Chardonnay Grapes on the Vine at Pearmund Cellars.
Vol X, Issue No. 5
April 28, 2015

 

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PublishersLetter 
Dear Virginia Wine Lover,


It's the beginning of Wine Festival Season in Virginia, with each weekend in May bringing opportunities to visit interesting venues and sample the ever growing list of unique wines.

 

Here are the Editor's Picks for May festivals and special events:

 

     May 2&3
     Montpelier Wine Festival

     National Harbor Food & Wine Festival

 

     May 16

     Virginia Wine & Craft Festival

 

     May 23

     Valley Fest

 

     May 30

     James River Wine & Music Festival

           

Our very own festival, the James River Wine & Music Festival returns to its roots in Lynchburg on May 30. Join in the fun and come and meet the man in the bowtie (yours truly).

 

We hope you'll read about Pearmund Cellars and make plans to visit our special Winery of the Month.

 

Scroll down to May Events for a comprehensive list of where to go and what to do, and be sure to check websites for full details. As always, thanks for your continuing interest in our newsletter and in Virginia wine.


Cheers!

Sincerely,
 

Frank C. Britt
Publisher


IN THIS ISSUE

 
 
 
 


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AD DESIGN
 

Montpelier Wine FestivalMontpelier

May 2-3, 2015 | www.montpelierwinefestival.com

 

 

Sponsored by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, the annual festival is held on the spectacular grounds of Montpelier, the lifelong home of President James Madison, encompassing 2,700 acres of rolling pastures, formal gardens, old-growth forests and breathtaking vistas.  

 

Some 26 Virginia wineries will showcase and pour tastings. The two-day festival features distinctive arts and crafts, specialty food vendors and a variety of live musical entertainment and the popular "Specialty Hat Contest".

 

Read More


Virginia Wine & Craft FestivalVAWineandCraft
May 16, 2015 | www.wineandcraftfestival.com


 


 

A fun filled day of shopping, live music, delicious food and of course, wine tasting in historic downtown Front Royal. Festival gates open at 10 am with activities and live entertainment throughout the day until 6 pm, with tastings from 21 Virginia wineries, over 100 vendors, artists and crafters of fine handmade jewelry, wine glasses and musical instruments; pottery and ceramics; clothing, original paintings and artwork, antiques, and more.

 

Food vendors will be out in full force and several restaurants will also be open. Music will be performed at either end of Main Street. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 at the gate. Advance tickets can be purchased on line
 

 

Valley Fest Beer & Wine FestivalValley
May 23, 2015 | www.valleyfestbeerandwine.com

 

   

The 15th annual Valley Fest will be held on Saturday, May 23 from11 am to 7 pm on the slopes of Massanutten Resort in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Attracting more than 4000 attendees each year, Valley Fest showcases a wide variety of wines, ciders and microbrews, live entertainment, foods and quality artisans. This is a rain or shine event.

 

Read More

 


James River Wine & Music FestivalJAR
May 30, 2015 | www.vawinelover.com

 

 

 

Promoted as "The Best Wine Festival of the Year", the James River Wine & Music Festival, returns to Lynchburg on Saturday, May 30, from 11 am to 6 pm at City Stadium, 3176 Fort Avenue.


 

This year's festival will feature 14 Virginia wineries, a craft brewery, food trucks and a variety of interesting artisan and retail vendors with opportunities for browsing and shopping. Attendees can pull up a chair and sip a little wine at the nTelos Wine Garden and listen to music by Apple Butter Soul, Major and the Monbacks and Left Hip Pocket.


 

Read More

 


Pearmund Cellars . . . Where It's All About the Wine.  Pearmund
Broad Run, Virginia
 
Chris & Susan Pearmund
 
More than a tag line, "It's About the Wine" has been the way of the wine at Pearmund Cellars since it opened in 2003. As you approach the Fauquier County winery, driving between established Chardonnay vines--in fact, they are the oldest Chardonnay vines in Virginia-- you know that you are headed for a wine experience totally focused on quality and consistency.

Owner Chris Pearmund and Executive Winemaker Ashton Lough, one of the most decorated wine teams on the East Coast, produce award-winning wines year after year.  Chris has been a mainstay in the Virginia wine industry since 1984, managing or consulting with a number of vineyards across the state, as well as working with wineries just getting their start.

The Tasting Room consistently offers 10 to 12 wines, including the buttery, oaky Old Vine Chardonnay and the rich, robust Bordeaux blend Ameritage.  Pearmund's extensive portfolio of wines includes a dessert finish with the Late Harvest Traminette.  For a little sweetness, try the 2014 Riesling (there is a dry version as well).  For a red wine that is "jammy" with a robust finish, the 2012 Petit Verdot is recommended.
  
Events

May 1: Library Tasting

Gray Ghost Vineyards (Amissville)

Taste three or four sold out vintages of red wine in the wine library, current release wine tasting and light hor d'oeuvres. Reservations recommended.

www.grayghostvineyards.com

 

May 2: Blacksburg Fork and Cork                               

VA Tech Corporate Research Center (Blacksburg)

Food, wine and art festival featuring 20+ wineries, culinary delights, cooking demonstrations, local artists and live music.

www.blacksburgforkandcork.com

 

May 2: Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

A date of great importance in Mexico when the French were defeated at the Battle of Puebla which represents a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism.

Bogati Bodega & Vineyards (Round Hill) www.bogatibodega.com

Rebec Vineyards (Amherst) www.rebecwinery.com

North Gate Vineyard (Purcellville) www.northgatevineyard.com


 

May 2: Eats & Beats

Keswick Vineyards (Charlottesville)

Outdoor music series continues every Saturday through June 27. Soulful and rhythmic singer Michael Coleman and Blackjack Soul food truck.

www.keswickvineyards.com

 

May 2-3: Estate Celebration

Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane)

Marking 11 years of serving great estate vintages. On Sunday, Blessing of the Vines by Rev. Murphy of St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church, Middleburg.

www.threefoxvineyards.com

 

May 2-3: National Harbor Wine & Food Festival

National Harbor on the Potomac

Rich flavors, simple pleasures and stylish tastes in a perfect waterfront setting. It's a world class culinary and wine event for foodies and lovers of wine and spirits.

http://www.nationalharbor.com/event/wine-food-festival/

 

 

 

May 2-3: Montpelier Spring Wine Festival               

11407 Constitution Hwy (Montpelier Station)

Held on the spectacular grounds of Montpelier. Tastings from 24 wineries, distinctive arts and crafts, food vendors and live music. Hat and Kite contests and demos by Wings over Washington Kite Club.

www.montpelierwinefestival.com

 

 

 

May 3: Wine & Chocolate Pairing

Virginia Mountain Vineyards (Fincastle)

Craving wine and chocolate? Learn how to pair these decadent treats. Reservations required.

www.vmvines.com

 

May 3: Cooking Class

First Colony Winery (Charlottesville)

Interactive class by guest chef from C'ville Wine & Culinary on the relationship of food and wine. Prepare 3-course meal paired with FC wines. Reservations.

www.firstcolonywinery.com

 

May 3: Spring Kite Day

868 Estate (Purcellville)

Enjoy the steady breeze from the hillside, perfect for kite flying. Flatbread pizzas and wine tasting or lunch at the grill.

www.868estatevineyards.com

 

May 4: Mountain Cove Music Festival

Mountain Cove Vineyards (Lovingston)

Music throughout the day. Wine by the glass or bottle and food by Mouth Wide Open. Bring chairs and blankets.

www.mountaincovevineyards.com

 

May 9: Central Virginia Wine Festival

Innsbrook Pavilion (Glen Allen)

Ten wineries, 30+ specialty vendors, live music, food and non-alcoholic beverages concessions. Fund raiser for Virginia Tech scholarship fund.

www.cvawinefest.com

 

May 9: Dog Day at Breaux

Breaux Vineyards (Purcellville)

Bring your four legged friends for a day of fun with wine tastings, live music and gourmet hot dogs. Contests and treats for the pups. Doggie vendors and crafters.

www.breauxvineyards.com

 

 

 

May 9: Reserve Blending Class

Gray Ghost Vineyards (Amissville)

You will be guided through the fine nuances of Bordeaux blended wines and experience the final blend. Advance reservations.

www.grayghostvineyards.com

 

May 9: A Taste of New Kent                                                      

New Kent Winery (New Kent)

On the beautiful grounds of New Kent Winery with 14 Virginia wineries, live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, carriage rides and more.

www.ATasteofNewKent.com

 

 

 

 

May 9: Art & Wine Festival

Wilderness Run Vineyards (Spotsylvania)

Wine and music and the art of some of area's best artists. Bring picnic blankets and enjoy the day.

www.wildernessrunvineyards.com

 

May 9: Bud Break Festival

Stanburn Winery (Stuart)

Live music beginning at 12:30, food and tastings and inflatables for the kids.

www.stanburnwinery.com

 

 

 

 

 May 10: It's Mother's Day!

Check out the special events just for Mom at these wineries....

Bogati Bodega & Vineyard (Round Hill) www.bogatibodega.com

Breaux Vineyards (Purcellville) www.breauxvineyards.com

Cardinal Point (Afton) www.cardinalpointwinery.com

CrossKeys Vineyards (Mt. Crawford) www.crosskeysvineyards.com

Doukenie Winery (Purcellville) www.doukeniewinery.com

DuCard Winery (Etlan) www.ducardwinery.com

868 Estate Vineyards (Purcellville) www.868estatevineyards.com

Fox Meadow Winery (Linden) www.foxmeadowwinery.com

Gray Ghost (Amissville) www.grayghostvineyards.com

Miracle Valley Vineyard (Delaplane) www.miraclevalleyvineyard.com

Narmada Winery (Amissville) www.narmadawinery.com

North Gate Vineyard (Purcellville) www.northgatevineyard.com

Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton) www.paradisespringswinery.com

Philip Carter Winery (Hume) www.pcwinery.com

Prince Michel Vineyard (Leon) www.princemichel.com

Trump Winery (Charlottesville) www.trumpwinery.com

Two Twisted Posts Winery (Purcellville) www.twistedposts.com

Veramar Vineyard (Berryville) www.veramar.com

Veritas Vineyards & Winery (Afton) www.veritaswines.com

 

 

 

May 10: French Crepe Day

DelFosse Vineyards and Winery (Faber)

Select from menu of savory and sweet crepes. Wine by the glass or bottle available. Let them know you're coming.

www.delfossewine.com

 

 

 

May 10: Band Fair

Cardinal Point Vineyards (Afton)

Afternoon of music and activities to benefit North Branch School. Child friendly, live music, cakewalk and silent auction.

www.cardinalpointwinery.com

 

 

READ MORE

 

 

 

FutureFestivals

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.

 


 

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