LOVE VIRGINIA WINE...

CELEBRATE VIRGINIA WINE MONTH!

It's October, Virginia Wine Month, a time to taste and celebrate the wines of the Commonwealth.  It's also a time to recognize those who grow the grapes and the vintners who make the wines.  The annual promotion also highlights restaurants and retail stores that sell and promote Virginia wines.  

This year the celebration is bigger and better than ever, with over 500 businesses participating by offering Virginia wines for sale by the glass and the bottle. For a list of participating businesses, visit the Virginia Wine Marketing website ( www.virginiawine.org) where retailers are listed under the "Where to Buy" section and can be filtered by the program "October Virginia Wine Month 2011."  Promotional materials such as coasters, buttons, wine bags and chalkboards are available in many stores and restaurants.  

October is the perfect time for weekend trips to visit Virginia's wineries and admire her 15 million acres of autumn leaves at their peak.  Check the calendar for the numerous events throughout the state from wine and food festivals to special barrel tastings, harvest tours and other wine happenings.  There are almost 200 wineries and 22 wine trails to explore.  Get out and "discover the local crush."  Experience Virginia's wonderful wines during Virginia Wine Month!

BREAUX WINERY

Purcellville, Virginia

Breaux Vineyards is a 404-acre estate with over 100 acres planted in 18 different varietals.  Nestled between the hills, the vineyard plantings extend up Short Hill Mountain.  What began as a small hobby in the carriage house of the original 1750's Log Cabin on the far side of the property, the winery has grown into what the Washington Post describes as "Loudoun County's most impressive wine undertaking."  

Christopher M. Blosser  General Manager Jennifer Breaux Blosser  Sales and Hospitality Director

The winery and vineyards are "Cajun owned and Cajun operated," according to owner Paul Breaux.  His daughter Jennifer Breaux Blosser and her husband Chris run the operation that produces 10,000 to 12,000 cases annually.   Breaux has the finest in European winemaking equipment and is often credited with setting the standard for winemaking facilities in Virginia.

Located west of Leesburg, Breaux Vineyards is just outside the town of Hillsboro in Northwestern Loudoun County Virginia. The breathtaking vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains are the view from the tasting room, Patio Madeleine and the landscaped terraces. The winery is conveniently located, just an hour from metro DC, Dulles and BWI airports and nine miles from historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.

Breaux Thai-Style Mussels

RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL WINE EXCURSION

October 28-29, 2011

One of the highlights of Virginia Wine Month is the International Wine Excursion to be held in Richmond at historic Tredegar on October 28 and 29.  It is the signature international wine event for the City of Richmond and for the Commonwealth and will feature wines from over a dozen countries around the world, along with global cuisine.  

The Excursion launch coincides with the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War and the Sesquicentennial of the Emancipation. Most events will take place in large temperature-controlled tents amidst the brick buildings at Historic Tredegar along Richmond's waterfront. This area, called the Culinary Village at Historic Tredegar by Richmond magazine, is where an estimated 6,000 passionate wine and food enthusiasts will converge. 

The Wine Excursion features a weekend of premier wine events with a series of walk-around grand tastings, a "locavore" luncheon, and global cuisine from some of the region's finest chefs and restaurateurs.  One of the highlights of the event will be a Friday evening presentation by world-renown importer Bartholomew Broadbent, who will explore the fascinating world of Portuguese wines.

Sponsors include MARTIN'S Food Markets, Republic National Distributing Company, Lexus of Richmond, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Richmond magazine, Virginia Living, Riedel Wine Glass Company, Venture Richmond, the Richmond Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office.  Proceeds from the Excursion will benefit The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar which is the nation's first museum to interpret the Civil War-its causes, course, and legacies from three essential perspectives-Union, Confederate, and African American. The Center at Historic Tredegar opened in October 2006.

For additional information:  www.wineexcursion.com.

Variant Events:  804-349-6909

LEMAIRE

The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond

Lemaire is a New American restaurant bringing a fresh, modern culinary experience to one of Virginia's most iconic attractions - The Jefferson Hotel in Richmond. The extraordinary menu features Virginia grown ingredients and the Southern influences of Richmond native, Chef Walter Bundy. Its unique structure allows guests to customize their experience each time they visit, whether gathering with friends for appetizers and wine in the exciting new lounge, or enjoying an evening out in the dining room. 

Lemaire boasts an extensive wine list.  There are over 200 offerings, including a robust selection of bottles under $30 and wines that can be ordered by the glass, half-bottle or quartino, inspiring guests to experiment with taste.

This October, Lemaire joins in celebrating Virginia Wine Month.  A special menu selection includes a pairing of Michael Shaps Chardonnay with Chef Bundy's signature cornmeal crusted Chesapeake Bay oysters served with applewood smoked bacon, micro arugula, stone ground grits and creamed corn.  Make your reservation on-line at  lemairerestaurant.com or by calling 804-649-4629. 

For the perfect getaway, combine the Lemaire experience with a Virginia Wine Lovers Package at The Jefferson Hotel, available during the month of October.  Package includes deluxe guestroom, three-course dinner at Lemaire and a bottle of Virginia's own Montdomaine Chardonnay upon arrival, full American breakfast in the comfort of your guest room, breakfast and dinner gratuities and valet parking for just $390 per couple, per night (taxes additional).  Reservations at  jeffersonhotel.com or 800-424-8014.  Package is available October 1 -31, 2011.

 

CHEF WALTER BUNDY'S

OVEN ROASTED VIRGINIA SEASIDE SALT OYSTERS

VIRGINIA WINE & GARLIC FESTIVAL

REBEC VINEYARDS, AMHERST · October 8-9, 2011

One of oldest and largest festivals on the East Coast, the 21st Annual Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival will take place on Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, 10 am to 5 pm each day.  The event is held on the grounds of Rebec Vineyards in picturesque Amherst County.  The 70-acre estate offers breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it is centrally located on Route 29 between Charlottesville and Lynchburg, Rebec is an easy drive from all points north, south, east and west.

The Festival promises visitors a "stinkin' good time" with garlic displayed and available in every way imaginable.  Tastings are offered by regional wineries, and there is continuous live entertainment on five stages.  The event includes 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.

The Festival takes place rain or shine.  Tickets are $18 in Advance; $25 at the Gate.  Two-Day Pass is $23.  For additional information and to purchase tickets: www.rebecwinery.com

Rebec Vineyards & Winery

2220 North Amherst Hwy-Amherst, VA 24521

434-946-5168

 

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LOUISA WINE FESTIVAL

October 15, 2011

Uncork the pleasure at the Louisa Wine Festival on Saturday, October 15 from 11 am to 5 pm at Walton Park in the Town of Mineral.  The event is sponsored by the Louisa Chamber of Commerce.

Eleven Virginia wineries will be on hand, including Barboursville, Cooper Vineyards, Fincastle Vineyard and Winery, Grayhaven Winery, Lake Anna Winery, Mattaponi Winery, Peaks of Otter Winery, Johnson's Orchards and Windsong Winery.  Two new wineries, Byrd Cellars and Weston Farm Vineyard and Winery, will also participate.  The festival presents an opportunity to purchase wine that is not in grocery stores or wine shops, and it's a great way to spend an afternoon in the country sipping many varieties of wine in one place.

Musical entertainment on two stages includes the Southern rock band Rebelicious at noon, followed two hours later by Flashback performing a wide variety of favorites ranging from Motown, oldies, beach, and more.  Activities include demonstrations on pairing food and wine; arts, craft and food vendors.  There will be horse-drawn carriage rides and a children's activity area. 

Tickets are available online at louisawinefestival.com; by telephone (540) 967-0944; by mailing a check payable to the Louisa Wine Festival, P.O. Box 955, Louisa, VA  23093.  Cost is $15 in advance ($10 for non-tasters); $20 for tasters at the gate ($15 for non-tasters).

Walton Park

301 E. Sixth Street-Mineral, VA 23117

540-967-0944

 

WINE, WINGS & WHEELS FALL WINE FESTIVAL

BOOSTER PARK, ORANGE · October 22-23, 2011

Sponsored by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, this unique festival will take place on Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23, 11 am to 5 pm each day in downtown Orange at Booster Park.  The new nearby Airport Terminal will host vintage airplanes and automobiles.  Carriage rides will be available from the park to the terminal.

In keeping with the theme, Orange County's own Skydive Orange will "float in."  The schedule of activities includes tastings by 14 Virginia wineries and cooking with wine demonstrations, and easy listening music.  Wine-related gifts and products will be available from artisans and crafters, and local artists and authors will be featured with a "Live" auction each day.  A "Feast of Goodies" will include Greek and Italian foods, breads and cheeses, as well as crab cakes and BBQ.  Sweet Street will feature chocolates, cupcakes and lots more.  A barrel train and play area will entertain the children.

The Festival takes place rain or shine.  Tickets are $12 in Advance; $20 at the Gate.  Reserved Tables offer special seating under the pavilion and a basket of snacks and wine. The Deluxe Hospitality Package comes with your own private tent and three tables for entertaining.  Tickets are available at the Orange Co. Chamber of Commerce, the Visitors Bureau, Premier Virginia Properties in Gordonsville, and by calling 800-594-8599.

Booster Park

10946 Constitution Highway-Orange, VA 22960

www.orangevachamber.com

CHESAPEAKE VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL

October 29, 2011

If you are not able to fit that vineyard tour in this year, don't fret! Premier wines from Virginia and from around the world will be available for tasting at the 2nd Annual Chesapeake Virginia Wine Festival on Saturday October 29, Noon to 6 pm at the Chesapeake City Park on Greenbrier Parkway.  

Celebrate the charm and character of Chesapeake!  There will be an abundance of high quality, distinctive restaurants and caterers offering the region's finest foods; exceptional works by invited artists and crafts persons; and continuous live entertainment by Chesapeake's own Lewis McGehee and Borderline Crazy Acoustic Trio.

A project of the Chesapeake Rotary Club and presented by TowneBank, the event will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Virginia, Chesapeake Care Free Clinic, Sidney M. Oman Cancer Center, The HER Shelter, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD), Sheriff's Elderly Victim Assistance Fund,  Our House Families, Together We Can, Southeastern Virginia Foodbank and the Community Charities of the Chesapeake Rotary Club.

Festival tickets are available online at www.chesapeakevawinefestival.com

Cost is $30 in advance; $35 at the gate (if available). This is a rain or shine event.

Chesapeake City Park

900 Greenbrier Pkwy-Chesapeake, VA 23320

757-573-8940

October 1:  Make Mine Wintergreen Wine

Wintergreen Winery (Nellysford)

(also October 8, 15, 22 & 29)

Celebrate Virginia Wine Month as you picnic by the river, soak in autumn's splendor and panoramic Blue Ridge views.  "Pull a Cork" and win special discounts and gifts.

434-361-2519 ·  Website

October 1:  South Hill Wine Festival

Centennial Park (South Hill)

Sure to be a great event, the first ever festival sponsored by South Hill Rotary and Chamber.  Virginia wineries, local artists, local food, music from Michael Redman and Gail Edwards, Meadows, and Taylor and Just Friends.

434-447-4823 · Website

October 1: Yorktown Wine Festival

425 Water Street (Yorktown)

Showcasing Virginia's finest wineries and concluding with "Dinner with Your Favorite Winery."  Fifes and Drums of Yorktown will open followed by fine art, food and entertainment.  Rain or shine.

757-877-2933 ·  Website

October 1:  Festival of Grapes and Hops

Old Towne Petersburg

Come for a day of sipping, swirling and fun.  Enjoy Virginia wines and beers along with friends, music and great food.

804-221-9267 ·  Website

October 1:  Grape Stomp & Harvest Festival

Mountain Rose Vineyards (Wise)

Hayride through the vineyard, enjoy lunch, stomp grapes and have your picture taken. A great day in southwest Virginia.

276-328-2013 · Website

October 1:  Blue Ridge Music

Blue Ridge Vineyard (Eagle Rock)

Every weekend in October enjoy an afternoon of live music at the winery.  Snacks available or bring a picnic.  For schedule, check Events on website.

540-798-7642 · Website

October 1:  19th Annual Harvest Festival

Rockbridge Vineyard (Raphine)

One of Virginia's original harvest festivals.  Grape stomping and wine sampling with music by Greenhouse Defect.

540-377-6204 · Website

October 1:  Kick Off Virginia Wine Month

Potomac Point Winery (Stafford)

Fun for the whole family with Moonbounce, face painting, grape stomping, games and prizes.  Tastings from two wineries.  Music by Pete Baker.

540-446-2107 · Website

October 1: 11th Annual Norton Wine & Bluegrass Festival

Chrysalis Vineyards (Middleburg) 

Celebrate the Real American Grape®  at the hottest festival of the year.  Bluegrass by Jackass Flats, The In Crowd and A Good Natured Riot; BBQ Catering; specialty foods, top notch designers and artisans. 

540-687-8222 · Website

October 1-2:  Fall Wine Festival and Sunset Tour

Mount Vernon (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy)

Sample wine from 16 wineries as you enjoy live blues and spectacular views of the Potomac.  Evening tour of the Mansion and rarely-open basement where General Washington stored his wines. Website

October 7:  Wine Camp

Veramar Vineyard (Berryville)

Three day, 2 night escape includes workshop on wine aroma and blending, viticulture field work and wine tastings.  Lodging, meals, tasting and exclusive vineyard and winery experiences.

540-095-5510 · Website

October 7:  Wine, Moon & Stars

Virginia Mountain Vineyards (Fincastle)

An evening of viewing the sky through telescopes in the vineyard.  Then enjoy a bowl of chili, a bottle of your favorite VMV wine and music under the tent.

540-473-2979 · Website

October 8:  Massanutten Fall Festival

Massanutten Resort (McGaheysville)

Over 60 arts and craft vendors, live music, food vendors, chairlift rides and kids activities.  Tastings by Castle Gruen, CrossKeys, Prince Michel, Mattaponi, Horton and Narmada wineries.  Website

October 8:  Blackdog Wine & Classic Rock Festival

Chateau Morrisett (Floyd)

October rocks with amazing bands, great food, our famous sangria and your favorite wines.  Dance the day away or sit back and take in the show from your lounge chair..  Variety of foods, arts and crafts.  

540-593-285 · Website

October 8:  Fall Harvest Wine & Music Festival

Sharp Rock Vineyards (Sperryville)

12th Annual.  Great music and tasty wine in the shadow of Old Rag Mountain.  Jason Ring, world class bluegrass picker/singer returns for a day of music and wine.

540-987-8020 · Website

October 8-9:  Cheeses of Italy and Virginia

Villa Appalaccia (Floyd)

Sample 15+ cheeses and learn about their production and compare tastes.  Wonderful farmstead cheeses fresh from Italy and local area cheese.  Enjoy a plate of cheese and a glass of wine. 540-593-3100 · Website

October 8-9:  River City Wine & Jazz Festival

Banks of the South River (Waynesboro)

Enjoy wine from the Valley's finest wineries and local foods along with  live jazz on the river bank.

540-942-6705 · Website

October 8-9:  West End Art & Wine Festival

Cameron Station (Alexandria)

Wine Garden starring DelFosse Vineyards and Winery, as well as 90+ juried artists, 25 crafters, a "Taste of the West End" with culinary delights from 15 ethnic restaurants, entertainment and children's activities. 

703-746-3301 · Website

October 8-9:  Fredericksburg Area Wine Festival

Old Mill Park (Fredericksburg)

21st Annual.  Eight wineries and over 80 variety of wine to sip and purchase.  Artisans, crafters, food vendors, children's activities and live entertainment.  A family affair.

540-972-2749 · Website

October 8-10:  Columbus Day Weekend

Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane)

Fun way to celebrate the weekend.  On Saturday, the Annual Alpaca Lunch.  We'll provide lunch and you can visit with the Alpacas.  On Sunday, relax with a glass of wine and sing along to the music of Beatles and Friends.  Monday, play bocce on the vineside courts.

540-364-6073 · Website

October 9:  Carytown Food & Wine Festival

Carytown Court (Richmond)

Renowned Virginia wineries will be on hand to educate and provide samples along with plenty of great food from local restaurants.

804-307-6533 · Website

October 9:  Fine Wine...Just Say Viognier

Tarara Winery (Leesburg)

Exquisite experience of five courses of local foods, each paired with the finest Viognier inspired wines from Veritas Vineyards, Delaplane Cellars and Tarara Winery.

703-771-7100 · Website

October 14:  Friday Night on the Porch

Saudé Creek Vineyards (Lanexa/New Kent Co.)

A fun evening of live music by Triad, wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres.  (Must be 21.)  Picnics welcome. Rain or shine.   

804-966-5896 · Website

October 14-16:  Hot Air Balloon Wine & Music Festival

Historic Long Branch (Millwood)

Fun filled, action packed, three day family celebration on the spacious lawns and rolling fields of Long Branch.  Colorful airborne hot air balloons from far and wide in addition to wine tastings and entertainment throughout the weekend.

877-868-1811 · Website

October 15:  Oktoberfest

AmRhein Wine Cellars (Bent Mountain)

World famous barrel rolling and barrel riding competitions.  Music by The Kings.  Food available for purchase or bring a picnic. Bring chairs, blankets and jackets.

540-929-4632 · Website

October 15:  Winemaker's Dinner

Naked Mountain Winery and Vineyards (Markham)

Award winning wines paired with amazing food by Chef Eric Stamer of Inn at Little Washington and Bleu Rock Inn fame.

540-364-1609 · Website

October 15:  "The Octagon"

Barboursville Vineyards (Barboursville)

Spectacular daylight feast overlooking the vineyard for an intimate annual perspective on the most honored wine in Virginia.  Four courses paired with four vintages of Octagon.

540-832-7848 · Website

October 22:  32nd Harvest Celebration

Ingleside Vineyards (Oak Grove)

One of Virginia's oldest and largest wineries.  Celebratory tours, demonstrations, arts and crafts, delicious food and fine wine.  Hayrides and more for the kids.

804-224-8687 · Website

October 22:  Powhatan's Festival of the Grape

Courthouse Square (Powhatan)

Festival for family fun with 26 Virginia wineries, continuous music and entertainment, arts and crafts and delicious food.

804-598-2636 · Website

October 22:  Harvest Festival

Doukenie Winery (Purcellville)

Celebrate with Barrel Tastings and BBQ fare.  Pull up a hay bail and listen to the music and watch members of Mounted Horse Games of America perform races and tricks on horseback.

540-668-6464 · Website

October 23:  Words & Wine

Keswick Vineyards (Keswick)

An afternoon of wine tasting, light hors d'oeuvres and live music by Trius, a local jazz trio.  Benefits WriterHouse, an organization to support all writers of all ages and stages.

October 23:  Bocce Ball Tournament

Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane)

You've had all summer to practice on the Three Fox bocce courts and now is the time to show off your skills....and to enjoy some fine wine.

540-364-6073 · Website

October 28:  Friday Night on the Porch

Saudé Creek Vineyards (Lanexa/New Kent Co.)

A fun evening of live music by Route 64, wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres.  (Must be 21.)  Picnics welcome. Rain or shine.   

804-966-5896 · Website

October 29:  Wine & Opera:  A Masked Ball

Philip Carter Winery of Virginia (Hume)

Festive masked ball and evening of fine music and wine.  Drawing from the rich operatic repertory, take a journey through music and wine tasting followed by three-course dinner.

540-364-1203 · Website

October 29:  Food and Wine Pairings

Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane)

Seasonal food pairings with handcrafted wines.  Winemaker John and Dale Long of 4-Thought Catering demonstrate how to bring out the best flavors in food and wine.

540-364-6073 · Website

October 29:  Annual Autumn Explosion and Barrel Tasting

Barboursville Vineyards (Barboursville)

A much-enhanced tasting, focusing on valuable older vintages, along with traditional sampling of new Octagon from Barrel.  Caromont Farm artisan cheeses and fresh Palladio Restaurant breads.

540-832-3824 · Website

October 29:  Oyster Roast

Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery (Afton)

Not to be missed!  Rappahannock River oysters, live music and fine wines.  In beautiful Nelson County on the Sunrise Side of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

540-456-8400 · Website

LABOR DAY FESTIVAL

REBEC VINEYARDS · September 3

Rebec's Labor Day Music Fest is sure to become an annual tradition, just like their upcoming Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival.  It was a laid back afternoon in a shady corner of the vineyard where we sipped wine and enjoyed easy-listening music.

A unique, high-energy event that attracted a large audience from far and wide, as well as musicians all the way from South Africa who mesmerized the large crowd.  The tasting of South African and Grayhaven wines was exceptional.  A great Virginia wine experience.