France on the list of six. The publication notes: “Barrel Oak Winery is one of the most kid—and dog!—friendly wineries in Virginia. Little ones are greeted with juice boxes, and fun photographs of dogs adorn the tasting room walls. Parents can sip the Bowhaus White, a gold medal winner of the 2010 Indy International Wine Competition, at one of their picnic tables as kids roam the hilly landscape.”
Photo by patrick evans-hylton
Something For Everyone At Barrel Oak
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Photo by Jennifer Davis Heffner/Vita Images
Do you have wine news to share? Email to: patrick@VirginiaWineLover.com
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In addition the Glen Manor’s 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage, the other 11 wines that form the Governor’s Cup Case include: The 2012 Virginia Governor’s Cup was awarded by Gov. Bob McDonnell to Glen Manor Vineyards 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage. The wine is a blend of 63 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 percent Merlot, 6 percent Cabernet Franc and 6 percent Petit Verdot; tasting notes for the 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage describe the blended red wine as “a complex wine with ever-evolving aromas of dark red berries, eucalyptus, licorice, tea leaf, cassis and fresh ground coffee beans. On the palate, it is a highly structured wine of dark and refined flavors, with mouth-coating tannins, refreshed by brightness of acidity and finishing long and expressive. The complexity of this wine allows pairing with a wide variety of foods and cooking styles, from aged gouda and earthy sheep cheese to a rustic bowl of onion soup to rich meats, duck, game or lamb.”
• Bluestone Vineyard 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon • Delfosse Vineyards & Winery 2007 Meritage Blend • Jefferson Vineyards 2010 Cabernet Franc • Keswick Vineyards 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon • Keswick Vineyards 2010 Merlot • King Family Vineyards 2008 Meritage Blend • Potomac Point Winery 2009 Heritage Reserve Meritage Blend • Tarara Winery 2010 Honah Lee White Vinifera Blend • Trump Winery 2008 Kluge SP Blanc de Blanc Sparkling • Veritas 2010 Vintner’s Reserve Meritage Blend • White Hall Vineyards 2010 Gewurztraminer The 2012 Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition was conducted in two stages. The preliminary round took place in mid-January in Alexandria. The final round was judged in late January in Richmond. The Governor’s Cup award winner was selected from the 2012 Governor’s Cup Case, the top 12 scoring wines of the competition, which were selected from more than 400 entries. Jay Youmans, one of only of 31 Masters of Wine in the U.S., directed the competition. VWL
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virginia cheese is picture perfect for wine pairing
Words and Styling By Patrick Evans-Hylton
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here are many foods that pair wonderfully with wine, but none seem to have the same affinity as cheese. Across Virginia, there are many cheesemakers crafting beautiful expressions of the cheeses we are familiar with and some new offerings, too. Here are some of our favorite cheeses-of-the-moment for your consideration. Prices are not listed because they fluctuate; check with the cheesemaker directly or your favorite cheesemonger for costs. You may also want to check with the cheesemakers to see where their products are sold; some will ship, while others sell their products at gourmet shops and farmers markets across the state.
EVERONA DAIRY, Rapidan Piedmont: a hard, aged sheep’s milk cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and bit of tang www.EveronaDairy.com
OAK SPRING DAIRY, Upperville Bay Derby: a semi-firm cow’s milk cheese with a taste similar to a milder cheddar; traditional Chesapeake Bay crab seasoning provides a subtle spicy pepperiness OakSpringDairy@aol.com
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GOATS R US, Blackstone Lavender Goat Cheese: a light, tangy, spreadable goat cheese speckled with delicate culinary lavender Find Goats R Us on Facebook
OAK SPRING DAIRY, Upperville Asiago: a firm aged and brined cow’s milk with a slightly sharp, somewhat nutty flavor OakSpringDairy@aol.com
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MARSHALL FARMS, Unionville Farmstead Cheddar: a mildly flavored cow’s milk cheddar with a rich, creamy texture
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Web extra: visit us online at www.VirginiaWineLover.com for VWL executive editor Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton’s tips on crafting a delicious cheese board, as well as pairing wine with cheese. What pairs better with Virginia wine than Virginia food? In each Accoutrements we showcase our picks for products that enhance the Virginia wine experience culinarily and give you tips on serving them at your next soiree. VWL
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A Perfect Pair
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pies can make a well-rounded meal
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essert trends come and dessert trends go; a celebrated sweet treat one day seemingly falls out of favor the next. Not so with pie. We seem to have a love affair with this classic dish in all shapes and sizes. Pie can be savory, like chicken pot pie, or sweet, like apple pie. It can be a small, bite-sized dish or a large offering yielding many slices. Pie is also a dessert for all seasons—ice box lemon meringue pie cools us in the summer while hot-from-the-oven pumpkin pies warm the body and soul during winter holidays. We picked five of our favorite pies, great for the fall and winter season: deep dish pizza pie for watching weekend football games on television; chicken or turkey pot pie for use of Thanksgiving leftovers; and salted caramel apple, bourbon pecan and classic sweet potato pies that have tastes and traditions that resonate with this time of year. VWL contributing editor Frank Morgan offers some Virginia wine pairings for each dish and a word of advice: “It’s impossible to pair one wine with one dish to suit all palates. Instead, it’s important to remember to drink what you like.”
DEEP DISH PIZZA PIE With pepperoni, mushroom, and olives The raspberry, spice and earthy notes of the Annefield Vineyards Cabernet Franc would make a nice pairing. For a lighter alternative to complement the mushrooms, try the Ankida Ridge Pinot Noir (yes, Pinot—excellent Pinot—from Virginia.)
CHICKEN (OR TURKEY) POT PIE Linden Hardscrabble Chardonnay or the Jefferson Vineyards Chardonnay Reserve would be great choices.
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O Flour Child Bakery, Virginia Beach www.ILoveFlourChildBakery.com 757-464-1455 (Salted Caramel Apple pie by Cassie Baker )
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Special thanks to the following for the beautiful pies shown:
SALTED CARAMEL APPLE PIE The late harvest dessert wine Soleil from Breaux Vineyards Soleil would make an ideal sweet pairing. For a lighter alternative, try the Thibaut-Janisson Fizz sparkling wine.
SilverSpoon Bakery, Portsmouth www.SilverSpoonVA.com 757-673-8431 (Bourbon Pecan and Classic Sweet Potato pies by Claire Martinez) Twisted Sisters Cupcakes Café www.TwistedSistersCupcakes.com 757-675-3966 (Deep Dish Pizza and Chicken Pot pies by savory chef Margaret Derrick)
CLASSIC SWEET POTATO PIE I personally prefer a lighter rose like the 2011 Rose from Boxwood Winery or the slightly heavier Delaplane Cellars 2011 Rose. For a lighter alternative, try the Chardonnay-based Veritas Scintilla sparkling wine. VWL
BOURBON PECAN PIE Try the fortified Cru from Trump Winery, aged for more than a year in American bourbon barrels.
Words and Food Styling by Patrick Evans-Hylton | Photo by Jim Pile www.VirginiaWineLover.com n summer/fall 2012
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Reasons To Raise A Glass F
DOZENS OF VIRGINIA VINOS SIPPED, SWIRLED— AND SCORED— IN THE FIFTH VIRGINIA WINE LOVER MAGAZINE
WINE CLASSIC
By Patrick Evans-Hylton
For five years, we’ve been popping our cork over the incredible offerings of Virginia vino at the Wine Classic; this year we had more wineries enter than in years past, and we’ve had more winners in each category, as well. Our panel of wine experts spent the day at Riverstone Chop House in Suffolk—noted for its remarkable wine list, and the extensive wine list at its sister eatery, Vintage Tavern, also in Suffolk—examining the offerings from dozens of wineries. The judges sipped, swirled and spat some 140-plus of the best wines produced across the commonwealth, and evaluated each based on its own individual merit. Evaluation was done double-blind in flights, each recording their findings on sheets printed with a grid of the UC Davis (University of California at Davis) 20 Point System. The Davis system assigns a certain number of points to each of its 10 categories ranging from bouquet to color to taste to aftertaste. Our magazine team totaled and tallied each sheet to obtain an overall rating for each vintage, and we compiled the averages into four levels—Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. We present our findings to you here.
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The Criteria
The UC Davis 20 Point System evaluates wine on its own merits, looking at the following criteria and assigning a points value: Clarity – 2 points Color – 2 points Bouquet – 4 points Total Acidity – 1 point Sweetness – 1 point Body/Texture – 2 points Flavor/Taste – 2 points Bitterness – 1 point Finish – 1 point Quality – 4 points We tallied each judge’s evaluation sheet and came up with an average and placed each in one of four categories: Platinum 90 percent or higher Gold 70 – 89 percent Silver 50 – 69 percent Bronze 49 percent or lower
PLATINUM LEVEL WINNERS Chatham Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2009/2010 blend Fox Meadow Winery Cabernet Franc Reserve 2009 Naked Mountain Winery Chardonnay 2009 Barrel Fermented Pearmund Cellars Malbec 2010 Mt. Juliet Vineyard Rosemont Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2009 Vint Hill Craft Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Crown Orchard
—PEH
Special Thanks
A special thank you to owners Brian and Teresa Mullins and their staff at River Stone Chophouse in northern Suffolk for their hospitality in hosting the fourth annual Virginia Wine Lover Magazine Wine Classic judging. Their stunningly beautiful arts-and-crafts style restaurant was the perfect venue for the judging. We encourage you to stop by and sample the award-winning cuisine and outstanding wine list. River Stone Chophouse 8032 Harbour View Blvd., Suffolk 757-638-7990 www.riverstonechophouse.com
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GOLD LEVEL Winners Cedar Creek Winery Chardonnay 2010 Chateau Morrisette Chardonnay 2010 Chateau Morrisette Cabernet Franc 2010 Chateau Morrisette Frosty Dog 2010 (blend; dessert wine) Chatham Vineyards Chardonnay 2010 Oaked Chatham Vineyards Chardonnay 2010 Unoaked Chatham Vineyards Vintners Blend 2010 (Bordeaux-style blend) Chestnut Oak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Chestnut Oak Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Cooper Vineyards Coopertage 2009 (Bordeaux-style blend) Cooper Vineyards Chardonnay 2011 Stainless Steel Cooper Vineyards Norton 2010 Reserve CrossKeys Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2010 CrossKeys Vineyards Chardonnay 2011 CrossKeys Vineyards Vidal Blanc 2011 Joy White Democracy Vineyards Alabaster 2010 (Petit Manseng; dessert wine) Flying Fox Vineyards Petit Verdot 2009
Fox Meadow Winery Chardonnay 2010 Barrel Fermented Fox Meadow Winery Riesling 2011 Gray Ghost Vineyards Adieu 2011 (Late Harvest Vidal Blanc; dessert wine) Gray Ghost Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2011 Gray Ghost Vineyards Chardonnay 2010 Reserve Gray Ghost Vineyards Gewurtztraminer 2011 Gray Ghost Vineyards Ranger Reserve 2010 (Bordeaux-style blend) Ingleside Vineyards Petit Verdot 2007 Ingleside Vineyards Sangiovese 2009 Ingleside Vineyards Petit Verdot 2007 Reserve
Stinson Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2010 Stinson Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Sunset Hills Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 Sunset Hills Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2009 Sunset Hills Vineyard Viognier 2011 Vint Hill Craft Winery Petit Verdot 2008 Colucci Vineyards Vint Hill Craft Winery Chardonnay 2011 Black Fly – Meriweather Vineyard Old Vines Winery at Bull Run Cabernet Franc 2009 Colucci Vineyards Winery at LaGrange Delaney 2010 (cuvee blanc)
Naked Mountain Winery Old Vine 2011 (Riesling; dessert wine) Narmada Winery Cabernet Franc 2009 Reserve Narmada Winery Primita 2010 (Chambourcin; dessert wine) Narmada Winery Tannat 2010 Narmada Winery Traminette 2011 Pearmund Cellars Cabernet Franc 2010 Pan D’Or Vineyard Pearmund Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Crown Orchard
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SILVER LEVEL Winners Pearmund Cellars Chardonnay 2010 Meriweather Vineyard Old Vine
Bright Meadow Farms Chambourcin 2009 Burley Red
Paradise Springs Winery Nana’s Rose 2011 rosé
Casanel Vineyards Dulce 2009 Late Harvest Viognier (dessert wine)
Paradise Springs Winery Petit Manseng 2011
Casanel Vineyards Merlot 2009 Mas Que Nada
Paradise Springs Winery Sommet Blanc 2011 (Vidal Blanc/Traminette/ Riesling blend)
Casanel Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Mas Que Nada Cedar Creek Winery Cabernet Franc 2010
Flying Fox Vineyards Fox White 2011 (white blend)
Chateau Morrisette Petit Verdot 2008
Flying Fox Vineyards Merlot 2009
Chatham Vineyards Merlot 2009/2010 blended
Flying Fox Vineyards Trio 2008 (Bordeauxstyle blend)
Chestnut Oak Vineyards Petit Manseng 2010 Cooper Vineyards Coopertage 2011 (Chardonnay/Viognier blend) Cooper Vineyards Viognier 2011 CrossKeys Vineyards Merlot 2010 CrossKeys Vineyards Pinot Noir 2010 Democracy Vineyards Declaration 2011 (Chardonnay/Viognier/Petit Manseng blend) Democracy Vineyards Emancipation 2010 Merlot Democracy Vineyards Petit Manseng 2011 Democracy Vineyards Viognier 2011 Fincastle Vineyard Cabernet Franc 2009 Fincastle Vineyard Knight’s Tour 2008 (Bordeaux-style blend)
Fox Meadow Winery Le Renard Gris 2011 (white blend) Fox Meadow Winery Meritage 2009 Le Renard Rouge
Hickory Hill Vineyards Smith Mountain Lake Sunset (Chardonnay/ Vidal Blanc blend) Ingleside Vineyards Cabernet Merlot (Bordeaux-style blend) Ingleside Vineyards Virginia Gold 2007 (Bordeaux-style blend) MountainRose Vineyard Pocohontas Red 2010 (blend; dessert wine)
Gray Ghost Vineyards 2011 Chardonnay
Naked Mountain Winery Make Me Blush 2011 (rosé: Cabernet Franc/ Mourvedre blend)
Gray Ghost Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Unfiltered
Naked Mountain Winery Raptor Red 2008 (Bordeaux-style blend)
Gray Ghost Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Reserve
Narmada Winery Chambourcin 2010
Gray Ghost Vineyards Seyval Blanc 2011
Narmada Winery Melange 2010 (Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend)
Gray Ghost Vineyards Vidal Blanc 2011
Narmada Winery Vigonier 2011
Hickory Hill Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2009
Narmada Winery Yash-Vir 2010 (Bordeauxstyle blend)
Hickory Hill Vineyards Smith Mountain Lake Redbud (rosé) Hickory Hill Vineyards Smith Mountain Lake Mist (Vidal Blanc/ Chardonnay blend)
MountainRose Vineyard Blair White 2010 (Vidal/ Seyval Blanc blend) MountainRose Vineyard Jawbone 2010 (Chancellor/ Cabernet Franc blend)
Rosemont Vineyards Rosé 2011 Stinson Vineyards Meritage 2010 Stinson Vineyards Vidal Blanc 2011 Sugar Hollow Sunset Hills Vineyard Merlot 2010 Sunset Hills Vineyard Rosé 2011 Twin Oaks Tavern Chardonnay 2011 Vint Hill Craft Winery Chambourcin 2009 Colucci Vineyards Vint Hill Craft Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Crown Orchard Winery at Bull Run Chardonnay 2010 Meriweather Vineyard Old Vine Winery at Bull Run Meritage 2010 Winery at LaGrange Cabernet Franc 2010 Reserve Amrhein Winery at LaGrange Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Crown Orchard Winery at LaGrange General’s Battlefield Red 2010 (Meritage/ Tannat blend)
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The Critics
Nikolay Dimitrov – sommelier, manager of Salacia restaurant, Virginia Beach
Bobby Huber – executive chef, restaurateur; responsible for food and wine purchases Marisa Marsey – food and wine writer; Johnson & Wales University representative Gina McVeigh – sommelier; wine educator Frank Morgan wine blogger at www.drinkwhatyoulike. wordpress.com and Virginia Wine Lover magazine contributing editor Charlie Rizzo – sommelier, River Stone Chophouse, Suffolk Marc Sauter – sommelier, co-owner Zoes Steak & Seafood Restaurant, Virginia Beach Annette Schiller – wine writer and owner of ombiasy Public Relations, a firm focusing on, among other subject, organic food and wine Dr. Christian Schiller – wine blogger at http:// schiller-wine.blogspot. de/ and member of the International Federation of Wine and Spirits Journalists and Writers Adam Steely – sommelier; co-owner Blue Talon Bistro, Williamsburg Patrick Evans-Hylton – Virginia Wine Lover magazine executive editor; food and wine educator
BRONZE LEVEL Winners Bright Meadow Farms BAG 2010 (blackberry, apple, and Concord grape blend) Bright Meadow Farms Chambourcin 2009 Dan River Noir Bright Meadow Farms Norton 2009 Rebellion Red Bright Meadow Farms Vidal Blanc 2009 Bright Leaf Casanel Vineyards Chardonnay 2010
Pearmund Cellars Petit Manseng 2011 Rosemont Vineyards Merlot 2009 Rosemont Vineyards Pinot Grigio 2011 Rosemont Vineyards Traminette 2012 Winery at Bull Run Delaney 2011 (cuvee blanc) VWL
Casanel Vineyards Viognier 2010 Chateau Morrisette Chambourcin 2010 Chestnut Oak Vineyard Petit Manseng 2009 Democracy Vineyards Chambourcin Suffrage 2010 Democracy Vineyards Viognier 2011 Fincastle Vineyard Hybrid Vigor 2011 (Traminette/ Vidal Blanc/Chardonnel blend) Fincastle Vineyard Rosé 2011 (Chambourcin/ Vidal Blanc blend) Flying Fox Vineyards Viognier 2011 Ridge Run Hickory Hill Vineyards Merlot 2009 MountainRose Vineyard Chambourcin 2010 Dorchester MountainRose Vineyard Sweet Mountain Rose 2011 (Niagara grape) Naked Mountain Winery Viognier 2011 Paradise Springs Winery Viognier 2011
For winery contact information, including city, region, phone number and web address, visit the Grapevine section in this issue of Virginia Wine Lover magazine.
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C e l e b r at 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
2.
Home page will pop up. go directly to the region of your choice or‌
3. 1.
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Scan QR CODE with your smart-phone's camera
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Select your winery of choice
ningS Up, a Sac Th ke oUr ay!
pRESS FOR mappIng & DIRECtIOnS
Call WInERy
Sh geT Tod To app e e fr
tO SEE WInEmakER'S vIDEO
FOR a CuRREnt SpECIal IF OnE IS OFFERED
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24th Annual
Thank you to this year’s Platinum Sponsor:
September 29-30
27 Virginia Wineries 85 Juried Craft & Food Vendors Live Bands
November 17, 2012
For more info: 540.721.1203 www.smlwinefestival.com LakeWatch Plantation Moneta, VA
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Photo Provided By Thinkstock
a forK and thE road SHENANDOAH VALLEY
Story and Photos By Patrick Evans-Hylton
Exploring thE VallEy proVidEs a sEnsE of placE and sElf
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A FORK AND THE ROAD SHENANDOAH VALLEY
There is a specific sense of place in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
Fragrant fields at White Oak Lavender Farm
Crossing over the mountains on Interstate 64 from the rolling Piedmont to the east, the Shenandoah Valley opens up, and the town of Waynesboro is on display. Nearby is Barren Ridge Vineyards, where I met Allison Dugan, director of sales and marketing at Shenandoah Caverns and a tireless cheerleader of the region. Located on the family’s former apple orchard, a restored barn offers a charming place to sit and enjoy wine while looking out at the vast landscape. After speaking with the winery owners, John and Shelby 32 SUMMER/FALL 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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Although this stretch of land between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains runs the entire length of the western part of the state, the same sort of feeling is woven throughout. Warm. Inviting. Hospitable. It is a place that is comfortable with itself, comfortable for what it is: relaxed and unpretentious. It’s had time to get that way, for this is an old part of the world. History tells us that after tectonic plates smashed land masses together, the earth’s rocky crust was thrust skyward, with peaks as tall—or taller—than today’s Rocky Mountains. But millennia after millennia, Mother Nature caressed the mountains and smoothed out the edges, giving us the gentle, rolling giants we see today. Gentle is a good word to describe the Shenandoah Valley. Roads and rivers twist and turn, accommodating the mountains and their foothills, slowing the pace. Vast stretches of land stand silent witness to the seasons, told not through calendars but through the crops planted and harvested. Tiny hamlets are tucked in riverbends and mountain hollows, their people welcoming. Even if you are not from the Shenandoah Valley, soon you will feel like you are. Like long, mothering arms, the mountains on each side hug the Valley, and from within, the Valley hugs you. I spent six days exploring the northern part of the Shenandoah Valley, but it is six days that will remain with me always.
Higgs, we settled down for a tasting. A half-dozen reds and a half-dozen whites are offered, along with a rose and dessert wine. Several labels feature charming illustrations from local artist P. Buckley Moss; proceeds from sales from those that do benefit her Children’s Education Foundation. Of the reds, I particularly enjoyed the Cabernet Franc—the inky purple juice offering fruity notes and a smooth, full-bodied quaff with a nice peppery finish. The white blend, Harmony, was semi-sweet, lush and enjoyable on the warm day. The rest of the day was spent exploring, with a stop at
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a m
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.
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LEFT: Endless views of vineyards and stoic blue mountains at Barren Ridge Vineyards BELOW: A pour of a CrossKeys Vineyards vintage at a wine dinner at Massanutten Resort’s Fareways Restaurant
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White Oak Lavender Farm, a wonderful, storybook place with fields of lilachued plants waving in the wind, their romantic fragrance perfuming the air. A walk around the landscaped farm offered quiet areas to sit, and a shop provided opportunities to purchase lavender products, including culinary lavender. I checked into Massanutten Resort, an impressive community on the side of Massanutten Mountain featuring a hotel and rental condominiums. The accommodations were beautiful; two large bedrooms, two baths (one with a spa tub), an expansive living room and gourmet kitchen provided wonderful lodging. The resort offers many amenities, including snow sports and a waterpark in season, spa, golf and more. A great dining option is Massanutten’s Fareways Restaurant. I enjoyed a beautifully executed and paired wine dinner featuring vintages from nearby CrossKeys Vineyards, with winemaker Stephan Heyns leading the discussion.
My second day in the Valley started with breakfast at Skyline Café & Art, near Massanutten. The café is a charming mix of restaurant, art gallery and wine shop, and a ham and cheese omelet was enjoyed followed by browsing for local art. It was then a short drive to Harrisonburg, where, following a walk through the historic Hardesty-Higgins House, I set off with Kirsten Parmer from Rocktown Bites! for a culinary tour of downtown. The variety and quality of restaurants in Harrisonburg was impressive; we popped into a half-dozen eateries, each with unique menus and style and many with rooftop dining. At the end, I visited All Things Virginia, a remarkable shop from Vicki Ruckman and her son Mike Seal, featuring an 34 SUMMER/FALL 2012 ■ Virginia Wine Lover
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incredible assortment of Virginia comestibles and artwork. The shop has the quaint feel of a country store—welcoming, inviting—and a large array of products, from roasted coffee to roasted peanuts, as well as baking mixes, candy, cheese, country ham and more. Adjacent is Wine on Water, a wine bar operated by Cave Ridge Vineyards, which not only features their products, but vintages from other area wineries too. We enjoyed sitting and relaxing with a glass of wine in the sophisticated space while planning a trip through the countryside to see more. Near the small community of Bridgewater is Bluestone Vineyard, a stop along our drive. We sat down with winery owner Curt Hartman and his son Lee, the winemaker, to sample. >>Continued on page 36
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LEFT: One of the award-winning offerings at Barren Ridge Vineyards TOP: A stop at Bluestone Vineyard affords wonderful views and wine tastings bottom left: The stately Joshua Wilton House, a restaurant and inn bottom right: Locavore offerings from Joshua Wilton House Chef Mark Newsome
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The tasting room, overlooking the operations floor, also affords views of the rolling hills outside lined with row after row of vines. Of the wines sampled, we loved the 2010 Merlot, a beautiful, medium-bodied wine with flavors and aromas of black cherry, plum and a bit of chocolate. The Crooked and Weedy, named for a local train line, was a fun, sweet expression of Chambourcin. The final stop for the day was not only where I would enjoy dinner, but also where I would lodge overnight. The Joshua Wilton House is a stunning Victorian structure downtown with beautiful architectural features, including an impressive turret with spire reaching skyward. A large porch with rocking chairs welcomes guests, and inside warm, glowing wood and soft lighting set the elegant mood. I was joined for dinner by Zenaida Hall, director of the Shenandoah Valley Travel Association, who shared many wonderful stories of the richness of the Valley during the meal. We were seated in a small, intimate room with views of an outdoor courtyard and ordered from a menu beautifully exhibiting a commitment to local farms by executive chef Mark Newsome, who is also an owner of the property. The house salad was a wonderful start—a crisp, piquant mix of blue cheese, artichoke bottoms, hearts of palm, cherry tomatoes, bacon and raspberry vinaigrette over mixed greens. The Baugher Farms Rabbit was one of the best rabbit dishes I’ve ever had—a braised leg and grilled loin were tender, moist and flavorful and beautiful over cauliflower grain and squash fritter; a bourbon reduction sauce pulled it together nicely. Dessert of crème brulee made with Polyface Farms eggs was beyond decadent. My room was wonderful and accommodating; a large canopy bed provided the sleep needed for a wonderful breakfast downstairs and a full day ahead. 36 SUMMER/FALL 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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Following an early morning outing at the Harrisonburg Farmers Market—an impressive, producers-only market with many vendors—we made our way north to Mount Jackson and to the Route 11 Potato Chips factory. These specialty chips have long been a favorite of mine. Crafted in small batches with wonderful seasonings, the factory—open to the public—gives folks a chance to see how they are made and sample products. We also stopped by Shenandoah Caverns nearby and marveled at the wide assortment of things to do on the property in addition to exploring the namesake caverns, including American Celebration on Parade and Main Street of Yesteryear. The Yellow Barn is also a must-stop to see historical displays and a collection of restored carriages and farm vehicles from owner Earl Hargrove. Included inside is a Virginia wine shop and tasting room. A drive over the Meems Bottom covered bridge led us to the Widow Kip’s Country Inn, a charming bed and breakfast run by
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Plan your next getaway in V i r g i n i a BBQ, Bluegrass, Brews, Wine Tasting, Family Fun and More! Great food, unique gifts, pleasant company and one of the best wine selections in the Valley!
October 20, 2012
Voted by readers of Virginia Living Magazine in 2012: Best Coffee Shop, Best Place to Buy Wine
Woodstock Chamber of Commerce
Located at 117 South Main St. in…
www.woodstockautumnfest.com
www.cafeshoppes.com • 540-459-8888
540-459-2542
While in the area, make sure to check out the Museum, Visitor Center and Shops at the Edinburg Mill.
Edinburg Mill 214 S. Main St., Edinburg, VA 540-984-8400 • www.edinburgmill.com
Make Shenandoah Vineyards part of your Shenandoah County visit. Housed in a red barn dating to the Civil War, the winery sits atop an old stone foundation which serves as the aging cellar. An upper story deck offers a sweeping view of the mountains. Special events throughout the year.
Shenandoah V i n e yA r d S
3659 South Ox rd., edinburg, VA 22824 540-984-8699 • www.shentel.net/shenvine
Shenandoah County Tourism
600 North Main St., Suite 101 • Woodstock, VA 22664 888-367-3965 • www.shenandoahtravel.org • www.shenandoah-ed.org www.YouTube.com/user/VisitShenCoVA VWL 30-43 SHENANDOAH S-F12DU TEST.indd 37
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Delicious selections from Chef Ryan Zale at Local Chop & Grill House
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Betty and Bob Luse. This 1830 Victorian home feels just like that—a period home that where you are a guest. My Morning Glory room featured a hand-carved Victorian queen bed and was decorated in Williamsburg blue and dotted with antiques. Common areas allowed for visiting with the Luses and other guests and playing a game of checkers. Breakfast the next morning of Betty’s French toast with homemade apple syrup would prove delicious. For dinner, we backtracked a bit to Harrisonburg to Local Chop & Grill House, another of the city’s incredible restaurants that has a firm commitment to the farm-to-fork movement. Located in the old City Produce Exchange, the build out is impressive, with exposed old bricks and wooden beams. From executive chef Ryan Zale’s kitchen, we enjoyed several amuses, including a beautiful beef tartare with local meat topped with a Polyface Farms duck egg yolk tempura fried, perhaps one of the most remarkable starters I’ve had. Steak is a signature item, and my 12-ounce New York strip was done to perfection. Prepared with a garden rub atop of local herbs, the steak was seared beautifully on the outside and warm and pink inside, allowing the prime flavor to shine through. Creamed spinach with Turner country ham was a wonderful, rich side. Ice cream made with local honey and lavender sealed the deal for a remarkable, memorable meal. 38 SUMMER/FALL 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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The official spuds-man of Route 11 Potato Chips LEFT: The warm and inviting Widow Kip’s Country Inn
from ocal
A slow start in the morning allowed for a drive along country roads and exploring some of the small communities in the area. It was easy to get lost in time, with the bucolic beauty of the purple/ blue mountains surrounding the lush green fields, and stretches of road where only a tiny house was passed. In New Market, we met at Valley Wine Cellar to sample vintages from North Mountain Vineyards, which is located in nearby Maurertown and also open for tours. We enjoyed the wines tasted, remarking on the 2009 Chambourcin, a medium-bodied red with cherry notes and a bit of smokiness. We journeyed a short distance to Cave Ridge Vineyard, where we met with owner Randy Phillips for a barrel tasting. Later, we sat outside on the expansive patio under shading umbrellas and enjoyed the rolling countryside around us. Winemaker Randy Phillips of Cave Artisan cheeses were Ridge Vineyard offering a barrel tasting plated, and we tried several vintages. It was a leisurely afternoon, and we enjoyed every wine sampled. An outstanding white was the 2010 Barrel Aged Viognier. A fan of the grape, I also noted the 2011 Traminette. And while each red was also wonderful, two were standouts for us: the Red Silk, a Cabernet Franc, lived up to its name. This is one of the best Cab Francs I have had, its deep red color pulling you into flavors and mouthfeels best described as silky, sultry and velvety. The Fandango, a port>>Continued on page 40 www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SUMMER/FALL 2012
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A FORK AND THE ROAD SHENANDOAH VALLEY
TOP: The spectacular views from Cave Ridge Vineyard
Staunton’s farms and restaurants have been featured in the pages of New York Times, Southern Accents, Garden & Gun, USA Today and more!
LEFT: George Washington Hotel
>>Continued from page 39
1.800.342.7982 • www.SavorStaunton.com
style wine, was also a winner with deep, complex flavors and aromas. A light rain began to fall, and we hopped on the interstate to travel north to Winchester, known for apples and Patsy Cline. Also famous is the George Washington Hotel, a stunning historic property built in 1924 that serves as a classic example of what fine Southern hotels once were. The five-story brick structure, operated by Wyndham Historic Hotels, greets with a gracious awning and gorgeous lobby with glistening marble and brass and warm wood accents about. My room was perfectly modern, with a crisp, business suite appearance and full amenities.
Suzi Smith, the hotel’s director of sales and marketing, joined me for a rich Virginia breakfast the next morning, and we talked about the property’s history before I headed out to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, just west of town. This remarkable facility should not be missed as part of a trip to the Valley. There are several components, including the museum, the gardens and the historic Glen Burnie house. The museum’s Julie Armel took me through the gardens, a 40 SUMMER/FALL 2012 n Virginia Wine Lover
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six-acre area that includes a courtyard, boxwood parterre, as well as herb, knot, perennial, rose and vegetable gardens. We wandered through the lush greenness and stopped by an area perfect for picnics. In season, there are also concerts here. Later we made our way to the museum, an impressive structure designed by Michael Graves & Associates. Inside were several gallery spaces, showcasing a changing exhibit, fine art and antiques, miniatures and the Shenandoah Valley Gallery, which gives a wonderful overview of the Valley and its people. Lunch at Village Square Restaurant was enjoyed with friends from the National Restaurant Association. The eatery has a bistro feel—located along the historic pedestrian mall, outdoor seating greats guests, and muted lighting, exposed brick and warm colors create an inviting feeling. From chef Daniel Kalber’s kitchen I enjoyed a salad of arugula and local apples,
as well as a house-smoked barbecue beef brisket served on focaccia. The brisket was wonderfully flavored, tender, and a great way to wrap up this leg of my trip. I took some smaller roads south from Front Royal to Luray to my next destination: Skylands Resort, located within the Shenandoah National Park. This is one of the most beautiful drives I can imagine—climbing up the side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by soaring trees, you arrive at the top, literally, and drive along the curving roads hugging charcoal-gray rock cliffs that suddenly open up to spectacular views thousands of feet below. Along the way is the resort, located at 3,680 feet. Cool breezes greet you as you open the door and walk around the facilities, first created as a summer retreat in 1888. Here comfortable lodging and cabin rentals offer a night’s rest, while the Pollock Dining Room offers meals with incredible views. I spoke with Chef Peter Bizon about his culinary vision, and, mirroring so many >>Continued on page 42
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A FORK AND THE ROAD SHENANDOAH VALLEY
LEFT: Tranquil gardens for relaxing at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley BELOW: Wonderful views and local dishes from Chef Daniel Kalber at Skylands Resort
>>Continued from page 41
chefs in the region, the emphasis is on fresh and local. At dinner, I enjoyed a beautifully prepared fresh rainbow trout, pan seared, and topped with melting butter atop ethereal spoonbread. A slice of blackberry ice cream pie with mile high meringue was a sweet ending. From the dining room, I sat and lingered and watched deer walk by; another table thought they spotted a black bear. My cabin was quaint and warm, and, as the sunset, the tapestry of lights from the town of Luray so far below twinkled like the stars in the night sky above. I slept with the screen door open and enjoyed the fresh air and gentle sounds of the wind in the trees.
The perfect gift for housewarmings, weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays! Gift certificates available. Work available in 3 sizes窶馬otecards, too.
p e n & i n k i l l u s tr a ti o n s
757-291-7705
The final day of my Shenandoah Valley adventure ended with a leisurely drive down the mountain and a stop at Shadow Mountain Escape. There I sat down with Karen Riddle over freshly baked brownies and coffee to talk about her getaway cabins. Around the rustically landscaped property, literally at the foot of the Blue Ridge, she offers several freestanding, timberframe, romantic getaway retreats, including Butterfly Loft, Dragon Fly Cabin, Bumble Bee Cabin and Lady Bug Cabin. Riddle was also instrumental in setting up the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop, which circles the northern part of the Shenandoah National Park
TOP: Overlooking the Valley from Skyline Drive RIGHT: Peaceful retreats abound at Shadow Mountain Escape
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Massanutten Resort www.MassResort.com
Places mentioned in this article, in alphabetical order: All Things Virginia www.AllThingsVA.com Barren Ridge Vineyards www.BarrenRidgeVineyardsVA.com
Museum of the Shenandoah Valley www.ShenandoahMuseum.org North Mountain Vineyard & Winery Valley Wine Cellar www.NorthMountainVineyard.com Rocktown Bites! Find Rocktown Bites! on Facebook Route 11 Chips www.Rt11.com
Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop www.DiscoverShenandoah.com
and makes stops at various wineries as well as Copper Fox Whiskey Distillery and links them with lodging and dining options in the region; it’s a great journey within the Valley and on my list for another trip. (Note, Many wineries are also on the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, an excellent group of must-visit vineyards.
Shadow Mountain Escapes www.ShadowMountainEscape.com
Bluestone Vineyard www.BluestoneVineyard.com
Shenandoah Caverns www.ShenandoahCaverns.com
Cave Ridge Vineyard www.CaveRidge.com
Shenandoah Valley Travel Association www.VisitShenandoah.org
CrossKeys Vineyards www.CrossKeysVineyards.com
Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail www.ShenandoahValleyWineTrail.com
The George Washington Hotel www.Wyndham.com
Skylands Resort Shenandoah National Park www.NPS.gov/Shen
Joshua Wilton House www.JoshuaWIlton.com Hardesty-Higgins House Visitors Center www.HarrisonburgTourism.com Harrisonburg Farmers Market www.HarrisonburgFarmersMarket.com Local Chop & Grill House www.LocalChops.com
White Oak Lavender Farm www.WhiteOakLavender.com Widow Kip’s Country Inn www.WidowKips.com Wine on Water www.WineOnWater.com Village Square Restaurant www.VillageSquareRestaurant.com
WineTrail
After six days in the Shenandoah, I felt I had a better understanding of this special place, but I also had an understanding that even after almost a week here, I had barely touched the surface of all there is to see and do, as well as write about. In fact, every place I visited had more to tell than just the story I had room for here. Each person—warm, open and inviting—made me feel like I was a part of this special area. The Shenandoah Valley has a sense of place, and part of that is now with me. VWL
SHENANDOAH VALLEY
Cedar Creek Winery Star Tannery • 540-436-8394
Cross Keys Vineyards Mt. Crawford • 540-234-0505
North Mountain Vineyard & Winery Maurertown • 540-436-9463
Bluestone Vineyard Bridgewater • 540-798-7642
Shenandoah Vineyards Edinburg • 540-984-8699 Wolf Gap Vineyard Edinburg • 540-984-3306 Cave Ridge Vineyard Mt. Jackson • 540-477-2585 Wisteria Farm & Vineyard Stanley • 540-742-1489
Ox-Eye Vineyards Staunton • 540-849-7926 Barren Ridge Vineyards Fishersville • 540-248-3300 Rockbridge Vineyard Raphine • 540-377-6204 Lexington Valley Vineyard Rockbridge Baths • 540-462-2974
Blue Ridge Vineyard Eagle Rock • 540-798-7642
www.ShenandoahValleyWineTrail.com www.VirginiaWineLover.com n SUMMER/FALL 2012
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A Fork & The Road
Boxwood Winery
O
Where to go, what to know:
O
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History
r
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First Family, First Entertainers mount vernon offers a glimpse of the wining and dining lives of george and martha washington
By Patrick Evans-Hylton
r
O
Uncorked
TO DO In addition to touring Mount Vernon and the estate, consider these activities: Hoecakes & Hospitality: Cooking with Martha Washington is an exhibit offered through Aug. 11, 2013 that gives behind-the-scene looks at how foods were prepared and presented at Mount Vernon in the 18th century. Featured are recipes and cookbooks important to Martha Washington, as well as the kitchen equipment and utensils like pots and pans, and the fine tablewares that served guests. Visitors receive a recipe card for one of George Washington’s favorite dishes—hoecakes. www.MountVernon.org Gentleman Distiller: Dinner and Whiskey Tasting (offered Aug. 3) begins with a tour of George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill and progresses to a Virginia whiskey tasting with specialty cheese pairings and seated dinner at the Mount Vernon Inn. This is an inaugural event, and reservations are available now for the fete. www.MountVernon.org Wine Festival & Sunset Tour is offered twice a year—in the spring and in the fall—and features scores of Virginia wineries offering tastings against the backdrop of live blues music and the Mount Vernon mansion and estate. Also offered is an evening tour, including the rarely-opened basement where Washington stored his wine. This year’s fall event is Sept. 30–Oct. 4. www.MountVernon.org For a list of Mount Vernon-specific sites, activities and events can be found at the Mount Vernon website. www.MountVernon.org A full listing of local sites, activities and events can be found at the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association. www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com
U
nlike his contemporary, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington was not a gourmet. “My manner of living is plain, and I do not mean to be put out by it. A glass of wine and a bit of mutton are always welcome. Those who expect more will be disappointed,” he once wrote. Still, he had his favorite dishes, and he also considered the many guests—senators and foreign dignitaries among them—that dined with him at his presidential homes first in New York, then Philadelphia, as well as at his Mount Vernon estate. Mount Vernon, located near Alexandria, and its surrounding estate are open to the public as a living museum honoring the life of Washington. The Mount Vernon kitchen, as well as other culinary-centric spaces like the salt house and smokehouse, are available for touring. Close by is George Washington’s distillery, also available for tours. There are also special events and exhibits that offer a different view of the First Family—that of the nation’s first entertainers.
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TO STAY A full listing of local lodging can be found at the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association. www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com TO SUP Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant serves colonialinspired lunch daily and candlelit dinners Monday through Saturday in one of six dining rooms decorated in period pieces and served by costumed waitstaff. www.MountVernon.org or 703-780-0011 A full listing of local dining options can be found at the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association. www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com TO SIP Wineries in the region include: Potomac Point Winery Wines include: Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Traminette, Viognier, white blends, roses, Cabernet Franc, Meritage, Merlot, Norton, Petit Verdot, red blends and a port-style wine. www.PotomacPointWinery.com Photos by david uhrin
7/6/12 11:34 AM
O
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A full list of Northern Virginia wineries can be found in the Grapevine section of this magazine and on VWL’s mobile phone app, available for download at our website. www.VIrginiaWineLover.com
O
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LEARN MORE A beautiful hardback book, Dining with the Washingtons: Historic Recipes, Entertaining, and Hospitality from Mount Vernon (The University of North Carolina Press, 2011) is available at Mount Vernon, online at Mount Vernon’s website and through booksellers. The 208-page book is an authoritative look at the daily lives of George and Martha Washington, including the foods and foodways at Mount Vernon. www.MountVernon.org/shop/cookbooks/ dining-washingtons Dishing Up Virginia by VWL executive editor Patrick Evans-Hylton is a historical look at the state through food and wine and will be released in 2013 by Storey Publishing. It includes information about Washington and features inspired recipes. Check Evans-Hylton’s website for more information. www.PatrickEvansHylton.com VWL —PEH History Uncorked is an ongoing column examining Virginia people and places through travel to historic destinations statewide with a food and wine slant.
R E T R E AT. R E N E W . R E C O N N E C T.
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 $259* Shared Wines & Treasured Times Package, from $679* Book now at LansdowneResort.com or call 877-512-8400. *Pricing does not include resort fee and tax.
44050 Woodridge Parkway, Leesburg, Virginia 20176 • 30 miles west of Washington, D.C. • 8 miles from Dulles Airport
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Virginia Winery Map
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
S
100
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. 46 SUMMER/FALL 2012 ■ Virginia Wine Lover
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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
7/6/12 12:06 PM
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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 N Front Royal N-65 N-52 N-13 N-2 N-4 SHENANDOAH GLEN MANOR N-34 N N-19 -19 N-34 SH-18 N-67 PHILIP N-9 Fairfax SH-10 N N-14 CARTER SH-25 CHESTER N-16 N N-40 66 N-50 N-55 N N-51 N-51 GAP N-49 SH-12 Manassas FAUQUIER N N-37 SH-5 Park & -31NARMADA RAPPAHANNOCK N FAIRFAX N-5 N-31 N-64 Manassas RAPPAHANNOCK N-44 N-44 N N-39 PRINCE WILLIAM N-24 N-24 N-26 N-62 N-25 GADINO PAGE N-41 N-57 -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 N-30 N-21 N-35 Winchester GATE N-18 N-45 N N-23 SUNSET HILLS N 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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NORTHERN
SH-17 Rockbridge Vineyard N-11 Castle Gruen
NORTHERN
SHENANDOAH
EASTERN
CENTRAL
CENTRAL
WESTERN
WESTERN
WESTERN REGION
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
W-2 Abingdon
SH-3 Blue Ridge Vineyard
Vineyard & Winery Abingdon – 276-623-1255
W-4 W-5 W-6
W-7 W-8
W-9 W-10
★W-11 W-12
SH-18 Shenandoah Vineyard Edinburgh – 540-984-8699
SHENANDOAH REGION
W-1 Attimo Winery
Eagle Rock – 540-798-7642
SH-11 Lexington Valley
Vineyards Rockbridge Baths – 540-462-2974
Stuart 276-694-7074
W-14 Villa Appalaccia Winery Floyd – 540–593–3100
W-15 Vincent’s Vineyard Lebanon – 276-889-2505
★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
N-31 Hume Vineyards
N-50 Pearmund Cellars
N-32 Hunter’s Run
N-51 Philip Carter
Wine Barn Hamilton 703-926-4183
N-13 Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint Markham – 540-364-6441
SH-20 Valhalla Vineyards Roanoke – 540–725–9463
N-33 Lake Anna Winery
Spotsylvania – 540-0895-5085 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-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-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
SH-4 Bluestone Vineyard Beliveau Estate Bridgewater- 22812 Winery 4828 Spring Creek Rd, Blacksburg – 540-828-0099 SH-23 276-623-1255 www.bluestone vineyard.com Blacksnake Meadery Hours: Nov-Mar; ThursDugspur – Mon Noon-6pm; 540-834-6172 April-Oct; Mon-Thurs SH-24 11-6pm, Fri-Sat Brooks Mill Winery 11-7pm Sun 1-6pm Wirtz – 540-721-5215 SH-5 Cave Ridge Vineyard Mt. Jackson Chateau Morrisette 540-477-2585 Winery Floyd – ★SH-6 Cedar Creek Winery SH-25 540-593-9218 Star Tannery – 540-436-8394 Coltsfoot Winery Abingdon SH-7 Cross Keys 888-685-8750 Vineyards Mt. Crawford – Davis Valley Winery 540-234-0505 and Vineyard Rural Retreat – SH-8 Fincastle Vineyard 276-686-8855 & Winery Fincastle – Foggy Ridge Cider 540-591-9000 Dugspur – 276-398-2337 SH-9 Fox Meadow Winery N-1 Linden Mountain Rose 540-636-6677 Vineyards Wise – SH-10 Glen Manor Vineyard 276–328–2013 Front Royal – 22630 N-2 2244 Browntown Road Mt. Vale Vineyards 540-635-6324 Galax – www.glenmanor 276-238-9946 vineyards.com ★N-3 Apr-Nov: Wed-Sat, Rural Retreat Winery 11am-5pm. Sun, & Dye’s Vineyards 12pm-5pm. Dec-Mar: Rural Retreat Fri & Sat, 11am-5pm. 276-686-8300 Sun, 12pm-5pm.
W-13 Stanburn Winery
Vineyards and Winery Locust Dale – 540-229-2498
Raphine – 540-377-6204
SHENANDOAH EASTERN
★W-3
O
Virginia Winery Listing
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 Fri – Sun 12pm – 5pm Estate Vineyard Mar – Dec Middleburg – 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
48 SUMMER/FALL 2012 ■ Virginia Wine Lover
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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 SHENANDOAH EASTERN CENTRAL
CENTRAL REGION
EASTERN REGION
★E-5
E-6
E-7 E-8 E-9
E-10
E-11 E-12 E-13 ★E-14
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 – C-41 540-948-9005 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 – Grayhaven Winery Amhearst 757-665-5670 C-23 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 Vineyard C-5 Barboursville 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 Horton Cellars Blenheim Vineyards Vineyard C-6 C-26 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 The Hague Winery C-8 Brightwood Vineyard & Farm Hague – C-28 Jefferson Vineyards Charlottesville – Brightwood 804-472-5283 434-977-3042 540-948-6845 ★C-50 Holly Grove Keswick Vineyards Burnley Vineyards Vineyards C-9 C-29 Keswick & Daniel Cellars Franktown – 434-244-3341 Barboursville – 757-442-2844 C-51 540-832-2828 Hummel Vineyards C-30 Kilaurwen Winery 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 Oak Crest Winery C-33 Leo Grande Winery 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
WESTERN
E-4
Crozet – 434-823-7605
E-18 White Fences
Vineyards Concord 434-993-0722
C-1 Afton Mountain
★C-57 Windy RIver Winery
C-36 Mountfair Vineyards C-37 Neala Estate
Vineyard Leesburg – 703-431-2016
E-3
Vineyard Lovingston – 434-964-6124
C-17 Devault Family
N-68 Zephaniah Farm
E-2
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 Prince Michel 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
Vineyards Vernon Hill – 434-579-2836
S-5 The Homeplace Vineyard Chatham 434-432-9463
S-6 Hunting Creek Vineyards Clover – 434-454-9219
NORTHERN SHENANDOAH
S-7 Molliver Vineyards
EASTERN
Nathalie – 434-349-1000
CENTRAL WESTERN
S-4 Greenwood
SOUTHERN
SOUTHERN REGION
S-8 Preston Ridge
S-1 Alta Vista Vineyards
Winery Martinsville 276-957-2100
Hurt 434-324-4160
S-9 Rosemont Vineyards
S-2 Annefield Vineyards Saxe – 434-454-7559
S-10 Sans Soucy Vineyards
S-3 Bright Meadows
Farm Vineyard & Winery Nathalie – 434-349-5349
& Winery LaCrosse – 434-636-9463
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
T H E
D G O O
L I F E
R FREE S FOR OU E ERIE D O C W R HIS Q TO VIRGINIA IN SCAN TG UIDE MOBILE T I N G B R A C E L E
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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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WESTERN BLACK DOG WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Aug. 11. A day of music with Carbon Leaf, food and craft vendors, sangria, winery tours, and tastings at this annual festival. $. 11 a.m. Château Morrisette.
ART DOWN THE PARKWAY
Aug. 18-19. Visit seven wineries for tastings and enjoy the work of local artisans and musicians at each trail location. $. mountainroadwineexperience.com
GRAYSON COUNTY WINE FESTIVAL
Aug. 25. Enjoy live music, food and craft vendors, and sample wines from area wineries at the historic 1908 Courthouse in Independence. $. www.historic1908courthouse.org
FLOYD YOGA JAM
Aug. 31-Sept. 2. A 3-day festival of yoga and music featuring locally sourced organic food, and regional beer and wine. Held at Burnette Farm in Willis. $. 12 p.m. www.floydyogajam.com
GRILLIN AT THE GATE
Sept. 8. A new event featuring a
variety of live music, BBQ vendors and competitions, and a beer garden featuring Virginia brews. $. 10 a.m. www.explorescottcountyva.com
LAMBS & CLAMS
Sept. 15. Sample a Portuguese inspired
stew with a glass of cider; hosted by Travis Croxton of Rappahannock River Oysters and Craig Rogers of Border Springs Farm. $. 12 p.m. Foggy Ridge Cider.
OKTOBERFEST
Oct. 6. The festivities this year will include barrel rolling, barrel riding competitions, live music, tastings, and more. $. AmRhein’s Wine Cellars.
WINE & SWINE
Oct. 6. An evening of live music and
wine; food available for purchase. $. 4 p.m. West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery.
HALLOWEEN OPEN HOUSE
CARIBBEAN NIGHT
Aug. 18. Enjoy dinner and music
from The Fabulous Pan Masters in the Courtyard. $ Cave Ridge Vineyard.
SUMMER CELEBRATION
Oct. 27. Sample cider and mead paired
Aug. 18. Celebrate summer with an evening
BLACK FRIDAY RECOVERY
Aug. 24. Bring a picnic dinner and enjoy
with Halloween snacks at both Foggy Ridge Cider and Blacksnake Meadery. $. 11 a.m. Blacksnake Meadery and Foggy Ridge Cider.
Nov. 24. Enjoy a bowl of turkey soup
paired with cider at Foggy Ridge, and honey glazed pork and sweet potatoes with mead at Blacksnake Meadery. $. 11 a.m. Blacksnake Meadery and Foggy Ridge Cider.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Dec., 1-2, 8-9. Enjoy complimentary
wine tastings, tours, hors d’oeuvres, and live music at the festively decorated winery. 12 p.m. Château Morrisette.
HOLLY DAYS
Dec. 8-9. Wine tastings, mulled wine,
winery tours, and a special harvest tasting will be among the offerings. 11 a.m. AmRhein’s Wine Cellars.
of wine and live music from Runaway Jones; food available for purchase. $. 5:30 p.m. Virginia Mountain Vineyards.
TOAST THE WEEKEND
live music from Standing Room Only at the vineyard; the tasting room will be open late. $. Bluestone Vineyard.
CONCERT SERIES
Sept. 1. Bring folding chairs or a blanket
to enjoy an evening of music from Solrevolt; food will be available for purchase or bring a picnic basket. $. 6 p.m. Fincastle Vineyard and Winery.
SHENANDOAH VINEYARDS HARVEST FESTIVAL
Sept. 8. An annual event featuring wine tasting, seminars, arts and crafts, live music, children’s entertainment, and grape stomping. $. 11 a.m. Shenandoah Vineyards.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Dec. 15. Try a glass of mulled mead and
PHOTO BY BO SYKES
Note: contact information for Virginia wineries can be found in the Virginia Winery Listing in this issue of VWL
enjoy music from Mike Mitchell at Blacksnake. $. 11 a.m. Blacksnake Meadery.
R
SHENANDOAH WINE AND WAGS
Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12. Celebrate
Fridays with Virginia wines; bring your dog and a picnic lunch, or purchase snack baskets. Lexington Valley Vineyard.
WINE DINNER
Aug. 17. A gourmet 5-course, wine-
paired dinner. Reservations required. $. Cross Keys Vineyards & Estate.
ROSELAND POLO Sundays, Memorial Day through mid-October. Enjoy polo matches at King Family Vineyards with the Blue Ridge as the backdrop; matches start at 1:30 p.m. Wine for purchase. King Family Vineyards.
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BREW & BLUES FESTIVAL
Sept. 29. Enjoy an afternoon of festival
foods, live blues, and sample Virginia beers and microbrews. Held in downtown Front Royal. $. 1 p.m. www.brewandblues.com
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Oct. 6. Celebrate the harvest with live
music and wine at this 20th annual festival. 12 p.m. Rockbridge Wines.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY WINE & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Oct. 12-14. This 16th annual family celebration features live music, regional wine, activities for kids, kite flying, and pumpkin chunking. Held at Long Branch, Millwood. www.historiclongbranch.com
Wine, Moon, & Stars
Oct. 19. Enjoy live music, a brief
astronomical discussion by John Goss of the Roanoke Astronomy Club, and view the October sky through telescopes set up in the vineyard; chili, bagels, and wine will also be available. $. 6 p.m. Virginia Mountain Vineyards. Continued on page 52>>>
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music, and lunch available for purchase from Rick’s BBQ. $. 9 a.m. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRITT MARKETING
O
ANNIVERSARY SOIREE
Aug. 18. Celebrate Sugarleaf’s 6th anni-
versary with wine, cheese, live music, and the release of an inaugural, award-winning vintage. $. Sugarleaf Vineyards.
WINERY SHAKESPEARE TOUR
Aug. 18-19. The Hamner Theater will
perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the winery. DelFosse Vineyards and Winery.
VIRGINIA CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL
VIRGINIA WINE & GARLIC FESTIVAL Oct. 13-14. Seven area wineries will participate, offering wine tasting and sales; garlicky foods, live entertainment, contests, and vendors will also be featured. $. Rebec Vineyards.
SUNSETS AT THE VINEYARD
Oct. 19. An evening of wine, live music,
and food. $. 7 p.m. Barren Ridge Vineyards.
HOW SWEET IT IS
Nov. 10. Learn tips on how to pair wine
and chocolates; includes instruction, plus wine and artisan chocolate tasting. $. 7 p.m. Reservations required. Veramar Vineyard.
MILITARY, FIREFIGHTER AND POLICE APPRECIATION DAY
Nov. 10. Service men and women will receive a free glass of wine and 10% discount on all bottle purchases. Veramar Vineyard.
SHENANDOAH UNCORKED
Nov. 10. A family-friendly event featur-
ing live music, food and craft vendors, children’s activities and wines from nine Shenandoah Valley wineries. $. 10 a.m. At The Yellow Barn, Shenandoah Caverns. www.shenandoahuncorked.com
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Dec. 1-2. Shop early for holiday gifts and enjoy snacks and wine tastings. Shenandoah Vineyards.
CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Dec. 21-23. Celebrate the first day of winter with light refreshments and a glass of wine by the fire. Wisteria Farm & Vineyard.
NEW YEARS EVE CHARITY BALL
Dec. 31. A holiday celebration with dancing, food, and wine. Proceeds to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. $. 7 p.m. Cross Keys Vineyards & Estate.
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CENTRAL
ROSELAND POLO
Sundays, Memorial Day through mid-October. Enjoy polo matches at
King Family Vineyards with the Blue Ridge as the backdrop; matches start at 1:30 p.m. Wine for purchase. King Family Vineyards.
TOMAHAWK MILL SUMMER FESTIVAL
July 28. Enjoy wines from five guest win-
Aug. 25. Sample beer from Virginia craft breweries and enjoy music, food and more at the Devils Backbone Brewing Company concert grounds. $. 11 a.m. www.dbbbrewingcompany.com
CONCERT AT THE VINEYARDS
Aug. 31. An evening of wine, sangria
and live music from Wysteria Band. 7 p.m. DeVault Family Vineyards.
BIRTH OF DEMOCRACY FESTIVAL
Sept. 1. This 4th annual festival will include events in a new tasting room and winery building as well as the traditional blessing of the harvest. Democracy Vineyards.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Sept. 1-2. A yearly celebration featuring grape stomping, live music, traditional German food, wine tastings, and cellar tours. $. 12 p.m. First Colony Winery.
HARVEST WINE FESTIVAL
Sept. 1. This 7th annual event features
eries, food vendors, crafters, clowns, grape stomping, hay rides, and live music. $. 1 p.m. Tomahawk Mill Vineyard & Winery.
three guest wineries, live music, tours, and food and craft vendors. Picnics welcome. $. 11 a.m. James River Cellar Winery.
ANNUAL HOP HARVEST
ROMP, STOMP AND CHOMP HARVEST CELEBRATION
Aug. 1. Participate in the harvest of
hops; enjoy lunch, live music from Tara Mills, and locally-brewed beer. $. 12 p.m. At Blue Mountain Brewery. www.bluemountainbrewery.com
Sept. 1-2. Events include grape
BLACKBERRY HARVEST FESTIVAL
Sept. 2. Spend the day enjoying live
Aug. 4. This annual event includes wine
and mead tasting paired with food, live
stomping, wine, music, and riverside picnics. 10 a.m. Wintergreen Winery.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND PARTY
music and wine with a mountain view; picnics and dogs welcome. 11 a.m. DuCard Vineyards.
52 SUMMER/FALL 2012 ■ Virginia Wine Lover
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STARRY NIGHTS
Sept. 8. The Hackensaw Boys will provide
the live entertainment, plus wine, and dinner. $. 7 p.m. Veritas Vineyards & Winery.
SHRIMP & WINE FESTIVAL
Sept. 8. Enjoy local shrimp, live music,
and wines from seven wineries at this 3rd annual festival. $. 12 p.m. Sans Soucy Vineyards.
SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Sept. 8-9. An annual festival featuring
live music/dance performances, arts and crafts, South African dishes and wines as well as Virginia-made wines. $. 11 a.m. Grayhaven Winery.
VIRGINIA WINE & GARLIC FESTIVAL
Oct. 13-14. Seven area wineries will participate, offering wine tasting and sales; garlicky foods, live entertainment, contests, and vendors will also be featured. $. Rebec Vineyards.
Oct. 24. Adults will be entertained with
CIGAR & WINE PAIRING SEMINAR
Oct. 26. This 7th annual event benefits the
Oct. 14. Larry Lucas of Tobacco Road
shares his insights on pairing cigars with wines; wine tasting and a glass of wine included with the seminar. $. 12 p.m. Prince Michel Winery.
HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY
Oct. 19. Second annual party for the
FLIP FLOP FRIDAY
grownups at the vineyards. DeVault Family Vineyards.
from Laura Adcock. 6 p.m. The Homeplace Vineyard.
FALL HARVEST AND LEAF PEEP FESTIVAL
Sept. 14. Enjoy wine and live music
CONCERT AT THE VINEYARDS
HALLOWEEN AT THE VINEYARDS
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Oct. 20. Vineyard tours, tasting, local
readings from Edgar Allan Poe, wine, and heavy appetizers. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. Tomahawk Mill Winery & Vineyard.
OPPORTUNITY BALL
Nelson County Community Fund; enjoy a five-course wine-paired meal and dancing. Reservations required. $. 6 p.m. Veritas Vineyards & Winery.
AUTUMN BARREL TASTING
Oct. 27-28. An enhanced tasting
focusing on valuable older vintages plus a sampling of 2011 reds from the barrel; artisan cheeses from Caromont Farms will also be featured. $. 11 a.m. Barboursville Vineyards.
ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE
Oct. 29-30. Enjoy small, private tours of
Sept. 22. An evening of wine and live
barbeque, and entertainment will be featured, including live music from Beleza Brasil. DuCard Vineyards.
the wine cave and sample directly from the barrel; picnics welcome. $. Stone Mountain Vineyards.
LAKE ANNA WINE FESTIVAL
POWHATAN’S FESTIVAL OF THE GRAPE
Nov. 3. This annual festival celebrates
music from Dallas Wesley and Band. 6 p.m. Afton Mountain Vineyards.
Sept. 22. New this year, the festival will
celebrate local wineries with refreshments and activities for the entire family. $. 11 a.m. Held at the Cutalong Development. www.lakeannawinefestival.com
SOUTH HILL WINE FESTIVAL
Oct. 20. 10th annual festival featuring family fun, Virginia wines, food and craft vendors, and live entertainment. $. 11 a.m. Held at the Powhatan Courthouse. www.powhatanwinefestival.com
APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL
the heritage of apple-growing with crafts, hayrides and cider pressing; tours through the Cidery and events in the Tasting Room will also be featured. 10 a.m. Albemarle CiderWorks. CONTINUED ON PAGE 54>>> PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL MOOSE PHOTOGRAPHY
Sept. 22. Sample wines from area winer-
ies; enjoy the work of local artists, music, and food. $. 12 p.m. Held at Centennial Park, South Hill. www.southhillrotaryclub.org
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE WINE FESTIVAL
Sept. 29-30. This 2-day festival features 27 wineries and 85 juried craft and abundant food vendors. $. 11 a.m. Held at LakeWatch Plantation, Smith Mountain Lake. http://smlwinefestival.com
HARVEST BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Sept. 29-30. A popular annual festival featuring live music, workshops, food vendors, wine, and children’s activities. $. 11 a.m. Grayhaven Winery.
FALL FOLIAGE OPEN HOUSE
Oct. 6-7. Enjoy seasonal food samples paired with wine. 11 a.m. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery.
VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 15-16. The longest-running wine festival on the East Coast with more than 50 Virginia wineries pouring some 350-plus vintages. $. At Great Meadows in The Plains, Va. www.virginiawinefest.com www.VirginiaWineLover.com ■ SUMMER/FALL 2012
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NORTHERN
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.
CARIBBEAN BEACH PARTY
Aug. 4. An evening of wine from four lo-
TOWN POINT VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL Oct. 20-21. This 25th annual festival will showcase more than 200 of Virginia’s wine varieties; live music, gourmet food venders, and crafts will also be featured. $. 11 a.m. Held at Town Point Park, Norfolk. www.festevents.org
include oysters from Rappahannock River Oyster Co., live music, and wine. $. 12 p.m. Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery.
Trail: Cooper, Grayhaven, James River Cellars and Lake Anna and get a souvenir wine glass and tastings. Food and craft vendors at various stops. www.HOVAwinetrail.com
THOMAS JEFFERSON WINE FESTIVAL
Dec. 8. Toast the holiday season with
Nov. 17. Enjoy tastings from 12 Virginia
wineries, food and craft vendors, live entertainment. $. 11 a.m. Held at Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest. www.poplarforest.org
THANKSGIVING OPEN HOUSE
Nov. 23-24. Tour the vineyard and enjoy wine tasting paired with hot soup and Horton Norton Chili. $. Horton Vineyards.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Nov. 23-24. Celebrate the holidays with wines by the fireplace and samplings from Palladio Restaurant. 12 p.m. Barboursville Vineyards.
ANNUAL HOLIDAY/ CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Dec. 1-2. Enjoy tasting new releases and hot mulled wine with hors d’oeuvres. 11 a.m. Burnley Vineyards.
JINGLE BELL WINE TRAIL
Dec. 1-2. Tour several Central Virginia
wineries, part of the Heart of Virginia Wine
SUMMER SUNSETS
Aug. 18. Bring a blanket or lawn chair
and enjoy wine and cheese with live music from Dave Goodrich. 6 p.m. Old House Vineyards.
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Sept. 1. Visit the tasting room to enjoy live music, bocce, and wine. $. 2 p.m. Gadino Cellars.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
PHOTO BY JEFF HEIDIG
OYSTER ROAST
Nov. 10-11. This 9th annual event will
cal wineries, food, and beach music. $. 5 p.m. Lake Anna Winery.
wine tasting, light hors d’oeuvres, mulled wine, hot cider, and cookies. $. 12 p.m. Woodland Vineyard.
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY
Dec. 9. Enjoy live music, wine tasting, and special gifts throughout the day. DuCard Vineyards.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Dec. 15-16. Shop for wines and enjoy a tasting fee-free weekend. 11 a.m. Cooper Vineyards.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Dec. 22-23. Celebrate the holidays with seasonal wines available to taste and purchase, and shop for gifts from craft vendors. 11 a.m. James River Cellars Winery.
NEW YEAR’S EVE MASKED BALL
Dec. 31. A festive, black tie optional, fivecourse winemaker’s dinner with dancing and champagne toast at midnight. Reservations required. $. 7 p.m. Veritas Winery.
CARIBBEAN BEACH PARTY Aug. 4. An evening of wine from four local wineries, food, and beach music. $. 5 p.m. Lake Anna Winery.
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benefit Habitat for Humanity. Reservations required. $. 4 p.m. Lake Anna Winery.
required. $. 10:30 a.m. Rogers Ford Farm Winery.
wine tasting and a winery tour, and live music at the vineyards; catered meals available for purchase. Reservations required. 10:30 a.m. Tarara Winery.
FREDERICKSBURG AREA WINE FESTIVAL
Nov. 10. Enjoy wine and live music
Sept. 8. A day of canoeing/kayaking,
GREAT GRAPES WINE FESTIVAL
Sept. 8-9. Enjoy a wide variety of wines
from more than 20 area wineries; food and craft vendors and children’s activities will also be featured. $. 11 a.m. Held at Reston Town Center. www.uncorkthefun.com
BBQ DATES AT DESERT ROSE
Sept. 15. Enjoy wine and barbeque
provided by Setter Mountain. $. 1 p.m. Desert Rose Ranch & Winery.
VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL
Sept. 15-16. The longest-running wine
festival on the East Coast with more than 50 Virginia wineries pouring some 350plus vintages. $. At Great Meadows in The Plains, Va. www.virginiawinefest.com
TASTE OF ITALY
Sept. 22. An annual event offering
authentic Italian food, music, dancing, grape stomping, wine tasting, activities for the kids, and more. $. 12 p.m. Doukénie Winery.
WINEMAKER’S DINNER
Sept. 22. Enjoy an evening of food and
wine with Chef Eric Stamer. Reservations required. $. Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards.
Oct. 6-7. Sample wines from eight
Virginia wineries and enjoy live music, products from local artisans and crafters, and activities for kids. $. Held at Old Mill Park, Fredericksburg. www.fredericksburgwine.com
NORTON WINE & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Oct. 6-7. Enjoy live bluegrass from
Jackass Flats and others, regional food and crafts, hay rides, vineyard tours and extensive tasting. $. Chrysalis Vineyards.
TASTE OF CULPEPER
Oct. 7. A family festival featuring Virginia wines and microbreweries, local cuisine, live entertainment, and vending from local artisan and crafters. $. 12 p.m. Held at The Depot, Culpeper. www.culpeperdowntown.com
FALL ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL
Oct. 13. This 2nd annual festival at the winery features a variety of artists and crafters as well as wines. The Winery at La Grange.
KAYAK WINE RUN
Oct. 28. Enjoy a six-mile paddle on the
Rappahannock followed by lunch and wine tasting at the vineyard. Reservations
MUSIC AT THE VINEYARDS
from Pat Egan and Friends. 4 p.m. Notaviva Vineyards.
GALA RELEASE PARTY
Nov. 10. Features live music, open wine bar, buffet dinner, and the release of the 2009 vintage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Reservations required. $. 7:30 p.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards.
APPETIZER COOKING CLASS
Dec. 1. Learn new recipes and techniques from Chef Maria, and enjoy appetizers paired with Doukénie wines. $. 6:30 p.m. Doukénie Winery.
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Dec. 1-2. This holiday event features
wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, and cork decorations. $. 11 a.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards.
HEART OF VIRGINIA JINGLE BELL TRAIL
Dec. 1-2. A passport ticket lets you sample wines and snacks from four Heart of Virginia wineries. $. www.hovawinetrail.com
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Dec. 1. Enjoy live Christmas music with Durty Harry and wine tasting. 1:30 p.m. Miracle Valley Vineyards.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 56>>> PHOTOS BY SARAH HAUSER
HARVEST FEST
Sept. 29. Celebrate the harvest with
wine tasting and seasonal activities at this popular annual event. Potomac Point Winery.
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Sept. 29. This annual fall vineyard
festival will include live music and wine. Sharp Rock Vineyards.
FALL WINE FESTIVAL & SUNSET TOUR AT MOUNT VERNON ESTATE & GARDENS
Oct. 5-7. Enjoy live blues while sampling wine from 16 Virginia wineries at this annual festival. $. 6 p.m. Held at Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, Mount Vernon. www.mountvernon.org
OCTOBERFEST
Oct. 6. An evening of wine, authentic
JINGLE BELL WINE TRAIL Dec. 1-2. Tour several Central Virginia wineries, part of the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail: Cooper, Grayhaven, James River Cellars and Lake Anna and get a souvenir wine glass and tastings. Food and craft vendors at various stops. www.HOVAwinetrail.com
German food, and local music. Proceeds www.VirginiaWineLover.com ■ SUMMER/FALL 2012
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JAZZ IN THE COURTYARD
Sept. 8. Enjoy a relaxing evening of wine and live jazz music in the courtyard; dinner available for purchase or bring your own picnic. $. 6 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards.
STRATFORD HALL WINE FESTIVAL
Sept. 22-23. Sixth-annual festival highlighting the wines and wineries of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail; arts and crafts, specialty foods, live music, wine tasting tips, wine stomp, Great House tours, and a petting zoo will also be featured. $. 11 a.m. Held at Stratford hall, Stratford. www.stratfordhall.org
FESTIVAL OF GRAPES AND HOPS
Sept. 29. A sampling of vintages from
numerous Virginia wineries and beer from breweries across the commonwealth. $. 11 a.m. Historic Old Towne Petersburg. www.festivalofgrapesandhops.com
YORKTOWN WINE FESTIVAL - THE BEST OF VIRGINIA IN YORKTOWN
Oct. 6. Sample wines from wineries
TOWN POINT BREWFEST
Oct. 12. Now in its 4th year, this event
features brews from local, regional, national, and international breweries. $. 5 p.m. Held at Town Point Park, Norfolk. www.festevents.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF STRATFORD HALL
throughout the Commonwealth; art and food vendors and live entertainment are also scheduled. $. 12 p.m. Held at Riverwalk Landing, Yorktown. www.villageevents.org
FESTIVAL OF GRAPES AND HOPS Sept. 29. A sampling of vintages from numerous Virginia wineries and beer from breweries across the commonwealth. $. 11 a.m. Historic Old Towne Petersburg. www.festivalofgrapesandhops.com
HARVEST CELEBRATION
Oct. 20. Celebrate the 33rd harvest with
winemaking demonstrations, vineyard and winery tours, artwork & crafts, food, live music, and wine. $. 11 a.m. Ingleside Vineyards.
TOWN POINT VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL
Oct. 20-21. This 25th annual festival will showcase over 200 of Virginia’s wine varieties; live music, gourmet food venders, and crafts will also be featured. $. 11 a.m. Held at Town Point Park, Norfolk. www.festevents.org
CALEDON ART AND WINE FESTIVAL
STRATFORD HALL WINE FESTIVAL Sept. 22-23. Sixth annual festival highlighting the wines and wineries of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail; arts and crafts, specialty foods, live music, wine tasting tips, wine stomp, Great House tours, and a petting zoo will also be featured. $. 11 a.m. Held at Stratford hall, Stratford. www.stratfordhall.org
Nov. 3. A fall day featuring wine tasting from local wineries and work from area artisans. $. 10 a.m. Held at Caledon Natural Area, King George. caledonnaturalareafriends.com
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WINE TASTING FESTIVAL
Nov. 17. Wine tasting festival sponsored by the Hopewell Kiwanis Club to raise money for a number of community youth projects. $. Noon. Beacon Theater, Hopewell. www.hopewellwinetasting.com
JINGLE BELL WINE TRAIL
Dec. 1-2. Tour several Central Virginia
wineries, part of the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail: Cooper, Grayhaven, James River Cellars and Lake Anna and get a souvenir wine glass and tastings. Food and craft vendors at various stops. www.HOVAwinetrail.com
HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Dec. 8-9, 15-16. Sample wines and
enjoy holiday refreshments while shopping for gifts at special holiday prices. 12:00 p.m. Ingleside Vineyards. 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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Cyber sips and tips from the blogosphere
O
Bloggers Imbibe O
The internet brings folks together — instantly. Across the
PHOTO BY FRANK MORGAN
Although many wine enthusiasts typically reserve their consumption of sparkling wine for special occasions and celebrations like New Years, bubbly can be enjoyed year round. Virginia is better known for Viognier, Cabernet Franc and red blends, but many excellent sparkling wines are produced here, too. Of the 200-plus farm wineries in Virginia, 14 produce a sparkling wine; there are a total of 16 offerings. Two excellent examples of Virginia sparkling wines to add to your wine racks are the Veritas Vineyards Scintilla and the Trump Winery (formerly Kluge) Blanc de Blanc. Veritas Scintilla, NV - A blend of Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Light gold in the glass with a frothy mousse and lively stream of bubbles, this wine smells of fresh lemon, green apple, brioche and hints of almonds. In the mouth, crisp acidity with flavors of tart green apple, fresh dough, and mineral lead to clean finish of green apple. Trump Blanc de Blanc, 2008 - Blanc de blanc is a French term that means ‘white of whites’ used to designate a sparkling wine made entirely from Chardonnay. This elegant Chardonnay sparkling wine displays lively bubbles and fresh pear, apple, grapefruit, and biscuit aromas and flavors. Both of these Virginia sparkling wines would pair nicely with cheeses like brie or Brillat-Savarin, pizza margherita, raw oysters from Virginia’s Eastern Shore, or simply enjoyed as an aperitif.
MIXING UP THE VIRGINIA REDS
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I first had the Barboursville Octagon at the Wine Bloggers Conference in Charlottesville in July 2011. I was lucky enough to taste it three times, in both the 2002 and the 2006 vintages. In a recent shipment was the 2007 vintage of Octagon, and I am happy to say it is already drinking exceptionally. As soon as I caught the aromas I was reminded of my first tastes. After sampling several Meritageand Bordeaux-style blends while in Virginia I was left with the impression that these wines are the gems red wine lovers should come to the state looking for. Barboursville Octagon 2007 - Ruby red in color, with aromas of plum, currant, black pepper and grape leaves, this wine is very complex with berries wrapped in dark chocolate and coffee in the mouth. The wine presents itself dry, but not bone dry, with a good combination of fruit and earth along the finish. The tannins are smooth, providing good structure without being obtrusive. I’m going to suggest what may at first seem like an odd pairing: beef and black bean chili with cornbread. The chili shouldn’t be unnecessarily hot, but the wine accepts some spice and works very well with the richness of the beans & the meat. The sweet cornbread helps bring it all together. VWL
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SPECIAL OCCASIONS NOT NEEDED
PHOTO BY JASON PHELPS
world, people 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.
—Jason Phelps blogs at www.AncientFireWineBlog.blogspot.com
—Frank Morgan blogs at www.DrinkWhatYouLike.wordpress.com
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DYNAMIC. DIVERSE. And DELICIOUS.
Experience Norfolk’s culinary scene through a variety of walking food tours combining history, architecture and local cuisine on a journey that is informative, delicious and fun. Sample traditional items and cutting-edge cuisine from some of the area’s most innovative chefs. Walk away with a big smile, a satisfied stomach and a new understanding of the flavors of Norfolk! Start now at visitnorfolktoday.com/culinarytours.
VWL 50-60 EVENTS S-F12.indd 59
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ear the Love Match the sparkle in your glass by adorning a sparkling statement as you sip your favorite vintage. Virginia Wine Lover magazine now offers rhinestone studded t-shirts in various styles for you to show your love in a wonderful glimmering way.
Offerred in various styles and sizes‌.
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