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
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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, 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)
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