September 2014 
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September 2, 2014

Vol. IX, Issue No. 9

Dear Virginia Wine Lover,

 

Wine festivals and winery events from the mountains of the Blue Ridge to the beaches of Tidewater. The weekends in September are full of them. Check out our Events Calendar and plan an excursion to experience Virginia's wines.

The featured Festivals of the Week include Sans Soucy Vineyards' Shrimp & Wine Festival on September 13 in Brookneal. Good Times, Tastes & Traditions follows on September 20-21 at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton. Both are popular events, so get your tickets early.

Be sure to enter this month's Beliveau Weekend Getaway Sweepstakes. The lucky winner will spent a weekend at the luxurious Beliveau Estate Winery Bed & Breakfast in Blacksburg.

As always, thanks for your interest in the Official Virginia Wine Lover...and in Virginia Wines. We hope to see you along the wine trail this September. Cheers!
 






Frank C. Britt 
Publisher
franks signature blue

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. Enter below to win two tickets to the Taste of Freedom Festival on September 20 at Montpelier, the spectacular estate of President James Madison in Orange County.

Register to Win 

2 Tickets

Taste of Freedom 

Wine Festival

 

September 20, 2014

 

ENTER HERE

  

WIN A WEEKEND GETAWAY!

BELIVEAU ESTATE WINERY

Blacksburg, Virginia

 

Spend a weekend at Beliveau and you'll want to return again, and again.  Situated on 165 spectacular acres with an award-winning winery and a premium bed and breakfast, this country  estate is just 12 miles from downtown Blacksburg. 

 

Begin your morning with a delectable multi-course gourmet breakfast then spend the day exploring the property with its spectacular mountain views.  Hike or bike the on-site trails, canoe or fish the stocked ponds, climb to the hilltop pavilion, then relax and enjoy a glass of wine on the outdoor patio.

 

Beliveau Estate Winery is the perfect place to wine, dine, stay and play.  Enjoy!

 

Beliveau Estate Winery
5415 Gallion Ridge Road
Blacksburg, VA 24060

www.beliveauestate.com

 

 

Weekend Getaway

Beliveau Estate Winery Inn 

2 Nights Accommodations for Two

Breakfast for Two

Winery Tour and Tasting for Two

November 2014 - April 2015

(excluding Virginia Tech Football and holiday weekends)

 

ENTER HERE

 

 

IN THIS ISSUE
FESTIVAL OF THE WEEK
Sans Soucy Wine & Shrimp Festival September 13
FESTIVAL OF THE WEEK
Good Times Tastes and Traditions September 20-21
VINO NEWS
RECIPE of the Month
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
September 5-28
WE WERE THERE
Rebec Labor Day Festival
SPONSORS

September 20, 2014

Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

WINE & OYSTER FESTIVAL
September 20 - 21, 2014 

Click Here


 


 

 

September 27 - 28, 2014
 Click Here


 


 

 

October 11 - 12, 2014


  


November 22, 2014
  










Wine Festival & Winery Consulting,
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5th Annual Shrimp & Wine Festival
Sans Saucy Vineyards, Bookneal
September 13, 2014


Sans Soucy hosts the popular Shrimp & Wine Festival in the vineyard among the vines. Attendees will have plenty of options to purchase delicious shrimp dishes, but there will be lots of non-shrimp eats as well. With an emphasis on LOCAL, vendors will offer everything from Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Bisque, Shrimp Skewers, Shrimp Po Boys to Bangin' Shrimp Salad, plus other dishes. Also available will be Surf & Turf, bison, barbeque and burgers for the landlubbers.

A highlight of the festival will be the release of San Soucy's flagship wine "2011 Legacy".  Participating wineries include Bright Meadows Farm, Stanburn Winery, The Homeplace Vineyard, Lake Anna Winery and, of course, Sans Soucy Vineyards (home of Blackberry Ginger Sangria). There will also be a tent featuring four Virginia craft beers. Wine by the glass or bottle will be available for purchase.

 

Sans Soucy Vineyards
434-376-9463
READ MORE


GOOD TIMES, TASTES & TRADITIONS
September 20
11am to 6pm

September 21 
12 Noon to 5pm

Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton VA

The Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce presents the annual Good Times, Tastes & Traditions Festival. Back this year is "Farming in the Valley" with a focus on agriculture, educational activities and local products for purchase. The festival is unique and diversified, celebrating visual arts, cultural entertainment, ethnic cuisine, as well as a showcase of Virginia wines and brews.

The festival seeks to raise awareness and bring to life the traditions of the five featured countries at the Museum: America, England, Germany, Ireland and West Africa. Attendees can dabble in each country's culture by choosing to sample a little of their individual entertainment, arts, crafts, foods and beverages.



540-324-1133


VIRGINIA SELECTED BY USA TODAY AS TOP 10 WINE REGION

The winners of  USA TODAY's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Wine Region in the World to visit were announced recently.  Nominees were chosen by a panel of experts and then voted on by the public. 

 

1. Alentejo, Portugal 
2. Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
3. Maipo, Chili 
4. Marlborough, New Zealand 
5. Croatia 

6. Napa Valley, California
7. Tuscany, Italy
8. Oregon
9. Hunter Valley, Australia
10. VIRGINIA
 


BAROURSVILLE WINEMAKER HONORED

Luca Paschina, Winemaker and General Manager of Barboursville Vineyards, has been  inducted into the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic with the rank of Commendatore.  The honor is Italy's recognition of the highest distinction in occupations that reflect honor upon the nation and the Italian people.  The Order of Merit represents "the embrace of a different region, so distant from its ancient Italian cradle, for excellence which brings luster to the Italian patrimony of wine, itself.  In addition, it is an expression of gratitude for bringing distinction to a pursuit Italy embraces with intense filial pride."


 

VIRGINIA WINE INDUSTRY LOSES TWO CHAMPIONS

Pete Murray Johns Pete Murray Johns, vice-president and managing partner of New Kent Wineries, died August 20 at age 69.  A former Houston Oiler defensive back, Johns not only loved football, he loved wine.  According to an article in the Tidewater Review, it was his love of wine that pushed Johns to develop the Farms of New Kent and New Kent Winery.  New Kent's 2009 Reserve Chardonnay was awarded the 2011 Virginia Governor's Cup.  He was active in Virginia's wine industry and a current board member of the Virginia Wineries Association.


 

Much to Johns' credit, New Kent County was voted one of the top 100 fastest growing counties in the country in 2006.  New Kent County Administrator Rodney Hathaway said, "Because of his vision and enthusiasm, Pete, perhaps more than anyone else, has taken New Kent from an economy based primarily on agriculture to one that also includes commercial and light industry. We're fortunate to be able to appreciate for years to come, the great things Pete did for New Kent County."


 

Roy L. Williams, Old Dominion University professor who was widely known as a wine educator, died July 28 at the age of 77.  He was the Virginia Wine Industry Person of the Year in 2001.  Among Dr. Williams many accomplishments was the establishment of the Enological Research Facility at ODU in 1991, and he presented ERF research throughout the United States, in France, Portugal and Germany.  Under the auspices of ERF, he taught a wine appreciation class at ODU for 15 years.  He was the founder and director of Norfolk's Town Point Virginia Wine Competition and led the annual ODU Alumni Association Wine Dinner.  Retired from the university, he had rekindled a passion for art by painting in the Japanese Sumi-e tradition and maintained a studio in Smithfield.


 


 

 

VIRGINIA WINE SUMMIT SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 21

The third annual Virginia Wine Summit will bring wine experts and industry leaders from around the country to Richmond on October 21st to discuss, taste and celebrate the state of Virginia's wine and food culture.  Keynote speaker is Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine magazine.  The Summit is open to the public.  For additional information and to register, visit www.virginiawinesummit.com


 

APOLOGIES ARE IN ORDER                                                                                                              

The top 12 scoring wines in Virginia's wine competition that make up the Governor's Cup Case were incorrectly listed in the July 2014 Newsletter.  Here is the corrected list:    

                                                                                        

Octagon Barboursville Vineyard - 2010

Malvaxia Passito Barboursville Vineyard - 2008

Nebbiolo Reserve  Barboursville Vineyard - 2010                                                     Meritage Barren Ridge Vineyard - 2009

Tannat Fabbioli Cellars - 201

Tannat Horton Vineyards - 2010

Meritage King Family Vineyards - 2011

Meritage North Gate Vineyard - 2011

Meritage Rockbridge Vineyards - 2008

Mosaic Sunset Hills Vineyard - 2010

Chardonnay Two Twisted Post Winery - 2012

Adagio Williamsburg Winery - 2010 (winner of the 2014 Governor's Cup)


 

A VIRGINIA WINE FACT

In May 2011, the Virginia Wine Board designated Viognier as Virginia's official Signature Grape.  (Virginia Wine Council)


     
          
 
Low Country Oysters

(Simple to prepare but SO delicious!)

Enjoy with a glass of Virginia Viognier.


 

 

CLICK HERE for RECIPE 

 

 


     
ribbon_events
          

September 5: Abbey Road "Unplugged"

Keswick Vineyards (Keswick)

The popular group will perform at the first summer concert in the vines.  Bring blankets and chairs, pour some wine and enjoy the great music.  "Black Jacks Soul Food" will be on site.

www.keswickvineyards.com

September 5:  Pork n' Blues 

Beliveau Estate Winery (Blacksburg)

An evening of Pork n'Blues with award-winning blues band "Porkroll Project".  Four wine and food pairing stations.  Reservations.

www.beliveauestate.com

 

September 6: Annual MINI Cooper Rally

Cooper Vineyards (Louisa)

Drive on your own or with the caravan from Richmond MINI to the winery. Fee includes wine tasting, souvenir glass, T-shirt, lunch and live music. Get tickets in advance.
www.coopervineyards.com
 

September 6:  Wine & Swine Festival

Grandin Village (Roanoke)

A fun event in historic Grandin Village. Wine tastings and pork tastings. Vendors. Music by "Hoppie Vaughan", "The Ministers of Soul" and "Star City Swag".   www.grandinvillage.org

September 6:  Bottoms Up Beer & Wine Festival

Tazewell Fairgrounds (Tazewell)

First annual, sponsored by Plum Creek Winery. Six Virginia wineries and food, beer, great entertainment, a silent auction and prizes raffle.
www.visittazewellcounty.org
 

September 6:  Harvest Wine Festival

James River Cellars Winery (Glen Allen)

Ninth annual, featuring three guest wineries. Listen to live music, taste the wines, attend wine seminar, visit with craft vendors and enjoy vendor foods. Rain or shine.
www.jamesrivercellars.com
 

September 6:  Jazz in the Courtyard

Ingleside Vineyards (Oak Grove)

Sip some wine and enjoy the cool sounds of live jazz. Includes tour, tasting, wine glass, music and dinner (optional). Reservations recommended and required for dinner.
www.inglesidevineyards.com
 

September 6:  Rockbridge Beer & Wine Festival

Virginia Horse Center (Lexington)

Sure to be a great day of wine and craft beer tasting, food and music at the picturesque Virginia Horse Center. Music by the "Pop Rivets" and the "New Generation".
www.horsecenter.org
 

September 6: Vino Rows

Potomac Point Winery (Stafford)

Enjoy the serenity of kayaking on the Potomac River, hunting for treasure and viewing shipwrecks. Trips at 11 and 3:30. Wine and cheese social following. Reservations.
www.potomacpointwinery.com
 

September 6-7: 18th Annual Neptune's Fall Wine Festival

31st Street & Atlantic Avenue (Virginia Beach)

Sip and savor Virginia wines by the oceanfront. Greet the winemakers, enjoy delicious food, live entertainment and purchase the wines you like and wine accessories.

www.neptunefestival.com
 

September 9:  Annual Harvest Festival

Shenandoah Vineyards (Edinburg)

Shenandoah's 3rd decade celebrating the harvest. Be part of history and enjoy a day of wine tasting, seminars, arts and crafts, music, children's entertainment and grape stomping.
www.shentel.net/shenvine
 

September 11:  Vine and Dine - A Harvest Dinner

Trump Winery (Charlottesville)

Toast the harvest with sparkling wines followed by a fall inspired dinner on the Carriage Museum terrace. Four courses perfectly paired and introduced by Chef and Winemaker.
Reservations.
www.trumpwinery.com
 

September 12:  Wine & Beer Classic

Maymont Children's Farm Lawn

Sample some of Virginia's finest beverages, play games for cool prizes and listen to the music of Jubeus. Sponsored by the Dooley Noted Society to support Maymont Park.
www.maymont.org
 

September 12:  La Luna

Veramar Vineyards (Berryville)

Come and enjoy the evening admiring the moon and enjoying deliciously flavored tapas, award winning wine and live music. A true gourmet treat.
www.veramar.com
 

September 12:  Art D'Vine Gallery Hop and Wine Tasting

Historic Downtown Bristol

Gallery hop includes the galleries and artsy venues in downtown with access to merchants, domestic and internat'l wines, works of artists across the region, live music and demos.
www.believeinbristol.org/calendar.php
 

September 12:  Benefit for Wildlife Center

Glass House Winery (Free Union)

Singer/Songwriter Fest performers 2 Wishes, Genna Matthew, John Kelly and Justin Storer will entertain and Spiked Food Truck will be on site. Voluntary donations accepted.
www.glasshousewinery.com
 

September 13:  Winemaker's Crab Fest

Philip Carter Winery (Hume)

Celebrate the eastern shore tradition of steamed Chesapeake Blue Crabs, fresh corn on the cob and red potatoes. All you can eat crabs and two glasses of wine. Reservations.
www.pcwinery.com
 

September 13:  PAC'n the Streets

Historic Downtown Staunton

A free event covering two blocks downtown. A tasting garden with wine, cider and craft beers, music on two stages, food vendors, artisan booths, street performers, kid's activities!
www.stauntonperformingarts.org
 

 

September 13:  Annual Shrimp & Wine Fest

Sans Soucy Vineyards (Brookneal)

Shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp! As well as local food, Virginia Farm wineries and craft beer breweries, music by "Deanie Blues" and "Fire Cracker Jam". A very popular event, so get advance tickets.
www.sanssoucyvineyards.com
 

September 13:  Belle Grove Wine Festival

Belle Grove Plantation (Middletown)

Sample a fine variety of regional Shenandoah Valley wines. Watch local chefs demonstrate their culinary skills. House tours, food, music and craft vendors.
www.bellegrove.org
 

September 13:  Wine and BBQ Festival

Chateau Morrisette (Floyd)

Have a spicy fun day with guest pit masters offering BBQ for sale, sauce competitions, wine and craft beer tastings and music by Roots Music Superstars "Mountain Heart".
www.thedogs.com

 

September 13-14:  South African Food & Wine Festival

Grayhaven Winery (Gum Spring)

A rare opportunity to taste over 20 wines and food dishes from South Africa. Musicians and dancers will perform throughout the weekend. Drawing for round trip tickets to SA.
www.southafricanfoodfest.com
 

September 13-14:  Virginia Wine Festival

Great Meadow Event Park (The Plains)

The oldest wine festival on the East Coast. Features 50 of Virginia's best wineries, craft exhibitors, seminars and incredible music.
www.virginiawinefest.com
 

September  14:  Winemaker's Sunday Brunch

DuCard Vineyards (Etlan)

A harvest celebration with catered local cuisine. Includes an elegant meal paired with DuCard wines, plus music by Harpist Vickey Lee. Reservations.
www.ducardvineyards.com
 

September 14:  Cooking Class

First Colony Winery (Charlottesville)

Chef Sisson of C'ville Wine & Culinary creates two menus. You do the cooking and enjoy your meal paired with First Colony wines. Full wine tasting after lunch. Reservations.
www.firstcolonywinery.com
 

September 14:  Kite Day at 868 Estate

868 Estate Vineyards (Purcellville)

Bring the family to fly kites on the green. Live music in the pavilion, grilled food and beer at the Grill and wonderful wine in the Tasting Room. Kites available for purchase.
www.868estatevineyards.com
 

MORE EVENTS

 

About Events:  As our information comes from many sources, we recommend you verify dates and times, as well as costs and reservations that may be required.  (We are not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate information.) 

 

If you would like to submit an event, send details (what, where and when, as well as contact information) to [email protected] no later than the 10th of the month prior to the event.  

 






AUGUST 30, 2014

LABOR DAY WINE & MUSIC FEST

Rebec Vineyards, Amherst VA

 

 

With sunshine and warm temperatures, it was a perfect day to enjoy tastings by nine area wineries.  Attendees brought chairs and blankets to spread out under the shade trees, listening to the music and sampling the fare.  It was a lazy afternoon at Rebec in anticipation of the much larger Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival that is scheduled for October 11 and 12.


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


� 2006 Britt Marketing & Public Relations
Official Virginia Wine Lover™ is not affiliated with or published by Virginia Wine Lover Magazine 

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