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Vol. VI, Issue No. 4
April,
2011 |
| Dear Virginia Wine
Lover,
Spring has sprung, bringing with it warmer days and
opportunities for weekend excursions from the mountains
to the sea. It's a great time to visit Virginia
wineries (all 190 of them), with many hosting barrel
tastings during April. The festival season is also
getting into full swing and events are scheduled across
the Commonwealth. Scroll down to "Festivals of the
Week" and the "Winery Events" for details on what's
going on. Also in this issue, we are pleased to
announce the winner of the Bed, Breakfast and
Dinner Package at the Boar's Head Inn in
Charlottesville, Virginia's premier resort. See photos
of First Lady Maureen McDonnell planting grapevines at
the Governor's Mansion. And read about the rich
history of the Amrhein family and their winery in
Roanoke County. We're also pleased to bring you a
special offer for Official Virginia Wine Lover readers
from Virginia's premier lifestyle magazine, Virginia Living. Purchase
a one year subscription for $22 and get a bonus issue
free. Just click on the link below. Cheers
and happy spring! Hope to see you on the wine
trail.
 |
|
Me
and Maggie, the Official Virginia Wine Lover
dog. |
Frank C.
Britt
Publisher
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GRAPEVINES
IN THE GARDEN!
Virginia's
First Lady Plants First-Ever Grapevines in the Executive
Mansion Garden |
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In commemoration of Virginia
Wine Week-Love by the Glass, as well as Acte 12 of
Jamestown Requiring Settlers to Plant and Tend
Grapevines, First Lady Maureen McDonnell planted 10
Chambourcin grapevines in the garden of the Executive
Mansion in late March. She was assisted by Jason
Tesauro, Chief Sommelier and National Sales Director and
Luca Paschina, General Manager and Winemaker at
Barboursville Vineyards; Lucie Morton, nationally
renowned viticulturist and vineyard consultant; Mansion
Chef Todd Schneider; and Secretary of Agriculture and
Forestry Todd Haymore. (Pictured left to right with
First Lady.)
The vines are being planted
with the intent that they will be flourishing for the
Executive Mansion's two hundred anniversary in 2013.
Completed in 1813, the Virginia Governor's Mansion is
the oldest continually occupied residence in the United
States. It is unique beyond its vast history as no other
historic house belongs to the people of Virginia; no
other has been home to a procession of fifty-four
governors and their families; and no other serves as
both residence of the Commonwealth's chief executive and
a place of official business. The grapevine planting is
among a number of special activities that will
commemorate its rich history.
CLICK HERE
to view more pictures:
www.executivemansion.virginia.gov/events.cfm
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AMRHEIN'S
Rebecca
L. Spaid, Director of Marketing |
 You might wonder why the
oldest jeweler in the Roanoke Valley is April's Winery
of the Month. The answer is quite simple.
AmRhein Wine Cellars and Amrhein's Brides, Formals &
Fine Jewelry are all divisions of Amrhein's which is
marking a special milestone in 2011 as it celebrates 90
years in business. Of course, the winery hasn't
been around quite that long, just since 1999.
 Located on Bent Mountain
above the City of Roanoke, AmRhein wines are one hundred
percent estate grown and processed. They are Virginia
wines with a German influence, offering unique layers of
fruit full of rich aroma. The winery includes
three vineyards boasting 40 acres and yielding 20
varieties of grapes, and the portfolio contains 18 wines
that have received numerous national and international
awards. In addition, AmRhein Wine Cellars is an
exceptional venue for events from weddings, receptions
and rehearsal dinners to corporate retreats, family
reunions and holiday parties. Catering and rentals
are available on-site. Amrhein's has a
rich heritage that dates back to  World War I. The
patriarch, Fred C. Amrhein, was serving his country in
the shipyards of Maryland, supporting a wife and three
small children, and dreaming of a career as a
jeweler. That dream became reality, resulting in a
family tradition spanning generations and spawning a
multi-divisional company. After the war and
seeking a better life for his family, Fred decided
Roanoke, Virginia, was a place with opportunity to build
a successful business. He had learned the jewelry
trade at age 15 from his uncle and in 1921, he opened
his first jewelry shop downtown on West Campbell Avenue,
calling it F. C. Amrhein's Jewelers. His twin sons,
Russell (Bronie) and Oliver (Wookie) joined him in the
firm in 1936. In the 1950s, Fred relocated his
business to Salem, where he remained until his
retirement in 1970 at age 85. Russell and Oliver moved
the firm back to Roanoke and operated the business under
the name F. C. Amrhein's & Sons. Russell's
son, Russ, joined the business in 1975, and he and his
father opened a second store in Salem. Oliver
continued to operate the business in downtown Roanoke.
In 1979, when Russell and Oliver retired, Russ
purchased the Salem store and operated the business
under the name Amrhein's Jewelers. When they
introduced a bridal and formal wear salon, the name was
changed to Amrhein's Brides, Formals and Fine
Jewelry. A second location opened in Roanoke in
1995, offering fine jewelry with bridal and formal wear.
That same year, Russ's son, Chad, joined the business as
the fourth generation Amrhein. In 1996, Russ's
interests turned to farming and his passion for
wine. He planted his first grape vines on Bent
Mountain and in 1999, AmRhein Wine Cellars opened its
doors as Virginia's sixty-second winery, and Russ handed
over his role in the retail business to Chad.  AmRhein's
Recipe for Savignon Blanc Sangria
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CONGRATULATIONS
TO WINNER
OF
BOAR'S HEAD PACKAGE! |
|
The
drawing was held on March 25 for the Bed, Breakfast and
Dinner Package at the Boar's Head Inn, Virginia's
premier resort in Charlottesville. Mrs. Elizabeth
Hardwick of Bethesda Maryland is the lucky winner.
"I entered in hope of winning a prize to use for my
husband's and my 25th anniversary in October. This
will be fantastic for our celebration." Congratulations,
Mrs. Hardwick! |
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April
9 LAKE COUNTRY WINE
FESTIVAL
Clarksville
on the Lake (Southern Virginia) |
 CHEERS to the fifth annual
Lake Country Wine Festival in beautiful
Clarksville on the Lake. Come out and enjoy this
year's event with 16 Virginia wineries, great food, live
music by Jeff Bailey and Brian Parks, and the
opportunity to see friends and meet many new ones.
Relax on historic lawns in downtown and taste nearly 100
varieties of fine Virginia wines and speak with those
who have made these vintages possible. Noon to
5:00 pm.  Tickets now on sale and
available at the Chamber offices, Cooper's Landing
Inn & Traveler's Tavern, Century 21 on the Lake and
Galleria on the Lake. Tickets are $20 in advance
and $25 at the gate; the event is for those 21 years of
age and over only and it is a rain/shine event.
Ticket includes a souvenir wine glass.
Clarksville is located on Kerr Lake on the
southern border of Virginia. Proceeds from the
festival benefit the Clarksville Chamber to help
underwrite future events. For
online tickets and more information, go to www.clarksvilleva.com or
800-557-5582.
FOR
LIST OF WINERIES
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April
15 & 16 BLOOMIN' WINE
FEST
Winchester
(Northwest Virginia/Shenandoah) |
 The Shenandoah Apple Blossom
Festival® United Bank Bloomin' Wine Fest "Uncork the
Bloom" will be held in downtown Winchester on
Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16.  Join in good music, good
food, good wine, and good friends....all in the heart of
the oldest city west of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Event goers savor a traditional wine tasting
atmosphere nestled between centuries old buildings on
Virginia's original pedestrian mall in Winchester's
historic downtown.
Each year, Winchester celebrates  springtime and its apple
heritage with the Shenandoah Apple Blossom
Festival®. The Bloomin' Wine Fest is the
Festival's official kick-off event to "Uncork the
Bloom". The two-day fest features 16-18 of
Virginia's best wineries, live musical talents
entertaining, and regional artisans bedazzling, all
mixed amongst quaint specialty shops and
restaurants. Hours on Friday are 3-10 pm (wine
tasting ends at 9:30pm); Saturday 11am-6pm (wine tasting
ends at 5:30pm). Restaurants are open much
later. Bloomin' Wine Fest hours are:
Friday, 3-10pm (wine tasting ends at 9:30pm);
Saturday, 11am-6pm (wine tasting ends at
5:30pm). Admission to the pedestrian mall is
free. Advance Tasting Tickets are $15/1day;
$25/2days. At the Gate $20/1 day; $30/2 days. Wine
Garden Pass (non-tasting) is $5. All tickets are
non-refundable. For the enjoyment of all, please
leave your pets at home. For event
information: www.TheBloom.com To
plan your visit: www.OldTownWinchesterVA.com
FOR
LIST OF WINERIES AND MUSIC SCHEDULE |
|
April
30
BLACKSBURG FORK & CORK
A Food,
Wine and Arts Festival (Western
Virginia) |
On Saturday, April 30, the third annual
Blacksburg Fork & Cork returns as
the premier food, wine and art festival in the New River
Valley. Regional wineries, local restaurants and some of
the best artists in the valley will come together at the
First & Main shopping district in Blacksburg.
Lively music, along with a full day of culinary
demonstrations and wine pairings, will add to the
enjoyment the of beautiful Blue Ridge
Mountains.  Tickets include
commemorative wine glass and full access to all festival
activities including the Chef 2 Chef, Chef Showcase, and
Wine Racket demonstration tents. The first annual Can
Do! canned food sculpture competition will take place
around the shops at First and Main, as will the Grand
Classic Cruisers and the New River Valley Jeep Club auto
show on the lawn.  Presented by WSLS 10 and
MIX 100.7. Sponsors: Kroger South Main,
Kroger Univ. City Blvd., SunTrust, Creekmore Law Firm.
Proceeds benefit The Blacksburg
Partnership.
For information and ticket
sales:
FOR
LIST OF WINERIES AND ARTISTS |
| APRIL
WINERY EVENTS AND WINE FESTIVALS |
|
 As
this information comes from numerous sources, we
recommend that you verify dates and times, as well as
costs and reservations that may be required. If
you would like to submit an event, send details to
info@vawinelover.com no later
than 10th of the month.
|
|
 April 1: Cinema in
the Cellar
AmRhein Wine Cellars (Bent
Mountain)
Enjoy wine tasting and appetizers
while enjoying the movie "A Walk in the Clouds."
Call for reservations.
540-929-4632 · www.amrheinwine.com
April
2: Comparing Chardonnays
Vint
Hill Craft Winery (Vint Hill)
Taste barrel
samples and some wines that represent the broad
diversity of Chardonnays. Explore and find the
style(s) you most enjoy.
Reservations.
703-991-0191 · www.vinthillcraftwinery.com
April
2 & 3: April Fools Wine
Festival James River Cellars
(Ashland)
Wineries of the Heart of Virginia
Wine Trail join for a weekend of great wines, live
music, craft and food vendors. Cooper, Grayhaven,
Lake Anna and James River
Cellars.
804-550-7516 · www.hovawinetrail.com
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April
3: Bridal Dreams Day Three Fox
Vineyards (Delaplane)
An intimate wedding in
the vineyard? Talk to a caterer, photographer,
florist, event planner, decorator and vintner about the
possibilities.
Reservations.
540-364-6073 · www.threefoxvineyards.com
 April 5 & 6:
Bloomin' Wine Fest
Downtown Winchester
Pedestrian Mall
Good wine, good music good
food, and good friends meet for the official kick-off of
the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. The fest
features Virginia's finest wineries, live entertainment
and regional artisans in a setting of quaint specialty
shops and restaurants. Tickets now available on
line. www.TheBloom.com
April
8: Cinema in the
Cellar AmRhein Wine Cellars (Bent
Mountain)
Enjoy wine tasting and appetizers
while viewing the movie "Notorious." Call for
reservations.
540-929-4632 · www.amrheinwine.com
 April 9: Lake
Country Wine Fest
Clarksville
on the Lake
Beautiful downtown Clarksville's
historic lawns are the perfect venue to taste some 100
varieties of fine wines from 16 Virginia wineries.
Enjoy great food and the music of Jeff Bailey and Brian
Parks. Tickets are available
online.
800-557-5582 · www.clarksvilleva.com |
|
April
9: PC Barrel Tasting Philip
Carter Winery (Hume)
Share an intimate
conversation with owner, Philip Carter Strother, as he
reflects on the quality of this year's vintage and
reveals plans for the future of the
winery.
540-364-1203 · www.pcwinery.com
April
9 & 10: Barrel Tasting at
LaGrange Winery at LaGrange
(Haymarket)
Now is the time to taste what
the 2010 vintage has to offer. The harvest was one
of the best in the last few decades and this is the
weekend that select barrels will be
opened.
703-753-9360 · www.wineryatlagrange.com
 April 9 & 10:
Cooper Goes Green
Cooper
Vineyards (Louisa)
Join in the Grand Opening
celebration of Cooper's new LEED Platinum Certified
tasting room. Live music, gourmet food, tours and
fine wines throughout the
weekend.
540-894-5253 · www.coopervineyards.com
April
9 & 10: Birthday Weekend
Bash Three Fox Vineyards
(Delaplane)
Celebrating another year for
Vintner Holli who turns "plenty-nine." Hourly
drawings and prizes all weekend mark the special
occasion.
540-364-6073 · www.threefoxvineyards.com
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April
15: Cinema in the Cellar
AmRhein Wine Cellars (Bent
Mountain)
Enjoy wine tasting and appetizers
while watching the movie "Bottle Shock." Call for
reservations.
540-929-4632 · www.amrheinwine.com
April
15: Opening of Tasting
Room Kilaurwen Winery
(Stanardsville)
Since 1994 owners have grown
grapes for many of Virginia's finest wineries and have
opened their own winery. The tasting room is now
open for visitors.
434-985-2535 · www.kilaurwenwinery.com
April
15 & 16: United Bank
Bloomin'
Wine Fest Old Town Winchester
/ Loudoun Street
Walking Mall
Enjoy 18
wineries pouring tastings in two wine gardens.
Live entertainment on two stages; 30+ artisans,
craftsmen and vendors. Food for every taste and
kids zone.
540-662-3864 · www.TheBloom.com/events
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April
16: Straight from the
Barrel Ingleside Vineyards (Oak
Grove)
Be among the first to experience
wines right out of the barrel in the wine cellar.
Tour, tasting, live music and light fare.
Reservations.
804-224-8087 · www.inglesidevineyards.com
April
16: Northern Neck Wine
Festival Town of Heathsville on
Virginia's Northern Neck
Tastings from the
winery members of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail.
Great food, crafts and demonstrations. On the
grounds of the old courthouse
tavern.
804-580-3377 · www.northernneckwinefestival.com
April
16: Fly the Philip Carter
Skies! Philip Carter Winery
(Hume)
Kite flying contest and prizes for
highest flyer and most creative. An event for all ages.
Bring your kites, have a picnic and relax in the
fresh, open air. 540-364-1203 · www.pcwinery.com
April
16: Jefferson's Birthday
Celebration Jefferson Vineyards
(Charlottesville)
Celebrate our namesake's
birthday with a vertical tasting of award winning
Meritage blends. Six vintages, 2004 to 2009.
Reservations.
434-977-3042 · www.jeffersonvineyards.com
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April
16 & 17: Discover Virginia Wine and
Food
Festival Downtown
Ruckersville
Greene County's spring party
and family friendly festival. Buy Fresh, Buy Local
event features wine tastings, entertainment, fresh food
and unique merchandise. Fun, family environment
for all (including the family
pet).
434-973-7185 · www.discovervirginia.net
April
16 & 17: Spring Barrel
Tasting Barboursville Vineyard
(Barboursville)
Welcome to a much enhanced
tasting, focusing on valuable older vintages, along with
traditional sampling of new Octagon from the
barrel. Artisan cheeses and fresh
breads.
540-832-3824 · www.barboursvillewine.com
April
16 & 17: Fly Fishing and Wine
Festival Banks of South River in
Downtown Waynesboro
Attracts anglers from
across the mid-Atlantic with tips on where to fly fish
in Virginia and beyond. Wine tastings from
Virginia wineries and live
music.
540-836-9367 · www.vaflyfishingfestival.org
April
17: Crepe Day DelFosse
Vineyards and Winery
Selection of delicious
French savory crepes as well as "to die for" sweet
crepes, including Asian Pear and Raspberry with
mascarpone and chocolate.
Yum!
434-263-6100 · www.delfossewine.com
April
22: Cinema in the
Cellar AmRhein Wine Cellars (Bent
Mountain)
Enjoy wine tasting and appetizers
while viewing the movie "Blood and Wine." Call for
reservations.
540-929-4632 · www.amrheinwine.com
April
23: Winery Planting
Festival Attimo Winery
(Christiansburg)
Inaugural release of first
wines and local wineries' tastings. Join in
planting 1000 vines and learn what it takes to start a
vineyard. Egg and Scavenger Hunts and food all
day. Reservations.
540-382-7619 · www.attimowinery.co
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April
23: Blue Ridge Oyster Festival at Devil's
Backbone
DB
Concert Grounds (Roseland)
Spend
the day in beautiful Nelson County, enjoying fresh
steamed and raw oysters, Devil's Backbone brew, Cardinal
Point wines and locally sourced food.
434-361-1001
· www.dbbrewingcompany.com
April
23: Earth Day Vineyard
Tour Keswick Vineyards
(Keswick)
Educational walking tour led by
winemaker Stephen Barnard. Learn about growing
grapes and sample delicious wines.
Reservations.
434-244-3341 · www.keswickvineyards.com
April
23: Virginia vs.
France Veramar Vineyard
(Berryville)
Join in the "Judgment of
Berryville" with a blind tasting of Veramar wines
against similar wines from France. Winemaker
guided. Reservations.
540-955-5510 · www.veramar.com
April
23: Easter Egg Roll Three Fox
Vineyards (Delaplane)
Our own spin on the
White House tradition started by Dolly Madison.
Two egg rolls at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm and a winner for
each roll.
540-364-6073 · www.threefoxvineyards.com
April
24: Easter Sunday
Brunch Prince Michel
Vineyard
Enjoy a fabulous Easter brunch from
Chef Gil. Take time to visit the vineyards and
winery. Reservations.
800-800-9463 · www.princemichel.com
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April
29: Cinema in the
Cellar AmRhein Wine Cellars (Bent
Mountain)
Enjoy wine tasting and
appetizers and the movie "A Good Year." Call
for reservations.
540-929-4632 · www.amrheinwine.com
 April 30:
Blacksburg Fork and Cork
Southwest Virginia's only food, wine and arts
festival, featuring some 20 wineries, live
entertainment, 30+ local artists, classic car and Jeep
show. Tickets now available
online.
540-443-2008
www.blacksburgforkandcork.com
April
30: New Vintage Release
Party DuCard Vineyards
(Etlan)
Join us for the release of new
vintage of reds, including 2009 Petit Verdot and
2009 Cabernet Franc Reserve. Babied with tender
loving care and now ready to share.
540-923-4206 · www.ducardvineyards.com
April
30: Wine and
Wildflowers Gadino Cellars
(Washington)
Search for wildflowers in the
Shenandoah National Park with naturalist Aleta
Gadino. Afterward, enjoy a gourmet box lunch and a
glass of Gadino wine.
Reservations.
540-550-6673 · www.gadinocellars.com
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April
30: Sense of Smell Day Keswick
Vineyards (Keswick)
Cheese and wine pairing
with winemaker Stephen Barnard and local cheese monger
Meg Hall. In-depth discussion on pairing cheeses
and wine. Reservations.
434-244-3341
· www.keswickvineyards.com
April
30: Anniversary
Celebration Wintergreen Winery
(Nellysford)
Toast our 18th year with live
music, wine and gourmet food tastings. Enjoy a
picnic at our scenic riverside (lite fare
available). Rain or shine.
434-361-2519
· www.wintergreenwinery.com
 April 30 & May
1: Great Grapes! Wine, Arts & Food
Festival
Town Center
(Reston)
Twenty wineries...200 wines...2 big
days! Stroll from tent to tent and table to table
tasting and sampling the rich heritage of Virginia
wines. Main Stage entertainment, food pairings and
demos, kid's activity area. Tickets available
online.
www.uncorkthefun.com
COMING IN MAY . .
.  | |
| WE WERE
THERE...WERE YOU? |
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VIRGINIA
WINE SHOWCASE
February
12-13 @ Westfields Marriott in Chantilly
 This was an opportunity to
experience Virginia wine in a whole new way with the
luxurious and spacious Westfields Marriott providing an
innovative venue. Lots of Virginia wineries and
interesting vendors. To
see more photos click here!
MARDI
GRAS AT COOPER VINEYARDS
February
19
 An annual event that
is always fun and this year offered an opportunity to
tour the brand new "green" LEED certified tasting room
and event facility. Grand Opening weekend is April
8-10...don't miss it! To
see more photos click here!
VIRGINIA
WINE EXPO
February
25-27 @ Richmond Conference
Center
From
Sun Trust's Virginia Governor's Cup Tasting on Friday
evening to the Sunday seminar "Best Wines with Burgers,"
the Expo presented by Kroger lived up to its
reputation as Mid-Atlantic's premier destination wine
and food event.
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©2006 Britt
Marketing & Public Relations
Official
Virginia Wine Lover™ is not affiliated with or published
by
Virginia Wine Lover Magazine
 
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