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Winery of the Month
Festivals of the Week
August Wine Events & Wine Festivals
We Were There... Were You?
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"The Whole Grape Experience"

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Sat. Sept 3

Come celebrate with us!

Nelson County 

www.democracyvineyards.com

 

 

  

LABOR DAY WINE & 

MUSIC FESTIVAL

Sat. Sept. 3  

1-9 PM

Amherst County 

www.tix.extremetix.com

  


   

RICHMOND'S SIGNATURE  INTERNATIONAL WINE EVENT

Oct. 28 & 29, 2011

Historic Tredegar in Richmond, VA

 

 

Save the Food Festival  

 

  

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Vol. VI, Issue No. 8
August 2011
Dear Virginia Wine Lover

Looking for a way to cool off on these hot, hot dog days of summer?  Then head on over to Smith Mountain Lake for the annual Sip'n Shag Beach Bash.....or to Lake Anna Winery where you'll dance to beach music under the stars at the Caribbean Food and Wine Festival.  You can be the lucky winner of tickets to either event. These will go fast! Sign up for yours now!! 

 

August is a great time for road trips to wineries where tasting rooms are among the coolest places around.  Many have special weekend activities, so check "Events" listings for our favorites for the month.  

 

Our Winery of the Month is Rebec Vineyards which is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The Amherst County winery is known far and wide as the home of the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival held each October and one of the east coast's largest and most popular wine events.  A new Rebec event coming to Rebec on September 3 is the Labor Day Music Fest.

 

Enjoy your travels this month, and we hope to see you along the wine trails.  

 

Cheers!

Frank Britt

Yours truly at Daylily Wine Festival July 16




  


franks signature blue 
Frank C. Britt
Publisher

   Forward to a Friend






At Lake Anna Winery,
August 6
 At Smith Mountain Lake,
August 20

Winery of the Month

REBEC WINERY

Amherst, Virginia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Virginia, Rebec Vineyards is known far and wide as home of the famous Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival.  The winery has a picture postcard setting with its 70 acres nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Amherst County.  It is centrally located on Route 29 between Charlottesville and Lynchburg, 5 miles north of the town of Amherst.

 

Rebec Vineyards was the brain child of Richard Hanson who was a retired engineer at the time he got into the winery business.  He bought Amherst's historic Mountain View property and planted the first vines in 1980, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Richard then turned to building...literally building everything himself, including the pumps, filters and crushers.  He constructed the winery building with chestnut siding and some interior beams from the circa 1750 tobacco barn that once stood on the property.

 

Svetlozar Kanev

In 1991, Svetlozar Kanev arrived from Bulgaria and joined Rebec as its winemaker.  He concentrated on adding several new wines and perfecting Rebec's niche wine, Sweet Sofia.  It was crafted from a native Bulgarian recipe that once included locust blossoms to give it just the nuance Svet was looking for.  Later, Svet took on the duties of General Manager, overseeing just about everything to do with the winery, and in 2010, he became the principal owner of Rebec Vineyards.  

 

Every fall, the Wine and Garlic Festival at Rebec Vineyards attracts thousands of wine lovers from near and far to the two day event.  One of Virginia's oldest and largest wine festivals, the 21st annual this October promises visitors a "stinkin' good time." Garlic is displayed and available in every way imaginable, and tastings are offered by Rebec and several other regional wineries.  There is continuous live entertainment on five stages, 150 unique specialty food vendors, artists and crafters, as well as a Garlic Cook-Off and Garlic Queen and Jr. Queen contests that are traditional crowd pleasers.  The children's area includes a petting zoo.

 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR GARLICKY RECIPES

 

TOMATO AND BASIL BRUSCHETTA 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SVET'S FAVORITE GARLIC CHICKEN

TZATZIKI



August 6

CARIBBEAN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 

Lake Anna Winery, Spotsylvania

It's a beach party!  Kick back with a glass of your favorite wine and listen to live Caribbean music under the stars on the grounds of Lake Anna Winery.  The popular event is sponsored by the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail. 

 

Taste award winning wines from Cooper Vineyards, Lake Anna Winery, Grayhaven Winery and James River Cellars Winery.  Enjoy great Caribbean food (items priced al a carte).  Hours are 5 to 10 pm.  

 

 

Tickets are $15 and available online at www.hovawinetrail.com

 

For additional information, call Lake Anna Winery at 

540-895-5085.  Lake Anna is located on Route 208, three miles east of Lake Anna at 5621 Courthouse Road in Spotsylvania.

August 15

SIP 'N SHAG

Parkway Marina, Smith Mountain Lake

 

The Bedford Beach Bash is the place to be for a great afternoon of wine and music. The only festival of its kind held on the shores of Smith Mountain Lake, it's a great way to enjoy those last long days of summer sun. 

 

This year's Bash features eight wineries, three microbreweries, music performances from "Buffet style" bands, craft and food vendors and a car exhibit by the Virginia Corvette Club.  There's plenty of room for shagging to the beach music of The Fantastic Shakers.  

 

Tickets ($20 advance, $25 at the gate) are available at numerous vendors throughout the area and on line at www.5thannualbeachbash.eventbrite.com.  

 

Parkway Marina is located at 16918 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway in Huddleston. The festival is hosted by the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. 

540-586-9401  · www.bedfordareachamber.com/events

 

 August 5: Friday Night Under the Stars 

AmRhein's Wine Cellars (Bent Mountain)

Enjoy the special dinner with a bottle of wine and entertainment, all under the stars. Music by Breeze Bros. Rain or shine.

540-929-4632 · www.AmRheins.com  

 

August 5 & 6: Cork and Blues Festival

Glen Maury Park (Buena Vista)

Blues bands and Virginia wineries. Great music lineup starting Friday night. Food vendors including BBQ. Rain or shine under covered pavilion. Camping available.

1-800-555-8845 · www.glenmaurypark.com 

 

 

August 6: Blackberry Harvest Festival

Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery (Nellysford)

Pick your blackberries and taste the wine.   Bring a picnic or purchase a Pig Pickin' meal. Live music, craft vendors and family festivities all day.

434-361-1266 · www.hilltopberrywine.com

 

 

August 6: Music, Mead & Cider

Foggy Ridge Cider (Dugspur)

Local music and cider and mead just 2 miles apart near the Blue Ridge Parkway in southwest Virginia. Sip cider at Foggy Ridge. Enjoy mead on the Blacksnake Meadery's 'Sippin Porch. Creative tunes from talented musicians.

276-398-2337 · www.foggyridgecider.com 

 

 

August 6 & 7:  Annual Summer Norton Tasting 

Burnley Vineyards (Barboursville)
Vertical tasting of the four vintages of Norton and two vintages of Norton in the port style red. Not a library tasting. Each wine available for purchase. 

540-832-2828 · www.burnleywines.com

 

August 7: Wine & Food Pairing

Casanel Vineyards (Leesburg)

Chef Miriam will prepare an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch. Bring your appetites and enjoy the food and wine

540-751-1776 · www.casanelvineyards.com 

 

August 7: Unplugged Sunday Afternoon Series  

Cooper Vineyards (Louisa)

Enjoy music by Emme St. James as well as beautiful vineyard views on the spacious new deck. Bring your own picnic to have with a bottle of award-winning Cooper Vineyards wine.

540-894-5474 · www.coopervineyards.com 

 

August 7: Luna-See

Wintergreen Winery (Nellysford)

A Night to Dance by the Light of the Moon at "The Verandah at Wintergreen Winery". Full moon, wine, live music and dancing.

434-361-2519 · www.wintergreenwinery.com

 

August 7:  Wine and Food Pairing 

DelFosse Winery (Faber)

Wonderful wine and food pairing menu by Genevieve DelFosse. Reservations required. 

434-263-6100 ·  www.delfossewine.com

August 12: Luau

Cross Keys Vineyards & Estate (Mt. Crawford)

Dress for the occasion and join in the tropical experience. Steel drums and dinner of pork, fruits, veggies, cheese, breads and desserts.

540-2340505 · www.crosskeysvineyards.com 

 

August 12: Wine Moon Beams

Hickory Hill Vineyards (Moneta)

Watch the falling stars at an evening of star gazing during Perseid meteor shower. Rain/Cloud date is August 14.

540-296-1393 · www.SMLwine.com 

 

August 12: Friday Night Under the Stars

AmRhein's Wine Cellars (Bent Mountain)

Enjoy the special dinner with a bottle of wine and entertainment, all under the stars. Music by Robotic Jive. Rain or shine.

540-929-4632 · www.AmRheins.com 

 

August 13: Blessing of the Grapes                                

Philip Carter Winery (Hume)

Join in the timeless tradition of the consecration of the harvest. Guests, who are asked to dress in white, will process to the vineyard for the blessing, followed by a simple vineyard meal.

540-364-1203 · www.pcwinery.com 

 

August 13: Pig Roast 2011

Wintergreen Winery (Nellysford)

BBQ feast prepared by the BBQ Connection "Pigs on the Run" Competition team.  Live music and wine tasting.

434-361-2519 ·  www.wintergreenwinery.com

 

 

 

August 13:  Paddle, Wine & Concert 

Tarara Winery (Leesburg)
River and Trail Outfitters guide leisurely paddle by canoe or kayak down scenic stretch of the Potomac followed by private tasting at Tarara.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the music.

301-695-5177 · www.tarara.com

 August 13: Starry, Starry Nights      

Veritas Vineyards & Winery (Afton)

An unforgettable night under the stars with live music, wine and the big outdoors. Dance to the music of Little Freddie King (New Orleans Blue Legend).

434-263-7015 · www.veritaswines.com 

 

August 13: No Strings Attached

Fincastle Vineyard and Winery (Fincastle)

Festive outdoor evening of wine and music featuring "No Strings Attached". (One of the more adventurous string ensembles today....Washington Post)

540-591-9000 · www.fincastlewine.com 

 

August 13: Blackdog Wine & Beach Festival 

Chateau Morrisette (Floyd)

Amazing bands, great food, our famous sangria and your favorite wines. Variety of foods, arts and crafts. Rent your own gazebo and listen to the Mix Emotions and the Band of Oz.

540-593-2865 · www.thedogs.com 

 

 

 

August 13: First Annual "Winestock"   

Mountain Rose Vineyards (Wise)

All day music festival featuring local bands and great food. Pull out the old tie-dyed T-shirts and hippie beads. Groove on!

276-328-2013 

www.mountainrosevineyard.com

August 14: Unplugged Sunday Afternoon Series

Cooper Vineyards (Louisa)

Enjoy music by Emme St. James as well as beautiful vineyard views on the spacious new deck. Bring your own picnic to have with a bottle of award-winning Cooper Vineyards wine.

540-894-5474 · www.coopervineyards.com


August 19: Friday Night Under the Stars

AmRhein's Wine Cellars (Bent Mountain)

Enjoy the special dinner with a bottle of wine and entertainment, all under the stars.

Music by Dowing Brothers. Rain or shine.

540-929-4632 · www.AmRheins.com

 

August 19: Lecture & Wine Tasting

James Monroe Museum & Memorial Library (Fredericksburg)

James Gabler, author of "Passions: the Wines and Travels of Thomas Jefferson" illuminates the relationship between Jefferson and James Monroe. Wine tasting follows.

540-654-1123 · www.jamesmonroemuseum.org

 

August 20: Rootstock Summer Fest

Potomac Point Winery (Stafford)

Summer fun with food, music (Pete Baker and The Shack Shakers) and car show.

540-446-2266 · www.potomacpointwinery.com

August 20: The Now Knows Wine

Bogati Bodega & Winery (Round Hill)

A robust, full-bodied, educational opportunity offering an approachable look at wine tasting and how to taste wine with all your senses.

540-338-1144 · www.bogatibodega.com

 

August 20: Sugarleaf Soiree

Sugarleaf Vineyards (North Garden)

Fourth Anniversary celebration of release of inaugural award-winning vintage and opening of the tasting room. Enjoy wine, cheese and a walk through the vineyard.

434-984-4272 · www.sugarleafvineyards.com   

 

 

August 20: Summer BBQ & Concert

DelFosse Vineyards (Faber)

Enjoy a Mediterranean BBQ lunch in the outdoor pavilion along with some Jimmy Buffet music and join in a tour with vineyard manager Grayson Poats.

434-263-6100 · www.delfossewine.com

 

August 20 & 21: Feast of Saint Bernard

Cross Keys Vineyards (Mt. Crawford)

Bring one Saint Bernard, get 10% discount. Bring two Saint Bernards, get 15% discount.

540-234-0505 · www.crosskeysvineyards.com

 

August 20: Taste of Spain

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards (Leesburg)

Annual summer tasting of Spanish wines along with Tapas and Sangria.

703-777-8161 · www.willowcroftwine.com

August 21: Unplugged Sunday Afternoon Series

Cooper Vineyards (Louisa)

Enjoy music by Curtis Prince as well as beautiful vineyard views on the spacious new deck. Bring your own picnic to have with a bottle of award-winning Cooper Vineyards wine.

540-894-5474 · www.coopervineyards.com

 

August 26: Friday Night Under the Stars 

AmRhein's Wine Cellars (Bent Mountain)

Enjoy the special dinner with a bottle of wine and entertainment, all under the stars.

Music by Ron Swann. Rain or shine.

540-929-4632 · www.AmRheins.com

 

August 26: Attimo Winery Grand Opening       

Attimo Winery (Christiansburg)

In celebration of the grand opening, a 4-course wine dinner. Music, appetizers, and a cake prepared by Food Network's Ace-of-Cakes at Charm City Cakes in Baltimore.

540-382-7619 · www.attimowinery.com

 

August 27: Mini Cooper Rally

Cooper Vineyards (Louisa)

For wine lovers and mini lovers alike. Live music by Scattered Smothered and Covered bluegrass band. James River Cellars guest winery. Wine tastings and food for purchase.

540-894-5474 · www.coopervineyards.com

 

August 27 & 28: Mountain Road Tasting Tour

Chateau Morrisette (Floyd)

Food and drink progressive pairing on self-guided tour of Chateau Morrisette, Villa Appalaccia, Blacksnake Meadery, AmRhein Wine Cellars, Foggy Ridge Cider and Attimo Winery.

540-593-2865 · www.thedogs.com

 

August 27:  Jazz & Wine Festival

Sedalia Center (Big Island)

Fourth Annual.  Open air pavilion with classic jazz, this year featuring Jane L. Powell on the main stage.  Wine tastings from the region's best vintners.  

434-299-5080 ·  www.sedaliacenter.org

August 27 & 28: Veraison Celebration

Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane)

Share in the joy at the transition into the final ripening spring for the grapes before harvest. Special vineyard and winery tours.

540-364-6073 · www.threefoxvineyards.com

 

August 27: Beat the Heat in the Foothills

DuCard Vineyards (Sperryville)

Join in a getaway to this cool new wine trail, DuCard and Sharp Rock Vineyards. Cool mountain breezes and great chilled wines.

540-923-4206 · www.ducardvineyards.com

 

August 28: Unplugged Sunday Afternoon Series

Cooper Vineyards (Louisa)

Enjoy music by Charleen Hutton as well as beautiful vineyard views on the spacious new deck. Bring your own picnic to have with a bottle of award-winning Cooper Vineyards wine.

540-894-5474 · www.coopervineyards.com

COMING IN SEPTEMBER:

 

September 3: Birth of Democracy Wine Festival 

Democracy Vineyards (Lovingston)

www.democracyvineyards.com  

 

 

 

September 3: Rebec's Labor Day Music Fest

Rebec Vineyards

www.rebecwinery.com

 

 

 

 

September 3: 23rd Annual Herndon Labor Day Festival

Downtown Herndon

www.herndon-va.gov

As our information comes from many sources, we recommend  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.

HORSE & HOUND FESTIVAL

July 9, Johnsons' Orchards 

(Home of Peaks of Otter Winery)

Despite excessive heat, the horses, hounds and wine lovers attended this annual festival in great numbers.  Wine tastings and ice-cold towels were available for all and Maggie, the Official Virginia Wine Lover hound, was first in line.

DAYLILY WINE FESTIVAL

July 16, Fishersville

Wine lovers and flower lovers of all ages gathered under the blue and white tents at the nationally renowned Andre Viette Farm & Nursery for the 15th Annual festival.  A wonderful day in Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, thanks to the expert planning by the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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