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Vol. VII, Issue No. 2
February 2012

Dear Virginia Wine Lover

February is a special month for Wine Lovers, with many opportunities to experience the best of Virginia wines. On February 23, the 2012 Governor's Cup Awards will be presented in recognition of Virginia's finest wines. This year's competition, which combines both reds and whites, has been revamped to provide wineries the opportunity to gain greater visibility and new marketing opportunities.

The Governor's awards are followed by the three-day Virginia Wine Expo at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on February 24-26. The mid-Atlantic's premier wine event, the Expo is a must for Virginia Wine Lovers, offering a unique opportunity to taste and purchase some 400 premium wines from 70+ award-winning Virginia wineries.

February is also a great time to visit Virginia wineries. Plan to celebrate Valentine's Day with a special wine pairing, enjoy a gourmet winemakers dinner or other sweet event. Be sure to check out our Events Calendar.

Cheers!

Frank C. Britt

Publisher

In This Issue

* Wine Event of the Month

* Question of the Month

* News from the Wineries

* The Jefferson Heritage Trail

* Recipes of the Month

* Events This Month

Sponsors

(Save This Date: Feb. 24, 25 & 26)

Coming to Richmond: March

27, 28 & 29

(Join Today!)

(Download The Virginia Wine Guide)

VIRGINIA WINE EXPO

February 24-26, 2012

Greater Richmond Convention Center

Virginia Wine Expo is every Wine Lover's dream. It's a unique opportunity to taste and purchase some 400 premium wines from 70+ award-winning Virginia wineries. Experience firsthand why Virginia wines are rapidly gaining recognition both nationally and internationally and why Wine Enthusiast magazine has named Virginia one of the top 10 wine destinations in the world for 2012. And, sample the Virginia wines that just took top honors at the largest competition of American wines in the world.

All that and more at the Fifth Annual Virginia Wine Expo (VWE) on February 24-26 in Richmond at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Tickets are on sale now at VirginiaWineExpo.com. Attendees receive a beautiful Riedel® crystal wine glass and are treated to tastings of wines and gourmet foods from some of the region's finest chefs and specialty food purveyors. Premiering this year is a Walk-Around Grand Tasting on Friday, February 24 from 5:30 to 10 pm. Additional events making a debut are two luncheons, two "VWE After Hours at T-Millers" parties, a wine and food pairing soiree, and a brunch. For dates and times of all events during the three day Expo, see the complete schedule on the website (www.VirginiaWineExpo.com)..... (Read More)

"Have you taken advantage of Virginia's new corkage law that allows

you to take your own bottle of Virginia wine into a restaurant?

Sponsored by The Virginia Wine Council

To Vote: CLICK HERE

January Question of the Month Results: CLICK HERE

"How much would you pay for a Virginia winery tasting?"

SOME NEWS IS WORTH REPEATING!

In its February issue, Wine Enthusiast Magazine lists Virginia among the top 10 travel destinations in the world for 2012. Historically significant sites, picturesque pastoral landscapes, elegant equestrians and affable winemakers are credited with setting Virginia apart. Each year, an estimated 10 million people include stopping at a Virginia winery while visiting the state.

VIRGINIA WINES SHINE AT SAN FRANCISCO COMPETITION

Virginia wines took 22 awards in January at the 2012 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of American wines in the world. Barboursville Vineyards not only won awards for their 2010 Viognier Reserve and 2007 Octagon, but their 2008 Cabernet Franc Reserve won Best in Class.

Barrell Oak Vineyards won an outstanding five medals, including a Double Gold for their 2010 Chardonnay Reserve. Other winning Virginia wineries were Barren Ridge Vineyards, Doukenie Winery, Gray Ghost Vineyards, Keswick Vineyards, Philip Carter Winery and Rappahannock Cellars. For a complete list of Virginia medals in the competition, visit www.virginiawine.org/industry/documents

GOVERNOR'S CUP COMPETITION REVAMPED

Major changes to the Virginia Governor's Cup Wine Competition makes it one of the most stringent and thorough wine competitions in the United States. As part of the enhancement, the competition will again be a single event for all Virginia wines, both red and white. The judging took place in January and winners will be announced on February 23 in conjunction with the Virginia Wine Expo in Richmond.

GRAY GHOST DOES IT AGAIN!

Gray Ghost Vineyards in Amissville took home a Gold Medal for its 2010 Chardonnay in the National Women's Wine Competition in California last November, just one of two Chardonnays awarded Gold status. Gray Ghost completed 2011 with a grand total of 128 medals. Wow! www.grayghostvineyards.com

THE JEFFERSON HERITAGE TRAIL

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There's nothing quite like The Jefferson Heritage Trail. It's a destination getaway that celebrates the tourism experience between the two homes of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello in Charlottesville and Poplar Forest in Bedford County. The Trail runs along scenic Route 29 in Central Virginia and offers opportunities to visit as many as 10 wineries, a single malt whisky distillery, a craft brewery and local cidery, historical landmarks, recreational areas, local restaurants and lodging..... (Read More)

WINE AND FOOD PAIRINGS FROM HEART OF VIRGINIA WINE TRAIL

The members of the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail (HOVA) are James River Cellars in Glen Allen, Cooper Vineyards and Lake Anna Winery in Louisa and Grayhaven Winery in Gum Spring. Each winery contributed a favorite recipe and wine pairing that combine for a delicious winter dinner. Enjoy!
(Thanks to Alison Althouse of James River Cellars) Click Here for Recipes

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.

February 3: Bacchus Wine & Food Festival

Virginia Living Museum (Newport News)

Excellent wines from Virginia and around the world, fabulous samples from local restaurants, variety of live entertainment and huge auction. To benefit the Museum.

757-595-1900 * www.thevlm.org

February 3: Panacea Pairings

Sans Soucy Vineyards (Brookneal)

Keeping the tobacco and wine heritage alive. Live pod cast by Dog Watch Cigar Radio discussing the cigar culture. Sans Soucy will pair several of their wines and participate live on a webcast. Bring your laptop. 434-376-9463 * www.sanssoucyvineyards.com

February 4: Mardi Gras and Gumbo Celebration

Horton Vineyards (Gordonsville)

Join Chef Emeril Le Horton and his fellow gumbo lovers for this popular annual Mardi Gras celebration. Traditional games and prizes.

540-832-7440 * www.hvwine.com

February 4-5: Ravishing Red Days of Wine
Fox Meadow Winery (Linden)

Special cellar tasting of current and past vintages of Le Renard Rouge, also trail blends of 2009. Can you choose the same blend that the winemaker chose? Reservations required.

www.foxmeadowinery.com * 540-636-6777

February 4-5: Wine & Soup Weekend

Veramar Vineyard (Berryville)

A great way to take the chill off. Sit in front of the fireplace with a hot, freshly prepared bowl of soup, warm baguette and a glass of wine. Reservations suggested.

540-955-5510 * www.veramar.com

February 4-5: Annual Super-bowl of Wine

Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton)

Blind tasting of five Paradise Springs wines against five global counterparts. Compare and contrast the differences. Reservations limited

703-830-8463 * www.paradisespringswinery.com

February 10-13: Romancing the Fox

Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane)

Let the romance of Three Fox warm your heart and soul on this February weekend. Enjoy perfect pairings of red wines with gourmet chocolates. Piano music on Saturday.

540-364-6073 * www.threefoxvineyards.com

February 11: 7th Annual Winemaker's Valentine Dinner

James River Cellars (Glen Allen)

The perfect gift for your Valentine....divine 5-course menu with lobster bisque, wild greens salad, crab cake with Chilean sea bass, beef tenderloin and chocolate Grenache. Reservations.

804-550-7516 * www.jamesrivercellars.com

February 11: Valentine's Candlelight Evening

Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton)

Take your Valentine to Paradise for four-course gourmet dinner complete with dessert of Chocolate Mousse and Port from the Barrel. Regular or VIP seating in the barrel room. Reservations.

703-830-8463 * www.paradisespringswinery.com

February 11: Wine and Chocolate Pairing

Wintergreen Winery (Nellysford)

On The Verandah, a vintner's selection of Wintergreen wines paired with delectable chocolates.

434-361-2519 * www.wintergreenwinery.com

February 11: Chocolate & Cabernet Tasting

Breaux Vineyards (Purcellville)

Enjoy hand-rolled truffles and imported chocolates paired with our Cabernet Sauvignon. Pairings on the hour. Reservations.

540-668-6299 * www.breauxvineyards.com

February 11: Valentine's Winemaker Dinner

Veritas Vineyard and Winery (Afton)

Celebrate with your Sweetie at Veritas with a five-course, wine-paired meal. Then dance the night away I Saddleback Hall. Reservations.

540-456-8000 * www.veritaswines.com

February 11: Winter Winemakers' Dinner Series

Marriott Ranch (Hume)

Valentine dinner includes four-courses, each paired with glass of wine from Philip Carter Winery. Reservations.

877-324-7344 * www.MarriottRanch.com

February 11: Valentine's Candlelight Evening

Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton)

Take your Valentine to Paradise for four-course gourmet dinner complete with dessert of Chocolate Mousse and Port from the Barrel. Regular or VIP seating in the barrel room. Reservations.

703-830-8463 * www.paradisespringswinery.com

February 11: Love Is In the Air

Veramar Vineyard (Berryville)

A chance to win diamond earrings, savor wine and delectable treats you dip in the chocolate fountain. Music by Robbie Limon. Reservations.

540-955-5510 * www.veramar.com

February 11: Be Mine with Wine

Keswick Vineyards (Keswick)

Special wine and dessert tasting for a Valentine's Day indulgence. Discover how these luscious confections complement each wine. Enjoy our newly enclosed porch. Reservations.

434-244-3341 * www.keswickvineyards.com

February 11: Italian-American Valentines Celebration

Gadino Cellars (Washington)

Now, that's amore! Enjoy this Italian-American favorite with someone special...a glass of wine and a cup of Italian Wedding Soup.

540-987-9292 * www.gadinocellars.com

February 11: Winemaker's Dinner

First Colony Winery (Charlottesville)

For your special someone, five-course gourmet feast prepared by 20 South Catering with wine pairing and introductions by winemaker Jason Hayman. Reservations.

434-979-7105 * www.firstcolonywinery.com

February 11: Williamsburg Wine & Rose Festival

Williamsburg Outlet Mall (Williamsburg)

First annual and open to all wine, rose and chocolate lovers. Five Virginia wineries along with food vendors, art & craft vendors and live entertainment.

757-345-6850 * www.alwaysahappyhour.com

February 11: Valentine's Day Wine Dinner

DelFosse Winery (Faber)

A romantic five-course wine dinner hosted in our elegant tasting room with fireplace, great views and great gourmet food and wine. Reservations.

434-263-6100 * www.delfossewine.com

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EVENTS

Official Virginia Wine Lover™ is not affiliated with or published by Virginia Wine Lover Magazine