vwl_winter2010 VBOOK

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0

VIRGINIA FESTIVALS & EVENTSYOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON

»

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

PLUSA WINTER WONDERLAND IN LOUDOUN COUNTY: WHERE TO SIP, WHERE TO SUP, WHERE TO STAY AND WHERE TO SHOP WHEN THE COLD WINDS BLOW

History

Uncorked

VIRGINIA’S FINESTTASTY TIDBITS FOR ENTERTAINING

LEXINGTON OUR FIRST FOCUS IN OUR NEW CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL COLUMN

Juicy Couture

VIRGINIA’S NORTON

DRESSES FOR SUCCESS AS A NATIVE GRAPE

FULL OF FLAVOR AND HISTORY

«

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

VWL 001 COVER WINTER 2010d.indd 2 11/1/10 6:45 PM

The Best Wines on Earth.The Lowest Prices Anywhere.

www.totalwine.com

You don’t have to choose between great service and low, low prices. We are committed to having the lowest prices on wine, beer and more. With over

65 superstores (and counting), we have the buying power to deliver on that promise.

We are committed and dedicated to bringing you the Total Wine Experience™.

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE • INCREDIBLE SELECTION • LOWEST PRICES

Visit one of our 14 Virginia Wine Superstores:

SpringfieldChantillyMcLean

AlexandriaSterlingManassas

FredericksburgFairfaxWest Richmond

South RichmondVirginia BeachChesapeake

Newport NewsNorfolk - Ghent

LOWEST PRICES8,000 WINES • 1,000 BEERS • & MORE

LOWEST PRICESVirginia’s

The Best Wines on Earth.The Lowest Prices Anywhere.

www.totalwine.com

You don’t have to choose between great service and low, low prices. We are committed to having the lowest prices on wine, beer and more. With over

65 superstores (and counting), we have the buying power to deliver on that promise.

We are committed and dedicated to bringing you the Total Wine Experience™.

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE • INCREDIBLE SELECTION • LOWEST PRICES

Visit one of our 14 Virginia Wine Superstores:

SpringfieldChantillyMcLean

AlexandriaSterlingManassas

FredericksburgFairfaxWest Richmond

South RichmondVirginia BeachChesapeake

Newport NewsNorfolk - Ghent

LOWEST PRICES8,000 WINES • 1,000 BEERS • & MORE

LOWEST PRICESVirginia’s

VWL TOTAL WINE.indd 1 10/29/10 3:34 PM

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

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

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

Four Seasons and New Kent Vineyards are brimming with amenities, including:

• Rees Jones-designed Golf Course • New Kent Winery • Walking & Biking Trails • Planned Clubhouse

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

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

6

The first sip.Get a taste of Active Adult living

at New Kent Vineyards. Enjoy it fully in a single-family home

starting from $199,990.

KHOV1001-FirstSipAd_VWLMag-8.5x10.75_4C.indd 1 10/8/10 9:59 AMVWL_HOVANIAN FOUR SEASONS 11_10.indd 2 10/29/10 2:51 PM

4 WINTER 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

WINTER 2010

14

Contents | Features

5 Publisher’s Note

6 Editor’s Note

POPPING THE CORK

8 Quaff Quiz – Jon Wehner, second gen-eration Virginia wine grower, has great grapes on the Eastern Shore.

10 Cork Report – A full pour

of wine-related news

12 Try This At Home – Wonderful wines and incredible eats pair for a perfect wine tasting event.

ACCOUTREMENTS

13 Wine, dine and shop mighty fine

SEASONINGS

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

A PERFECT PAIR

16 Ski lodge chic – fondue is fun to do, on the slopes and off.

A FORK & THE ROAD

22 Baby, it’s cold outside – a wintertime retreat to Loudoun County warms the heart, imagination.

25 History Uncorked: Lexington, home of VMI, resting place of Lee and Jackson.

GRAPEVINE

37 Wineries and wine events in Virginia

38—Wine Map 40—Winery Listing

42—Wine events

For Advertising Information 757-422-8979 ext.156 or [email protected] 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.

SPECIAl SECTIONS & SUPPlEMENTS 18 Vino! Virginia

26 Great Getaways – Outstanding offerings across Virginia

49 Classifieds

19

On the COver Photo By: Jim Pile

W I N T E R 2 0 1 0

VIRGINIA FESTIVALS & EVENTSYOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON

»


PLUSA WINTER WONDERLAND IN LOUDOUN COUNTY: WHERE TO SIP, WHERE TO SUP, WHERE TO STAY AND WHERE TO SHOP WHEN THE COLD WINDS BLOW

History

Uncorked

VIRGINIA’S FINESTTASTY TIDBITS FOR ENTERTAINING

LEXINGTON OUR FIRST FOCUS IN OUR NEW CIVIL WAR SESQUICENTENNIAL COLUMN

Juicy Couture

VIRGINIA’S NORTON

DRESSES FOR SUCCESS AS A NATIVE GRAPE

FULL OF FLAVOR AND HISTORY

«

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

VWL 001 COVER WINTER 2010d.indd 2 11/1/10 6:45 PM

A grape grows in Richmond Cultivated almost 200 years ago in Virginia, the Norton grape takes firm root.

Interviews by Joe Tennis Introduction by Patrick Evans-Hylton

Chef Jonathan Highfield,

instructor at Culinary Institute

of Virginia in Norfolk, with sweet treats

he baked for our Seasonings

feature.

Contents | Departments

BlOGGERS IMBIBE

50 Horton Norton “The Tower Series”; Linden Petit Verdot

VWL 002-007 11_10d.indd 4 11/2/10 3:47 PM

Contents | Features

Publisher’s Note

The tasty trip of wine education

L et me be the first to say that publishing a wine magazine does not qualify one as a wine expert, Virginia or otherwise. My wife and I recently took a weekend to get away in the Shenandoah Vally and found

ourselves enjoying a wine tasting at Rockbridge Vineyard. There we met and were conversing with a nice couple when the inevitable question came up as to what I did for a living.

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

My involvement and interest in this niche began purely as a busi-ness interest, but I can honestly say that this magazine has evolved into one of the most enjoyable ones we publish. I’m sure that many of our readers are far more knowledgeable than I am on the topic of wine and specifically Virginia wine. However, I feel like many of you are right there with me, learning as we go and enjoying the ride with-out any pretense or wine snobbery.

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

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

One of my favorite learning experiences comes from our weekly e-newsletter. Each week Patrick includes a short Wine 101 factoid. Like the rest of the newsletter, it is quick and easy to read. The news-letter also includes a featured event of the week, a weekend getaway and a great recipe. Access the newsletter through our website and then be sure to sign up to receive the free weekly editions.

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

Cheers!

Randy ThompsonPublisher

www.VirginiaWineLover.com n WINTER 2010 5

February 25-27, 2011Greater RichmondConvention CenterRichmond, Virginia

Plan your wine weekend atVirginiaWineexpo.com

sponsored byPlan your wine weekend at

Always a good time at

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

sponsored by

VWL 002-007 11_10d.indd 5 11/2/10 3:21 PM


V W

L

Fin

d T

he

Cork Fall issue

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

CELEbratIng thE gOOd LIfE

1264 Perimeter ParkwayVirginia Beach, Virginia 23454

757-422-8979www.VirginiaWineLover.com

PublisherRandy Thompson

editor-in-ChiefMelissa M. Stewart

executive editorPatrick Evans-Hylton

Web editorAshley Schafer

associate editorKelsey Clayton

Contributing Writers J.D. Humphreys, Warren Richard, Joe Tennis

art director David Uhrin

associate art director Matt Haddaway

Production Manager Kathleen Thibault

Contributing Designers K. Thibault

director of Photography Jim Pile

Contributing Photographers Patrick Evans-Hylton, David Uhrin

Photo Editor Richard Hailey

Vice President of sales & distribution Paul Brannock

sales Manager Jay Bellamy

account executives Jack Butka, Elizabeth Cummings,

Sandy Godwin, Donna Richardson, Kevin Rose, Brenda Whitlow

Sales Coordinator Tracy Thompson

Circulation Manager George Carter

Circulation Marketing Coordinator Brittany Monroe

Special Events & Style Coordinator Pamela Hopkins

Virginia Wine lover is published by

www.VGnet.com

Controller Anita BurnsProduction Manager Robin Cather

IT Director Mark HallAccounts Receivable Margaret HawkinsWeb Creative Director Christine Murphy

Publisher's Assistant Sheila Wood

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.

VIRGINIAWINERIES

ASSOCIATION

Editor's Note

You’re going to make it on your own

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

where to begin.“Parducci Chablis”, I ordered with as much

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Patrick [email protected]

Find the hidden “VWL” cork in this issue to enter a raffle for a free

subscription to Virginia Wine Lover.

Visit our website at www.virginiawinelover.com with your contact information and

where you found the cork.

On Jan. 1, we will draw for five lucky winners! 24 FALL 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

O

O

OO

OO

OO

O

O

OO

A Fork & the Road » Blue Ridge Parkway

Skirting the summit of mountains for some 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway provides scenic views through the Appalachians at just about every wind-

ing twist-and-turn of the blacktop. This national parkway—and national treasure—

turns 75 this year; the road was begun on Sept. 11, 1935, originally as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal program to bring jobs to the unemployed of the Great Depression.

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

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

Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy the Blue Ridge Parkway—you’ll find more on our

website, www.virginiawinelover.com. Grab a map, jump in the car, and travel not just

on another road that takes you from Point A to Point B, but one that takes you through history.

America’s FavoriteDrive

After 75 yeArs, the Blue ridge PArkwAy still Provides trAvelers quite A triP

Words and Map by Patrick Evans-Hylton

M.P.180

Blue Ridge PaRkway

VIEW

MORE ONLINE

• Vi rg

in i a W i n e L o v e r. co

m •

VWL

v i r g i n i A n o r t h C A r o l i n AMeadows

of dan

BlacksnakeMeadery

foggyridgeCider

rockyknob

AnniversAry • AnniversAry

• An

niversAry • AnniversAry 75

Pho

to C

ou

rtes

y o

f t

he

Blu

e r

idg

e M

ou

nta

in a

sso

Cia

tio

n

VWL 29-32 FORK IN THE ROAD 8_10d2.indd 24 7/29/10 3:13:51 PM

www.VirginiaWineLover.com n FALL 2010 25

A Fork & the Road » Blue Ridge Parkway

ROCKY KNOB RESPITE

At the southern end of the Virginia portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, spend a day exploring two wineries: Chateau Morrisette (www.thedogs.com) and Villa Appalaccia (www.villaappalaccia.com), both in the Rocky Knob America Viticultural Area (www.virginiawine.org). Nearby, visit Blacksnake Meadery (www.blacksnakemead.com) for some honey wine and Foggy Ridge Cider (www.foggyridgecider.com) for cider made from heirloom apples. Explore the town of Floyd (www.visitfloyd.org) or Meadows of Dan (www.visitpatrickcounty.com) and listen to some good old-time mountain music along The Crooked Road (www.thecrookedroad.org) music trail. Extend your stay at an area bed-and-breakfast (www.innvirginia.com).

STAR CITY SHOWCASE

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

M.P.150

Roanoke

Villa Appalaccia

Chateau Morrisette

AmrheinCellars

ValhallaWinery

Meadows of Dan

BlacksnakeMeadery

FoggyRidgeCider

Floyd

RockyKnob

Smart View

RoanokeMountain

221

8

R o C K y

K n o B AVA

AnniVeRSARy • AnniVeRSARy

• An

niVeRSARy • AnniVeRSARy 75

V W

L

VWL 29-32 FORK IN THE ROAD 8_10d2.indd 25 7/29/10 3:14:57 PM

VWL 002-007 11_10.indd 6 11/1/10 2:15 PM


4970 Antioch RoadHaymarket, VA 20169

703.753.9360WineryatLaGrange.com

Can we talk Wine & Romance?

7150 Lineweaver RoadVint Hill, VA 20187

703.991.0191VintHillCraftWinery.com

For the Wine Geek in you.

6190 Georgetown RoadBroad Run, VA 20137

540.347.3475PearmundCellars.com

The Original, the Star,where it all started

Sip, swirl and learn about a Virginia wine in a video straight from the vintner. Then pair it with an easy-to-make

meal, with step-by-step video instructions from VWL’s Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton.

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

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


VWL 002-007 11_10.indd 7 11/2/10 11:34 AM

O

O

OO

O

O

OO

Popping the CorkQuaff Quiz 8 Cork re port 11 try this at home 12

Q u a f f Q u i z

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

Like Parents, Like Son

8 winter 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

How do you tHink folks outside Virginia View tHe wine industry Here?

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

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

wHat faCtors do you Consider in Pairing wine witH a disH?

One of the most important factors is to pair the weight of the wine with the weight of the meal. Delicate reds should be paired with delicate food, heavier reds should be prepared with heavier food. Crisp whites should be paired with lighter more subtle cuisine.

How would you reCoMMend soMe-one learn More aBout wine?

The best way to learn about wine is to taste. Visit tasting rooms and ask questions. Traveling is a great way to immerse yourself in wine culture.

naMe tHree tHings folks sHould Consider wHen CHoosing a wine.

When I choose a wine I first decide on red or white. I then think about wine styles, different wine regions, the food I am having and the friends that I am sharing it with.

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

wHat are soMe of tHe Most reward-ing asPeCts of your JoB and wHy?

The most rewarding aspect of my job is getting wine into the bottle. Once it goes into the bottle, it becomes a time capsule of weather conditions, vineyard decisions and the people who worked endless hours making it expressive of the vintage and place.

wHat do you see as soMe of tHe Biggest CHallenges to tHe Virginia wine industry?

The weather is certainly one of the biggest challenges. It is also what makes it so rewarding. I have never seen a perfect vineyard site, not in California or in France.

do you HaVe a faVorite graPe (or two) grown in tHe state, and wHy?

The flavor profile of Chardonnay and the ripeness and color of Petit Verdot are consistent in my vineyard, year after year, making them my favorites to grow. This is important when you are developing a brand and creating a following for specific wines. I also think Viognier has a lot of potential.

wHat is tHe future of Virginia wine?The future of Virginia wine is

huge. Virginia wine has come a long way in a short period of time.

wHat do you tHink tHoMas Jefferson would tHink of Virginia wine today?

I think Thomas Jefferson would be delighted.

naMe tHree of your faVorite Virginia wines of tHe MoMent, and wHy.

Wine not only reflects its place but also the quality of the people who make it. I have always admired Jim Law at Linden and Luca Paschina at Barboursville. They both produce wonderful wines and contribute to our industry by running a sustainable business.

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

Quaff Quiz

Quaff Quiz talks wine with folks who make, promote, sell and drink Virginia vino.

Jon Wehner, owner and operator of Chatham Vineyards, looks out across his vineyard, growing in the sandy, loamy soil of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Here

on this narrow strip of land, with cross breezes from the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Chesapeake Bay to the west, Wehner grows wine grapes in the shadow of Chatham, a Federal-period brick house built in 1818 and along the tranquil shores of Church Creek.

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

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

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

VWL 08-013 POPPING THE CORK 11_10.indd 8 11/1/10 2:17 PM

www.VirginiaWineLover.com n WINTER 2010 9Quaff Quiz talks wine with folks who make, promote, sell and drink Virginia vino.

O

O

OO

RSVPChatham Vineyards

9232 Chatham Rd., Machipongo757-678-5588

www.chathamvineyards.net

PHO

TO B

Y D

AV

ID U

HR

IN

V W

L



O

O

OO

OO

OO

Popping the Cork Cork Report

CHESAPEAKE BAY WINE CLASSIC

The largest and most successful wine auction in Virginia turns 20 in November.

The Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation Grand Auction will be held Nov. 13 at a private estate on the grounds of Bayville Golf Club overlooking the Lynnhaven River. Activities begin at noon with a preview reception featuring cuisine from eight of the region’s top chefs complemented by champagnes and other wines.

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

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

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

the past 21 years. Over the course of the year,

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

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

VINTAGE: THE WINEMAKER’S YEAR

A new feature-length documentary focusing on the Virginia wine industry was released in autumn, airing on PBS stations across the nation in October to coordinate with Virginia Wine Month. The film, Vintage: The Winemaker’s Year, is also available for purchase from the movie’s producers, Silverthorn Films. Streaming trailers from the film are also on the website.

The project has received rave reviews: an examination of the players and places of the Monticello Wine Region in central Virginia culminates in the 2008 vintage. Along the way, the wine industry’s meteoric rise is explored, including its impact on the such attributes as Virginia’s cultural, social and economic standings.

“Vintage examines the factors that make Virginia unique amongst the

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

Silverthorn Films worked some 60 days shooting the documentary at such vineyards as Barboursville, King Family, Kluge, Jefferson, Veritas and White Hall. Interviews for the film include Gabrielle Rausse, Luca Paschina, Bill Moses, Tony Champ, David King, Chris Hill, Michael Shaps, Andrew Hodson and others.

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

VINTAGE Photos Courtesy of siLVerthorn fiLms

Pho

to C

ou

rte

sy o

f C

hes

aPe

ak

e ba

y W

ine

CLa

ssiC


GOVERNOR’S CUP WINNER – PARADISE SPRINGS

Paradise Springs Winery, just in its first year of competition, has taken top honors in the prestigious Governor’s Cup for white wine with its 2009 Chardonnay.

King Family Vineyards’ 2007 Meritage won the Governor’s Cup for red wine earlier this year. This was the first year the Governor’s Cup competition was divided into two competitions: the judging of red wines was held in February and the judging of white wines was held in August. This was necessary, competition officials say, because of the surge of entries: there were less than 50 in 1982, the first year of the event, and more than 400 in 2010.

The Governor’s Cup for white wine was awarded at Monticello in early fall during a ceremony hosted by First Lady Maureen McDonnell and Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore. The competition is sponsored by the Virginia Wineries Association.

More than 200 entries vied for the spot, which went to Paradise Springs’ offering of 100 percent Chardonnay. Winemaker’s

notes say the vintage is “well-balanced and full-bodied … fruit forward with hints of pear, crisp green apples and a long, smooth finish of toasted marshmallows.”

The wine is aged in first- and second-year French oak for

nine months sur lie. Sur lie translates literally from

the French for “on lees,” which refers to bottling a wine directly from the cask after fermentation without racking, or filtering the wine, from

the lees—a remaining yeasty residue. In the

case of Chardonnay, this can impart

additional flavors, especially woody/nutty/toasty flavors, and add more complexity to the wine.

Paradise Springs’ 2009 Chardonnay is available at the winery’s tasting room in Clifton. The wine is priced at $27. For more information, visit www.paradisespringswinery.com

TOWN POINT VIRGINIA WINE COMPETITION

The 19th annual Town Point Virginia Wine Competition was held Oct. 8 at the Town Point Club in downtown Norfolk.

Twenty-four Virginia wineries submitted wines during the competition, which was judged using the Davis 20 point system. Judges awared one gold, silver and bronze for each of the 12 varietal categories together with two Best of Show medals.

BEST Of ShOW WAS AWARDED TO:

CrossKeys Chardonnay 2008Winemakers notes: “This delightful wine was barrel-fermented in new and used

French oak for nine months. Pale straw in color with

a bouquet of apple, flowers, honey and

vanilla, this wine has a clean acidity and rich mouth-feel that makes it a perfect complement to semi-soft cheeses or

seafood and roasted poultry dishes.” $18

www.crosskeysvineyards.com

Cooper Noche NVWinemakers notes: “Virginia Norton infused with essence of chocolate.” $17www.coopervineyards.com - PEH

www.VirginiaWineLover.com n winter 2010 11

WEB EXCLUSIVE – for a complete list of winners

of the red wine and white wine categories for the Governor’s

Cup awards, visit our website,

www.virginiawinelover.com

VIEW

MORE ONLINE

• Vi rg


m •

VWL

WEB EXCLUSIVE –

for a complete list of winners

of the 2010 town Point

Virginia wine Competition, visit our website,

www.virginiawine lover.com

VIEW

MORE ONLINE

• Vi rg


m •

VWL

Pho

to C

ou

rte

sy o

f V

irg

inia

Win

e b

oa

rd

ma

rk

etin

g o

ffiC

e


Editor’s Picks for Winter 2010/2011

Afton Mountain 2008 Cabernet Franc

Paired with Chesapeake Chicken: grilled chicken breast topped with sliced Virginia ham and melting cheese with jumbo lump crab garnish

Winemaker tasting notes: “The 2008 Cabernet Franc is a medium-bodied wine with a nose of dark cherries. It has mature tannins, with flavors of dark cherry and currants, and good length and depth on the finish. It is 100 percent Cabernet Franc and is an ideal wine for steaks and hearty pastas.”

DuCard 2008 Popham Run RedPaired with Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

with Vegetarian MeatballsWinemaker tasting notes: “Rich red

wine bursting with ripe cherry and raspberry aromas, and spicy, peppery character. Named for the stream that runs through the edge of the vineyard. Pairings: pasta and red sauce, grilled kebobs, chicken dishes.”

Sweely 2006 “1867” MeritagePaired with The Ultimate Burger with

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

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


O

O

OO

OO

OO

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

Sweely winemaker, Frantz Ventre

Pho

to b

y Ji

m P

ile

Popping the Cork Try This At Home

1. Go to www.virginiawinelover.com and download our free, exclu-sive guidelines. you’ll find wine selection and serving tips, party planning ideas, food pairing guide-lines, and easy-to-follow judging sheets for everyone at your party. it couldn’t be easier!

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

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

Hosting a Virginia Wine Lover wine tasting party at home is easy:

Drink—And Eat—What You LikewonderFul wineS and incredible eatS Pair

For a PerFect wine taStinG eVeninG

a fter hearing of a successful Champagne Smackdown from Hampton Roads wine enthusiast George

Kotarides—pitting some impressive French wines against the 2007 Kluge Blanc de Blanc, a Virginia sparkling which came in second place, thank-you-very-much —we decided to create a column for Virginia Wine Lover.

Our “Try This At Home” column encourages wine lovers to host tastings in their home, and report their findings to us. Enthusiasts of all levels can participate —we give you the tools you need for a successful vino venue at our website, www.virginiawinelover.com

Where to start? How about with a tasting of your favorite Virginia wines coordinated in a theme. Maybe taste all Meritage blends, or all Chardonnays, or wines from the Eastern Shore; below, we offer some wines in which to get started, and even have posted video interviews on our website with winemakers to tell you a little more about their vintage.

And what to enjoy with your wine? We’ve paired exclusive recipes with our Editor’s Picks and created

cooking videos with step-by-step instructions—look for a link

on our website for these. Our recipes are developed

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

The most important thing to remember is to

drink—and eat—what you enjoy: these are just

suggestions. The next most important thing to remember is to

send in your photos and results of your at-home wine tasting, using our party-planning tools found on the Virginia Wine Lover website.

– PEH

Tr

y T h i s A T h o

me

VWL

VWL 08-013 POPPING THE CORK 11_10.indd 12 11/2/10 10:37 AM


Virginia has a lot to love—and to eat.

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

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

(2) A little drizzle will do you with the EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL from Hampton Roads gourmet grocer Taste Unlimited. This premium oil, from the Pierrakos family estate in the Laconia region outside Sparta, Greece, is so good, we

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

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

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

—PEH

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

O

A Taste of the State

O

O

O

O

Accoutrements

virginia’s finest products are great for gift-giving and holiday entertaining

VWL

For more information on Virginia’s Finest products, visit:

www.vdacs.virginia.gov/vafinest/

3

4

W e b e x c l u s i v e

Check out www.VirginiaWineLover.com

for our exclusive Route 11 chip-encrusted crab ball recipes

from VWL’s executive editor, Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton

VIEW

MORE ONLINE

• Vi rg


m •

VWL

1

2


Words and Food Styling by Patrick Evans-Hylton | Photo by Jim Pile

Seasonings

O

O

OO

O

O

OO

14 Winter 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

O

O

OO

Spicy Seasons GreetingsA dAsh of CoLoniAL VirginiA And A soupCon of the CAribbeAn mAke A trio of tAsty hoLidAy goodies

C hristmas in Colonial Virginia was a time for showcasing one’s wealth and prosperity from the previous year, done so through a variety of methods, notably

holiday entertaining. When guests were received, the absolute best that household finances would allow was presented, from an assortment of meats and >>

VWL 014-017 PP_SEASONINGS 11_10d.indd 14 11/1/10 3:31 PM

O

O

OO

O

O

OO

O

O

OO


O

O

OO

W e b e x c l u s i v eFor more the Black Cake and

Coconut Tarts recipes—as well as wine pairings!—just visit

www.virginiawinelover.com

Special thank you to Chef Jonathan Highfield and Culinary institute of Virginia, where Highfield

instructs, for creating the dishes shown above. More information: www.chefva.com

VIEW

MORE ONLINE

• Vi rg


m •

VWL

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

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

From Ramin Ganeshram comes Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad and Tobago (Hippocrene Books, $19.95) and a wealth of recipes from that island nation, the homeland of her father. Included in the book are many wonderful dishes, including an assortment of sweets that are flavored wonderfully with Caribbean spices.

Three of our favorite sweets are perfect for holiday entertaining, including two fruitcake-like baked goods, a Black Cake and Sweet Bread. These are not your typical fruitcakes: the flavors are well developed and accented with a myriad of spices. They are great for entertaining and holiday gift-giving. Another delightful treat are the Coconut Tarts—sinfully, sugary bites bursting with flavors from the islands.

sWeeT bReADFrom Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad and Tobago

By ramin Ganeshram

MethodPreheat oven to 350F and grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans.Sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon,

nutmeg and allspice. Stir in the butter, coconut, raisins, cherries and candied peel.

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

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

while the breads are cooling, make the Sugar Syrup by mixing the sugar and water in a small saucepan. Simmer

until the sugar melts and the mixture slightly thickens to a thin syrup, about 3 minutes. remove the pan from the heat.

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

note on Mixed essense, from ramin Ganeshram: “Mixed essence, which is often found in west indian baked goods, is essential to the

flavor. it is available in Caribbean markets, but if you can’t find it, you can substitute equal parts

of vanilla extract, almond extract and pear essence. Store it in a tightly sealed, dark-

colored jar.” VWL

Dough Ingredients3 cups all-purpose flour1 tablespoon baking

powder1 cup light brown sugar 1/ 2 teaspoon ground

cinnamon1/ 4 teaspoon grated

nutmeg1/ 4 teaspoon ground

allspice 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted

butter, softened2 1/2 cups freshly grated

or frozen grated coconut (not dried or sweetened)

1 cup raisins1/ 2 cup candied cherries,

roughly chopped

1/ 2 cup mixed candied citrus peel

3/4 cup milk1 egg1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/ 2 teaspoon Mixed

essence (see note)3 tablespoons currants

or golden raisins, for garnish (optional)

G ranulated sugar, for garnish (optional)

Sugar Syrup (optional) Ingredients1/2 cup sugar3/4 cup water

we pair our

Sweet Bread

with Holly Grove Vineyards’

2009 Celebration ($18).

From the winemakers’ notes: “this Petit

Manseng wine is a pleasure to enjoy with any cause for

celebration. the aromas of the wine

are suggestive of cinnamon, peaches

and pineapple.”



SkiLodge

ChiC

Fondue is Fun to do, on the slopes and oFF

Words and Food Styling by Patrick Evans-Hylton

W ord association: fondue. rich, dark wood walled ski chalets. titanic hearths ablaze with a roaring fire. A snowy, winter wonderland. Sitting

on a furskin rug, legs crossed and tooties cozy in wool socks at a communal table with others, laughing and telling stories from the slopes, all the while dipping slices of fresh French bread in an earthenware pot of melted cheese. Some tall blonde guy named Lars filling—then refilling—your glass with a great wine.

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

O

O

OO

O

O

OO

O

O

OO

A Perfect Pair

PHoto by Jim PiLE



Web exclusive

Check out VwL executive editor’s exclusive Beef Fondue

and Chocolate Fondue recipes—and wine pairings!—

just visitwww.virginiawine

lover.com

VIEW

MORE ONLINE

• Vi rg


m •

VWL

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

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

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

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

Free to ski? Here is a list of Virginia slopes:

bryce Resort1982 Fairway Dr., Basye540-856-2121www.bryceresort.comSeason: December – mid-March typicallyBase elevation: 1,250 feet; summit elevation: 1,750 feetSlopes: 25 skiable acres; longest run: 3,500 feet; lifts: 5Snow: 30 inches annually; 100 percent manmade on all slopesSignature trail: revenuers run

The Homestead7696 Sam Snead Hwy., Hot Springs540-839-1766www.thehomestead.comSeason: December – March typicallyBase elevation: 2,500 feet; summit elevation: 3,200 feetSlopes: 45 skiable acres; longest run: 4,200 feet; lifts: 5Snow: 50 inches annually; 100 percent manmade on all slopes

Massanutten Resort1822 resort Dr., McGaheysville540-289-9441www.massresort.comSeason: December – mid-March typicallyBase elevation: 1,750 feet; summit elevation: 2,925 feetSlopes: 70 skiable acres; longest run: 4,100 feet; lifts: 7Snow: 56 inches annually; 100 percent manmade on all slopesSignature trail: ParaDice

Wintergreen Resortroute 664, wintergreen434-325-2200www.wintergreenresort.comSeason: november – late March, typicallyBase elevation: 2,512 feet; summit elevation: 3,515 feetSlopes: 90 skiable acres; longest run: 7,392 feetSnow: 40 inches annually; 100 percent manmade on all slopesSignature trail: wild turkey VWL

O

O

OO

O

O

OO


THE VIRGINIA WINE INDUSTRY SALUTES VINO! VIRGINIA

NORTHERN REGION

Bilbo Baggins Restaurant Alexandria

Brass Cannon RestaurantGainesville

Café TorinoWarrenton

Fire Works PizzaLeesburg

Flemings Prime Steak-house and Wine BarMcLean

Goodstone Inn & Estate Middlebrug

Griffin Tavern Flint Hill

Harry's Tap Room Arlington

Hidden Horse TavernMiddleburg

Historic Cedar Knoll Inn RestaurantAlexandria

Hunter’s Head Tavern Upperville

Jackson 20Alexandria

Lansdowne Resort Leesburg

Lightfoot RestaurantLeesburg

Madigan’s WaterfrontHistoric Occoquan

Magnolias at the MillPurcellville

Ramparts RestaurantAlexandria

Restaurant 3Arlington

StardustAlexandria

Tempo Restaurant Alexandria

The Red Fox Inn Middleburg

The Wine KitchenLeesburg

Thornton River GrilleSperryville

Tuscarora MillRestaurantLeesburg

CENTRAL REGION

The II Georges InnDanville

Aberdeen Barn of Charlottesville Charlottesville

Palladio Restaurant, Barboursville VineyardsBarboursville

Charleys Waterfront Café and Wine BarFarmville

Depot Grille Lynchburg

DishLynchburg

Downtown GrilleCharlottesville

Edible Garden Richmond

Hamiltons’ at First & MainCharlottesville

Hunter’s Head TavernUpperville

Keswick Hall Keswick

Main St. Eatery and Catering CompanyLynchburg

MangiaLynchburg

Maxine’s Fine Diningat The Manor ResortFarmville

Outer Banks Seafood CompanyMidlothian

Restaurant Pomme Gordonsville

Siips Wine & Champange BarCharlottesville

South River Restaurant & Wine ShopWaynesboro

The Dining Room at Berkley Hotel Richmond

The Jefferson HotelLemaire, T.J.’sRichmond

The Melting PotRichmond

The Pointe at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel Charlottesville

The White Hart Café Lynchburg

WESTERN REGION

Oddfella’s Cantina Floyd

Zeppolis Inc. Blacksburg

EASTERN REGION

Abbey Road Pub & RestaurantVirginia Beach

Aberdeen Barn of Virginia BeachVirginia Beach

Angelo’s By The SeaVirginia Beach Berret’s SeafoodRestaurantWilliamsburg

Bistro 515 at Holiday Inn & Suites Williamsburg

Blue Talon BistroWilliamsburg

Brutti’sPortsmouth

Buon AmiciWilliamsburg

Burton’s GrillVirginia Beach

Café ProvencalWilliamsburg

Catch 31Virginia Beach

Deja BluVirginia Beach

FinNewport News

Gabriel Archer TavernWilliamsburg

Little Italy RistoranteNassawadox

Lynnhaven Fish HouseVirginia Beach

Mahi Mah’s Seafood Restaurant and Sushi SaloonVirginia Beach

Montgomery GrillPortsmouth

Outer Banks Seafood CompanyVirginia Beach

Passion the RestaurantChesapeake

Riverstone ChophouseN. Suffolk

Riverwalk Yorktown

Rockafeller’s RestaurantVirginia Beach

Salacia – Prime Steaks and SeafoodVirginia Beach

Sonoma Wine Bar & BistroVa Beach

Schlesinger’sNewport News

Smithfield StationSmithfield

Surf ClubVirginia Beach Swan Terrace at The Founders Inn & SpaVirginia Beach

Sweet Madeline's Cafe & CateringHayes

The Boxwood InnNewport News

The City Dock Restaurant at Shera-ton Norfolk WatersideNorfolk

The Trellis RestaurantWilliamsburg

Tradewinds at the Virginia Beach Resort HotelVirginia Beach

Vintage Kitchen Norfolk

Vintage TavernSuffolk

Waterman’s Surfside GrilleVirginia Beach

Williamsburg Lodge RestaurantWilliamsburg

SHENANDOAH REGION

One Block West Winchester

Staunton Grocery Staunton

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

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

This

Resta

urant proudly serves Virginia wines by the glass

virginiawinelover.com

ino!VirginiaRecognition Award from

Restaurant owners

and sommeliers:

do you offer Virginia

wine by the glass, too?

Let us know!

Contact Tracy at

tthompson@

virginiawine

lover.com

S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T

VWL 018 VINO VA 11_10.indd 18 11/1/10 4:19 PM

r


Cultivated almost 200 years ago in virginia, the norton grape takes firm root

Interviews by Joe TennisIntroduction by Patrick Evans-Hylton

A Grape Grows

in Richmond

Folks had high hopes for winegrowing in Virginia from the very first settlers in 1607 through the period of Thomas Jefferson in the late 18th-century; alas, growing conditions in the colony-cum-state made it difficult for the European vitis vinifera—

the typical wine-producing grape—to take root here.But in the first part of the 1800s, Dr. Daniel Norborne

Norton developed his own grape from the native American vitis aestivalis to be a viable wine-making fruit.

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

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

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

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

chrysaLis Photo by dju

VWL 019-021 FEATURE 11_10d2.indd 19 11/1/10 3:16 PM


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

GLASER: Dennis Horton is from Hermann, Missouri. There was a winery next to him. And they had a Norton. And he had always heard about the Norton grape coming originally from Virginia . . . He was interested in growing his grapes here in Virginia in ’87, ’88, ’89. When they were getting ready to plant, he thought, ‘Hey, let’s bring Norton back to Virginia.’

KLIMAN: I drank the wine one night at a, sort of, thrown-together dinner. And I was really intrigued by it, because it didn’t taste at all like anything that I had had before. It didn’t taste anything like a European grape. It didn’t taste anything like what I had been drinking from California or Oregon or Washington ... It was very earthy and kind of wild, and it was just interesting.

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

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

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

GLASER: It was 1989. It was like five acres of the original 55-acres of vines. And we planted it at the bottom of the hill, which was the toughest spot of the mountain, where we planted grapes . . . And he figured Norton would do well. And so he put it at the toughest spot. And it thrived—in the tough spot.

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

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

GLASER: I’ve poured Norton for probably more people than most in the last 15 years or 20 years. And it’s always interesting. If the American wine connoisseur walks up, and he tastes Norton for the first time, there’s a real 50-50 shot there if it’s going to go good or bad. The aroma of the wine and the flavors of the wine and the big acidity are shocking to someone who’s a Cabernet drinker or a Merlot drinker—if that’s their expertise. It really attacks your palette. It’s a different kind of wine . . . But for people who don’t drink red wine, it’s like ‘Wow, that’s the first red wine that I’ve ever liked.’

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

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

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

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

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

KLIMAN: They’re divided, too. I know there are wine lovers who love it. I know there are wine lovers who hate it. And I don’t think there are many who fall in between.

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

The Wild Vine: A Forgotten Grape and the Untold Story of American Wine

By Todd KlimanClarkson Potter, 2010

$25

More information: www.toddkliman.com

Read moRe abouT iT

dennis HoRTon Todd Kliman



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

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

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

MCCLOUD: Balance is a key to any kind of quality level … We’re balancing acid, fruitiness—and, in the case of a red wine, tannin, alcohol . . . A really good red wine has to be balanced . . . In that sense, Norton has it all going for it for an age-worthy red wine—one that can improve in the bottle for years and years, or decades, even. So it has high acid. It has incredible fruitiness. The fruit has staying power . . . Norton has gobs of fruit. So it can balance its firm acidity with sufficient fruit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

VWL: What is the future of the Norton grape?

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

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

KLIMAN: I think there is renewed or new interest in the Norton. I think that’s a great thing. I just can’t see it becoming what it was destined to become. It had a real future 120-130 years ago, and I can’t see it ever reaching that again. But I think it will continue to grow, and I think it will have a place for certain people

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

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

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

KLIMAN: Even among this outsider wine region, and Virginia still really is, Norton remains an outsider. That interests me . . . I find it interesting that Norton remains an outsider among outsiders

MCCLOUD: I think Virginia’s native grape has a great future. I think people are going to again appreciate regionality . . . And I would rather make the world’s best Norton than the world’s 400th-best Merlot . . . It’s our grape. I think Norton fits in at the top. Let’s restore our own native grape—our wine that was once renowned.

Jennifer Mccloud

Abingdon Vineyard WineryBarrel Oak WineryBelle Mount VineyardsBluemont VineyardBright Meadows FarmBurnley VineyardsByrd CellarsCasanel VineyardsCastle Gruen Vineyards and WineryChrysalis VineyardsCooper VineyardsDry Mill Vineyards WineryDuCard VineyardsGlass House WineryHorton Vineyards

Hummel VineyardsKeswick VineyardsLexington Valley VineyardMolliver VineyardsMountain Cove VineyardsNew Kent WineryParadise Springs WineryPotomac Point WineryRappahannock CellarsRockbridge VineyardThe Winery at La GrangeVeramar VineyardWeston Farm Vineyard and WineryWisteria Farm & Vineyard

Wineries with norton releases

Source: www.virginiawine.org

VWL



Just 25 miles west of washington, D.C., loudoun County feels worlds apart.

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

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

we checked into Lansdowne Resort, and were warmly greeted in the lobby. we walked on plush carpet to a soaring atrium that opened up and provided incredible views through floor-to-ceiling windows to the adjacent, beautiful countryside. Our views stretched from the resort to the Potomac River nearby;

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

lansdowne offers a number of getaways, including a girls weekend, romance packages, and offerings tied to their spa services and, in season, golfing; check their website for more details. the resort itself offers some 296 rooms, including 14 spacious suites. Our room was well-appointed and provided us with a look out to pastoral surroundings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A wintertime retreAt to Loudoun County wArms the heArt, imAginAtionBy Patrick Evans-Hylton

Baby, it’s Cold Outside

r r

sunset hills Vineyard

Photos Courtesy of Loudoun ConVention/Visitors AssoCiAtion

continued on pg 24 >>>

O

O

OO

Boxwood winery

O

O

O

O

A Fork in the Road

VWL 022-025 FORK IN THE ROAD 8_10d2.indd 22 11/2/10 10:46 AM


A Fork & the Road » Loudoun

Where to stayLansdowne Resort Lansdowne Resort44050 Woodridge Pkwy., Lansdowne. 877-509-8400www.lansdowneresort.com

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

Where to imbibeThere are some two-dozen wineries in Loudoun County, including:

8 Chains NorthWines include: Sauvignon Blanc, white wine blends, Merlot, Bordeaux-style blendswww.8chainsnorth.com

Bluemont VineyardWines include: Vidal Blanc, Viognier, rose’, Merlot, Norton and various fruit wines including peach, strawberry and blackberrywww.bluemontvineyard.com

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

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

Casanel VineyardsWines include: Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nortonwww.casanelvineyards.com

Chrysalis VineyardsWines include: Albarino, Chardonnay, Petit Manseng, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, rose’, Norton, Petit Verdot, red blends, Tannatwww.chrysaliswine.com

Corcoran VineyardsWines include: Chardonnay, Seyval Blanc, Traminette, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Malbec, Meritagewww.corcoranvineyards.com

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

Dry Mill Vineyard & WineryWines include: Chardonnay, Traminette, Viognier, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Norton, Syrahwww.drymillwine.com

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

Hidden Brook WineryWines include: Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Merlot, red wine blendswww.hiddenbrookwinery.com

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

Hillsborough VineyardsWines include: Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Fer Servadou, Meritage, red wine blends, Tannatwww.hillsboroughwine.com

Lost Creek Vineyard & WineryWines include: Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Merlotwww.lostcreekwinery.com

Loudoun Valley VineyardsWines include: Chardonnay, Riesling, white wine blends, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Merlot, red wine blends, various fruit wines including applewww.loudounvalleyvineyards.com

Notaviva VineyardsWines include: Chardonnay, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcinwww.notavivavineyards.com

Quattro Goomba’s WineryWines include: white wine blend, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, red wine blends, late harvest zinfandelwww.goombawine.com

Sunset Hills VineyardWines include: Chardonnay, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Merlotwww.sunsethillsvineyard.com

Swedenburg Estate VineyardWines include: Chardonnay, Riesling, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noirwww.swedenburgwines.com

Tarara WineryWines include: Chardonnay, Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage, Merlot, red wine blends, Syrahwww.tarara.com

Village WineryWines include: Viognier, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, red wine blends, various fruit wines including apple and elderberrywww.villagewineryandvineyards.com

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

Zephaniah Farm VineyardWines include: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Chambourcin, Merlotwww.zephwine.com

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

Ashburn Ice HouseFacility with two NHL-size ice rinks, video arcade, restaurant and proshop; Ashburnwww.ashburnice.com

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

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

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

Crossroads of Conflict: North-ern Virginia Civil War TrailsSelf-guided trail featuring prominent Civil War sites in Northern Virginia.www.civilwartrails.org

Cooking Class Weekend at Briar PatchA weekend getaway at Briar Patch B&B with cooking classes and gourmet goodies; Middleburg.www.briarpatchbandb.com

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

Gallery 222A gallery of original fine art from some of the region’s premier artists; Leesburg. www.gallery222.com

Glenfiddich Farm PotteryA collection of handmade salt-glazed, functional stoneware items; Leesburg. www.glenfarmpottery.com

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

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

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

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

Where to go, What to knoW

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

Lansdowne resort

Chrysalis Vineyards

continued on pg 24 >>>


O

O

O

O


O

O

OO

A Fork & the Road » Loudoun

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

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

Tuscarora Inn’s commitment to Virginia wine goes beyond their list, however; the restaurant offers the Tuskies Wine Trail (www.tuskies.com/WineTrail/), a large charactateur map of the region featuring not only area wineries, but other services and amenities such as limos and lodging. The 24 inch-by-36 inch map shows must-stop places in the region, as well as providing address, contact information and descriptions of each participating establishment. You can pick one up at Tuscarora Inn or Magnolias.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

r

r

Middleburg Christmas Parade, first Saturday in December.

Hillsborough Viineyard

<<<continued from pg 22


TO SEELee Chapel at Washington & Lee University CampusRobert E. Lee and family are buried herewww.chapelapps.wlu.edu

Stonewall Jackson HouseHouse museum with many of Jackson’s belongingswww.stonewalljackson.org

Stonewall Jackson Memorial CemeteryJackson and hundreds of other Confederates are buried herewww.lexingtonvirginia.com

Virginia Military Institute MuseumMuseum with focus on the Civil War and cadet historywww.vmi.edu/museum/

A full site, activities and events can be found at the Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce website.www.lexingtonvirginia.com

TO STAYWe like the Alexander-Withrow House, built in 1789 and located in the center of downtown Lexington. www.lexingtonhistoricinns.com

A full listing of lodging can be found at the Lexington-Rockbridge County Chamber of Commerce website.www.lexingtonvirginia.com

TO SUPWe enjoy house-roasted coffee and fresh baked goods at Lexington Coffee Shop.www.lexingtoncoffee.com

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

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

TO SIPWineries in the region include:

Barren Ridge VineyardsWines include: Chardonnay, Traminette, Vidal Blanc, Viognier, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Meritage, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Touriga, Viognier-Vidal Blanc ice wine-style blendwww.barrenridgevineyards.com

Blue Ridge VineyardWines include: Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Traminette, white wine blends, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, red wine blends, dessertwww.blueridgevineyard.com

Fincastle Vineyard & WineryWines include: Chardonnay, Traminette, Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignonwww.fincastlewine.com

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

Valhalla VineyardsWines include: Chardonnay, Viognier, white wine blends, rose’, Cabernet Sauvignon, red wine blends, Sangiovese, Syrah, dessertwww.valhallawines.com

Virginia Mountain VineyardsWines include: Chardonnay, Traminette, white wine blends, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, red wine blendswww.vmvines.com

- PEH

O

O

OO

O

O

O

O

The small town of Lexington, settled in 1777, is an independent city within Rockbridge County and located about 50 miles north of Roanoke. History predominates Lexington;

the town seems at ease in both the past and present. In fact, that is a large part of its charm, found in the hospitality of its people, the architecture of many of its buildings, and the theme of many of its events.

Hunter’s Raid took place here; an attack by Union Gen. David Hunter on the town and specifically Virginia Military Institute (VMI.) VMI was instrumental in training of the Southern armies and, as a unit, participating in actual battles, such as the Battle of New Market. Also, Southern luminaries Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson are both buried in Lexington.

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

www.VirginiaWineLover.com n WiNTER 2010 25

81220

64

B L U e R I d g e PA R k WAy

Virginia Mountain Vineyards

FincastleVineyard &

Winery

Blue RidgeVineyard

BUenA VIStA

RockbridgeVineyard

LexingtonValley

Vineyard

LexIngton

RoAnoke

The Civil War’s SequicentennialLexIngton: HoMe oF VMI, ReStIng PLACe oF Lee JACkSon

60

CHARLotteSVILLe

O

O

O

O

History Uncorked

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

VMI P

hoto

by K

evin

Rem

ingt

on

Stonewall Jackson House*

Rockbridge Vineyard

VMi

map by peh

A Fork & the Road » Lexington

VWL 022-025 FORK IN THE ROAD 8_10d2.indd 25 11/2/10 3:07 PM

Great GetawaYS


Located just north of the Virginia-North Carolina border, Abingdon sits in the Blue Ridge Highlands of Southwest

Virginia. Its rich history and abundance of arts aren’t the only things that will put Abingdon on the top of your vacation list. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities year-round and shopping, spas, restaurants and wineries will satisfy just about anyone.

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

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

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

Whether you want to spend a night or just the day at the Martha Washington Hotel and Spa, it’s definitely worth a visit. Originally built in 1832 as a private residence, it went on to hold a finishing school for young women, a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and a women’s college. Today, it has evolved into an elegant hotel and spa while still honoring its significant past.

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

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

“Entertain Your Senses”

AbingdonThroughout the Holiday Season

Fall 2010 EventsNov 5-7 — Mistletoe Market at SW

Virginia Higher Education CenterNov 19-21 — Christmas Craft Show at

Cooms CenterNov 20 — A Taste of Home Cooking

SchoolDecember 4 — Polar Express

Storytelling at the Fields-Penn 1860 House Museum

Dec 5 — Christmas Tour of Historic Homes

Dec 13 — Community Christmas at the Barter Theatre

Nov 27-Dec 18 — Holiday Market at the Farmers Market - Every Saturday

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

Abingdon, VA is Home to:Barter Theatre

Virginia Creeper TrailWhite’s Mill

William King MuseumHistorical District

Fields-Penn House MuseumStar Museum

AbingdonArt And History MAke Abingdon An ideAl HolidAy excursion

VWL 026-035 GREAT GETAWAYS 11_10.indd 26 11/1/10 5:26 PM

Great GetawaYS


Take one look at the breathtaking vistas that surround Lexington and you will surely be singing how the

hills are alive. Situated at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lexington abounds with awe-inspiring views and that good ‘ole Appalachian music—not to mention a rich history dating all the way back to the Civil War era.

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

With a scene as beautiful as Lexington’s so many other outdoor activities are available too, such as camping, fishing, kayaking, horse-back riding and hunting. Or just sit back and

enjoy some local Appalachian tunes by one of the many bluegrass groups of the area.

Head south of the city and bare witness to one of Virginia’s most unique and immense natural wonders, the Natural Bridge. Twenty stories of pure rock formation, the Natural Bridge draws in sightseers from all over. In addition, you can

explore the underground formations of the caves nearby.

As for the historic aspects of Lexington, the city is home to the Virginia Military Institute, which has a museum on campus. Travel back in time to the Civil War as you enter the Stonewall Jackson House. Discover the mysteries of the past and learn about the legendary nickname “Stonewall” at the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery where the general himself is buried.

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

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

August-09

The Historic Lower McCormick Mill now serves

as a premier restaurant and inn.

Lexington, Virginia area.

540-377-mill(6455) • 866-747-mill

osceolamill.com [email protected]

Valley Mill by P. Buckley Moss

Osceola Mill

Bed & BreakfastFine Dining & Lodging

Call for your free travel guide. Toll-free: 877-453-9822 | lexingtonvirginia.com

LEXINGTON, VIRGINIAThe streets, roads and trails are

paved with memories.

Lexington • Buena Vista RockBRidge county

Lexingtona rustic retreat

“…Lexington abounds with awe-inspiring

views and that good ‘ole Appalachian

music—not to mention a rich

history dating all the way back to the Civil War era.”


Great GetawaYS


In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg is the ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a long stay. History

comes to life and outdoor adventures abound in this small Virginia town, but not without fine dining, shopping and wine around every corner to complement your excursion.

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

For a fun-filled day, head over the Massanutten Resort, east of Harrisonburg. Winter is the ideal time to try skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing. After a day in the cold, head indoors to make a splash at Massanutten’s WaterPark. Open year-round, it’s always 84 degrees inside and lots of fun. Massanutten also features a spa and plenty of dining options to spend the day relaxing.

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

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

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

Experience Virginia’s wine country. Many places offer tastings and tours and you can take home a bottle of award-winning wine to share with friends during the holidays. Please see our Wine Map and Guide, starting on page 38, for all the wineries in the Harrisonburg area.

Your first resort.

Massanutten ResortMassResort.com | (540) 289-4952

Harrisonburgcall harrisonburg your home for the holidays


Great GetawaYS


Home to Thomas Jefferson, the Cavaliers, majestic mountains, of course, and delicious Virginia wine,

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

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

For your more adventurous side, take to the hills and explore the mountains that once dazzled Thomas Jefferson himself on one of the many hiking or biking trails. Only 45 minutes away lies the infamous Blue Ridge Parkway, home to some Virginia’ prettiest vistas; with the leaves beginning to fall, the sights will be even more clear.

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

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

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

8 0 0 . 4 7 6 . 1 9 8 8

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

For detailed information on our 2010 Holiday Packages, please visit us

online at www.boarsheadinn.com.

your every tradition

www.boarsheadinn.comdining | lodging | golf | tennis | spa | meetings | weddings

�

Move Over, California!With more than 200 years of tradition, Thomas Jefferson would be mighty proud of the international prestige earned by Albemarle County wines, and the consistently great taste produced by wineries found along the Monticello Wine Trail. When it comes to quality and value, the Golden State has met its match!

The fun starts with you!A leisurely drive from Washington, DC and points throughout Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland make for a spectacular weekend getaway. Wrap your visit with some great golf, spa pampering, exquisite dining, shopping and a night or two at one of our wonderful Bed & Breakfast Inns, hotels or resorts.

For more information on planning your trip to Charlottesville, visit www.albemarlewines.com, or call (877) 386-1103

Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, 610 E. Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902




Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau610 East Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902




Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, 610 E. Main Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22902



For more information on planning your trip to

Charlottesville, visit

VisitCharlottesville.orgor call

(877) 386-1103

Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors

Bureau610 East Main Street,

Charlottesville, VA 22902

Harrisonburg Charlottesvillethe napa valley of the east

‘‘... the region’smost consistent

track record.’’— W I N E S PE CTATO R MAGAZ I N E

W W W. J E F F E R S O N V I N E YA R D S . C O M 8 0 0 - 2 7 2 - 3 0 4 2

STE WAR D S O F J E FFE R S O N ’S

O R I G I NAL 1774 V I N EYAR D

S ITE S , O N E M I LE S OUTH

O F M O NT I C E LLO

America’s First Wine Connoisseur

®


Great GetawaYS


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With ‘fresh and funky’ sites from eclectic shopping to

the nation’s only year-round, outdoor snow sports slope, it’s not your grandmothers’

Lynchburg anymore! Surrounded by renowned

sites like the National D-Day Memorial, Appomattox Court

House National Historical Park, Thomas Jefferson’s

Poplar Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway and more, Lynchburg

offers gracious lodging and dining making it the perfect spot to nestle down a few

extra days and see all Central Virginia has to offer.

Discover LynchburgFrom a NewPerspective

Liberty MountainSnowflex Center

1-800-732-5821

www.discoverlynchburg.com

Visit us on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter!

discoverlynchburg

Johnson’s OrchardsFrom Blossom To Bottle

(540)586-37071218 Elmos Rd. Bedford, VA 24523

We are minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway!

More than just fine wineS, we offer fresh fruits in season, fruit

Butters, Preserves, Jams, Jellies, Juice Sweetened Spreads, Hot Sauces, Salad

Dressings, Relishes, Honey, BBQ Sauces, and more !

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

Visit us online at:

www.PeaksOfOtterwinery.com

PursueHaPPiness!

exPlore THomas Jefferson’s secluded reTreaT

Guided Tours daily aPril–november (closed Tuesdays)

(434) 525-1806 | Forest, Virginia

www.poplarforest.org

Thomas JeFFerson

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

TickeTs $20.00 in advance • $25.00 at the door

Lynchburgsnow, shopping and spas—spend your holidays in lynchburg


Great GetawaYS


Set against a vibrant backdrop of rolling mountain peaks and rustic farmlands, Fauquier County offers a quaint

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

Fauquier offers more than 21 different parks and recreational centers for the

active soul including golf courses and equestrian trails. Be sure to visit the flying circus while you are here. Yes, flying. The Flying Circus Aerodrome in Bealeton is an air show presenting patrons with awe-inspiring stunts.

With all the farmlands in the area, Fauquier

abounds with farmer’s markets brimming with fresh fruits and produce and fun activities for the whole family.

With wineries around every corner, many consider Fauquier County to be Northern Virginia’s wine country. The vineyards are steeped in tradition, family values and varietals that will suit just about anyone. Please see our Wine Map and Guide, starting on page 38, for more information.

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

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

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

Rappahannock County, Virginia

GRAND OPENING IN NOVEMBERwith expanded hours.Friday 11am-8pmwith live entertainment

Saturday, Sunday& Federal Holiday Mondays11am-6pm

Authentic Indian food complimentedby hand-crafted Virginia wines.

NOW OPEN WEEKENDS!Saturday-Sunday 11am-6pm

Experience India...Taste Virginia

Amissville, Virginia • 540-937-6613

W I N E R YNarmada

www.narmadawinery.com

Authentic Indian food complimented by hand-crafted Virginia wines.

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

43 Narmada Lane / Amissville, Virginia540-937-8215www.narmada winery.com

Visit us and look down on the tops of the mountains

Great Wines - Great VieWsGreat times

3310 Freezeland RoadLinden, Virginia 22642540-636-6777www.foxmeadowwinery.com

Mon. - Fri.11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sat. & Sun.11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Lynchburg FaquierCountyvirginia’s wine country of the north

“…Fauquier County offers a quaint

atmosphere you only see in movies.”


Great GetawaYS


The city life has quite the draw, what with streets teeming with life and street lights shimmering to seemingly

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

Located within one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, the city of Fairfax is situated amidst many of the finer things in life, including its scenery. Escape to one of the many parks or lakes the city has to offer—perfect for a day of picnicking with that favorite Cabernet.

Have a taste for a faster paced day? Take a stroll down the streets of Reston Towne Center, which offers more than 50 retail shops and 30 restaurants to choose from. Fill the night with figure-eights and feel the cool of the winter air at the Pavilion Ice and Skating Rink opened seasonally at the heart of the Towne Center.

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

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

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

Closest winery to washington, DC!

Winner of the 2010Governor’s Cup

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

Washington Post 2 1/2 StarsFall Dining Guide 2010

7134 Main Street • Clifton, VA 20124703.266.1623

www.trummersonmain.com

Rustic elegance set within Main Street charm

serving Creative American Cuisine.

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

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

holiday y holiday holida traditraditr tionsaditionsadi

FXVA13530m_VA_WineLovers_4.625x4.687.indd 1 10/26/10 9:17 AM

“Though it may be a suburb,

Fairfax is still quite an active

place and holds many treasures

for both the traveler and

the wine connoisseur.”

Fairfaxthe perfect city escape


Great GetawaYS


Williamsburg provides an ideal setting for a weekend getaway or longer trip, whether you

want to immerse yourself in its history or experience its shops, restaurants and spas, and of course, great Virginia wines. Cobblestone streets, quaint buildings and the picturesque James River are just a few of the charming traits of Williamsburg, but this city is full of all the modern amenities needed on a trip away from home.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fairfax Williamsburgold fashioned charm with a modern twist

Shopper's Escape PackageGREAT Shopping in Williamsburg, VA

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

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

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

Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway • Winter Wine Getaway •

WilliamsburgTourist Information Center

The Greater

Winter Wine Getaway....

For more information call 1-800-446-9244 or visit goWilliamsburg.com


Great GetawaYS


With a charming downtown and the Shenandoah Valley as a backdrop, Staunton is the

perfect destination for a weekend or mid-week getaway in Virginia.

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

Staunton is home to the American Shakespeare Center and the Blackfriars Playhouse, a re-creation of Shakespeare’s original indoor theatre. Shakespearian favorites play throughout November and come December, spend an evening with the playhouse as it gets in the holiday spirit with several holiday-themed shows.

Walk through traditional rural buildings from all over the world as you learn the stories of the first pioneers that came to America at the Frontier Culture Museum. Exhibits show the life of the early colonists and how the country we live in today was shaped by its past. In December, the museum offers Christmas Lantern Tours with music, refreshments and a visit to the Old World farms.

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

A visit to Staunton wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Barren Ridge Vineyards. Tours and tastings are offered in the former apple barn, which has been converted into a state-of-the-art winery. Try some of Virginia’s best varietals as you take in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley scenery.

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

Stauntonthe queen city of shenandoah

www.ASCstaunton.com1.877.MUCH.ADO

John Harrell in A Christmas Carol 2007

Blackfriars Playhouse2010 Holiday Season

The Twelve Datesof Christmas

The Santaland Diaries

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas

“Its five historic

districts are

packed with

architecture,

unique shops,

art galleries and

restaurants…”


Attention Virginia Wineries:

Look for information soon on how to apply for the

Virginia Wine Lover Wine Classic Awards

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

VWL 026-035 GREAT GETAWAYS 11_10.indd 34 11/2/10 11:36 AM

Register to win...

AN ESCAPE TO MASSANUTTEN RESORT

You work hard during the week. Which is why we’re working hard to help you make the most of your weekends. With our incredible Weekend Getaway package you can take a vacation that won’t take your whole paycheck. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and navigate over 70 acres of breathtaking slopes at Virginia’s premier mountain resort. Not a skier? Not a problem! We’ve got WaterPark, Golf, and Spa packages, too. So give us a call and plan your escape today!540.289.4952 | MassResort.com/Specials

3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS IN A TWO-BEDROOM CONDO+ FOUR WATERPARK PASSES+ FOUR SKI PASSES

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

VWL MASSANUTTEN_GETAWAY AD 11_10.indd 1 10/29/10 3:11 PM

Great GetawaYS

36 SUMMER 2010 n Virginia Wine Lover

It might be hard to find Loudoun County on the map, but its charming towns, spectacular scenery and abundance of

wineries make it unforgettable. Spend a wine-filled weekend, plan a getaway focused on history and horses, or relax with a game of golf and a trip to one of its luxurious spas.

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

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

Neighboring Leesburg and Middleburg, both steeped with history, have historic downtowns that are also worth a visit. Leesburg is also home to premium outlets in an outdoor shopping center, but there are plenty of old-fashioned country stores along the way.

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

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

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

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

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

Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm In Loudoun County at

14727 Mountain Road, Hillsboro, VA(540) 668-6464

For a list of events,visit www.DoukenieWinery.com

Visiting Loudoun County Wine Country?

Tuscarora Mill and Magnolias at the MillTwo great places to refresh and refuel,

after a vigorous round of winery cruising.

203 Harrison St. SE 703-771-9300 198 21st St. 540-338-9800Leesburg, VA 20175 tuskies.com Purcellville, VA 20132 magnoliasmill.com

Visiting Loudoun County Wine Country?

www.tuskies.com/WineTrail/

Loudoun Countyholidays, horses and history in loudoun county



O

O

OO

Grapevine

OO

OO

WINERY MAP • LISTING • REGIONAL WINTER EVENTS

central

A S E L E C T I O N O F W I N E E V E N T S I N V I R G I N I A

PHO

TO C

OU

RTES

Y O

F JE

FFER

SON

VIN

EYA

RD

S

HARVEST FEAST

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

Nov. 13Jefferson Vineyards

VWL 037-047 GRAPEVINE 11_10.indd 37 11/2/10 4:37 PM

81

77

77

72

ALT58

5891

80

81

81

221

58

8

11460

100

581

64

95

95

64

85

95

85

64

64

95

13

264

95

66

1

17

202

201

354

200

203

360

3

3

3

95

60220

81

81

64

64

64

58

Nassawadox

Eastville

Nassawadox

Eastville

Exmore

BloxomBloxom

AccomacOnancockOnley

Chincoteague

Bristol

Norton

Danville

Richmond

HopewellColonialHeights

Petersburg

VirginiaBeach

Hampton

ChesapeakeSuffolk

Newport News

Emporia Franklin

Poquoson

Norfolk

Portsmouth

Fredericksburg

FallsChurch

Fairfax

ManassasPark &Manassas

Alexandria

Front Royal

Covington

Winchester

Harrisonburg

Staunton

Waynesboro

Lexington BuenaVista

Galax

Salem

Roanoke

Radford

Bedford

Martinsville

Lynchburg

Williamsburg

Charlottesville

LEE

SCOTT

WISE

DICKENSON

RUSSELL

BUCHANAN

TAZEWELL

WASHINGTON

SMYTH

GRAYSON

WYTHE

BLAND

BOTETOURT

BEDFORDCRAIG

ROANOKE

FRANKLIN

FLOYD

MONTGOMERY

GILES

PULASKI

PATRICK

HENRY

CARROLL

NELSON

BUCKINGHAMAMHERST

CUM

BERL

AND

PRINCEEDWARD

APPOMATTOX

CHARLOTTE

CAMPBELL

PITTSYLVANIA

HALIFAX

GOOCHLAND

AMELIA

HANOVER

POWHATAN

NOTTOWAY

DINWIDDIE

LUNENBURG

MECKLENBURG

BRUNSWICK

PRINCEGEORGE

CHARLESCITY

NEW KENT

HENRICO

CHESTERFIELD

ACCOMACK

NORTHAMPTON

YORK

GREENSVILLE

SOUTHAMPTON

SUSSEX

ISLE OFWIGHT

SURRY

JAMESCITY

SPOTSYLVANIA

STAFFORD

CAROLINE

KINGGEORGE

WESTMORELAND

NORTHUMBERLAND

LANCASTER

RICHMOND

MIDDLESEX

MATHEWS

GLOUCESTER

KING AND QUEEN

ESSEX

KING WILLIAM

FAUQUIER

CULPEPER

RAPPAHANNOCK

MADISON

ORANGEGREENE

LOUISA

FLUVANNA

ALBEMARLE

FAIRFAX

PRINCEWILLIAM

LOUDOUN

FREDERICK

CLARKE

WARREN

SHENANDOAH

PAGE

ROCKINGHAM

AUGUSTA

ROCKBRIDGE

HIGHLAND

BATH

ALLEGHANY

T E N N E S S E E

C A R O L I N A

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WE

ST

VI R

GI N

I A

K

E

N

T

UC

K

Y

N O R T H

M A R Y L A N D

W-7

W-10

W-1

W-5

W-9W-11

W-2

W-6

W-4W-9

S-1W-3

C-21

C-53

C-37

C-43

C-49

C-30

C-32

C-20

C-7

C-42

C-24C-3

C-44

C-41

C-11

C-40

C-31

C-33C-14

C-54C-22

C-54 C-10C-50C-38C-28

C-2 C-46C-18C-29C-6

C-16C-51

C-26

C-27C-46C-15

C-12

C-19

C-9 C-25

C-55

C-23C-8C-5

C-33

C-36C-45 C-4

C-35C-52

C-47

C-39N-8

N-24N-29

N-38N-45

N-19

N-42

E-10

E-8

E-7 E-5

E-12

E-1

E-13

E-9

E-11

E-4

E-6

E-3

E-2

N-38N-54

N-32N-52N-18

N-34

N-1

N-17

N-46

N-44N-10

N-40N-28

N-30

N-39

N-50N-31N-23

S-8

N-9N-51

N-3N-55

N-13N-2N-25

N-5N-41

N-48N-11

N-43

N-57N-56N-7 N-15

N-53N-27N-35

N-22N-36

N-21N-6N-14

N-4S-16

S-18S-19

S-11

S-13

S-15S-22

S-4S-5

S-12

S-6

S-2

S-14S-10

S-3

S-20

S-7

S-17

S-21

S-1

N-47N-12

N-49N-20N-26

N-16

C-17

C-13


Virginia Winery Map

O

O

OOWhere 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: [email protected].

SHENANDOAH

WESTERN

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

MOLLIVER

PEAKS OF OTTER


OO

OO

81

77

77

72

ALT58

5891

80

81

81

221

58

8

11460

100

581

64

95

95

64

85

95

85

64

64

95

13

264

95

66

1

17

202

201

354

200

203

360

3

3

3

95

60220

81

81

64

64

64

58

Nassawadox

Eastville

Nassawadox

Eastville

Exmore

BloxomBloxom

AccomacOnancockOnley

Chincoteague

Bristol

Norton

Danville

Richmond

HopewellColonialHeights

Petersburg

VirginiaBeach

Hampton

ChesapeakeSuffolk

Newport News

Emporia Franklin

Poquoson

Norfolk

Portsmouth

Fredericksburg

FallsChurch

Fairfax

ManassasPark &Manassas

Alexandria

Front Royal

Covington

Winchester

Harrisonburg

Staunton

Waynesboro

Lexington BuenaVista

Galax

Salem

Roanoke

Radford

Bedford

Martinsville

Lynchburg

Williamsburg

Charlottesville

LEE

SCOTT

WISE

DICKENSON

RUSSELL

BUCHANAN

TAZEWELL

WASHINGTON

SMYTH

GRAYSON

WYTHE

BLAND

BOTETOURT

BEDFORDCRAIG

ROANOKE

FRANKLIN

FLOYD

MONTGOMERY

GILES

PULASKI

PATRICK

HENRY

CARROLL

NELSON

BUCKINGHAMAMHERST

CUM

BERL

AND

PRINCEEDWARD

APPOMATTOX

CHARLOTTE

CAMPBELL

PITTSYLVANIA

HALIFAX

GOOCHLAND

AMELIA

HANOVER

POWHATAN

NOTTOWAY

DINWIDDIE

LUNENBURG

MECKLENBURG

BRUNSWICK

PRINCEGEORGE

CHARLESCITY

NEW KENT

HENRICO

CHESTERFIELD

ACCOMACK

NORTHAMPTON

YORK

GREENSVILLE

SOUTHAMPTON

SUSSEX

ISLE OFWIGHT

SURRY

JAMESCITY

SPOTSYLVANIA

STAFFORD

CAROLINE

KINGGEORGE

WESTMORELAND

NORTHUMBERLAND

LANCASTER

RICHMOND

MIDDLESEX

MATHEWS

GLOUCESTER

KING AND QUEEN

ESSEX

KING WILLIAM

FAUQUIER

CULPEPER

RAPPAHANNOCK

MADISON

ORANGEGREENE

LOUISA

FLUVANNA

ALBEMARLE

FAIRFAX

PRINCEWILLIAM

LOUDOUN

FREDERICK

CLARKE

WARREN

SHENANDOAH

PAGE

ROCKINGHAM

AUGUSTA

ROCKBRIDGE

HIGHLAND

BATH

ALLEGHANY

T E N N E S S E E

C A R O L I N A

WASHINGTON, D.C.

WE

ST

VI R

GI N

I A

K

E

N

T

UC

K

Y

N O R T H

M A R Y L A N D

W-7

W-10

W-1

W-5

W-9W-11

W-2

W-6

W-4W-9

S-1W-3

C-21

C-53

C-37

C-43

C-49

C-30

C-32

C-20

C-7

C-42

C-24C-3

C-44

C-41

C-11

C-40

C-31

C-33C-14

C-54C-22

C-54 C-10C-50C-38C-28

C-2 C-46C-18C-29C-6

C-16C-51

C-26

C-27C-46C-15

C-12

C-19

C-9 C-25

C-55

C-23C-8C-5

C-33

C-36C-45 C-4

C-35C-52

C-47

C-39N-8

N-24N-29

N-38N-45

N-19

N-42

E-10

E-8

E-7 E-5

E-12

E-1

E-13

E-9

E-11

E-4

E-6

E-3

E-2

N-38N-54

N-32N-52N-18

N-34

N-1

N-17

N-46

N-44N-10

N-40N-28

N-30

N-39

N-50N-31N-23

S-8

N-9N-51

N-3N-55

N-13N-2N-25

N-5N-41

N-48N-11

N-43

N-57N-56N-7 N-15

N-53N-27N-35

N-22N-36

N-21N-6N-14

N-4S-16

S-18S-19

S-11

S-13

S-15S-22

S-4S-5

S-12

S-6

S-2

S-14S-10

S-3

S-20

S-7

S-17

S-21

S-1

N-47N-12

N-49N-20N-26

N-16

C-17

C-13


BARBOURSVILLE

DOUKENIE

FOX MEADOW

For advertising opportunities to have your business listed on the map, contact Tracy Thompson at 757-422-8979 ext. 156, or email [email protected].

CENTRAL

SHENANDOAH

NORTHERN

EASTERN

S P E C I A L

KEY

BUSINESS NAME ADVERTISER

See next page for our

coresponding winery listing.

»

MATTAPONILAKE ANNA

COOPER

GRAYHAVEN

JEFFERSON

MOLLIVER

NARMADA

PEARMUND

LA GRANGE

VINT HILL CRAFT

PARADISESPRINGS



Virginia Winery Listing

O

O

OO

WESTERN REGION

Abingdon Vineyard & WineryAbingdon – 276-623-1255

Blacksnake MeaderyDugspur – 540-834-6172

Brooks Mill WineryWirtz –540-721-5215

Chateau Morrisette WineryFloyd – 540-593-9218

Davis Valley Winery and Vineyard Rural Retreat – 276-686-8855

Foggy Ridge CiderDugspur – 276-398-2337

Mountain Rose VineyardsWise – 276–328–2013 Rural Retreat Winery & Dye’s VineyardsRural Retreat - 276-686-8300

Villa Appalaccia WineryFloyd – 540–593–3100

Vincent’s VineyardLebanon – 276-889-2505

West Wind Farm Vineyard & WineryMax Meadows – 276-699-2020

SHENANDOAH REGION

AmRhein Wine CellarsBent Mountain – 540-929-4632

Barren Ridge VineyardsFishersville – 540-248-3300

Blue Ridge VineyardEagle Rock – 540-798-7642

Cave Ridge WineryMt. Jackson – 540-477-2585

Crooked Run CellarsMount Jackson – 540-477-9030

Cross Keys VineyardsMt. Crawford –

Fincastle Vineyard & WineryFincastle – 540-591-9000

Fox Meadow WineryLinden – 22642 3310 Freezeland Road540-636-6777www.foxmeadow winery.comMon – Fri 11am-5pm, Sat & Sun 11am – 6pmOther times by appointment

Glen Manor Vineyard Front Royal – 540-635-6324

Lexington Valley VineyardsRockbridge Baths – 540-462-2974

Misty Mountain MeadworksWinchester – 540-888-4420

MistyRay WineryHarrisonburg – 540-433-8243

North Mountain Vineyard & Winery Maurertown – 540-436-9463

Rockbridge VineyardRaphine – 540-377-6204

Shenandoah VineyardsEdinburg – 540-984-8699

Twin Oaks Tavern WineryBluemont – 202-255-509

Valhalla VineyardsRoanoke – 540–725–9463

Veramar WineryBerryville – 540–955–5510

Vino CuriosoWinchester – 703-447-0648

Virginia Mountain VineyardsFincastle – 540–473–2979

Wisteria Farm & VineyardStanley –540-742-1489

Wolf Gap Vineyard & Winery Edinburg – 540-984-3306

NORTHERN REGION

8 Chains North WineryWaterford –571-439-2255

Aspen Dale WineryDelaplane – 540-364-6178

Barrel Oak WineryDelaplane – 703-798-8308

Bluemont VineyardBluemont – 540-554-8439

Boxwood WineryMiddleburg – 540-687-9770

Breaux VineyardsHillsboro – 540-668-6299

Casanel VineyardsLeesburg – 540-751-1776

Castle Gruen Vineyards and WineryLocust Dale – 540-229-2498

Chateau O’Brien at NorthpointMarkham – 540-364-6441

Chester Gap CellarsFront Royal – 540-636-8086

Chrysalis VineyardsMiddleburg – 540-687-8222

Corcoran Vineyards Waterford – 540-882-9073

Delaplane CellarsDelaplane – 540-592-7210

Doukenie WineryPurcellville – 20132 14727 Mountain Road540–668–6464www.doukenie winery.comEveryday 10am -6pm

Dry Mill Vineyards WineryLeesburg – 571-271-6799

Fabbioli CellarsLeesburg – 703-771-1197

Gadino CellarsWashington – 540-987-9292

Gray Ghost Vineyards Amissville – 540-937-4869

Hartwood WineryFredericksburg – 540–752–4893

Hidden Brook Winery Leesburg – 703–737–3935

Hiddencroft VineyardsLovettsville – 540-535-5367

Hillsborough VineyardsPurcellville – 540-668-6216

Hume VineyardsHume –540-364-2587

Lake Anna WinerySpotsylvania – 225515621 Court House Rd., 540-0895-5085www.lakeannawinery.comOpen year round Wed – Sat 11am -5pm, Sun 1pm – 5pmExcept Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years

Linden VineyardsLinden – 540-364-1997

Lost Creek Winery Leesburg – 703-443-9836

Loudoun Valley VineyardsWaterford – 540–882–3375

Marterella WineriesWarrenton – 540-347-1119

Mattaponi WinerySpotsylvania – 22551 7530 Morris Road540-582-2897www.mattaponi winery.comWeekends 11am – 6pmWeekdays by appointment

Mediterranean Cellars Warrenton – 540–428–1984

Miracle Valley VineyardsDelaplane – 540-364-0228

Molon Lave VineyardsWarrenton –540-439-5460

Naked Mountain VineyardMarkham – 540–364–1609

Narmada WineryAmissville – 20106 43 Narmada Lane,540-937-8215www.narmada winery.comSummer Hours: Thur 12pm – 5pm, Fri 12pm – 6pm, Sat 11am – 7pm, Sun 12pm – 6pmFederal Holidays Mondays 11am – 6pmAll other days by appointment

North Gate VineyardPurcelleville – 540-668-6248

Notaviva Vineyards Purcellville – 540-668-6756

Old House VineyardsCulpeper – 540–423–1032

Paradise Springs WineryClifton –2012413219 Yates Ford Rd., 703-830-9463www.paradisespringswinery.comWed – Sun 11am – 7pmFri Happy Hour 5pm – Dark

Pearmund CellarsBroad Run – 201376190 Georgetown Rd.540-347-3475www.pearmund cellars.comDaily 10am – 6pm

Philip Carter WineryHume – 540-364-1203

Piedmont Vineyards & WineryThe Plains – 540-687-5528

Potomac Point Vineyard & WineryStafford – 540-446-2266

Quattro Gombas WineryAldie – 703-327-6542

Rappahannock CellarsHuntly – 540-635-9398

Rogers Ford Farm WinerySumerduck – 540-439-3707

Sharp Rock VineyardsSperryville – 540–987–9700

Sunset Hills Vineyard Purcellville – 703-725-3546

Swedenburg Estate VineyardMiddleburg – 540–687–5219

Tarara Winery Leesburg – 703-771-7100

The Winery at La GrangeHaymarket – 20169 4970 Antioch Rd., 703-753-9360WineryatLagrange.comDaily 11am – 6pm

Three Fox VineyardsDelaplane – 540-364-6073

Unicorn WineryAmissville – 540–349–5885

Village WineryWaterford – 540–882–3780

Vint Hill Craft WineryVint Hill – 20187 7150 Lineweaver Road703-991-0191www.vinthillcraft winery.comFri – Sun 11am – 6pm

Vintage Ridge VineyardRectortown – 540-364-3371

Willowcroft Farm VineyardsLeesburg – 703-777-8161

Zephaniah Farm VineyardLeesburg – 703-431-2016

EASTERN REGION

Athena Vineyards & WineryHeathsville – 804-580-7327

Belle Mount VineyardsWarsaw – 804-333-4700

Bloxom VineyardBloxom – 757-665-5670

Chatham VineyardsMachipongo – Eastern Region757-678-5588

The Hague WineryHague – 804-472-5283

Holly Grove VineyardsFranktown – 757-442-2844

Hummel VineyardsMontross – Eastern Region 804-493-1554

Ingleside VineyardsOak Grove – 804–224–8687

New Kent WineryNew Kent County – 804-932-8240

Oak Crest WineryKing George – 540–663–2813

The Williamsburg WineryWilliamsburg – 757-229-0999

Vault Field Vineyards Kinsale – 804-472-4430

White Fences VineyardIrvington – 804-438-5559

CENTRAL REGION

Afton Mountain VineyardsAfton – 540-456-8667

WESTERN

SHENANDOAH

CENTRAL

EASTERN

NORTHERN

WESTERN

SHENANDOAH

CENTRAL

EASTERN

NORTHERN

WESTERN

SHENANDOAH

CENTRAL

EASTERN

NORTHERN

WESTERN

SHENANDOAH

CENTRAL

EASTERN

NORTHERN

WESTERN

SHENANDOAH

CENTRAL

EASTERN

NORTHERN

W-1

W-2

W-3

W-4

W-5

W-6

W-7

W-8

W-9

W-10

W-11

E-1

E-2

E-3

E-4

E-5

E-6

E-7

E-8

E-9

E-10

E-11

E-12

E-13

C-1

S-1

S-2

S-3

S-4

S-5

S-6

N-1

N-2

S-7

S-8

S-9

S-10

S-11

S-12

S-13

S-14

S-15

S-16

S-17

S-18

S-19

S-20

S-21

S-22

N-3

N-4

N-5

N-6

N-7

N-8

N-9

N-10

N-11

N-12

N-13

N-14

N-15

N-16

N-17

N-18

N-19

N-20

N-21

N-22

N-23

N-24

N-25

N-26

N-27

N-28

N-29

N-30

N-31

N-32

N-33

N-34

N-35

N-36

N-37

N-38

N-39

N-40

N-41

N-42

N-43

N-44

N-45

N-46

N-47

N-48

N-49

N-50

N-51

N-52

N-53

N-54

N-55

N-56

N-57



Albemarle CiderworksNorth Garden - 434-297-2326

Annefield VineyardsSaxe –434-454-7559

Autumn Hill VineyardsStandardsville – 424-985-6100

Barboursville VineyardsBarboursville – 22923 17655 Winery RdBarboursville540-832-3824www.barbours villewine.comTasting Room: Mon-Sat 10am -5pm, Sun 11am-5pmWinery Tours: Sat & Sun 12pm-4pm or by appointment

Blenheim VineyardsCharlottesville – 434-293-5366

Bright Meadows Farm Vineyard & WineryNathalie – 434-349-5349

Burnley Vineyards & Daniel CellarsBarboursville – 540-832-2828

Byrd CellarsGoochland –804-475-8536

Cardinal Point Vineyard & WineryAfton – 540-456-8400

Chateau Z VineyardLynchburg –

Cooper VineyardsLouisa – 2309313372 Shannon Hill Rd., 540-894-5253www.coopervineyards.comDaily year round 11am – 5pm

DelFosse Vineyard and WineryFaber – 434-263-6100

Democracy VineyardLovingston –434-964-6124

DuCard VineyardsEtlan – 540-923-4206

First Colony WineryCharlottesville – 434–979–7105

Flying Fox Vineyard Afton – 434-361-1692

Gabrielle RausseCharlottesville – 434-296-5328

Grayhaven WineryGum Springs – 230654675 East Grey Fox Circle804-556-3917www.grayhavenwinery.comEveryday 11am – 5pm

Greenwood VineyardsVernon Hill –434-579-2836

Hickory Hill VineyardsMoneta – 540–296–1393

Hill Top Berry Farm & WineryNellysford – 434-361-1266

Horton Cellars WineryGordonsville – 540-832-7440

Hunting Creek VineyardsClover – 434-454-9219

James River CellarsGlen Allen – 804–550–7516

Jefferson VineyardsCharlottesville – 22902 1353 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy,434-977-3042www.jeffersonvineyards.com Daily 10am – 6pm tours and tastings

Keswick VineyardsKeswick – 434-244-3341

King Family VineyardsCrozet – 434-823-7800

Kluge Estate Winery & VineyardCharlottesville – 434–977-3895

Leo Grande WineryGoode – 540-586-4066

Lovingston WineryLovingston – 434–263–4533

Molliver VineyardsNathalie – 245772046 Waller Rd.,434-349-1000www.molliver-vineyards.comSummer 11am-8pmWinter 12pm-6pm

MontdomaineCharlottesville –434-971-8142

Mountain Cove Vineyard & Wine GardenLovingston – 434–263–5392

Mountfair VineyardsCrozet – 434-823-7605

Neala Estate VineyardsMadison – 540-948-6570

Peaks of Otter WineryBedford – 245231218 Elmos Rd., 540–586–3707www.peakesofotter winery.comWeekends: Jan-Mar 12pm – 5pmDaily: Apr-Dec – 12pm – 5pm

Pollak VineyardsGreenwood – 540-456-8844

Prince Michel Vineyard & WineryLeon – 540-547-3707

Rebec VineyardsAmherst – 434–946–5168

Rosemont Vineyards & WineryLaCrosse – 434-636-9463

Sans Soucy VineyardsBrookneal – 434-376 –9463

Savoy-Lee WineryHuddleston – 540-297-9275

Spring Creek Wine CellarPamplin – 434-248-6981

Stone Mountain VineyardsDyke – 434–990–9463

Sugarleaf VineyardsNorth Garden – 434-984-4272

Sweely Estate WineryMadison – 540-948-9005

Thibaut-Janisson WineryAfton - 434-996-3307

Tomahawk Mill WineryChatham – 434–432–1063

Veritas WineryAfton – 540-456-8000

Virginia Wineworks Charlottesville – 434-923-8314

White Hall Vineyards White Hall – 434-823-8615

White Rock Vineyards & WineryGoodview – 540-890-3359

Wintergreen WineryNellysford – 434-361-2519

Woodland Vineyard Farm WineryMidlothian – 804-739-2774

C-2

C-3

C-4

C-5

C-6

C-7

C-8

C-9

C-10

C-11

C-12

C-13

C-14

C-15

C-16

C-17

C-18

C-19

C-20

C-21

C-22

C-23

C-24

C-25

C-26

C-27

C-28

C-29

C-30

C-31

C-32

C-33

C-34

C-35

C-36

C-37

C-38

C-39

C-40

C-41

C-42

C-43

C-44

C-45

C-46

C-47

C-48

C-49

C-50

C-51

C-52

C-53

C-54

C-55

Put Your Name On Our Map

Advertise with us and receive an

extended write-up on your winery

and name on our winery map.

To Advertise with us, contact Tracy Thompson at 757-422-8979 ext.156

or [email protected]



Grapevine

O

O

OO

WESTERNStories and Songsnov. 5. wine, dinner and guitar and mountain dulcimer music. Mountainrose Vineyards.

Harvest Soup Festivalnov. 6-7; nov. 13-14. Five gourmet soups paired with Amrhein wine. $. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Amrhein wine Cellars.

Tales of Suspensenov. 12 -13. wine, three-course dinner with play. $. 7 p.m. Chateau Morrisette.

Open Housenov. 30. 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Vincent’s Vineyard.

Tree TrimmingDec. 4. wine, lunch and decorating a tree. Mountainrose Vineyard.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19. wine, snacks, cider. noon – 4 p.m. Chateau Morrisette.

Holly DaysDec. 11-12. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Amrhein wine Cellars.

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

New Year’s CelebrationsDec. 31, Jan. 1. Special menus at the restaurant on both new Year’s eve and new Year’s Day. Chateau Morrisette.

EASTERN

Secrets of the Chocolate Makernov. 2; nov. 7. Learn how raw cocoa beans are processed into chocolate and how chocolate was used in 18th-century cooking. $. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Colonial williamsburg. 800-447-8679. www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/holidays

Urbanna Oyster Festivalnov. 5. the 53rd celebration of the oyster; food, entertainment and a wine Garden featuring an assortment of Virginia wineries. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. www.urbannaoysterfestival.com

Eastern Shore Oyster Riotnov. 12. An “all-you-care-to” extravaganza with fresh oysters and other food, eastern Shore wines and live entertainment. $. 6-9 p.m. the inn and Garden Café,

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

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

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

Virginia Roast & Toastnov. 14. Oyster roasting and microbrew beer tasting along with barbecue and more. Featured Virginia breweries include O’Connor (norfolk), St. George (Hampton) and Starr Hill (Charlottesville.) $. 3-6 p.m. Hermitage Museum and Gardens, norfolk. 757-423-2052. www.thfm.org

Art and Mysteries of Brewingnov. 20. Program demonstrating the process of brewing beer as it was practiced in the 18th century. $. 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Colonial williamsburg. 800-447-8679. www.history.org

Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginianov. 24-26. events at Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center exploring ow food was gathered, preserved and prepared on land and at sea by Virginia’s english colonists and Powhatan indians. $. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 888-593-4682. www.historyisfun.org

Open Studio and Vineyard Tournov. 26, 27. Self-drive holiday shopping and wine tasting tour hosted by the Artisans Guild of the eastern Shore. Guild members open their studios to the public to demonstrate their crafts and show and sell their work with stops at local wineries along the way. www.esartisanguild.org

Bacchus Wine and Food FestivalFeb. 4. wines paired with food selections from 18 local restaurants mixed with entertainment and a ViP reception. $ 6-10 p.m. Virginia Living Museum, newport news. 757-595-1900. www.thevlm.org

CENTRALHeart of Virginia Wine Trail Harvest Passport Weekendnov. 6-7. A tour of wineries along the

Heart of Virginia wine trail. $. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.hovawinetrail.com

Fall Barrel Tastingnov. 6-7. taste 2009 and 2010 wines from the barrel. $. Horton Vineyards.

Sunday Country Brunchnov. 7. $. 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Prince Michel Vineyard & winery.

Cooking Classnov. 7. Class with guest chef terre Sisson of Charlottesville wine and Culinary. $. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. First Colony winery.

French Crepe Day.nov. 7. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

Fall Farm Feastnov. 13. Celebration with local fruits, vegetables and meats served family style in the barrel room. wine. $. Jefferson Vineyards.

Wine and Chocolatenov. 13. A pairing of gourmet chocolates with red wines. reservations required. $. Stone Mountain Vineyards.

central

PEAK FOLIAGE OPEN HOUSE

Awesome autumnal views of the mountains are enjoyed along

with apples, fresh cider and Fruit Of the Farm wines at Peaks of Otter winery; picnic facilities

available. Free. nearby: the national D-Day Memorial

and Bedford Memorial to make a full day of it. Free.

Nov. 5, 6; 13,14. Peaks of Otter winery

Pho

to C

ou

rtes

y o

f Pe

ak

s o

f o

tt

er W

iner

y


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

become speechless!

Molliver Vineyards & Winerywww.molliver-vineyards.com

(434) 349-1000

Enjoy our fine wines and our 134 acre grounds


Oyster Roast at Cardinal Pointnov. 13-14. Bivalves from the rappahannock river Oyster Company, music and wine. noon-5 p.m. Cardinal Point winery.

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

Chili & Wine Weekendnov. 13-14. enjoy a cup of chili paired with wine; tours. $. James river Cellars.

Wine and Food Pairingnov. 14. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

Cooking Classnov. 14. Cooking class with personal chef Cindy Shepard uses seasonal and local ingredients. reservations required. $. DuCard Vineyards.

Fridays Over The Pationov. 19. indoor picnic with food, wine, music. $. 6-9 p.m. James river Cellars.

Thomas Jefferson Wine Festivalnov. 20. Virginia wineries, local food, purveyors and artisans, music and more, including an appearance of “Mr. Jefferson” to discuss his love of wines and his home at Poplar Forest. Held at thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest; tours of the home available. $. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Forest. 434-534-8120. www.poplarforest.org

Luna-Seenov. 20. wine, music and dancing at the Verandah. 7-10 p.m. wintergreen winery.

Holiday Open Housenov. 20-21. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cooper Vineyards.

Thanksgiving Open Housenov. 20-21. noon – 5 p.m. Peaks of Otter winery.

Thanksgiving Celebrationnov. 25. A five-course dinner prepared by Chef Melissa Close Hart, paired with Barboursville wines. reservations required. $. Barboursville Vineyards.

Tasting Room Open Housenov. 26. Open house with hot mulled wines and wine spritzers. Byrd Cellars.

Holiday Open Housenov.26-28. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. wintergreen winery.

Thanksgiving Open Housenov. 26-28. taste new releases including Cabernet Sauvignon and hot mulled wine made with Spicy rivanna. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Burnley Vineyards.

Holiday Open Housenov. 26-27. Barboursville Vineyards.

Thanksgiving Open Housenov. 26-27. Open house with Horton norton Chili. $. Horton Vineyards.

Holiday Open Housenov. 27-28. Hickory Hill Vineyards & winery.

Christmas Open Housenov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, Dec. 11-12, Dec. 18-19. noon – 5 p.m. Peaks of Otter winery.

Thanksgiving Open Housenov. 28. Burnley Vineyards.

Grand Opening of the Glass ConservatoryDec. 4. noon – 6 p.m. Glass House winery.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 4. Hickory Hill Vineyards & winery.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 5. weston Farm Vineyard & winery.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 4-5. Prince Michel Vineyard & winery.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 4-5. Burnley Vineyards.

Heart of Virginia Wine Trail Jingle Bell WeekendDec. 4-5. A tour of wineries along the Heart of Virginia wine trail. $. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. www.hovawinetrail.com

Holiday Open HouseDec. 5. wine tasting including hot cider and cookies for kids. $. woodland Vineyard.

French Crepe DayDec. 5. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.


Pho

to C

ou

rtes

y o

f Pe

ak

s o

f o

tt

er W

iner

y



Grapevine

O

O

OO

O

O

OO

Holiday Open HouseDec. 11. tomahawk Mill winery.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 11-12. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cooper Vineyards.

Wine and Food PairingDec. 12. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

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


Holiday Open HouseDec. 18-19. Hours vary. Hill top Berry Farm & winery.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 18-19. Hours vary. James river Cellars.

Christmas Eve CelebrationDec. 24. A five-course dinner prepared by Chef Melissa Close Hart, paired with Barboursville wines. reservations required. Barboursville Vineyards.

GALA RELEASE PARTY

Gala gathering to celebrate the release of Gray Ghost’s reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the

2007 vintage year. this is the only time the winery will open the reserve Cabernet. evening activities

include live music by the Seth Kibel Jazz trio, open wine bar and an extensive buffet. Advance

ticket purchase required. $108.

Nov. 6Gray Ghost Vineyards

SHENANDOAH UNCORKED

this family-friendly event features live music and some mighty fine wine from the Shenandoah Valley; featured

wineries include: Crooked run Cellars, Cave ridge Vineyard, north

Mountain Vineyard, Shenandoah Vineyards and Cedar Creek winery.

Uncorked focuses on supporting local businesses, which not only includes

area wineries, but also gourmet food vendors and local farm produce

and specialty products. the event is held indoors at the Yellow Barn at

Shenandoah Caverns. wine tasting, $10; regular admission, $5.

Nov. 13Yellow Barn at Shenandoah

Caverns, Quicksburg888-422-8376

www.shenandoahuncorked.com

Pho

to B

y o

f A

llis

on

Du

gA

n

Pho

to C

ou

rtes

y o

f g

rAy

gh

ost

Vin

eyA

rD

s

shenandoah

northern



Six Locations in Hampton RoadsMarket n Café n Catering n Wine n Gifts

www.tasteunlimited.com or 800.339.8055

O

O

OO

The Masked BallDec. 31. Black-tie optional ball following a five-course winemaker’s dinner. reservations required. $. 7 p.m. – 1 a.m. Veritas Vineyard & winery.

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

New Year Day 2011 BrunchJan. 1. $. 12:30 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

Wine & Cheese PairingJan. 15. Guided presentation of artisanal cheeses paired with wintergreen wines. reservations required. $. 6-8:30 p.m. wintergreen winery.

Wine and Food PairingJan. 16. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

French Crepe DayJan. 30. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

Valentine’s Day Wine DinnerFeb. 12. $. 6 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

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

Wine and Food PairingFeb. 20. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

French Crepe DayFeb. 27. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

Wine & Cheese PairingMar. 5. Guided presentation of artisanal cheeses paired with wintergreen wines. reservations required. $. 6-8:30 p.m. wintergreen winery.

Wine and Food PairingMar. 13. Four dishes paired with wine. $. 1 p.m. DelFosse Vineyards & winery.

NORTHERN

Caledon Natural Area Art and Wine Festivalnov. 6. A large assortment of artists and wineries including Oak Crest, Cooper, roger’s Ford Farm, James river Cellars, Vault Fields and Mattaponi. $. Caledon natural Area, King George. 540-663-3861. www.caledonnaturalareafriends.webs.com

Gala Release Partynov. 6. Celebration of the 2007 reserve Cabernet Sauvignon release. $. 7:30-10:30 p.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards.

Pho

to C

ou

rtes

y o

f G

ray

Gh

ost

Vin

eya

rd

s

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

Visit www.VirginiaWineLover.com for more information.

Toast to the Host!




True Blue Burgoonov. 6. Celebration of the third anniversary with special tastings from local gourmet food purveyors, long with music. 1-5 p.m. Bluemont Vineyard.

Cedar Creek Duonov. 6. Cedar Creek Duo performing flute and classical guitar music. 2 – 5 p.m. Fox Meadow Vineyards.

Fudge-apaloozanov. 6-7. wines paired with six fudges. $. Fox Meadow Vineyards.

S’mores & Hot Chocolate Weekendnov. 6-7. wine tastings with s’mores. $. 1 – 5 p.m. willowcroft Vineyards.

Soup Weekendsnov. 6-7, nov. 13-14, nov. 20-21. Homemade soup and wine around the hearth. noon – 5 p.m. Old House Vineyards.

Fall Chef & Winemaker Dinnernov. 7. Dinner paired with wines from Pearmund Cellars , winery at La Grange and Vint Hill Craft winery. $. 6 p.m. the Landing restaurant, Moneta. 540-721-3028.

Winemaker’s Dinnernov. 10. Vint Hill Craft winery winemaker DJ Leffin hosts a wine dinner. $. 6 p.m. Clarke’s Grill & Sports emporium, Manassas Park. 703-330-1213.

Food & Wine Pairingnov. 11. Food and pairing of Hiddencroft Vineyards wines at Stone Manor Bed & Breakfast. $. 7-10 p.m. Hiddencroft Vineyards.

Wine & Tapasnov. 13. Corcoran wine paired with locally grown foods at On the Potomac restaurant at Lansdowne reort. $. 4 p.m. Corcoran Vineyards.

Beast Feast Wine Maker’s Dinnernov. 13. exotic game dinner. Dress in an animal print or hunter outfit. $. 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Pearmund Cellars.

Winemaker’s Dinnernov. 13. Multi-course dinner from Chef eric Stamer paired with wine. $. 6:30 p.m. naked Mountain Vineyard and winery.

Civil War Authors Daynov. 13. Local authors and historians discuss the Civil war; wine. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards.

Bark & Wine SPCA Benefitnov. 13. wine tastings, music and more to benefit the Fauquier Animal Shelter. 2 – 5 p.m. Philip Carter winery.

Chili Daysnov. 13-14. Chili and wine. Fox Meadows Vineyards.

Vintners Dinnernov. 14. Linden Vineyards vintners dinner at Blue rock inn. $. 5:30 – 8 p.m. the Blue rock inn, washington. 540-987-3388. www.thebluerockinn.com

First Anniversary Celebrationnov. 20. Celebration of narmada winery’s first anniversary and the indian celebration of lights, Diwali. indian food, music, dancers. narmada winery.

Fall Celebrationnov. 20-21. Music, tours, wine tastings, light hors d’oeuvres. $. 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hartwood winery.

Winemaker’s Barrel Tastingnov. 27. Compare between the new harvest and existing vintages in the tasting room. Philip Carter winery.

Murder Mystery Dinnernov. 27. Murder mystery dinner. $. 7 – 10 p.m. Chateau O’Brien.

November Talentnov. 27. Concert with Dave Pepper. noon – 5 p.m. Casanel Vineyards.

Turkey Chili Weekendnov. 27-18. turkey chili and wine. $. noon – 4 p.m. willowcroft Vineyards.

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

Holiday Open HouseDec. 4-5. wine, snacks, entertainment. $. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Gray Ghost Vineyards.

Holiday Open House Dec. 4-5. wine, hors d’oeuvres, music. naked Mountain Vineyard and winery.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 5. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Chateau O’Brien.

Winemaker’s Dinner.Dec. 11. Christmas winemaker’s dinner. . 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. winery at La Grange.

Champagne EventDec. 11. Annual Champagne, sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres event. $. noon – 4 p.m. willocroft Vineyards.Christmas at the CellarsDec. 11-12. Holiday festivities include chocolate and wine pairing, special releases and more. rappahannock Cellars.

Route 9 Barrel TastingJan. 15. Barrel tastings with winemakers at these wineries along route 9 in Loudoun County: Doukenie winery, Sunset Hills Vineyard and Loudoun Valley

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Open house with wine tasting, including seasonal wines. Gift shop

open; visit with special craft vendors.

Dec. 18, 19James river

Cellars

central



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

Take a Taste in Time with our New World

of Wines!

Mattaponi Winery7530 Morris Road,

Spotsylvania, VA 22551540-582-2897

www.mattaponiwinery.com

Hours:Weekends (Sat & Sun)

11AM–6PM

Directions:I-95, Exit 118 Thornburg, West,

4 miles left on Morris Road/Rt. 606

A Native American

Indian WineryVWL

Vineyards. $. noon-6p.m. 540-668-6464

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

SHENANDOAHWines and Chocolatesnov. 6. Pairing of wine with artisan chocolates. $. Veramar Vineyard.

Vintner Dinner at Skyland Resortnov. 12. Dinner from Shenandoah executive Chef Peter Bizon featuring vintages from Chateau Morrisette winery. Fee includes Friday night lodging, four-course dinner with wine pairings, Shenandoah Seasonings cookbook and etched wine glass. $. Skyland resort in Shenandoah national Park. 800-999-4714. www.visitshenandoah.com

Live Music and Spiced Holiday Winenov. 13. Live music from rick Burnette and Bill Foster to celebrate the Spiced Holiday wine. 2-5 p.m. north Mountain Vineyard & winery.

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

Soup ‘n Sipnov. 28. Complimentary soups, breads, coffees, mulled wine and seasonal music. 1 – 5 p.m. Blue ridge Vineyard.

IlluminationDec. 4. illumination of the winery along with carolers, mulled wine, holiday treats and special wine gifts. 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. CrossKeys Vineyards.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 4-5. wine and snacks. Shenandoah Vineyards.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 4-5. wine sampling, holiday snacks. noon – 5 p.m. rockbridge Vineyard.

Soup ‘n SipDec. 5. Complimentary soups, breads, coffees, mulled wine and seasonal music. 1 – 5 p.m. Blue ridge Vineyard.

Holiday Open HouseDec. 5. wine, cider, snacks, music. 1 – 5 p.m. Virginia Mountain Vineyards.

Holiday Wine DinnerDec. 10. $. 7 p.m. Valhalla Vineyards.

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

Valentine’s ConcertFeb. 12. Music, wine and five-course dinner. $. CrossKeys Vineyards.

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

Pho

to C

ou

rtes

y o

f Ja

mes

riv

er C

ella

rs


Get your message out to nearly

200,000 Virginia Wine Lover readers

for only $3 per word.

VirginiaWineLover’s classified section is expanding. Our readers have told us what they want and

we’re reporting with these popular classified categories:

RetailGood Things To EatGift BasketsTours & TransportationReal Estate SalesBed and BreakfastsCabin & Condo RentalsExotic Vacation Rentals

Don’t see your category? Call us and let us know what’s missing.

Ut parum velest offictibus, si si conseque volupid ut ommolum ventium que sed ut mo et volum conse-quidi vellaceprem aliae et, aut volut voluptas susam si rectendit audae erit voleca-tur aligenditas et velenet quis esti sequia sam harchil il estruptur saperio. Ut id quiae veniento odia sus ex-cestia dolore cusam, offici optaere iciatus excerum qui re veribus et dolene sitatur? Quideles doluptaturIgna-tios eratia deligniet verovid mi, quos veliquiam, et la-borep udipita quuntor ero-reped evel mod quamet qui corehen ihilicitaqui tem et ea quis doleculpa siminci-atqui disque ra id que vQui accat de que nonempo re-sequi dionet velesto eium quunt, occus, sit labores

Ut parum velest offictibus, si si conseque volupid ut ommolum ventium que sed ut mo et volum conse-quidi vellaceprem aliae et, aut volut voluptas susam si rectendit audae erit voleca-

Ut parum velest offictibus, si si conseque volupid ut ommolum ventium que sed ut mo et volum conse-quidi vellaceprem aliae et, aut volut voluptas susam si rectendit audae erit voleca-

Ut parum velest offictibus, si si conseque volupid ut ommolum ventium que sed ut mo et volum conse-quidi vellaceprem aliae et, aut volut voluptas susam si rectendit audae erit voleca-tur aligenditas et velenet quis esti sequia sam harchil

CLASSIFIEDSVWL

ONLY $3/W

Call Lauren today at

757-422-8979, ext. 152.

VWL CLASSIFIED AD 11_10.indd 2 11/2/10 4:14 PM


SEEK AND FIND: LISTINGS FOR THE WINE SAVVY SHOPPER

BED & BREAKFAST

gIFT BASKETSRETAIL

Classified

Within an hour drive of more than 20 Virginia vineyards

Frederick House 28 N. New Street Staunton, Virginia 24401Reservations call:540-885-4220800-334-5575www.frederickhouse.com

A small hotel in Historic Staunton

HeartPine Co.

Flooring • Beams and Ceilings Custom Cabinetry & Furniture

for Wine Tasting Rooms & Cellars from reclaimed antique heart pine & oak

The ultimate “green” building product HeartPine ComPany, PHarsalia, tyro, Va 434.845.8272

B e a m s & C e i l i n g s w i n e r a C k s

www.lakeanneflowers.com

Lake Anne FloristVirginia Wine & GourmetVirginia Gift Baskets—make unique

personal and holiday gifts!

Virginia peanuts, soups, pound cakes, honey,cheeses, hams, hand-made

chocolates, wine and more.

Monthly Virginia Wine Tastings

Reston, VA 20190

703-437-8686Visit our website

LIMOUSINES

Historic MontillicoBed & Breakfast540-264-0142

In close proxim-ity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, several Wineries and the historic town of Lexington this romantic 1803 Plantation Home is waiting for you to come and enjoy the magnificent Fall colors, gorgeous views and relaxed pace of life. historicmontillico.com

Ride in style and taste the good life. James limousine offers newer body style sedans, limousines and coaches for any size group. Our amazing wine tours are custom crafted and all inclusive so uncork, unwind and discover award winning wines paired with impeccable service.

James Limousine www.jameslimousine.com

804-273-1540 DMV# 624

Developing and delivering quality

content to more than 193,000* Virginia

readers each issue with a focus on our reader’s passion for great wine, great food, interesting travel destinations and enhancing their home

and their lifestyle in the Commonwealth.

Let us help your business grow as fruitfully as Virginia’s wine industry

To advertise with us today, contact Tracy Thompson at 757-422-8979 ext. 156 or [email protected]


VWL 048-049 CLASSIFIEDS 11_10.indd 49 11/2/10 1:57 PM

Bloggers Imbibe


The internet bring folks together—instantly. Across the world, folks Facebook, Tweet and otherwise blog about everything going on in their lives; fortunately many of them are imbibing at the time. What are some of Virginia’s top bloggers enjoying at the moment? Two of them—J. D. Humphreys and Warren Richard—share their current Virginia wine finds with VWL:

Bloggers Imbibe is a new column featuring opinions from well-respected wine bloggers from across the state who focus on Virginia vino. —PEH

Cyber sips and tips from the blogosphere

‘‘

‘‘’’

’’

When the weather transitions to cooler temperatures, I tend to favor heavier dishes that feature beef and pork. I also take stock of the bolder Virginia wines that have been resting on my wine rack. So on the first brisk autumn evening, I decided to plan a meal that would be complemented by the 2007 Petit Verdot from Linden Vineyards.

I sampled this gem at Linden Vineyards’ barrel tasting and was impressed enough to purchase a bottle upon its release. My wine selection always depends on food, and on this particular evening my menu included filet mignon seasoned

with cracked pepper and fresh thyme leaves served with a side of roasted potatoes. A simple meal to be sure yet elegant with spicy, earthy flavors;

I wanted the wine to be likewise elegant and flavorful. My

search of the wine rack ended when I grabbed this selection from Linden Vineyards.

The 2007 vintages were the product of an optimal

growing season of cool nights and hot dry days that resembled

California rather than Virginia, so I anticipated a more fruit forward wine. Dense in color, the 2007 Petit Verdot presented a nose of dark plums and currants, dried herbs, and

Liinden’s Petit Verdot: elegant and flavorfulWarren Richard

Linden Vineyards

Petit Verdot — 2007

Warren Richard blogs at www.virginiawinetime.com

The baked garlicky penne was the perfect companion to Horton’s “The Tower Series” Norton 2007. My meal concluded with a delicate fruit-topped panna cotta that played very nicely together. I was first introduced to Horton’s Norton during my visit to Horton Vineyards years ago on a Saturday wine excursion with friends. While blazing through the extensive wine list, I concluded it was robust red (Virginia) wines I preferred most, characteristics I cherish in Horton’s Norton. Native to Virginia since the 1820s, owner Dennis Horton reintroduced Norton to a skeptical wine market in the early 1990s. This masterpiece is a regular visitor (that doesn’t stay long) in my wine rack.

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

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

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

Horton Norton apropos to the holidaysJ. D. Humphreys Horton

VineyardsHorton Norton—

The Tower Series—2007

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

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

As the cooler seasons hold sway, why not consider a favorite Virginia red wine? I can recommend the 2007 Petit Verdot from Linden Vineyards.

Pho

to b

y Pa

uL

ar

mst

ron

g

VWL 50 BLOGGERS IMBIBES 11_10.indd 50 11/2/10 10:43 AM

VWL ORANGE COUNTY 11_10.indd 2 11/2/10 4:07 PM

M A G A Z I N E

The Premiere-Newsletter of

Vino Event of the Week: Find out about upcoming statewide Virginia wine events. Wine Weekender: Plan your next wine weekend getaway at the area’s most wine-friendly inns and resorts.

Perfect Pairings: Whip up a seasonal recipe with a wine pairing suggestion courtesy of VWL’s Executive Editor Patrick Evans-Hylton.

Wine 101: Learn about wine varietals and vino verbiage.

Visit www.VirginiaWineLover.com to sign up now for your free weekly winedown!

Your quick, easy-to-read, and informative weekly guide to Virginia’s Wine Country.

VWL ENEWSLETTER FULLPG 11_10.indd 2 11/2/10 11:29 AM

vwl_winter2010 VBOOK

Documents

low prices

virginia wine superstores

base prices

great service

total wine experience

new kent vineyards

new homes

seasons community