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Make plans now to attend the Daylily & Wine Festival
on July 19-20 in Fishersville
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Dear Friend of Virginia Wine:
The folks at Virginia wineries are about as patriotic as it gets. Check out our listing of July Festivals and Events and plan to celebrate America's Birthday (the 232nd!) at a "Red, White and Blue" Winery Event. The fun begins on the Fourth and continues through the weekend.
Visits to Virginia wineries this summer are perfect for weekend getaways not far from home. You can learn more about Virginia wines and products, soak up the beauty of the Old Dominion . . . and keep the gas costs down.
Cheers!
Frank C. Britt
Publisher
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to the magazine. Get a free Tuscany Wine Bottle Opener with a two year subscription.
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ENJOY THE SPLENDOR OF THE DAYLILY & WINE FESTIVAL
By Donna Elkins, Event Coordinator |
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Fine Virginia wines, the splendor of colorful daylilies and backdrop of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains make the perfect combination for a fabulous weekend in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Mark your calendar now for the Daylily & Wine Festival™ on July 19-20 in Fishersville.
Held in the gardens of nationally renowned Andre Viette Farm and Nursery, the festival boasts fine beers, live music, children's activity tent, food booths, artist and craft booths, the ever-popular wine tastings, horticulture seminars by Andre Viette, and culinary workshops by area chefs.
 Along with activities to keep your family hopping for hours, be sure to arrange time to visit Frontier Culture Museum, P. Buckley Moss Museum, Grand Caverns, dine at South River Grill, and sleep in luxurious comfort at Frederick House, Hampton Inn-Staunton, Hampton Inn-Waynesboro or Stonewall Jackson Hotel, promotional sponsors of the festival.
Spend a weekend strolling spectacular floral gardens, tasting great Virginia wines and absorbing the Valley's beauty and history. We're easy to find ~ just minutes from I-64 exit 91 or I-81 exit 222.
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| 17TH ANNUAL WINE COMPETITION JUMP STARTS 2008 STATE FAIR
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The State Fair of Virginia kicked off its 2008 competitions with the judging of the 17th annual State Fair Wine Competition, held on Monday, June 9, at the Montpelier Center for Arts & Education in Montpelier, Virginia. This year, 48 Virginia wineries - a record number - entered a total 196 wines in the 2008 State Fair Wine Competition. A distinguished panel of 19 judges spent much of the day in a blind tasting, where they swirled, sniffed and tasted many flights and varieties, including Petit Verdot, Viognier, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Riesling and others.
The judges awarded gold ribbons to 40 wines. Of these, the State Fair will announce
the top winning wine - "Best in Show" - on Wednesday, September 24, at Black Tie & Boots, a fundraiser and VIP preview to the 2008 State Fair, benefiting the State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program. "We were really impressed with the wines entered this year," says Richard Carew, a senior judge at the State Fair Wine Competition and a Richmond area wine distributor. "We tasted new flights of wine varieties this year - an un-oaked chardonnay and a traminette. Both of these varietals are extremely good food wines."
The panel of judges, which included writers, sommeliers, producers, retailers, restaurateurs and collectors, evaluated and scored the wines according to national wine industry standards. The judges included:
George Davis (Sr. Judge) - Virginia Distributing, Richmond
Richard Carew (Sr. Judge) - Total Wine and More, Richmond
Gabriele Rausse (Sr. Judge) - Winemaker / Consultant, Charlottesville
David Barber - American Wine Society certified wine judge, Annandale
Tobias Beard - Wine Columnist, C-VILLE Weekly; Market St. Wine Shop, Charlottesville
Jack Berninger - Wine Columnist, Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond
Ben Eubanks - Wine Director, The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond
Elaine Futhey - Wine Buyer, C & O Restaurant, Charlottesville
Kirsty Harmon - Winemaker, Craggy Range Winery, New Zealand
Frits Huntjens - Chef / Owner, 1 North Belmont Restaurant, Richmond
Tom Payette - Wine Consultant, Rapidan
Tim Rausse - Assistant Winemaker, Blenheim Vineyard, Charlottesville
Adam Steely - Owner / Manager, Blue Talon Bistro, Williamsburg
Rock Stephens - President, Virginia Vineyards Association; owner of The Vineyard at Point Breeze, Eastern Shore
Claude Thibaut - Winemaker & Consultant, Charlottesville
Matt Thomas - Kybecca Wine & Gourmet, Fredericksburg
Melanie Throckmorton - former Sales Representative, Virginia Imports, Alexandria
Karen Webb - Private Collector, Richmond
Andy Williams - Private Collector, Alexandria
William Bevilaqua, a former VCU Design & Drawing Professor, and Shari Hindman, Creative Director for Siddall, a Richmond advertising agency, were label judges. Wines were judged for individual label design, overall winery presentation and overall consistency for label design.
"Each year, we see more impressive wines entering this competition, and we have a great panel of judges to select the winning wines," notes Carew. "When a winery wins Best in Show or a Gold Ribbon here, their wine usually sells out. This competition means a lot to them." Click here to see the winners... |
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SOUTH RIVER RESTAURANT, WAYNESBORO
By Linda Roland, Owner |
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South River Restaurant & Wine Shop in Waynesboro is a classy, casual and comfortable place to meet friends and enjoy a glass of wine and good food. The goal of Linda Roland, South River owner and operator, is to provide fresh, healthy cooking, care for guests and staff and provide a gathering place the Valley can be proud of.
South River specializes in fresh seafood, quality hand-cut Angus steak, fresh vegetables, and house made soups and breads, utilizing local ingredients when available. They also cater, prepare boxed lunches, and host meetings in the semi-private banquet room. Linda Roland, who has 30 years experience in the dining industry, hosts a high tea on the third Tuesday and a wine dinner on the fourth Thursday of each month, as well as weekly wine tastings.
South River Restaurant & Wine Shop was recently recognized as the "Virginia Wine Retailer of the Year" at the 2007 Virginia Wineries Association's annual Governor's Cup event. They were awarded two Gold Medals: "First in Your Glass" (Wine Restaurant Division) and "Wine Cellar" (Wine Retailer Division).
The wine shop has the Valley's largest selection of Virginia Wines from over 30 wineries and vineyards, as well as wines from around the world. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list with many wines available by the glass. The weekly wine tastings and special wine & food events held at South River are one of the areas best kept secrets.
While she says it is very hard to choose one favorite Virginia wine, Linda Roland's current four favorites include:
Barboursville Octagon (combination of Merlot, Cabernet, and Cab Franc) . . . great with a juicy filet
Stone Mountain Petit Verdot . . . with grilled lamb and a little mint
White Hall Viognier . . . wonderful with scallops and cream
Cooper Vineyards Noche . . . great with raspberries and chocolate
Linda's favorite way to spend a summer evening with her husband is to chill a bottle of Viognier and enjoy a cold antipasto plate on their porch over looking the Blue Ridge! Or grilling this recipe of fresh seasonal vegetables with chicken or fish (a simple dinner you can put together in 10 minutes!).
Grilled Chicken & Vegetables with Olive Oil and Herbs (for 2)
Heat your grill to medium high. While it is heating, take foil and double it, forming a 6X8 inch boat with sides. Pour ¼ cup of olive oil into the boat, then add the following in the order listed:
6 cloves of fresh garlic
2 tomatoes cut into wedges
1 small yellow squash & 1 small zucchini cut into ½ inch rounds
10 pieces of asparagus
Onion (1/4 of medium sweet Vadilla, cut into rings)
2 carrots cut in thin circles
2 breast of chicken that have been seasoned with salt & pepper or a poultry seasoning
4 or 5 sprigs of rosemary & thyme
Splash of white wine (approx. ¼ cup)
(Linda often adds a tad of diced jalapeno or other peppers to give it a kick!)
Take another piece of foil and form a top for the boat. Place on the grill and cook for 15 minutes while you enjoy a glass of wine. This is a really healthy dish . . . and there are no pots or pans to wash!
South River Restaurant and Wine Shop 23 Windigrove Drive, Waynesboro, VA 22980
540-942-5567
www.southrivergrill.com
Linda Roland, Owner |
| HIGH GAS PRICES: THAT'S ALRIGHT, TRAVEL LOCAL!
By Dezel Quillen, Wine Writer, Virginia Vine Spot |
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With oil and gas prices continuing to set record highs, it is no wonder why most of the emails I have received of late have been from wine lovers from the Tri State area of Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, who are looking for a little assistance with local vacation planning.
With gas prices exceeding the $4 mark, many vacationers appear to be ditching the (once) friendly skies and long family drives in the gas guzzling SUV, and keeping close to home. Lucky for us that Virginia is a great destination for historic landmarks, fine restaurants, fun shopping, nature preserves, outdoor activities, picturesque settings, mom and pop shops, family farms, and a burgeoning young wine industry. Some, if not all of these fun-filled activities, can be found in a number of small towns throughout the Old Dominion. For starters, try Loudoun or Albemarle County (Charlottesville in particular) - these are two counties with a number of wineries in close proximity to each other that's surrounded by beautiful views, as well as many other exciting things to keep you entertained and busy.
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BED & BREAKFAST OF THE MONTH:
INN AT RIVERBEND, PEARISBURG, VA
By Jack North, President, B&B Association of Virginia |
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Inn at Riverbend is a dream come true! We invite you to celebrate our 5th anniversary and experience this incredible setting by relaxing in front of the stone fireplace, enjoying a glass of fine Virginia wine, or watching the birds land on the small pond! After a restful night in one of our seven beautiful guest rooms, you'll awaken refreshed to the wonderful smells of fresh apple wood bacon, banana sour cream pancakes and many other delectable items for breakfast. All rooms feature private baths, large closets, pressed sheets, and breathtaking views! Arriving on Sunday evening? Enjoy our summer casual dinner on the deck, accompanied by one of our favorite Virginia wines and watch the stars twinkle!  Designed, constructed and opened in the spring of 2003, Inn at Riverbend offers spacious, wraparound decks and terraces, a platform in the sun, a hammock and Adirondack chairs in the woods, plenty of spaces to enjoy the panoramic views or bird watch and even spot a deer or two in the lower meadow! Train lovers can count the cars on the trains that pass along the tracks next to the river.
Located centrally between Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech, and Princeton, WV, let us help you plan your vacation with Inn at Riverbend at the center. From wineries, hiking, canoeing, fishing, enjoying the arts and history, there is much to do. It's the perfect setting to escape the rigors of work or to celebrate a special occasion!
 Inn at Riverbend is proud to be a member of both BBAV and Select Registry Distinguished Inns of North American. Mention this article for a gift of Virginia wine when you make your reservation! We look forward to seeing you at Inn at Riverbend!
Linda and Lynn Hayes
Inn at Riverbend
125 River Ridge Drive
Pearisburg, VA 24134
540-921-5211
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JULY FESTIVALS AND EVENTS |
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July 4-7: July 4th Celebrations
The following wineries will host "Red, White and Blue Celebrations" over the July Fourth weekend. Call the winery or visit their website for dates and details.
BARREL OAK WINERY (Delaplane)
FIRST COLONY WINERY (Charlottesville)
FOX MEADOW WINERY (Linden)
GADINO CELLARS (Washington)
HICKORY HILL VINEYARDS & WINERY (Moneta)
JAMES RIVER CELLARS WINERY (Glen Allen)
LAKE ANNA WINERY (Spotsylvania)
THREE FOX VINEYARDS (Delaplane)
WINTERGREEN WINERY (Nellysford)
July 12: 7th Annual Sip-n-Shag Beach BashAMRHEIN WINE CELLARS (Bent Mountain) (540) 929-4632 - www.roanokewine.com
July 12: Cardinal Point Concert Series ("The Honey Birds" with Jan Smith)CARDINAL POINT VINEYARD & WINERY (Afton) (540) 456-8400 - www.cardinalpointwinery.com
July 12: Black Dog Wine and Blues Festival
CHATEAU MORRISETTE (Floyd) (540) 593-2865 - www.thedogs.com
July 12: Bastille Day CelebrationDELFOSSE VINEYARDS & WINERY (Faber) (434) 263-6100 - www.delfossewine.com
July 12: Gadino Cellars 3rd Anniversary CelebrationGADINO CELLARS (Washington) (540) 987-9292 - www.gadinocellars.com
July 12: Horse & Hound Wine Festival
PEAKS OF OTTER WINERY (Bedford) (540) 586-5707 - www.bedfordwine.com
July 12: Starry Nights with Abbey Road (Beatles Cover Band)
VERITAS VINEYARDS & WINERY (Afton) (540) 456-8000 - www.veritaswines.com
July 12-13: Gray Ghost's 14th Anniversary CelebrationGRAY GHOST VINEYARDS (Amissville) (540) 937-4869 - www.grayghostvineyards.com
July 13: Veramar Vineyard Bocce DaysVERAMAR VINEYARD (Berryville) (540) 955-5510 - www.veramar.com
July 18: "TGIF Sunset" on the PatioBARREL OAK WINERY (Delaplane) (540) 364-6402 - www.BarrelOak.com
July 19: Hokie Bird Wine Festival CHATEAU MORRISETTE (540) 593-2865 - www.thedogs.com
July 19: Tasting from the Winemaker's Library** INGLESIDE PLANTATION VINEYARDS (Oak Grove) (804) 224-8687 - www.inglesidevineyards.com
July 19: Wine & Whiskers
LAKE ANNA WINERY (Spotsylvania) (540) 895-5085 - www.lawinery.com (reservations)
July 19: Old Rag Wine and Music Festival SHARP ROCK VINEYARDS (Sperryville) (540) 987-8020 - www.sharprockvineyards.com
July 19-20: Daylily & Wine Festival™ ANDRE VIETTE FARM & NURSERY (Fishersville) (540) 949-8203 - www.augustachamber.org
July 19-20: Mystery Wine Tasting
BURNLEY VINEYARDS (Barboursville) (540) 832-2828 - www.Burnleywines.com
July 25-26: Beachfest
DAVIS VALLEY WINERY & VINEYARD (276) 686-8855 - www.dvwinery.com
July 26: Guest Chef Dave Everett of Blue Talon Restaurant, Williamsburg, VA** BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS (Barboursville) (540) 832-3824 - www.barboursvillewine.com
July 26: Tomato/Salsa Fest
OAKENCROFT VINEYARD & WINERY (Charlottesville) (434) 296-4188 - www.oakencroft.com
July 27: An Afternoon of Wine & Music
SWEDENBURG ESTATE VINEYARD (Middleburg) (540) 687-5219 - www.SwedenburgWines.com
**Indicates reservations required.
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WE WERE THERE! |
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PHILIP CARTER WINERY GRAND OPENING
May 24, 2008
Philip Carter Winery, Hume, VA
A picture perfect spring day in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along with twenty first century fine wines featured in eighteenth century style was the setting for the Grand Opening Re-naming Open House at Philip Carter Winery.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of a gold medal via the Royal Society for the Arts in London to Charles Carter, aristocratic ancestor of the current owners, Philip Carter Strother and Danielle M. Strother, by Mr. Thomas Jefferson, for Mr. Carter's efforts on behalf of wine production in the colonies.
27TH ANNUAL VINTAGE VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL
May 31-June 1
Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center, Northern VA
On the weekend of May 31st-June 1st we attended and enjoyed the 27th Annual
Vintage Virginia Wine Festival. This is the state's oldest and longest running
tasting event and every year it aims to please - and personally speaking, it did!
The weekend-long event was a fine, harmonious blend that featured over 50
Virginia wineries, over 300 different wine selections, finger-snapping and
toe-tapping live entertainment, local arts and crafts displays, wine seminars,
great food, and oodles more. We savored many great sips of wine, including
popular Virginia varietals such as Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot,
Chambourcin, and Norton - also known as America's grape. Every year, this
festival does an excellent job of showcasing some of the states top producers in
a fun-filled and friendly environment. If you missed this event, be sure to catch
the popular Floyd Fest July 24th-27th. As always, Happy Sipping, friends!
 NEW KENT WINERY GRAND OPENING
May 31-June 1
New Kent Winery, New Kent County, VA
New Kent Winery celebrated its Grand Opening May 31st and June 1st. Although the attendance was nearly double the number guests anticipated, the tours and tastings went smoothly both days. The comments received on both the winery and wines have been extremely positive and wine sales are exceeding projections.
May 30, 2008: New Kent Winery Grand Opening Black Tie Gala. Above, Pete Johns, Managing Partner, presents one of the first bottles of wine made to Mayo and Nick Boddie, Founders of Boddie-Noell Enterprises, parent company of Kitty Hawk Land Company, developers of New Kent Vineyards and Viniterra.
Pete Johns welcomes the guests. A carriage takes guests for a ride around the grounds of the winery, Viniterra and New Kent Vineyards.
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA TRAVEL & LEARN PROGRAM
SUMMER IN THE VINEYARDS: THE 2ND WINE SEMINAR DINNER
June 6, 2008
Tastings Wine Shop, Restaurant & Wine Bar, Charlottesville, VA
CENTRAL VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL
June 21, 2008
Innsbrook Pavilion, Glen Allen, VA
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Travel and Leisure Magazine names Virginia one of the top five new travel wine destinations in the world - July 2007.
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