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Reston Town Center (Reston)
Uncork The Wine
Uncork The Fun...
September 11 & 12
At The JEFFERSON HOTEL
Serving Virginia wines by the glass!
Fruit of the farm wines
(540) 586-3707
The BOAR'S HEAD Resort,
Old Mill Room and Bistro 1834 Toast Virginia wine lovers. Book Your Summer Getaway today!
800-476-1988
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VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION
Open up and breathe.
Visit Virginia wineries.
NEW! 2010 Virginia Wine
maps just off the press!
Wine Festival & Winery Consultant. Winery Marketing, Vendor Finder...and More! |
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Vol. VI, Issue No. 8
August 16, 2010 |
| Dear Friend of Virginia Wine:
As the dog days of summer continue to heat up, winery tasting rooms are still among the coolest places around. August is a great time for road trips to visit the numerous wineries along Virginia's highways and byways. You'll find many of them listed in our Winery Events and Festivals section, and you can download a complete guide to Virginia wineries at www.virginiawines.org. We recently learned of a two new wineries, Molon Lave Vineyards in Warrenton and DeVault Family Vineyards in Concord, so be sure to add them to your list
You can beat the heat at some of the most popular wine festivals around the state. Head to Smith Mountain Lake to sip 'n shag at the Beach Bash...or take in the Jazz and Wine Festival at The Sedalia Center, a beautiful setting in the shadow of Bedford County's Peaks of Otter. Not a festival, but a not to be missed event, Wintergreen Winery's Luna-see....dance and sip Virginia wines by the light of the full moon.
We hope to see you in August along the trail . . . the wine trail, that is!
 Cheers!
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WINERY OF THE MONTH: MEDITERRANEAN CELLARS |
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You head out from home not quite sure what to expect, but the air is clear and the sun is shining and the road before you is wide open. Soon you are traveling in the beautiful Virginia countryside, passing horse farms with newborn foals napping in the midday sun and before long the winery emerges, quiet, peaceful, with its rows of vines arranged like faithful soldiers.
There is something special about connecting with the earth, being part of one of humanity's ancestral agricultural endeavors: the making and sharing of wine. Everything about Mediterranean Cellars will bring a sense of tranquility. The lovely setting, the kind hospitality, the intimate environment and last, but not least, the delicious wine will contribute to a feeling you are far away enjoying the essence of the Mediterranean. There are thirteen delicious wines to taste, from the familiar flavors of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to the exotic Rechina and the award winning Viognier.
Mediterranean Cellars is nestled in the rolling hills of Fauquier County, only minutes away from Route 66 in Warrenton. For additional information, call 540-428-1984 or visit www.mediterraneancellars.com
Mediterranean Cellars Sauteed Scallops Recipe
is just a click away!
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| WINE TRAIL OF THE MONTH: BOTETOURT COUNTY |
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Discover a taste of the good life as you explore The Wine Trail of Botetourt County where the crisp, fresh air and fertile valleys provide ideal conditions for growing grapes. The county's three wineries place special emphasis on quality wines made with old-world techniques, and they produce wines to please every palate, from a light sweet white to a full bodied red.  The scenic views and old-fashioned hospitality of Botetourt County provide the perfect environment to enjoy the fine wines at three charming, family-run vineyards offering tours, tastings and special events throughout the year. No matter where you start, The Wine Trail of Botetourt County begins and ends with great taste. For more information visit us on the web, www.botetourtwinetrail.com or find us on facebook!
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RESTAURANT OF THE MONTH: BAVARIAN GARDEN |
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By: K. H. Queen
After the first bite of homemade sausage, jagerschnitzel or goulash at the Bavarian Garden restaurant in Williamsburg, you'll close your eyes to better savor the homemade, authentic flavors. If you've ever visited or lived in Germany, your taste buds will bring back memories.
Chef, owner and host Felix Vlad, who has trained all over the world, has gone back to his roots to lovingly prepare the foods of his childhood, combining a gourmet flair with a passion that comes from the heart. "This is the food I grew up with," Vlad says. "I wake up in the morning and I don't have to think twice. I just put an apron on and start cooking. I cook the way my Mom taught me. This feels like home."
Bavarian Garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, 5:00 to 10:00 pm, on the site of the former Alizé Bistro on Prince George Street. The restaurant flies the German and Bavarian flags, and waitresses in traditional German garb serve diners at the red-checked tables, inside and outside. Many of the favorite menu items from Alizé Bistro remain, including the Kobe beef burger, jumbo lump crab cake, pan-seared Alaskan salmon, and fried calamari as well as a few gluten free dishes. You can still enjoy a variety of wines, martinis and beer both in the restaurant and in the Alizé Bistro bar.
Vlad is the heart and soul here. He's in early cooking the traditional German dishes himself while his mother makes the breads. Although he's working harder than ever, Vlad is relaxed talking about bringing the food of his youth to his friends here.
If you're in the mood for sausage, you'll appreciate the knockwurst and mettwurst or enjoy all three in a sausage sampler. Vlad makes the sausage himself, a two-day process. He also makes the spaetzle and other distinctly German dishes. Two delicious Bavarian Garden recipes below!
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| "VIRGINIA VS. THE WORLD" BLIND WINE TASTING |
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By: Brandon Walsh, Hosted Wine Tasting
 I have spent the last few years putting Virginia wines to the test through blind wine tastings against international wines, and the results have been quite remarkable. I select one Virginia wine varietal (ex., Chardonnay), then I select another wine made from the same varietal produced in another part of the world (ex., a California Chardonnay). Each wine bottle is hidden in a brown paper bag and the wine tasting attendees act as judges, tasting each wine. After the two wines have been tasted and voted upon, the wines are revealed with one wine being declared the winner. While completing my wine studies at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Napa Valley in 2007, I took a couple bottles of Virginia Viognier and held a blind wine tasting with fellow classmates against two bottles of French Viognier. I knew Virginia wines were good, but I was stunned to find that the majority of the class preferred Virginia wines in both cases. Commencez la revolution! |
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AUGUST WINERY EVENTS & FESTIVALS
There are hundreds of wine events in Virginia every month, and it is just not possible to list them all. As a rule, we do not include open houses or events that happen on a recurring basis. We do try to include information that comes to us directly from wineries and wine trails. Send to info@vawinelover.com
We strongly suggest that you call ahead or check websites to verify event dates and times and to get full information, such as costs and reservations. Telephone numbers and web addresses are included here.
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AUGUST 21: BEACH BASH SIP-N-SHAG
Soak up the last long rays of summer on the shores of Smith Mountain Lake at the 2010 Beach Bash held on the peninsula of Parkway Marina from 4-9pm.
 Sample local wineries and area microbrews while dancing to beach music by The Fantastic Shakers, browsing crafted items and enjoying delicious food from a variety of vendors. Guests can even place a vote for their favorite vehicle on display from a Corvette Exhibit courtesy of the Virginia Corvette Club!
AUGUST 28: JAZZ & WINE FESTIAL
The third annual Jazz & Wine Festival will be held at The Sedalia Center in Bedford County on Saturday, August 28. Gates open at 3 pm. The music begins at 4:00 pm and continues to 10:00 pm. This year's musical lineup includes the high-energy sounds of ACME Swing Mfg. Co. and The Vince Lewis Trio, with the enchanting Liz Barnes on piano.
Wineries from Bedford County and the greater Virginia area will be sampling and serving their wines. They include Bright Meadows Farm, Hickory Hill Vineyards, Sans Soucy Vineyards, Virginia Mountain Vineyards, Brooks Mill Winery, Lazy Days Winery and Century Beverage Distributor.
Admission is $10 in advance, $15 at the gate, and includes music, wine, vendors, festival food and beverages. No pets, no coolers! Rain or shine. Presale tickets available at www.sedaliacenter.org or by calling 434-299-5080. The Sedalia Center is located at 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island.
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 August 20: LUNA-SEE
Wintergreen Winery (Nellysford)A night to dance by the light of the full moon at "The Verandah at Wintergreen. Full moon, wine, live music and dancing 7 pm to 10 pm. 434-361-2519
August 20-21: Wine Camp
Veramar Vineyards (Berryville)
If you love good wine, wonderful food and learning about wine, don't miss this. Three day/2-night escape to the beautiful Virginia Wine Country. A vacation and life experience! Call for details. 540-955-5510 www.veramar.com
August 20-22: Celebrating "La Trovatella"
Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane) La Trovatella is Three Fox's first ever estate Merlot. The name is Italian for foundling and relates to the tiger tabby kitten (Jasmine) that found a home at the winery. 540-364-6073 www.threefoxvineyards.com
 August 21: BEACH BASH SIP-N-SHAG Parkway Marina (Smith Mtn Lake)
"Festival of the Week"
Sample local wineries and area microbrews and shag to the beach music by The Fantastic Shakers. Craft and food vendors.
August 21: Dinner and a Movie
Sweely Estate Winery (Madison)Delicious dinner prepared by Mill Valley BBQ. Followed by the Alfred Hitchcock classic, "The Lady Vanishes"...the movie that launched the now-famous director's career in America. 540-948-9005 www.sweelyestatewinery.com
August 26: Annual Wine Club Gourmet Cook-out
Sweely Estate Winery (Madison)Non-members welcome, as well. Gourmet feast prepared by Chef Terre Sisson includes grilled sopressata and shrimp, tea-brined brick chicken, vegetables, salads and fruit dessert. 540-948-9005 www.sweelyestatewinery.com
 August 28: VIRGINIA VS. CALIFORNIA WINES
Magnolias at the Mill Restaurant (Purcellville)
Virginia vs. California wine. East Coast vs. West Coast. The brash upstart vs. the Establishment. Five course dinner with wine pairings. Putting their best foot forward in this epic showdown are the wines of Corcoran, Breaux, Chrysalis, Hillsborough, Sunset Hills and North Gate wineries. For Reservations: 540-338-9800 August 28: Beat the Heat at Foothills Scenic Wine Trail
DuCard Vineyards (Etlan)
Sharp Rock Vineyards (Sperryville)
A cool getaway to a cool new wine trail that's just 90 minutes from the sizzling asphalt of the Beltway. Two family run boutique wineries just five minutes apart, with breezes off the Shenandoah National Park and mountain streams next to both tasting rooms. 540-923-4206 or 540-987-8020 www.foothillsscenicwinetrail.com
August 28: Aprés Sparkling Release
Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton)The secret is out! Paradise is proud to introduce Aprés, a sparkling Viognier. Carefully handcrafted, aged and fermented in bottle, hand turned almost daily for 13 months. Available for tastings this evening only. Food and live music, 5:00 to 8:00. 703-830-9463 www.paradisespringswinery.com
August 28: Blessing of the Vines
Philip Carter Winery (Hume) Knights of the Vine and Gregorian Chant are planned for this propitious occasion. Outdoor meal will follow the Blessing by Charles Strother. Call for details. 540-364-1203
August 28: Veraison Celebration
Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane)Share in the transition of the final ripening sprint for the grapes before harvest comes. Special vineyard and winery tours. 540-364-6073 www.threefoxvineyards.com
 August 28: JAZZ AND WINE FESTIVAL
Sedalia Center (Big Island)
"Festival of the Week"
Third annual. Featuring sounds of ACME Swing Mfg. Co., a solo-swapping, hot jazz combo, and The Vince Lewis Trio. Wineries from Bedford County and around Virginia. Also vendors, festival food and beverages.
434-299-5080
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WE WERE THERE! (Were you?) |
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July 10: Horse and Hound Festival
July temperatures could not deter the horses, hounds and wine lovers from attending this unique event at the Peaks of Otter Winery. Cold, wet towels were available for all. The orchard and winery have the most picturesque mountain setting in Bedford County.
July 17: Mini-Cooper Rally
Mini-lovers and wine-lovers were out in force at Cooper Vineyards in Louisa. Huge numbers of vintage, antique and brand new, Minis gathered for the annual event that included lots of good wine and good food. Would love to have a Mini!
 July 17: 5000 Egg Omelet Festival The downtown Fredericksburg festival commemorated the 30th anniversary of the match with their sister city, Frejus, France. The gigantic omelet, cooked in an 800-pound pan, was prepared by French and American chefs and served to the festival visitors. Several area Virginia wineries poured tastings.
July 18: Daylily Festival
The blue and white tents in the midst of Andre Viette's colorful gardens make for the most beautiful setting for the annual two day event in Fishersville. Along with other attendees, we enjoyed a variety of good food, live entertainment, interesting vendors . . . and some great Virginia wine!
 July 18: Barren Ridge WineryJust down the road from the Daylily Festival, we visited the winery of John and Shelby Higgs. We had seen John at the Festival and visited with Shelby (photo at left) at the winery. The winery is on the site of the family's former apple orchard with mountains as a backdrop. It's state of the art, with a beautiful tasting room that just opened this spring. Definitely worth the drive.
July 24: DeVault Vineyards
This new winery in Concord, near Appomattox, is family run and family friendly.
We had the pleasure of meeting Bryan, Terry, and Lance Devault (photo at left) who are hands-on in the tasting room and in the vineyard. |
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© 2006 Britt Marketing & Public Relations | | |
