GRAYHAVEN WINERY

GUM SPRING, GOOCHLAND COUNTY

Grayhaven's journey in wine began in 1978 when the Peple family, Chuck, Lyn and daughters Jane-Mallory and Max moved from Richmond to the rolling hills of the historic county of Goochland, Virginia. What started 33 years ago as a vineyard "retirement" project for Lyn, a school teacher and sports coach, and Chuck, a Recreation & Parks executive grew into a multi-generational odyssey. Today, Grayhaven is known not only for its excellent limited release wines but for its unusual, eclectic mix of cultural influences and the genuine friendliness of family, staff and volunteers.

The winery building, designed and constructed in the 1990's by Chuck and Lyn, embraces the rural setting and incorporates the family's love of J.R.R. Tolkien. Hand-crafted, arched, heart-pine doors, replete with beautiful wrought iron hinge-work, are found throughout the winery - giving the rustic building a Middle Earth flare. The Asian influences from Chuck's time spent in Okinawa can be seen in the Japanese gardens and Koi ponds and in his photographic work. Lyn, a 20-year member of the Lady's Slipper Batteau team, embodies the adventurous spirit of the family. The awe-inspiring, 40 foot Lady's Slipper can often be seen parked on the lawns.

As if that weren't eclectic enough, Deon Abrams, a native of Capetown, South Africa, is married to Max.  He is the vineyard manager and co-winemaker, and was responsible for introducing Pinotage, South Africa's national grape, into Grayhaven's vineyards. Grayhaven's Pinotage, a rare variety in the US, has developed a following throughout Virginia, the country and even abroad. "As it turns out," Deon explains, "Pinotage loves Virginia and responds magically to our shorter season and cooler climate. The challenges of excess tannins and tarriness aren't an issue here in Virginia. We get great tannins, complexity and earthiness balanced with dark cherry and plum flavors and perfect acidity. Like Petit Verdot and Viognier, we see Pinotage as a rising star for our state."

  

GOAT CHEESE TART 

September 3

THE LABOR DAY MUSIC FEST

Rebec Vineyards, famous as home to the Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival, is starting an additional tradition with an exciting new event. The Labor Day Music Fest will be held on Saturday, September 3 from 1:00 to 9:00.  The winery venue is a woodsy shady site, breezy and out of the hot sun.  

The Fest boasts great wine, great music, great food and even horse-drawn carriage rides.  The entertainment lineup includes the music of Michael Cagnon and Geoffrey Osborn (last seen hereabouts at the 2010 Garlic Festival) from 2:00 to 5:00.  They channel Rufus Wainwright, singing Beatles' melodies with a harder but quirky edge of Weezer, and additional  influences from Ozma, Beulah and Montreal.  The duo will be followed by the acoustic sounds of A Good Natured Riot, playing "eclecticgrass" infused with some jazzy soul on guitars, fiddles, dobro, and even a washtub!

Food will be available, or you can bring your own and non-alcoholic drinks.  Be sure to bring along chairs and blankets.

Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the gate. Tickets for the Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival will be available at HALF OFF the regular price.  Look for the Garlic Festival Ticket Booth...the only place you can get tickets at the  

discounted rate.

Rebec Vineyards

2229 North Amherst Highway (Rt 29) -Amherst, VA

434-946-516

www.rebecwinery.com

 

For additional information about The

Labor Day Music Fest and the Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival

September 10-11

SOUTH AFRICAN FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Grayhaven Winery, Gum Spring, VA

The 2011 South African Food & Wine Fest will be held at Grayhaven Winery on September 10 and 11, from 11:00 to 6:00 each day.  Now in its 6th year, the event has drawn as many as 4,000 attendees from as far away as Nova Scotia, California, Florida and New York...as well as throughout Virginia and surrounding states. This unusual hybrid event combines South African wine, food, music and culture.

Over 20 South African wines are available for tasting and purchase, all hand-picked by Grayhaven's owners, the Peple and Abrams family.  The line-up includes boutique wines, rare finds, unusual blends and new releases as well as a few requested favorites. Grayhaven wines and South African themed sangrias will also be available.  Winemakers Tyrell Myburgh of Joostenberg Wines and MAN Vintners and Gordon Newton Johnson of Newton Johnson wines will be at the festival and available to talk about their wines and winemaking in South Africa.

Along with South African entertainment group JuxtaPower from New York, this year's festival is hosting three special guests flying in from South Africa.  Nineteen year old South African music prodigy David Jenkins will perform his Zulu Maskandi music throughout the weekend, both solo and in collaboration with the talented singers and dancers of JuxtaPower.

Traditional South African food and a Market Tent filled with imported spices, sauces, arts and crafts all add to the authentic flavor of the event. The languages and accents of South Africa can be heard buzzing through the air with South Africans themselves embracing the festival as visitors, vendors, volunteers and entertainers.

Tickets are available on line at  www.southafricanfoodfest.com.  Advance Adult Tickets $25 ($30 at the gate).   

Designated Driver $20 ($25 at the gate).  17 and under FREE with parent.

Grayhaven Winery

4675 East Grey Fox Circle (Gum Spring)

(half way between Richmond and Charlottesville off I64)

804-556-3917 · www.grayhavenwinery.com 

For list of Festival foods!

September 24-25

5TH ANNUAL CHESAPEAKE BAY WINE FESTIVAL

Stratford Hall, Stratford, VA

The festival is held on the grounds of Stratford Hall, the historic home of Robert E. Lee, from 11:00 to 6:00 on Saturday and 11:00 to 5:00 on Sunday.  An annual event, the festival showcases the variety and quality of the vineyards of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail, whose members include Athena Vineyards & Winery, Belle Mount Vineyards, The Hague Winery, Ingleside Vineyards, Oak Crest Vineyard & Winery, Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery, Vault Field Vineyards, General's Ridge Vineyard, Good Luck Cellars and Saude Creek Vineyards.

The wineries will be showcasing a broad selection of wine styles, including those suitable for fine dining, casual occasions, as well as offering a few novelty styles. Tasters will be sure to find something that goes great with the wide selection of food specialties offered at the event. 

Although Virginia wines are the highlight of the festival, you won't want to miss the variety of distinctive arts and crafts, specialty foods, live jazz and Latin music entertainment.  There will be a Wine Stomp and expanded children's activities with hay rides and a petting zoo.

Advance Adult Tickets are $20 ($25 at the gate); $10 designated driver (non-drinking) or under 21; $5 children 6-11; free for children under 6. Advance tickets can be purchased on site at each participating winery and at Stratford Hall, or on line at ChesapeakeBayWineFestival.com.  All tickets include a tour of the Great House.

Stratford Hall 4

483 Great House Road - Stratford, VA 

804-493-8038 · www.stratfordhall.org/visit/festival.php

For a list of participating vendors, demonstrators and organizations.

September 2:  Friday Night Music

Glass House Winery (Free Union)

Sip the wine and enjoy the music (no cover).  Reggae fusion with Will Power.  Check the website for musicians on September 9, 16, 23 and 30.

917-318-7220 · Website

September 2-5:  Loafing for Labor Day Weekend

Three fox Vineyards (Delaplane)

Bring your picnic, your family and friends.  Play bocce, horseshoes or corn-hole.  Hot dogs....and wine, of course.

540-364-6073 · Website

September 2-5:  Labor Day Weekend BBQ     

Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton)

A four day celebration for the Labor Day weekend featuring the infamous Rockland's barbeque sandwich.  Enjoy your favorite wine with pulled pork BBQ, coleslaw and potato salad.  Yum!

                                      703-830-9463 · Website

September 3:  Birth of Democracy Wine Festival      

Democracy Vineyards (Lovingston)

Enjoy wine tastings under tents in the vineyard.  Burgers and hot dogs, entertainment courtesy of local musicians, crafts and food vendors.  Blessing of the harvest at 4:30.

434-964-6124 · Website

September 3:  Harvest Wine Festival 

James River Cellars (Glen Allen) 

Join James River Cellars, Rosemont Vineyard, Mattaponi Winery and Cooper Vineyard to celebrate the Fall Harvest and listen to live music by Rockfish Willie. Shop craft and food vendors. A pet friendly event with $2 fee per pet as donation to the SPCA.  SPCA's adoption mobile vehicle on site. (804) 550-7516 · Website

September 3:  Crab Fest

Dry Mill Vineyards Winery (Leesburg)

Six to nine...crabs, live music and wine.  Price includes choice of wine, dozen large crabs and two sides.  Live music by the acoustic contemporary trio, Moon Music.

703-737-3930 · Website

September 3:  International Wine Festival

Evans Center (Wintergreen Resort)

Come to the mountain for a cool afternoon and the opportunity to explore and compare wines from around the world, including Virginia, of course.  Proceeds benefit Wintergreen Performing Arts.

Have your picture taken stomping grapes "I Love Lucy" style.  Music by 7 Mile Ford.  Roast marshmallows by huge bonfire.

540-929-4632 

September 3-4:  Harvest Festival

First Colony Winery (Charlottesville)

Our most popular event of the year.  Live music, traditional German food, grape stomping, cellar tours and wine tastings...of course.

434-979-7105 · Website

September 4:  Labor Day BBQ & Concert

DelFosse Winery (Faber)

Enjoy lunch prepared by Chef Genevieve and featuring the flavors of Morocco.  Pairs perfectly with a glass of DelFosse wine. Served on the outdoor pavilion.

434-263-6100 · Website

September 10:  Starry Nights

Veritas Winery (Afton)

Have an unforgettable night under the stars listening to King Cadillac play Retro Rock 'n' Roll.  Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and dancing shoes.  Make reservations early!

540-456-8000 · Website

September 10:  Jazz in the Courtyard 

Ingleside Vineyards (Oak Grove)

Swing by for a relaxing evening, sip some wine and enjoy the cool sounds of live jazz music.  Have dinner or bring your own picnic.

804-224-8687 · Website

September 10:  Shrimp and Wine Fest 

Sans Soucy Vineyards (Brookneal)

Local farm raised Shrimp prepared by local food vendors, as well as Campbell Co. bison.  Five wineries for tasting, arts and crafts and live music by local bands.  

434-376-9463 · Website

September 10:  SPCA Wine Tasting Fundraiser

Keswick Vineyards (Keswick)

Third annual benefit.  Wine Tasting, Dessert Bar and Silent Auction.  Funds go to the Fluvanna SPCA.

434-591-0123 · Website

September 10:  17^th Annual Rockbridge Wine Festival

Theater at Lime Kiln (Lexington)

Over a dozen of the state's great wineries, food for sale and entertainment by the popular "Pop Rivets."  All at lower prices than last year.  Advance tickets til Sept. 2.

540-463-5375 · Website

September 10-11:  15^th Annual Neptune Fall Wine Festival

31^st Street at Atlantic Avenue (Virginia Beach) 

An afternoon by the waterfront hosted by 18 of Virginia's leading vineyards.  Sip and savor chardonnays, merlots, rieslings and more.  Delicious food, live entertainment and special vendors.

Website

September 10-11:  The Wine Festival at The Plains

Great Meadow Event Center (The Plains)

An extraordinary weekend with hundreds of artisan wines along with fine art, fancy food and two full days of world class polo.  Featuring the 26th annual Commonwealth Cup of Polo: US military vs. the British military.

Manassas Symphony Orchestra Concert, Saturday 7 pm.

703-823-1868 · Website

September 11:  Uncorked and Unplugged 

Rockbridge Vineyards (Raphine)

Sample wines while relaxing on the porch and listening to music by Dave Eakin and Steve Hoke. 

540-811-9463 · Website

September 16:  Sunsets at the Vineyard

Barren Ridge Vineyards (Fishersville)     

September 16-18:  Wine Camp

Veramar Vineyard (Berryville)

A unique 3 day/2 night escape to Virginia Wine Country.  Includes workshop on wine aroma and blending, viticulture field work and wine tastings.  Lodging and meals.

540-955-5510 · Website

September 17:  Feast of San Gennaro

Three fox Vineyards (Delaplane)

Celebrate the patron saint of Naples, a huge tradition in New York's Little Italy.  Wine tastings, food, arts and crafts and live entertainment.

540-364-6073 · Website

September 17:  Fifth Annual Harvest Party

Sugarleaf Vineyards (North Garden)

Be prepared to taste great wine, make new friends and relax on the estate.  Fruit, cheese, olives and bread accompany the wine pairings.

434-984-4272 · Website

September 17:  Winemaker's Dinner

Naked Mountain Winery and Vineyards (Markham)

Award winning wines and menu by Chef Eric Stamer, formerly of the Inn at Little Washington and Bleu Rock Inn.  Perfect for that night away or a special event.

540-364-1609 · Website

September 24:  Gentleman's Evening at Veramar

Veramar Vineyard (Berryville)

This night is for you, Guys!  Savor a glass of Norton along with savory chicken wings.  If you'd like to bring a cigar to enjoy outside, fee free.

540-955-5510 · Website

September 24:  4th Annual Mini Cooper Rally 

Cooper Vineyards (Louise)

Drive your mini if you have one.  This event is for wine-lovers and mini-lovers alike. Includes souvenir mini-glass and live music by Scattered Smothered & Covered. 

804-894-5253 · Website

September 24:  Lucy Stomp

Three fox Vineyards (Delaplane)

Let out your inner Lucy or Ricky and enjoy the "stomp".  Costume contests for best Lucy, Ricky, Ethel and Fred.

540-364-6073 · Website

September 24:  Inaugural Wine Festival

Starlight Business Park, Rt 15 (Troy)

Fluvanna County Chamber of Commerce first annual wine festival.  Showcasing 10 vineyards and wineries, plus specialty food vendors, arts and crafts and live music.

434-589-3262 · Website

September 24-25:  Winery Grand Opening

Stanburn Winery (Stuart)

Celebrating the opening of a new Virginia Winery in Patrick County.  Visit during their grand opening weekend with wine tastings, music, light fare and tours.  

276-694-7074 · Website

September 25:  Uncorked and Unplugged 

Rockbridge Vineyards (Raphine) 

Sample wines while relaxing on the porch and listening to music by Toni Williams and New Plank Road

540-811-9463

Website

September 25:  Fall BBQ & Concert

DelFosse Vineyards (Faber)

Enjoy a Mediterranean BBQ lunch in the outdoor pavilion along with some American Roots Music by Scuffletown.  Join in a tour with vineyardmanager Grayson Poats. 

434-263-6100 · Website

September 24-25:  23^rd Annual Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival

LakeWatch Plantation (Moneta)

Twenty-seven wineries and 85 food and craft vendors.  Live music featuring Super Hold on Saturday; Corey Hunley and The Worx on Sunday.  Special festival packages.

540-721-1203 · Website

ANNEFIELD VINEYARDS

July 23

Enjoyed a visit to Annefield on a warm July afternoon.  Located in Charlotte County, the winery is open Saturdays and Sundays, April through October.  The land is rich in history dating back to 1751 and operated as a cattle farm before it was purchased in 2006 by Stephen Ballard and  Michael Leary.  They have completely renovated the house and grounds and planted a three-acre vineyard.  We recommend a visit!

We had the good fortune to attend Chris Pearmund's 50th Birthday Celebration. The perfect example of "today's 50 is yesterday's 30," Chris takes after his youthful father who was visiting from England.  Friends and family were treated to wonderful food and wine.  A great time was had by all!