Dear Virginia Wine Lover,
|
Frank C. Britt Publisher
|
February is a month "choc full" of Valentine's Day activities. Among the many "Sweet" winery events are wine and chocolate pairings, winemaker dinners, wine and dine escapes, and even a chance to win a diamond for your Valentine. Wine Lovers won't want to miss the Virginia Wine Expo in Richmond on February 17-22. The Commonwealth's hot winter wine event is a week-long celebration of Virginia wines and the region's culinary, historic and cultural excellence. This year's Expo also features the wines of South Africa. Following in Richmond on March 4-5 is the Craft Beverages Unlimited conference and trade show. When in Richmond, we recommend a stay at the charming Berkeley Hotel in historic Shockoe Slip. Treat your special Valentine to dinner at The Dining Room and order the "to die for" fried green tomatoes with bourbon bacon jam. They'll love you for it! Happy Valentine's Day to all...and Cheers to Virginia Wine Lovers! Frank C. Britt Publisher
|
|
|
A Dream Destination for Wine Lovers and Foodies
February 17 - 22, 2015
Nowhere else in the country can you taste and buy as many Virginia wines as you can at the Virginia Wine Expo, opening in Richmond on Tuesday, February 17. It is the hottest winter wine and culinary event in the Commonwealth and the Mid-Atlantic region. This year, the wines of South Africa, representing the 2015 Guest Region, will be featured as well.
The Expo is a great opportunity to learn about, taste and purchase wine, to meet the winemakers and mingle with friends. You'll also meet the chefs behind Richmond's emergence as a foodie destination and enjoy dozens of events, including the Burger Blast, the legendary Walk-Around Grand Tasting, along with a host of amazing dinners, brunches, lunches, comparative tastings, tours and a half-marathon and 10k.
|
SWEEPSTAKE WINNERS TO
RIDE IN STYLE TO VIRGINIA WINERIES
Melissa Zimmerman of Bluemont, Bob Krytzer of Charlottesville and Kassie Hall of Richmond were the lucky winners in our February Sweepstakes. They each won two seats on a Reston Limousine public winery tour of some of the finest vineyards in Northern Virginia.
Thanks to everyone who entered the Sweepstakes and our appreciation to Reston Limousine for providing the tours.
https://www.restonlimo.com/services/tours-trips/wine-tours/
|
THE BERKELEY HOTEL . . .
Richmond's Premier Boutique Hotel
The Berkeley Hotel offers uncompromising service and comfortable, gracious accommodations in one of Richmond's best locations. At 12th and Cary Streets NW, the Berkeley is at the western edge of historic Shockoe Slip where restored tobacco warehouses and cobblestone streets are home to a great selection of restaurants and boutique shops. It's a short distance to the James River Canal Walk, VCU's Medical College, the State Capitol and many other government buildings and tourist attractions.
|
Fried Green Tomatoes with Bacon Jam
|
|
|
CHOCOLATE AND CHERRIES FOR YOUR VALENTINE
By Brian Cohen
Flowers. Chocolate. Chocolate-covered cherries. Chocolate-covered cherries with flowers. And, a card. Valentine's Day gets old; it becomes routine. But how to break out of the rut?
Try thinking outside the candy box this year. Stick with the chocolate and the cherries, but in a new form . . . as a sauce for a romantic meal. (Of course, flowers might still be a nice touch, particularly if you're in the dog house. It worked for me.)
I ended up preparing a dinner of pork tenderloin in a semi-sweet chocolate sauce with cherries, cream, brandy and rosemary, accompanied by saut�ed mushrooms and saffron rice. I used the accompanying wine to finish the mushroom saut�. The meal took about an hour to prepare and cook, but it was worth the effort and easy to organize.
|
Brian Cohen's Pork Tenderloin with Cherry-Chocolate Sauce recipe
|
|
CRAFT BEVERAGES UNLIMITED
Education and networking for vintners, brewers and distillers.
Vineyard & Winery Management (V&WM) is gearing up for its annual conference and trade show, Craft Beverages Unlimited (formerly Wineries Unlimited) at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on March 4 and 5. The event serves producers of wine, as well as craft beer and spirits.
Hundreds of new and returning exhibitors will showcase products and services for the wine, beer and spirits industries. They will also offer networking opportunities for attendees and vendors, with beverage tastings and lunch featured on the trade show floor.
One of the highlights of the conference is the two-day workshop presented by Dr. Bruce Zoecklein, enology professor emeritus at Virginia Tech, and winemaker Clark Smith, whose "Postmodern Winemaking" was hailed as Wine & Spirits magazine's 2013 Book of the Year. The two experts will conduct an interactive forum on cutting-edge winegrowing techniques and technologies for experienced grape growers and winemakers.
|
|
FUTURE WINE FESTIVALS
Buy early bird tickets and save!
Festivals. Festivals. Festivals! Virginia Wine Lovers love festivals. Buy tickets for your favorite festivals at "Early Bird" Savings. It's easy. CLICK HERE to select the festival(s) and follow link to purchase tickets.
|
February 6: Bacchus Wine and Food Festival
Virginia Living Museum (Newport News)
A gala fund raiser for the Museum, this is an eclectic mix of great music, delicious food and wine tastings. Reservations required.
www.thevlm.org
|
February 7: Samedi Gras Party (Fat Saturday)
Breaux Vineyards (Purcellville)
Dancing, beads, masks, king cake, wine and music by Jamnation. Laissez les bon temps roulez! Reservations recommended.
www.breauxvineyards.com
|
February 7: Taste of Wine & Chocolate
Ingleside Vineyards (Oak Grove)
An elegant chocolate and wine experience featuring the finest Ingleside wines. Reservations required.
www.inglesidevineyards.com
|
February 7-8: Wine & Soup Weekend
Veramar Vineyard (Berryville)
Take the chill off and settle in by the fire with a bowl of freshly prepared soup, warm bread and a glass of wine. Reservations recommended.
www.veramar.com
|
February 8: Jefferson & Franklin Visit
Fox Meadow Winery (Linden)
American statesmen, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, join in stimulating conversation over a glass of wine. Tastings available.
www.foxmeadowwinery.com
|
February 8: Corks to Crafts
Narmada Winery and Vineyard (Amissville)
Create beautiful Valentine hearts made of corks. Materials and instruction provided.
www.narmadawinery.com
|
February 8: Be Mine, Hearts & Wine Painting
North Gate Vineyard (Purcellville)
Paint an original Valentine theme work of art. Supplies, glass of wine and selection of cheeses.
www.northgatevineyard.com
|
February 12-15: Valentine's Wine & Chocolate Pairing
CrossKeysVineyards (Mt. Crawford)
Continuing through Valentine's Day weekend, celebrate with a sampling of four wines and four chocolates. Irresistible!
www.crosskeysvineyards.com
|
February 13-14: Sinfully Sweet Dessert & Wine Pairing
Potomac Point Winery (Stafford)
Nibble on four selections of decadent desserts paired perfectly with Potomac Point wines. Limited seating in the Coyote Wine Cave.
www.potomacpointwinery.com
|
February 13-14: Valentine's Dinner
868 Estate Vineyards (Purcellville)
A table for two, a candlelit room and an indulgent five course meal from Grandale Restaurant. Perfect way to celebrate with your sweetheart. Reservations.
www.868estatevineyards.com
|
February 13-15: Valentine's Weekend Celebration
Cardinal Point Winery (Afton)
Artisan chocolates made with Cardinal Point wines available for sample and sale. Special tastings.
www.cardinalpointwinery.com
|
February 13-15: Chocolate and Cabernet Tasting
Breaux Vineyards (Purcellville)
Hand-rolled truffles and imported chocolate paired with Cabernet Sauvignon. Reservations recommended.
www.breauxvineyards.com
|
February 13-15: Puppy Love Lunch and Dinner
Chateau Morrisette (Floyd)
Enjoy the most romantic day of the year with a sensual selection of wine, soft music and Chef's own Puppy Love mutli-course menu. Reservations.
www.thedogs.com
|
February 13-16: Romancing the Fox
Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane)
Three Fox will warm your heart and soul with special pairings of Signature Sweets, Three Fox wines and Thibaut-Janisson Sparkling Chardonnay.
www.threefoxvineyards.com
|
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.
|
|
� 2006 - 2015 Britt Marketing & Public Relations
|
Official Virginia Wine Lover™ is not affiliated with or published by Virginia Wine Lover Magazine
|
Like Official Virginia Wine Lover eNewsletter on Facebook
|
|
|
|