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April 25 - May 4, 2009
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Mayhurst Inn-Orange, VA
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Vol. III, Issue No. 11
November 2008
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Dear Friend of Virginia Wine:
 You won't want to miss the Winter Issue of VIRGINIA WINE LOVER magazine which will be coming your way around mid-November. It's filled with food and wine pairings for the holidays along with news about winery events around the Commonwealth. Features include a Thanksgiving feast at Williamsburg Winery's Wedmore and dinner with Thomas Jefferson at King's Arms Tavern in Williamsburg. Imaginative menus and delicious recipes make this issue of VIRGINIA WINE LOVER a real keeper!
As Thanksgiving approaches, we pause to reflect on the year that is passing, and we have much to be grateful for. We thank you for sharing our passion for Virginia wines, for your continuing interest in this newsletter and your support of VIRGINIA WINE LOVER magazine which we launched in the spring.
 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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| VIRGINIA WINES SHOWCASED IN U.K.
By Richard Leahy, Wine Writer & Consultant
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(Virginia wines enthusiastically received by tasters in London at the Institute of Directors.)
On September 30th, Virginia wines were showcased at the Institute of Director's in London. Judy Kornfeld, International Trade Specialist with the U.S. Commercial Service, organized the event through a Rural Export Initiative grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, in partnership with FedEx, New Horizon Wines, Capital Region USA and SunTrust Bank.
Thanks in part to the original Virginia Wine Experience in London last May, the Virginia wines made a positive impression with tasters at this event. "Everyone commented on the lower alcohol content and well balanced nature of the wines," says Christopher Parker, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of New Horizon Wines. Following the tasting, he has been taking orders from trade customers to ship Virginia wines to be sold to the U.K. public.
Tasters included Steven Spurrier, architect of the famous "Judgment of Paris" tasting in 1976, Stephen Brook from Decanter magazine, and buyers from the London wine trade. At the same time, a live webcast from Breaux Vineyards in Loudoun County enabled the London tasters to meet winemakers from the participating wineries.
(Winemakers from Virginia pose for a photo during the live webcast at Breaux Vineyards.)
New Horizon Wines combines import/export of high quality wines with "wine lifestyle experiences" in the beautiful Virginia countryside, where visitors can taste its exceptional wines, and learn the rich history of the region. Also, various levels of Virginia wine classes will be offered both to visitors and U.S. residents. "I strongly believe in the quality of Virginia wines and the potential for Virginia to be the 'wine destination' of the East Coast as Napa and Sonoma are to the West Coast," declares Parker.
 Richard Leahy is a wine writer and consultant who has been reporting on the wines of Virginia and Eastern North America since 1986. He works with numerous wineries in Virginia and along the east coast and has been writing for the wine industry for over 21 years.
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One commonly overlooked source of wine is those made from honey - in particular Mead. Besides being perhaps the oldest form of wine, mead has been produced in all corners of the globe and takes many forms. Traditional Mead is made from three ingredients: honey, water, and yeast and can be made into many different styles - no different from grape wine - dry, semi-dry, or sweet. Plus, mead can be produced from different honey varietals, such as clover, wildflower, orange blossom and buckwheat. Other forms of honey wine include Metheglin (mead made with herbs and spices), Melomel (mead that contains fruit), Cyser (mead fermented with apples), Pyment (fermented honey and grape juice), Braggot (mead blended with malted grains and hops), and Tej (an Ethiopian version of honey wine augmented with domestic spices).
The major input in making honey wine is, of course, honey. However in the past decade the number of honey bees has drastically declined which has had a major affect on our general food supply. Honey bee pollination is directly responsible for over 30% of our food supply - that's over 100 crops and does not include indirect contributions to beef and dairy production through alfalfa and other feed products. Scientists site several factors for the decline, one being Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), where bees just leave their hive and expire. These scientists are not sure the specific cause for CCD, but they site a few possible causes: viruses, mites, chemical exposure, and poor nutrition.
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BED & BREAKFAST OF THE MONTH
THE INN AT MEANDOR PLANTATION
By Jack North, President, B&B Association of Virginia
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The Inn at Meander Plantation, an historic 10-room inn with a fine dining restaurant, proudly serves only Virginia wines - in fact, about 120 different wines from some 20-plus of the state's finest wineries!
Innkeepers Suzie Blanchard and Suzanne Thomas made the decision to support the Virginia wine industry 17 years ago when they opened the Inn. That commitment was honored in 2007 when the Inn was named "Restaurant of the Year" by the Virginia Wine Growers Association.
The Inn's restaurant, led by award-winning Executive Chef David Scales, is open to the public, as well as Inn guests, 6 nights a week (closed Wednesday). Emphasis is placed on the use of the freshest and finest ingredients, especially locally produced vegetables, fruits, meats and cheeses, as well as sustainable fish and seafood. The menu changes weekly, with nightly offerings of either a three-course pre-fix dinner or a six-course Chef's Tasting Menu. With each course of every dinner, the innkeepers suggest a Virginia wine pairing, available by the glass or as a multiple-glass flight.
As the next step in their involvement in Virginia wines, the innkeepers have begun The Virginia Wine Academy, an innovative, experiential learning vacation that appeals to novices who want to learn about wine, as well as connoisseurs looking for a fun wine-centered experience. The all-inclusive Academy package includes 3 nights lodging with breakfast, 2 days of classes taught by local winery owners and winemakers, work in a private vineyard, tours of area wineries and fabulous lunches and dinners paired with Virginia wines. Price is $1500 for two people.
In addition, there is a monthly wine dinner that is the concluding event of The Country Inn Cooking School, which has been offered at The Inn since 1999. Each month's curriculum follows a different culinary theme, taught by the Inn's three chefs.
(Shown above: Grooms cottage at the Inn.)
Information about the Inn and it's programs, including Wine Academy and Cooking School schedules, is available at www.meander.net, e-mail: inn@meander.net, or by calling 1-800-385-4936.
The Inn at Meandor Plantation
2333 N. James Madison Hwy.
Locust Dale, VA 22948
800-385-4936
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| JEFFERSON'S WINE TOUR OF FRANCE AND ITALY
By Jennifer Oppenheimer, University of Virginia School of Continuing and Professional Studies
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Thomas Jefferson was perhaps the greatest oenophile in 18th-century America. This spring, the University of Virginia invite you to join them in following Jefferson's path through France and Italy (through many beautiful places often missed by modern tourist) as he searched for the best grapes to bring back to America and the best wines one could drink.
Participants on this historical and culinary adventure will taste the wines that were Jefferson's favorites, tour the appellations that he knew and loved, and visit with some of the world's leading winemakers on their own estates. The program leader is Italian and now Virginia winemaker Gabriele Rausse, often called the "father of viticulture in Virginia".
Jefferson's Wine Tour of France and Italy
April 25-May 4, 2009
(or France only: April 25-May 1, 2009)
To learn more about this and other 2009 U.Va. Travel & Learn Programs for Adults, call:
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| IMPROVE YOUR WINE DRINKING EXPERIENCE
INTRODUCING ROJAUS WINE DECANTERS
By Nikki Shannon, WineDown Accessories
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How can this glass ball improve your wine drinking experience? You know wine. You know that wine needs to open up in order for the flavor to be fully appreciated. You know that wine's presentation can be a key component in the drinking experience. But do you know about the RoJaus Wine Decanter?
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| PAIRING FOOD WITH WINE
By Hump Astorga, Director of Hospitality and Culinary Operations, Chrysalis Vineyards
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Pairing food with wine is daunting for many, yet it does not have to be. My approach to knowing which wine to drink with a dish is logical to me, and hopefully, it will be to you as well. Granted, my focus to understanding the dilemma is that of a chef - taste dictates the decision. So, let's take a closer look and try to make some generalizations which can be incorporated into your own understanding and provide you with a guideline for making the correct pairings decision.
First, it is essential to accept that taste is largely subjective. Food and wine taste different to each of us, thus pairing the two is equally subjective. Our particular sensitivities to sweets, acidity, spice, salt, fragrance, texture and mouth-feel varies from person to person. Ultimately, there is no absolute right or wrong in this, since it is your palate and taste buds that will dictate. But ... they must dictate.
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| A CHOCOLATY MATCH MADE ON THE VINE
By Mary Griffith, Virginia's Finest Chocolates
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It's no secret that both chocolate and wine have complex flavors. That is what makes them fun and never a dull addition to special events. Pairing them together, however, can be tricky. A good rule of thumb is to try and match a wine's sweetness with the sweetness of the chocolate.
I am a manufacturer and Virginia's Finest producer of chocolates, and enjoy educating chocoholics about their favorite aphrodisiac. To that end, I teach an Adult Chocolate Camp in the fall for those who want to learn more about chocolate, do some incredible tastings, and learn how to pair chocolates and wine.
I find that one of the most common mistakes people make when pairing wine and chocolate is that they pick a wine which is too dry. A good idea is to choose a wine which is at least as sweet, if not sweeter, than the chocolate you are serving it with.
 Mary Griffith is the owner of Virginia's Finest Chocolates in Williamsburg. She creates specialty hand-made chocolates, custom gift baskets and cookies with corporate logos or photos. To learn more about the Adult Chocolate Camps she offers, and can take anywhere, please visit: www.chocolategifts.com and click on Chocolate Activities. To reach her by phone, please call 757-258-5465.
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NOVEMBER FESTIVALS AND WINERY EVENTS
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Our information comes from many sources, so we strongly suggest that you check websites or call wineries for costs and details. Space limitation prevents listing all the winery and vineyard events that take place this month; for additional information, please refer to www.virginiawines.org/events/november08.html. November 1: Halloween & Election Fright Fest
Barrel Oak Winery, Delaplane Halloween costume party and dancing to the music of the Blue Book Value Blues Band! (540) 364-6402 www.barreloak.com
November 1: Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Gala Release Party
Gray Ghost Vineyards, Amissville Black-tie optional evening includes dinner by The Apple House of Linden, live jazz, and open wine bar. (540) 937-4869 www.grayghostvineyards.com
November 1: Harvest Wine Dinner
Rappahannock Cellars, Huntly Join Wine Maker Jason Burrus and Chef Katie Creveling for special wine dinner. (540) 635-9398 www.rappahannockcellars.com
November 1: Fall Concert
Quattro Goombas Winery, Aldie Free concert featuring popular cover band, Swiftkick (703) 475-0057 www.goombawine.com
November 1-2: Trick or Treat with Cab Frankenstein
Pearmund Cellars, Broad Run Wine tasting in the haunted barrel room. Free for adults in costume. (540) 345-3475 www.pearmundcellars.com
November 1-2: 5th Annual Oyster Roast
Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery, Afton Fresh oysters and wine tasting. Music from The Guano Boys on Saturday. (540) 456-8400 www.cardinalpointwinery.com
November 1-2: Winter Wine Trail Weekend
A Heart of Virginia Event. Travel between four wineries: Cooper, Grayhaven, James River Cellars and Lake Anna. Passport ticket includes tastings at wineries, souvenir wine glass, snacks. (804) 550-7516 www.HOVAwinetrail.com
November 1-30: Cajun Gumbo Weekends at Breaux Vineyards
Breaux Vineyards, Purcellville Cajun gumbo and wine tasting every weekend in November (540) 668-6299 www.breauxvineyards.com
November 7: Picnic under the Stars
Winery at LaGrange, Haymarket
Enjoy the classic movie "French Kiss' on large outdoor screen along with gourmet picnic basket including wine.
703-753-9360
November 8-9, 15-16: Autumn Harvest Soup Weekends
AmRhein Wine Cellars, Bent Mountain Wine and soup pairings to help you prepare for your own holiday meals (540) 929-4632 www.amrheinwine.com
November 8: Tales of Suspense Dinner Theater
Chateau Morrisette, Floyd Evening of theatre includes three-course dinner and wine tasting. (540) 593-2865 www.thedogs.com
November 8: Limited Edition Tasting of Award-Wining Reds
North Mountain Vineyard & Winery, Maurertown Candlelight wine tasting, barrel preview and fillet carving stations (540) 436-9463 www.northmountainvineyard.com
November 8: Cheese and Wine Pairing
Virginia Mountain Vineyards, Fincastle Experience gourmet cheeses while tasting fine wines. (540) 473-2979 www.vmvines.com
November 8: Irish Stew Day Chateau O'Brien at Northpoint, Markham Enjoy Irish stew and live music all day! (571) 238-0033 www.chateauobrien.com
November 8-9: Veteran's Day Salute
Many Virginia wineries offer special discounts to veterans and members of the armed forces and their families.
November 13: Annual Harvest Dinner Keswick Hall, Keswick Special evening with winemaker Luca Paschina of Barboursville Vineyards. Taste the award winning newest releases, as well as some special library wines! (888) 778-2565 www.keswick.com
November 15: Truffle Dinner at Palladio
Barboursville Vineyards, Barboursville Four course truffle dinner from Chef Melissa Close and Guest Chef Craig Hartman of Keswick Hall. (540) 832-7848 www.barboursvillewine.com
November 15: Civil War Authors Day
Gray Ghost Vineyards, Amissville A must for history buffs. Book signings by renowned Civil War authors. Wines for the holiday season (540) 937-4869 www.grayghostvineyards.com
November 15-16: Chili Open House Weekend
James River Cellars, Glen Allen Warm up with a cup of chili, wine tasting, tours and special promotions. (804) 550-7516 www.jamesrivercellars.com
November 15: Soup Saturdays
Loudoun Valley Vineyards, Waterford First of an ongoing series. Keep warm with a cup of soup and a glass of wine. (540) 882-3375 www.loudounvalleyvineyards.com
November 15: Winemakers DinnerHillsborough Vineyards, Purcellville An evening of award-winning wines and good food. Be the first to try the reserve 2005 Onyx to be released Spring 2009! (540) 668-6216 www.hillsboroughwine.com
November 15: Annual Beast FeastPearmund Cellars, Broad Run Dress as a game hunter or wear wild animal prints and enjoy an exotic wine dinner (540) 345-3475 www.pearmundcellars.com
November 21: 2007 Pinot Noir Release
Cross Keys Vineyards, Mt. Crawford Sample the first vintage of CrossKeys Pinot Noir along with hors d'oeuvres and music. 540-234-0505 www.crosskeysvineyards.com
November 22: Bedford Wine Festival Centertown, Bedford Wine from the Bedford Wine Trail wineries, crafters, holiday foods and entertainment 877-447-3257 www.bedfordwinetrail.com
November 22: Murder Mystery NightChateau O'Brien at Northpoint Winery and Vineyard, Food, wine and a mystery to solve. 540-364-6441 www.chateauobrien.com
November 29-30: Celebrating the Season
Many wineries host open houses, special holiday tours and tastings over the Thanksgiving weekend. Check the schedule at your favorite wineries.
If you have an event to list, please email it to us at info@vawinelover.com. If we have missed listing an event in this newsletter, we can still add it to our newsletter posted on the www.vawinelover.com website. |
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VIRGINIA WINE & GARLIC FESTIVAL
October 11-12, 2008
Rebec Vineyards, Amherst, VA
12th ANNUAL SHENANDOAH VALLEY HOT AIR BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL
October 17-19, 2008
Long Branch Historic House & Farm, Clarke, Co.
PICK OF THE PIEDMONT FALL WINE FESTIVAL
October 25-26, 2008
Booster Park, Orange, County, VA
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