Governor Robert McDonnell presents the 2012 Governor's Cup to Jeff White of Glen Manor Vineyards for their 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage - a blend of 63 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 percent Merlot and 6 percent each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This wine was selected among the 12 Gold winning wines. In his remarks, Governor McDonnell also discusses how important the wine industry is to Virginia's economy. Check back next Monday to watch our interview with the Governor regarding his passion for promoting the Virginia Wine Industry.
This week's episode features Jennifer Breaux-Blosser, Breaux Vineyards in Loudoun County, discussing vertical tasting through various Merlot vintages (2002, 2004, 2007). She describes how a vertical tasting shows yearly differences in the same varietal wine, but also how a wine's composition changes over time. The next Merlot Vertical Tasting at Breaux is scheduled for March 24th. This is also an exciting time for Breaux Vineyards. Their 2010 Viognier was just included Oz Clarke 250 Best Wines. That's worldwide - not just here in the states. As usual, the intro music is "How High the Mountain" by Andrew McKnight and all VirginiaWineTV videos are available via iTunes. Cheers.
This week's episode features Rob Cox, the winemaker at Paradise Springs Winery, discussing wine terms you may hear when visiting a tasting room. We covered brix, residual sugar, acidity, racking, cooperage, fermenting, malolactic fermentation, reduction, and bottle shock. And we discussed these terms in relation to the Paradise Springs 2010 Chardonnay, the successor to the 2009 Governor's Cup Winner. As usual, the intro music is "How High the Mountain" by Andrew McKnight and all VirginiaWineTV videos are available via iTunes. Cheers.
Brix - Concentration of sugar in grape must
pH - A chemical shorthand for [p]otential of [H]ydrogen, used to express relative acidity or alkalinity in solution
Acidity - The amount of acid in the must, liquor, or finished wine. Insufficient acidity in the must will result in a poor fermentation and a slightly medicinal and flat taste. Too much acid will give the wine an unpleasant sourness or tartness
Whole Clustered Press - Helps minimize the amount of malic acid and tannins that naturally exist in the skins, seeds and stems from entering the wine
Cold Soaked - Technique to extract a deeper color and tannin structure
Sur Lies ("on the lees") - Process of leaving the lees in the wine for a few months to a year, accompanied by a regime of periodic stirring
Malolactic Fermentation - The process to reduce acid in red wines and some selected white wines by organic rather than chemical means.
Racking - The process of siphoning the wine off the lees to allow clarification and aid in stabilization by adding oxygen.
Residual Sugar (rs) - The natural grape sugar that is either unfermented at the end of the fermentation process or added back into the wine
Reduction - Describes the presence of volatile sulfur compounds in wine.
Bottle Shock - A reaction that occurs in wine immediately after corking, resulting from the large amount of oxygen it absorbed during bottling.
This week we feature a newcomer to the Virginia Wine scene, Roe Allison of Reynard Florence Vineyard. This Barboursville winery specializes in Petit Manseng - a French grape from the Jurançon region of South West France. This grape is most suitable for off-dry or dessert wines as it combines concentrated natural sugar with high acidity. As we listen to Mr. Allison, we find that Petit Manseng is suitable for Virginia because its loose clusters and think skins protect the grape from humid summers.
Whereas most vinifera grapes made their entrance in America through California; Petit Manseng owes its existence in the New World to the Virginia Wine industry. Jennifer McCloud of Chrysalis Vineyards and Alan Kinne, then at Horton Vineyards, embarked on a wine exploration of Europe - searching for wine grapes that could by cultivated in Virginia. Two grapes that registered were Albarino and Petit Manseng. Chrysalis and Horton both received budwood from Virginia Tech Extension Agent Tony Wolf and here is where the story gets interesting. Both wineries bottled a 100% Petit Manseng. Horton labeled the wine Petit Manseng and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Trade (TTB) had no idea it was a grape variety and accepted the label as just the name of a wine; not a specific grape. On the other hand, Jenni McCloud petitioned the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Trade (TTB) to include it as an approved American Grape Variety name and became the first winery to legally bottle a Petit Manseng. Fast forward a decade later and almost 25 Virginia wineries are producing a Petit Manseng and some popular California wineries such as Tablas Creek Vineyard have followed Virginia's leadership and starting to bottle a 100% Petit Manseng.
The intro music to this series is "How High the Mountain" by Andrew McKnight. And as always, VirginiaWineTV videos are available via iTunes. Cheers.
Mike Heny, winemaker at Horton Vineyards, joins us to discuss the history of the winery, introducing new wine grapes into the Virginia, and Viognier - Virginia's signature wine. Horton was the first Virginia winery to plant Viognier and stellar wines produced in the early 1990's lead to it being included in Paul Lukacs' The Great Wines of America: The Top Forty Vintners, Vineyards, and Vintages. Also of interest is that the one of the other two non-left coast wineries mentioned in the Lukacs book, Missouri's Stone Hill Winery, was the source for the Norton vines that Dennis Horton re-introduced back into Virginia. And Alan Kinne, who was the original winemaker at Horton is currently the winemaker at Chrysalis Vineyards, in Middleburg, Virginia - also the world's largest grower of Norton grapes. The intro music to this series is "How High the Mountain" by Andrew McKnight. And as always, VirginiaWineTV videos are available via iTunes. Cheers.
No videos, but plenty of Valentine events scheduled all across the Commonwealth this weekend. Here are the events we found posted on WineCompass.com:
Friday, February 10, 2012 : Cooking Class and Winemaker Dinner: Cooking for your Valentine with Chef Mike Lund Delaplane Cellars From Friday, February 10, 2012 To Friday, February 10, 2012 $95 per person. $85 for Club Barrique. Limit 12 per session. For more information or to reserve, email info@delaplanecellars.com. 6:30PM - 9:30PM
Friday, February 10, 2012 : Friday Evening in Paradise - West on 66 Paradise Springs Winery From Friday, February 10, 2012 To Friday, February 10, 2012 5pm-9pm. $1 off all glasses of wine. The best happy hour in Northern Virginia!!!
Friday, February 10, 2012 : LIVE MUSIC Saturdays - Steve Smith Paradise Springs Winery From Friday, February 10, 2012 To Friday, February 10, 2012 2pm-6pm.
Friday, February 10, 2012 : Hot Food on Cold Nights! Winery at La Grange From Friday, February 10, 2012 To Friday, February 10, 2012 Friday Evenings: 6pm-8pm; Jan 27 - Mar 16. Join us any - or all - of these Friday evenings and start your weekend right! We'll always have something hearty and hot to eat along with a glass of your favorite Winery at La Grange wine and a sweet treat for only $15 Additional wine and and our usual array of yummy snacks are also available so, even if you aren't in the mood for much to eat, come on by! NO RESERVATION NEEDED This Friday we'll serve up piping hot, freshly and locally made Beef Stew in a Sourdough Bread Bowl along with Brownie Bites to go with your wine of choice. So.....tell your favorite friends to meet you here! Our fireplaces are blazing, our wines are oh-so-delicious and there is simply no better way to end the week! Questions? Call us anytime! 703-753-9360
Friday, February 10, 2012 : Share a bottle on Valentine's weekend at Reston Boxwood Winery From Friday, February 10, 2012 To Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Valentine's weekend is a great time to drop in and split a bottle with friends in The Tasting Rooms! Select red, white, and sparkling wines will be $10 off per bottle served in house from Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14!
Friday, February 10, 2012 : Valentine's Flights at Middleburg Boxwood Winery From Friday, February 10, 2012 To Tuesday, February 14, 2012 The Tasting Rooms of downtown Middleburg at 16 East Washington Street for our special selections of Valentine's flights!
Friday, February 10, 2012 : Toast the Weekend! - Scruffy Murphy Bluestone Vineyard From Friday, February 10, 2012 To Friday, February 10, 2012 Every second and fourth Friday of each month we will host our "Toast the Weekend" event! Toast the Weekend is our way of raising our glass as the sun goes down on Friday to celebrate the coming of another weekend. These events will begin at 6:30 and go until 9:30, with live music playing and the tasting room open late. For the winter we have turned our winery tank room and barrel room into a concert hall and bistro. Pack a picnic dinner (no carry in alcoholic beverages) or grab some light fare from us, and have fun with friends and family! Cover charge of $10.00/person (includes tasting if you like). The schedule is listed below and will be updated with new artists as they come available.
Friday, February 10, 2012 : Valentine's Weekend Kick-Off! A-Pac Jazz Quartet, Wine, Prosecco Bar and Pizza! A Perfect Evening! Quattro Goomba’s Winery From Friday, February 10, 2012 To Friday, February 10, 2012 The A-Pac Jazz Quartet, featuring members of Triple Double Jazz Band, will bring their interpretations of jazz standards, mixed in with some popular favorites. This group features veteran performers who have played many times in and around DC over the years. We are proud to be the jazz band picked to expand Quattro Goomba's musical repertoire into this genre! Come out and see how nicely jazz and wine mix together! We'll get your feet tapping and your fingers snapping, guaranteed! www.tripledoublejazzband.com
Friday, February 10, 2012 : Fabulous Fridays in February at Hickory Hill Hickory Hill Vineyards From Friday, February 10, 2012 To Friday, February 10, 2012 Explore wine and chocolate with wine-maker Wendy Furrow-Scott of Hickory Hill Vineyards and Chocolatier Stacy Noland of Stacy’s Sweet Spot. This duo will take you on a wine and chocolate adventure that is sure to please. Six artisan wines and chocolates have been paired for this class with Wendy and Stacy leading you through the wine aroma wheel and the chocolate flavor wheel. $25 per person. Reservations required by calling 540-420-7584 or 540-420-7585
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Sweetheart Sparkling Tasting Barrel Oak Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 Bring your love out to Barrel Oak Winery for a special sparkling wine tasting. Share 5 very different, very delicious sparkling wines along with our Chocolate Lab dessert wine with the love of your life! Virginia is for Wine Lovers all month long at Barrel Oak Winery!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Bogati Bodega Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Sparkling Wine and Chocolate! Bogati Bodega & Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Bogati Bodega Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Sparkling Wine and Chocolate! Noon- 5pm. Virginia wine country makes the perfect place for a romantic Valentine’s Day excursion. Bring your sweetheart and come join us at Bogati’s Bodega to celebrate. We will have delectable items to dip into our chocolate fountain and sparkling wines to sip on while listening to live romantic music. $20 per person includes the chocolate fountain and a glass of sparkling wine. Noon until 5 pm, reservations are required.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentine Chocolate and Wine Wisteria Farm and Vineyard From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Tuesday, February 14, 2012 We will open for this very special weekend with a chocolate fondue and wine Open House. We will also be releasing a new wine at this time – Adonis! This is a sweet red blend of Merlot, Carmine, and Traminette. You will get a plate of goodies for dipping with a glass of wine for only $10! Bring that special someone out to indulge in this delectable tasting while cozying up by the fireplace!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentine's Day Wknd at Casanel Casanel Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Jack Poster will be at Casanel Vineyards from 1-5pm to entertain you and your honey on Valentine's Day Weekend. Jack has a wonderful voice perfect for oldies and classics alike. Enjoy a glass of wine and spend some quality time with that special someone you love.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Winemaker's Dinner First Colony Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 6:30PM to 9:30PM. Enjoy a five-course gourmet feast paired with First Colony wines. $80.00/person includes food, wine, tax, and gratuity. Reservations required. Please visit www.firstcolonywinery.com for full menu.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentine Wine, Chocolate & Music White Hall Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Join us at White Hall Vineyards for our special wine, chocolate & music event. For $10/person you get three Gearharts of Charlottesville chocolates paired with two wines each, along with music by local favorite Curtis Prince.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Sweet Heart's Weekend Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 Visit Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery for Sweetheart’s Weekend, February 11 &12, 2012 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Warm up your sweetie with a traditional honeymoon wine, mead. Considered an aphrodisiac by many ancient cultures, meads are a delight for both dry and sweet wine drinkers. Take a tasting tour of the ancient world with your sweetheart! Try Cyser, an Anglo Saxon apple mead, Celtic style Perry and our traditional Viking style mead. We have these and others in stock as well as “True to the Fruit” wines ranging from dry to sweet. Let us help you show someone how special they are to you. $5.00 admission includes wine tasting, food pairings, logo glass, gourmet chocolate and samples from our gift shop. There is no need to make reservations. Call 434-361-1266 for more information or visit our website: www.hilltopberrywine.com There will be live music featuring 3 popular and talented local musicians on Saturday from 1pm to 5pm.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentines Day At Fabbioli Fabbioli Cellars From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Taste our new Spainish Cava called Gran Pasion that we suggest you combine with our Raspberry Merlot. MC2 Confections will be at the winery 12pm-5pm with truffle tastings ($5 a plate) and special Valentine's Day chocolates for your sweetheart!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Dessert Wines & Sweets at Willowcroft Willowcroft Farm Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Join us for a special tasting of Dessert wines from around the world. Wines served with a selection of sweet treats! **Please call/email for reservations
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : 8th Annual Death by Chocolate Lake Anna Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 The 8th Annual Death by Chocolate on February 11 from 12:00 to 5:00 is a charity event to benefit TWO great causes: The Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Lake Anna Rescue Squad. Treat your sweetheart to an abundant buffet of chocolate cakes, candies, fudge, truffles, mousse, and fondue. If it's chocolate, chances are we will have it! Ticket price of $25.00 includes a souvenir wine glass, award winning wine tasting and tours, plus you are entered into a drawing to win a prize. Music provided by locals "Olive Eyes". Reservations recommended, but not required.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentine's Day Barrel Tasting Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Spend time with your sweetheart at a Dry Mill Barrel Tasting during the weekend before Valentine’s Day! Tastings will be held in four sessions (Saturday 1pm & 3:30pm and Sunday 1pm & 3:30pm) Price includes a barrel tasting of four wines, local specialty chocolates*, and a rose for each lady. Reserve your seats now by purchasing tickets at www.drymillwine.ticketbud.com/valentine. Be sure to select the tickets with the day and time of your preferred session. Limited seating available, so sign up early! For more information, email events@drymillwine.com or call 703-737-3930. *Simply Nut Free Chocolates http://www.simplynutfreechocolates.com/
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Lasagna and Live Music for your Valentine Lost Creek Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Enjoy lunch in front of the fireplace at Lost Creek Winery on Valentine's Day weekend. We will be serving delicious lasagna, warm bread and wine from 12:30 - 4:30 pm on February 11 and 12. Live music will be provided by well-known local musicians Jason Masi on Saturday and David Davol on Sunday. Bring your friends and join us on Saturday or Sunday for an afternoon of live entertainment and food in our cozy Tuscan-style tasting room. Cost: $ 15 per person includes lasagna, warm bread and a glass of wine. Reservations are appreciated so that we know how much food to prepare. Email winery@lostcreekwinery.com or call 703 443 9836 Lost Creek Winery is a family-run winery located just north of Leesburg, VA, in the heart of DC's Wine Country. Lost Creek Winery is a great place to host weddings, rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings or other social events. Come check us out! Lost Creek Winery 43277 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg, VA. Tel: 703 443 9836 More information at www.lostcreekwinery.com
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentine's Comedy Night Notaviva Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Laugh out loud this Valentine's Day Weekend at Notaviva Vineyards with NBC's Last Comic Standing semi-finalist Jason Weems!! Also featuring Abe Barth and emcee Adrian Rodney! Tickets include one glass of wine, cheese and fruit trays, and complementary hors d'oeuvres!!!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : A Taste of Wine & Chocolate Ingleside Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 A Taste of Wine & Chocolate 5 – 7 PM Discover the flavors of wine & chocolate pairings this Valentine’s Day weekend as you and your loved one indulge in the finest Ingleside wines with an elegant chocolate experience. Reservations required.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : St. Valentine's Day Wine & Food Pairing Hiddencroft Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 Searching for a unique way to express your love? Hiddencroft Vineyards offers a Wine & Food Pairing on Saturday, 11 Feb 2012 & Sunday, 12 Feb 2012, from 1PM-5PM each day. Visit Dutchman's Creek Tasting house on our property and enjoy three small courses served along with our regular tasting of 10 wines. Reservations are required. Here's the menu...1st Course: Salmon Loaf with Remoulade - Wild Alaskan Salmon, lightly poached in our 2010 Traminette, then flaked and combined with sauteed vegetables, herbs and panko. Chilled slices will be served with a dollop of remoulade and paired with our White Wines; 2nd Course: Tomato Bisque - Rich and creamy tomato soup served with Cheddar Rosemary Crisps and our Red Wines; Third Course: Chocolates & Caramels - Dark...chewy...decadent. Paired with our fruit wines. Price: $17/person. Please call for reservations: 540-535-5367.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Wine & Food Pairing Narmada Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Enjoy your favorite Narmada Winery Wines paired perfectly with light fare and a tour of the winery. 2 sittings at 2pm & 4pm Reservations Required
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Sinfully Sweet Weekend Potomac Point Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 1:00PM - 5:00PM. Dessert and wine pairing February 11-12 Reservations are required
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Wine, Chocolate, Diamonds, & Robbie Limon! Veramar Vineyard From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Wine, Chocolate Fountain, Diamonds & Robbie Limon! Love is in the air! Make your valentine smile and come join us! Bring your special someone to this popular, annual Veramar event and you will have the chance to win diamond earrings!!! Savor wine and quality time together and enjoy delectable treats you dip in the chocolate fountain. Relax and reminisce as you listen to live music by award-winning entertainer and a Shenandoah Valley favorite: Robbie Limon! What better way to spend your afternoon?! $20 per person includes wine tasting and a plate of treats to dip into the chocolate fountain. Music is 1:30-4:30pm. Reservations are required. Call early as this event always sells out!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Gadino Cellars Valentines Celebration Gadino Cellars From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 What better way to say "amore" than with a glass of wine & a cup of Italian Wedding soup. Visit the tasting room to enjoy this Italian-American favorite with someone special! Now that's amore!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Be Mine with Wine Keswick Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 11:00am-4:00pm. Come spoil yourself or someone you love with Keswick Vineyards'; special wine and dessert tasting for a Valentine's Day indulgence. Discover how these luscious confections complement each wine. After your tasting, enjoy the romantic setting while you savor a glass of wine on our newly enclosed heated porch! The cost is $15 for our wine club members and $20 for non wine club members. Please call ahead as reservations are recommended. (434) 244-3341.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentines at Cooper Vineyards Cooper Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 Sit in front of our fireplace and listen to romantic piano music on the Baby Grand by Charlie Kilpatrick. Red Roses for the ladies. Normal tasting fees apply.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Chocolate & Wine Pairing Cross Keys Vineyards & Estates From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Come experience our Chocolate and Wine tasting where we will pair our wines with various chocolates and truffles. $15 per person or $25/couple. No reservations needed, but encouraged. Feb. 11-Feb. 14. 11am-5pm.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentine Chocolate Tasting Chateau O'Brien From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Are you looking for delectable treats for Valentines Day? Then join us for our annual wine and chocolate tasting and enjoy Irelands very own Lily O'Brien Gourmet Chocolates while support a great cause. This years theme is Chocolate and Wine Against Lymes and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Lymes research. LIVE MUSIC Sat & Sun $15 per person - No Reservations Required Includes: Gourmet Chocolate Assortment - 5 selections and One Glass of Wine ($5 of each chocolate tasting will be donated. The O'Brien family will match this amount and any other donation made this weekend and donate to research for Lymes Disease)
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Winter Whites and Red Hearts at Hickory Hill Hickory Hill Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Join Hickory Hill Vineyards during the month of love at our Winter Whites & Red Hearts Open House. Bring your sweetheart to our unique 1923 farm house tasting room. Discover the interwoven histories of the lake, the rivers, the house and the 20 year old vines. Browse unique gifts displayed among family antiques. Enjoy complimentary tours and tastings of our award winning wines.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Gray Ghost Irresistible Chocolates and Cabernet Gray Ghost Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 Join Gray Ghost for the premier Valentine event in Virginia. In its 17th year, you and your friends or Valentine will enjoy a treat of decadent chocolate desserts and Gold medal winning red wines. Admission includes unlimited chocolate desserts, red wine tastings and all new collectable Valentine glass. The event is held snow, rain or shine.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentine's Day Party Veritas Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations Required. Treat your loved one to a five-course, wine-paired dinner in Saddleback Hall. Music and dancing to follow! $100/pp inclusive of the meal with a splendid glass of Veritas wine with each course* and gratuity. For more information, please call 540-456-8000 ext 108. (*Additional wine available for purchase at the bar).
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentines Day Corcoran Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 We are celebrating Valentines Day with a wine & chocolate pairing with a special release of a new wine!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Rose' Release Party DuCard Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 1-5 PM. We didn't know what to expect when we released our inaugural French-style rose last year. Well, it sold out in three months. So we made more in the next vintage - and here it is. Think pink. Think refreshing aperitif. Don't pair it with ANY food! Just enjoy. Come try it out at our unveiling, with live music (not Pink) and fireplace (red and orange).
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Acoustic Saturday Featuring Gary Smallwood Quattro Goomba’s Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 2:30 PM until 5:30 PM. Sample our fine wines and enjoy the music of guitarist/vocalist Gary Smallwood in the comfort of our tasting room. Gary will be playing popular covers from the 60's to present. Learn more about Gary at http://www.garysmallwood.com
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : L'amour et du vin Philip Carter Winery of Virginia From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 6:00 p.m. - Make plans now to join us for our "French Bistro" Evening on the 11th of February at 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Valentine's Day with your lover, your friend or your Mom! Four courses artfully paired with our wines. View Menu Candlelight and acoustic guitar will set the mood. By reservation. $65.00++ per person. Call for a reservation, 540-364-1203 or info@pcwinery.com.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Chocolate and Cabernet Tasting Breaux Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 $30.00 + tax- Wine Club Discount: $5.00 each on a max. of 2 persons- pre-payment required for reservations. Enjoy Hand-Rolled Truffles and imported chocolate in the barrel room, paired with our Cabernet Sauvignon. A great way to celebrate Valentine's Day! Pairings on the hour from 11:00am-5:00pm. Guaranteed space by reservation only.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Wine & Food Pairing Narmada Winery - Amissville, VA From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Wine & Food Pairing Enjoy your favorite Narmada Winery Wines paired perfectly with light fare and a tour of the winery. Saturday, February 11, 2012 $25 per person $20 for Maharaja Wine Club Members 2 sittings at 2pm & 4pm Reservations Required by February 5th Call: (540)937-8215 Email: trista@narmadawinery.com
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentine's Wine & Cupcake event Mountfair Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 Enjoy a tasting or glass of wine with specially designed cupcakes from Cappellino's Crazy Cakes!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Valentine's Wine Dinner "A Romantic Evening in Paradise" Paradise Springs Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Celebrate Valentine's Day with someone special and join us for a romantic candlelight evening in Paradise. MENU: First Course: Herbed Goat Cheese and Prosciutto wrapped Shrimp Served with Nana's Rose Second Course: Tomato Bisque with Fresh Basil Served with Chardonnay Third Course: Greek Stuffed Beef Flank Steak served with Couscous and Roasted Winter Vegetables OR Mediterranean Garlic Chicken served with Couscous and Roasted Winter Vegetables Served with Meritage Fourth Course: Chocolate Mousse Served with Port from the Barrel $99 per person regular seating (tables available for parties of 2 to 8) or $120 per person - VIP seating in the barrel room!!! Limited to 6 tables of 2 each night. Dine in an ultra private setting between 2 rows of wine barrels!!!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner DelFosse Vineyards & Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 6:00 PM. We will start with a Champagne toast Savory Tidbits 2009 Rose A delightful blend of Roasted Red Bell Peppers and Homemade Stock with a dash of Crème Fraîche. 2007 Chardonnay Reserve Grilled Salmon with Mediterranean Spices served over Organic Greens with Viognier Vinaigrette 2009 Reserve d'Oriane Filet Mignon with Green Peppercorns Wine Sauce served with Roasted Potatoes, Green beans in Garlic Butter, and Caramelized Carrots 2006 Meritage Array of European Cheeses with French Baguette from Albemarle Bakery 2008 Cuvee Laurent Chocolate Cake with Raspberries, Custard and Whipped Cream 2006 Ambrosia by Genevieve DelFosse. $ 70.00/Reservation
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Winemaker's Dinner - An exclusive wine club event. Cave Ridge Vineyards From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Enjoy an intimate dinner with the winemaker as he leads you through multiple courses all paired with some of his favorite vintages. Reservations required. Almost sold out!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : WINEMAKER'S VALENTINE DINNER James River Cellars From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Fall in love with our 7th Annual Winemaker's Dinner. Enjoy a romantic five-course gourmet dinner perfectly paired with our award winning wines. You'll have to save room for dessert, rich chocolate and Chambourcin, what could be better! Seating by advance reservations only. Tickets go on sale the day after Thanksgiving. This makes a great Holiday gift! Time: 6 PM for mini-tasting, 6:30 PM for dinner Fee: $90.00/person Location: James River Cellars Winery
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Chocolate Daze Fox Meadow Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 Celebrate with that someone special at the winery and enjoy special wine pairings with chocolate. During this weekend our chocolate fountain will be in operation and we will be serving chocolate paired with fruits and pastries for customers who have done a paid tasting. Make it extra special and receive a rose and a box of chocolates with your tasting. Reservations are required.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Barleywine Festival Mad Fox Brewing Company From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 Mad Fox's in-house Barleywine Festival returns for its second year. Bill has been building up his stash of Barleywines from all over the country. More information on beer list and details in early January.
Saturday, February 11, 2012 : Sunset’s “Beat the Winter Blues” Weekends - Kenny Ray Horton Sunset Hills Vineyard & Winery From Saturday, February 11, 2012 To Saturday, February 11, 2012 1:30pm-4:30pm www.kennyrayhorton.com
Sunday, February 12, 2012 : Valentine's Tastings at Reston Town Center Boxwood Winery From Sunday, February 12, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 Join us at 2 pm in the Tasting Rooms at Reston Town Center and National Harbor for a tasting of sparkling wines paired with fabulous treats and nibbles perfect for celebrating the season of love! $20 per person plus tax and gratuity, please RSVP to cat@boxwoodwinery.com
Sunday, February 12, 2012 : Valentine's Sunday Brunch DuCard Vineyards From Sunday, February 12, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 11:30 AM. We are delighted to again be offering our elegant Valentine's brunch this year, with catering by Mark Gresge and the acclaimed l'Etoile restaurant in Charlottesville. Four courses paired with DuCard wines - yum. We'll have our friend Vicky Lee playing the harp, the fireplace glowing and oh, yeah, the release of our new 2011 Rose. Limited seating - advance reservations required - reserve by emailing us. $40 per person, plus tax and gratuity.
Sunday, February 12, 2012 : Sunday Seminar Series - Valentine Chocolate & Wine Pairing Little Washington Winery From Sunday, February 12, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 3:00PM - 4:00PM. Discover the ultimate combination of wine and chocolate in this fun, informal tasting event. Explore the ways different wines can enhance the flavor of a variety of chocolates and learn some tips for tasting and pairing chocolate and wine. $15 enhanced tasting fee
Sunday, February 12, 2012 : Chili Day Burnley Vineyards From Sunday, February 12, 2012 To Sunday, February 12, 2012 Come and taste two chilies. One from StoneFire Kitchen (local Barboursville restaurant) and one that is homemade vegetarian. Get a cup of your choice and taste our newest bottled wine – Dog Gone Red - a semi-sweet red. Admission is Free. Fourteen other wines are available to taste for $2.00 per person
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 : Wine and LoversCouples Dinner at CrossKeys Vineyards Cross Keys Vineyards & Estates From Tuesday, February 14, 2012 To Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Discover the beauty of the vineyard in winter at our Couples Dinner. Live musicians welcome our guests who will then feast on a romantically themed, five course dinner paired with CrossKeys wines. A memorable way to celebrate the Good Life at CrossKeys. $130/couple +tax & gratuity. Reservations Required by Feb. 10th
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 : Valentine's Day Wine Pairing Dinner Bluestone Vineyard From Tuesday, February 14, 2012 To Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Celebrate this Valentine's Day with someone (or someones, as we have tables for 2 up to 8 people) special here at Bluestone Vineyard with our 4-Course Wine Pairing Dinner, which will be set up in our festively decorated barrel room. Dinner begins at 7pm. $85/couple(or $42.50/person), plus tax and gratuity. Please RSVP by Fri. 10th by calling us at 540-828-0099. First Course: Sweet Potato, Lentil and Swiss Chard Soup - Viognier Second Course: Fresh Mixed Greens with Pears, Feta Cheese, Dried Cranberries and Glazed Walnuts topped with House Sweet and Sour Dressing - Viognier Third Course: Choice of: (1)Tender Sliced Beef Brisket w/ Tangy BBQ Sauce - Cabernet Sauvignon '10 or (2)Marinated and Grilled Chicken Breast w/ a Light Basil Cream Sauce - Chardonnay or a (3)Vegetarian Option: Spinach and Nut Pilau - Chardonnay Oven Roasted Baby Red Potatoes Petite Green Beans w/ Caramelized Onions House Made Herbed Cheese Rolls Fourth Course: "Cake for Two" - Choice of: (1) Chocolate Napoleon: Moist Chocolate Cake Filled with Whipped Cream and Drizzled with Rich Chocolate Glaze - Crooked and Weedy or (2) Strawberry Napoleon: Strawberry Cake Filled with Strawberries and Whipped Cream and Drizzled with a White Chocolate Cream Cheese - Beau
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 : Valentine's Wine Dinner "A Romantic Evening in Paradise" Paradise Springs Winery From Tuesday, February 14, 2012 To Tuesday, February 14, 2012 Celebrate Valentine's Day with someone special and join us for a romantic candlelight evening in Paradise. MENU: First Course: Herbed Goat Cheese and Prosciutto wrapped Shrimp Served with Nana's Rose Second Course: Tomato Bisque with Fresh Basil Served with Chardonnay Third Course: Greek Stuffed Beef Flank Steak served with Couscous and Roasted Winter Vegetables OR Mediterranean Garlic Chicken served with Couscous and Roasted Winter Vegetables Served with Meritage Fourth Course: Chocolate Mousse Served with Port from the Barrel $99 per person regular seating (tables available for parties of 2 to 8) or $120 per person - VIP seating in the barrel room!!! Limited to 6 tables of 2 each night. Dine in an ultra private setting between 2 rows of wine barrels!!!
Governor Robert McDonnell presents the 2012 Governor's Cup to Jeff White of Glen Manor Vineyards for their 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage - a blend of 63 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 percent Merlot and 6 percent each Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This wine was selected among the 12 Gold winning wines. In his remarks, Governor McDonnell also discusses how important the wine industry is to Virginia's economy. Check back next Monday to watch our interview with the Governor regarding his passion for promoting the Virginia Wine Industry.
. That's worldwide - not just here in the states. As usual, the intro music is "How High the Mountain" by 
. Also of interest is that the one of the other two non-left coast wineries mentioned in the Lukacs book, Missouri's 