Ankida Ridge Vineyard.  High in the Blue Ridge Where Heaven and Earth Join.
www.ankidaridge.com

Vol. XV, Issue No. 2                                                                                                                               February 4, 2020
 
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We are excited to announce results fo the Visitor's Choice Awards for your Favorite Virginia Winery Tasting Rooms. There were a record number of votes cast and more wineries were named favorites than ever before. We encourage you to visit the Top 10 Tasting Rooms this spring as well as all the wonderful wineries across Virginia that are producing award-winning wines.

Treat your Valentine to one of the many sweet events this month. The wineries are "choc full" of fun things to do, like wine and chocolate pairings, winemaker dinners and special dinners. Check out the complete list of February Events.

The 2020 Virginia Wine Expo is coming up in early March, and two Wine Lovers will be lucky winners of tickets to the Grand Walk Around on Sunday, March 8. Be sure to enter the Sweepstakes below.

Happy Valentine's Day.... and, as always, Cheers!

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NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY
FEBRUARY 18, 2020.
MAKE IT VIRGINIA WINE!



Lovingston Winery
In December edition of Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Lovingston Winery was awarded Editors Choice and 91 points for their 2017 Cabernet Franc.

Gray Ghost Winery
For the 17th year, Gray Ghost wines earned over 100 medals in International, National and Regional competitions, including 24 Gold, three Platinum and five Double Gold awards.  In addition, they finished the season with Gold medals for 2017 Petit Verdot in the American Wine Society competition and 2017 Reserve Chardonnay in the Atlantic Seaboard wine competition.

The Williamsburg Winery
Received Gold medals for 2017 Petit Verdot Reserve and 2017 Barrel-Aged Virginia Claret at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Williamsburg received a total of 11 medals at the competition.

Barboursville Vineyards
The Double Gold Medal was awarded to the 2018 Vermentino Reserve by the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  The vintage received Best of Category Gold Medal from the Atlantic Seaboard Competition last year.

Wine Trivia
Red Wine is America's favorite wine and preferred by some 42% of those surveyed.

Favorite varietals in order of preference: Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Some 42% of those surveyed think $10 is a nice bottle of wine

24% think a $15 bottle of wine is a splurge.

(source nationaltoday.com)

 


RecipeofMonth

C HERRY P IE
So easy, and sooo delicious!
Your Valentine will Love You.
Click Here for Recipe

  
  Delicious Served with Pinot Noir
  In the mountains of Amherst County, Ankida Ridge Winery 
  takes Pinot Noir to new heights.  It's "a wine that wows the crowd"
  (according to  Dave McIntire of the Washington Post).

FutureFestivals

BUY FESTIVAL TICKETS EARLY AND SAVE!


February EventsFebevents
As you can see, there is no shortage of activities at Virginia wineries and breweries. 
In addition to those listed here, visit  www.virginia.org  and  www.virginiawine.org .
  Be sure to check before you visit as many tasting rooms are closed 
or have limited hours during the winter months.


February 7: Corks & Cupcakes
Wonderful Georgetown and Sprinkles Cupcakes expertly paired with Bluemont wines.

February 7: Wine & Chocolate Pairings
Local artisan chocolates paired with a full tasting of Paradise Springs wines, including their port-style Swagger.

February 7: Bacchus Wine and Food Festival
A gala gathering with fine wine, craft beer, restaurant fare and eclectic mix of live music and entertainment.

February 7: For Love of Poetry
Celebrating poetry and wine. The evening begins with readings by published poets followed by aspiring poets.

February 7-16: Wine & Chocolates
A special treat. Divine pairings of handcrafted chocolates paired with fine wines.

February 8: "Vertically Inclined" Hike
Self-guided hike on challenging incline to scenic Estate Overlook. Hot dog and s'mores bar at the finish.

February 8: Valentine's Dinner
Enjoy special dinner paired with Joie de Vivre Sparking wine.

February 8-9: Irresistible Chocolates and Cabernet
Buffet filled with decadent array of chocolate desserts to pair with gold-medal winning red wines. (Snow, rain or shine)

February 8-9: International Cheese & Wine Tasting
Sample and learn about 35+ artisan cheeses from around the world paired with Grayhaven and South African wines.

February 9: Valentine's Sunday Brunch
Lovely catered four-course wine-paired brunch by l'etoile Catering featuring the beautiful music of harpist Vicky Lee.

February 9: Wine & Design Bouquet
Susan Dempster of Fun to Create guides you in creating fresh flower arrangement as you sip a glass of wine.
purple-grapes-sm.jpg
February 9th: Norton Cellar Tasting
Winemakers Katie and Tyler will guide guests through a tasting from bubbly Red Spark Norton Rose to delectable "Full Nelson" Norton Port-style.

February 10: Sip N'Paint
Create your own painting as you enjoy a glass of wine and light snack. Instruction and supplies provided.

February 14: Poems after Dark
Valentine readings by River City Poets of love, lust and loss along some bubbly cider for the perfect pairing.

February 14: Wine & Tapas
Romantic four-course wine and tapas Valentine celebration. Each course perfectly paired with carefully selected wine.

February 14: Valentine's Day Dinner
Romantic three-course prix fixe menu. Start with a wine tasting at the bar or glass of wine in the lounge. Reservations..

February 14: Winemaker's Dinner
Specially wine-paired four-course dinner prepared by Ben Miller with Parkhurst Catering.

February 14: Valentine Couples Dinner
Loudoun Valley skyline is setting for romantic evening with three-course dinner and beer pairing.

February 14: Heart Shaped Pizzas for Your Valentine
Your favorite pizzas made heart shaped in honor of St. Valentine. Carry-out available.

February 14-15: Puppy Love Valentine's Dining
Treat your sweet and kindle your passions beside crackling fireplace, crisp winter views and romantic dinner. 

February 14-15: Sweetheart Wine Tasting
Share with your sweetheart a flight of five wines paired with tasty charcuterie, then a box of hand-crafted chocolates.

February 14-16: Desserts & Roses Flight
Enjoy delicious flight of five dessert style ciders.

February 14-15: Valentine's Day Chef's Table
Romantic, multicourse culinary experience with appetizers, three-course dinner accompanied with wine pairings.

February 14-15: Valentine Day Dinner
Explore your palate and savor the wines. Specially designed five-course dinner and optional wine pairing.

February 14-16: Sweethearts Tasting Roses & Truffles
Wine tasting and box of chocolate truffles, along with long stem red rose and glass of wine.

February 14-16: Romancing the Fox
Red wine tastings over the Valentine's day weekend include luxury dark chocolates paired with Rosso Dolce.

February 14-17: Chocolate & Cabernet
Delicious variety of chocolaty treats paired with sparkling wine and award-winning Cabernet.

February 15-16: Love Is in the Air
Celebrate with someone special at beautiful winery with Palmer & Co Champagne and Lily O'Brien's Irish Chocolates.

February 15-16: Wine and Chocolate Pairing
Select wines paired with handcrafted chocolates as well as artisanal cheeses and charcuterie.

February 15: River City Spirits Festival
Amazing day with 60+ craft spirits, breweries and cideries, music, vendors and great food.

February 15: Murder Mystery Dinner Western Style
Night of murder at the liveliest saloon in town where anything can happen. Help solve the murder and enjoy sumptuous buffet dinner.

February 15: Winemaker Dinner
Romantic dinner catered by Rongoli Restaurant along with four award-winning wines.

February 15: Effingham Valentines Dinner
Dinner by Pampas Fox Catering includes hors d'oeuvres, entre, lavish desserts and wine.
Seating is limited.

February 15: Valentine Chocolate and Wine Pairing
Special wine and chocolate pairing on the tasting bar.

February 15: Vertical Wine Tasting & Food Pairing
Vertical flights of Meritage and Petit Verdot paired with tasting bites prepared and introduced by l'etoile Catering of Crozet.

February 15: Be Mine with Wine
Special wine and dessert paired flight to enjoy on the heated porch on courtyard while desserts last.

February 15: Wine Lover's Dinner
Share an intimate evening with sumptuous four-course dinner and award-winning wine. Seating limited.

February 15: A Dram of Love Valentine Celebration
Enjoy a whisky tasting or cocktail by with fire along with live music and local food truck.

February 15-16: Awesome Oysters
Tom Jeffries will be serving raw, grilled/charred, Rockefeller and fried oysters. Wine available.

February 15-16: Valentine's Truffle & Wine Pairings
Tastings on the hour from 12 to 4pm. Pairings of 4 wines, each with a specially crafted truffle.

February 15-17: Wine & Cherries Weekend
Each participating winery will offer a cherry treat to pair with wine tasting.

February 16: Chocolate & Wine Tasting
Delectable treats paired with wines. Tastings at 1:00 and 3:00. Reservations.

February 16: Library Tasting
Cellar tasting of previous vintages of 6 of Narmada's finest wines, some over a decade. Special discounts on purchases.

February 16: Poisonous Plants in Virginia
Opportunity to learn about these plants and how to identify them to avoid exposure. Reserve your spot: marty@ducardvineyards.com
  About Events: Our information comes from many sources, so we recommend you verify dates and times, costs 
  and reservations that may be required. (We are not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate information.) 
  Because of space restrictions, we are unable to list open houses or recurring events.

  Please send your events (what, where and when) to june@brittmarketing.com  by 20th of the month 
  prior to the month of the event
INDUSTRY AFFILIATES

 

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