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Siips Wine Bar Closing Its Doors

Feb9

FYI, they will still be open for Valentine’s Day but this is sad news for  at least some local wine lovers.

 

Siips Wine Bar Closing Its Doors
Siips Wine and Champagne Bar is closing its doors. The Downtown Mall restaurant has been purchased by a local restaurant owner who has plans to re-open it as a upscale supper club.
Posted: 9:25 PM Feb 8, 2012
Email Address: news@newsplex.com

February 8, 2012

Siips Wine and Champagne Bar is closing its doors after Sunday, Feb. 19, according to an email sent by owner George Benford’s wife, Patty.

The Downtown Mall restaurant has been purchased by an unnamed local restaurant owner who has plans to re-open it as a upscale supper club in the spring.

Since Siips’ wine inventory was not part of the sale, Benford says they will be selling wine by the glass at deep discounts starting this weekend.

“We want to thank you for all your support and friendship over the last four years. We also want to thank all our employees for all their hard work and the family atmos­phere they helped us create,” the email stated.

The restaurant’s schedule for weekend entertainment and Valentine’s Day Dinner will remain the same until it closes.
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Autumn Halloween Fun at Virginia Wineries

Oct21
Haunt the Wineries this Halloween

▪                                        
October 22-23 – Pick of the Piedmont Fall Wine Festival: Twelve wineries will present their best at this new Orange County event. Beautiful autumn weather and the lure of music and fun will make this an unforgettable experience. Booster Park, 19046 Constitution Hwy, Orange VA
Fee: $12 Advance/$20 At the Gate Time: Sat 11 am-6pm/Sun 11am-5pm Phone Number: 540-672-1653

▪                                        October 22 – 23 – Fall Foliage Open House at Hill Top Berry Farm 
Celebration: Taste ‘True to the Fruit’ wines and authentic Honey Meads at our Fall Foliage Open House. We will be pairing them with samples of food. We will also have samples of our gourmet Irish and Scottish gift shop items available to taste. Come enjoy a fall day while sipping on hot mulled wine in your rocking chair by the fire. 2800 Berry Hill Road, Nellysford VA
Fee: Free Time: 11am – 5pm Phone Number: 434-361-1266

▪                                        October 22 – Fall Treats with Foggy Ridge Cider 
Fall in an apple orchard couldn’t be better. Sample cider and mead paired with tasty seasonal treat at Foggy Ridge and nearby neighbor Blacksnake Meadery. Fee fee covers tastings and food pairings at both locations. 1328 Pineview Road, Dugspur VA 24325
Fee: $5 Time: 11am to 5pm Phone Number: 276-398-2337

▪                                        October 22 – Ingleside Vineyards Harvest Celebration 
Celebration: See winemaking demonstrations, tour the vineyards and winery and enjoy artwork, crafts, exhibits and delicious food. Sit in the courtyard and relax (or dance) while listening to live music and sipping wine. Includes tour, tasting, Ingleside wine glass and live music. Food available or bring a picnic. 5872 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove VA
Fee: $10 Advance/$15 At the Gate Time: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Phone Number: 804-224-8687

▪                                        October 22 – Powhatan’s Festival of the Grape
 Festival: Experience the excellence of Virginia wineries at Powhatan’s historic Courthouse square. A festival for family fun, tastings of Virginia’s finest wines, delicious food, continuous live music and entertainment and arts and crafts. Powhatan Courthouse, 3880 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan VA
Fee: Call for information Time: Call for information Phone Number: 804-598-2636

▪                                        October 22 – 23 – Taste of the Alpines Weekend 
Celebration: Taste of German, Austrian and Swiss wines and light food fares. Please email or call for reservations. We are taking reservations every 1/2 hour starting at noon and ending at 3:30pm, both days. 38906 Mt. Gilead Road, Leesburg VA
Fee: $15 Time: 12pm-4pm Phone Number: 703-777-8161

▪                                        October 22 – Wine & Cheese Fondue Alfresco at Veramar Vineyard 
Wine & Food Education: Fondue parties are back in style. What better way to spend an afternoon, then with friends, wine and cheese? This event will be outside under the gazebo. Ooh – all that warm, oozy cheese, served in a fondue pot. Fee per person, includes glass of wine and cheese fondue plate. Reservations are required. 905 Quarry Road, Berryville VA 22611
Fee: $15 Time: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Phone Number: 540-955-5510

▪                                        October 22 – 23 – Barrel Tasting at Autumn Hill Vineyard
 Wine Education: Barrel samples and tasting of newly fermented 2011 wines. Vertical tasting of Cabernet Sauvignon vintages in addition to a cellar tour. Savor our full range of wines and enjoy the spectacular fall foliage. Fee includes glass and delicious homemade soup and wine tasting. No sweet wines here! No reservations required. Rain or Shine. Picnics welcome. Cellar tours at 1:15, 2:30 and 3:45. 301 River Drive, Stanardsville VA
Fee: $7 Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Phone Number: 434-985-6100

▪                                        October 25 – Barrel Tasting with the Winemaker
 Wine Education: Join the winemaker at 1pm in the Barrel Room for a tasting, tour and appetizers. $30/person. Must call for reservations by October 18th. 6011 E Timber Ridge Road, Harrisonburg, VA
Fee: $30/person Time: 1pm Phone Number: 540-234-0505

▪                                        October 28 – Mad Hatters Halloween Party 
 Celebration: Dress for the occasion and enter to win the best costume, best group and best carved pumpkin contests. Includes heavy appetizers and dancing with DJ Rick Rowe. Get dressed, grab your carved pumpkin and celebrate Halloween with CrossKeys Vineyards. 6011 East 11pm Timber Ridge Road, Mt. Crawford VA
Fee: $40 Time: 7pm-Phone Number: 540-234-0505

▪                                        October 28 – Haunting Halloween Madness at Lake Anna Winery 
Celebration: Costumes, music, and food outline this scary Friday night in the vineyard. Dance into the night to the tunes of “String Kings.” Pumpkin carving, Roast marshmallows and Wieners by the bon fire, wine tasting, and tours. 5621 Courthouse Road, Spotsylvania VA 22551
Fee: $10 Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Phone Number: 540-895-5085

▪                                        October 29-30 – Autumn Barrel Tasting at Barboursville 
Wine Education: Welcome to a much-enhanced tasting, focusing on valuable older vintages, along with our traditional sampling of new Octagon from barrel. Caromont Farm will present award-winning artisan cheeses and fresh breads from Palladio Restaurant will refresh the palate. No reservations required. 17655 Winery Road, Barboursville, VA 22923
Fee: $25 Time: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Phone Number: 540-832-3824

▪                                        October 29 – Chesapeake Virginia Wine Festival 
Festival: Fabulous wines from around the world and produced by Virginia wineries will be available for tasting, as well as foods from the regions finest restaurants. Entertainment will be provided by Lewis McGehee. Sponsored by the Chesapeake Rotary and this is their largest fund raising event. Chesapeake City Park, 900 Greenbrier Pkwy, Chesapeake VA
Fee: $30 Advance/$35 At the Gate Time: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Phone Number: (757) 573.8940

▪                                        October 29 – Halloween at Tomahawk Mill Winery 
Celebration: Our Halloween in the haunted Grist Mill includes readings from Edgar Allen Poe. Wine and gourmet food will be served for this adults-only event. Reservations required. 9221 Anderson Mill Road, Chatham VA
Fee: $20 Time: 7 p.m. Phone Number: 434-432-1063

▪                                        October 29 – Harvest Festival at Hartwood Winery 
Celebration: Join Hartwood Winery and guest Rogers Ford Winery to sample the harvested fruits of the vine and usher in the winter air. Enjoy hayrides, scarecrow-making, games, pony rides, live music, food and more! Kids will love this outdoor event. And the best part is, children get in free! Fee includes a special event glass. 345 Hartwood Road, Fredericksburg VA
Fee: $15 Adults Time: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Phone Number: 540-752-4893

▪                                        October 29 – A Fright Night Wine Dinner 
Wine & Food Education: Join us for a Fright Night Wine Dinner. Reservations are required. Ages 21 and over only. Winery at La Grange, 4970 Antioch Road, Haymarket VA
Fee: $99 per person, all inclusive Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm Phone Number: 703-753-9360

▪                                        October 29-30 – Oyster Roast at Cardinal Point
 Celebration: Live music and plenty of oysters from our friends at Rappahannock River Oyster Company! Live music on Saturday from The Cashmere Jungle Lords (surfability rock at its best) and Sunday The Atkisons (roots rock from Richmond VA). Cover charge includes wine glass and free wine tasting; it does NOT include wine to fill your glass or oysters. 9423 Batesville Road, Afton VA
Fee: $8 Advance/$10 At the Door/$5 Case Club Members Time: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Phone Number: 540-456-8400

▪                                      ♥ My Favorite Pick for a Boootiful Halloween Celebration: Glass House Winery South American melodies in our “terrifyingly tropical paradise.” Costumed guests are highly encouraged – creativity will be rewarded! Extra points if you don tropical/jungle themed threads. And if you are stumped for ideas or come unprepared, not to worry, Madeline and Humberto (of Beleza) will be supplying a box of extra costumes at the door. Light fare will be provided for a suggested donation.

Wining the Potomac

Oct9

It’s Harvest time in Virginia and there are loads of fun things to do, see and taste!  I loved the idea in the following article combining a unique venue, education and excellent wines!  A win-win for wine lovers!  Check it out if  you would like to enjoy a unique Happy Hour on the Potomac!  It looks like it would be fun and a beautiful time of year to be on the river in D.C.  Somebody please go and let me know how it was!

By the way, this photo has nothing to do with the cruise below, but my friend Paulette Musselman shot this during harvest at Glass House Winery in Free Union and I loved it!  Thanks, Paulette for sharing!

Set Sail for Virginia Wine Month With Washington Wine Academy Cruises

http://w w w .ontaponline.com/2011/10/03/set-sail-for-virginia-w ine-month-w ith-w ashington-w ine-academy-cruises-2/ October 9, 2011

The Washington Wine Academy is celebrating Virginia Wine Month by bringing vino from ten vineyards a little closer to DC.

The Academy is hosting a series of cruises featuring 25 wines — about a dozen will be served during each cruise — from Rappahannock Cellars, Boxwood Winery, Breaux Vineyards, Pearmund Cellars, Linden Vineyards, Winery at La Grange, Barboursville Vineyard, Ingleside, Vint Hill Craft Winery and Whitehall Vineyard. Cheese from Cabot Creamery, as well as artisan Virginia snacks such as ham and peanuts, will also be served.

The Friday cruises will leave from Gangplank Marina in Washington DC on 700 Water St. SW, and spend 90 minutes on the Potomac River. Each trip will be capped at about 140 guests, and organizers expect a number of sell-outs.

“We really enjoy the wine from the vineyards we invited. Education is key. Virginia wine isn’t the same now as it was even a few years ago, and we’re happy to be able to demonstrate that to the attendees,” Washington Wine Academy’s Kellie Shevlin said.

The opportunity is a welcome one for wineries looking to forge a stronger presence inside the Beltway. John Delmare, owner of Rappahannock Cellars, located more than an hour outside of DC in Huntly, VA said the biggest draw was being able to showcase his wine to consumers in the core of his target region: DC.

“We don’t have that opportunity often,” Delmare said.

“We are seeing amazing growth in the recognition of Virginia wines as a real “player” in the national wine landscape,” said Chris Pearmund, Executive Winemaker at three of the featured wineries — Vint Hill, The Winery at La Grange and Pearmund Cellars.

“The cruises are a great way to bring Virginia wine to DC, so those that might not venture out to the wine country can get a taste of the amazing wine our industry is producing,” he added.

Vint Hill co-owner Lance Heflin said his craft winery plans to feature products made by its amateur vintners as well as bottles from its professional portfolio including Enigma, a red blend whose name reflects the roots of Vint Hill’s Warrenton location. The barn where its wine is made was once home to the original NSA.

Back-to-back warm summers precipitated bumper crops for many Virginia vineyards, although the heavy rains of early September may knock those numbers down in some locations. Delamare said the sunny summer boosted Rappahannock’s Merlot yield, which will be released as a single varietal next year alongside a “fizzy” rosé made from a blend of red grape varieties.

For other winemakers, the draw is the cruises’ unique venue.

“I sincerely think that when wine is enjoyed in the right surrounding, atmosphere, landscape and with friends, it is elevated to a much higher purpose and is greatly appreciated,” said Barboursvillewinemaker Luca Paschina. “I believe that is going to happen on these cruises. That is why I chose to participate.”

Boxwood‘s Rachel Martin said that her vineyard jumped at the opportunity to get in front of more local wine consumers.

“Our wines are not cheap, but the vineyard has a rich history,” she said. Boxwood, whose winemaking operation is a National Historic Landmark in Middleburg, VA will be featuring its dry rosé and Topiary Red, which is a Cabernet Franc-heavy blend.

“It’s important to get people on board with regional products, and that includes wine. As long as the quality is there, you should enjoy it.”

The cruises will be held October 7, 14, 21 and 28 departing at at 6:30 and 8:30 pm from the Gangplank Marina in DC. Tickets are $55.00 per person. Register online at http://www.WashingtonWineAcademy.org.

Inaugural DC Wine Week

In September, wine blog the Daily Sip reported that DC led the nation in wine consumption in 2009 at 6.6 gallons per capita. This month, local oenophiles will gather to show why DC is number one in vino.

DCeventjunkie & Pivot Point Communications are planning a celebration of all things wine — from restaurant and bar specials, wine-pairing menus to wine-themed events — to be held October 15 to 22. Education seminars and events around the DMV region will also feature selections from local wineries. Updates can be found on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/dcwineweek and the DC Wine Week website.

DC Wine Week: Oct. 15 -22; http://www.dcwineweek.com; Twitter @DCWineWeek.

Trump Winery Open for Business!

Oct4

Tuesday, October 4th, heralds the grand opening (or re-0pening) of the former Kluge Estate Winery  in Albemarle County, Virginia under a new name,  (can you guess it?)  Trump Winery.  Donald Trump’s son, Eric Trump is President  and Patricia Kluge and her husband William Moses will serve as Vice Presidents of the winery.  Attending the celebration were the aforementioned, as well as Governor Bob McDonnell. The Governor  has played a key role in promoting Virginia wines in the United States as well as Europe and soon will be encouraging business with Israel. According to Todd Haymore,  Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry,  McDonnell and Virginia’s first lady,  Maureen McDonnell are credited  with helping boost Virginia’s wine sales.  The McDonnell administration  passed a program giving tax credits to individuals establishing or expanding wineries and vineyards in the Commonwealth.

The media were present to photograph, video and ask questions of Donald Trump, and I  found him to be just like he is on television-assertive and gregarious, but better looking in person!  There is no question that Trump knows how to deal with the media.  When asked by  reporters why Donald could make this venture successful when Patricia Kluge could not, he came to her defense in typical “Trumpian” manner and explained that he had the advantage of not having a mortgage! Touche! Another question regarded the intentions of the real estate aspect of his investment . 

Mr. Trump  said  he planned to keep the property “high-end”.  When a reporter from The Hook asked about Albemarle House, Donald Trump tossed the question back and asked him if he would want to buy such a big house on such little property! We know who owns the surrounding estate!   He is still in the market for Albemarle House but feels the bank  has it valued too high. 

 

 
 

 After answering several questions, the baton was then passed to his son for details about the winery itself.    Patricia Kluge joined Eric at the microphone and remarked on her role in the business.  Geraldine Fabrikant, a senior writer for Business Day at The New York Times, interviewed  Patricia Kluge  recently and found her to be, not surprisingly, quite resilient and up to the task of re-establishing herself in the wine industry. Subsequently, Eric Trump stepped aside allowing Gov. McDonnell  to praise the wine industry in Virginia.

Ultimately, Donald and Eric  Trump and Patricia Kluge  plan to expand the vineyards and employ new marketing ideas to the wines and their labels.  They refused to elaborate and left it as a surprise for wine lovers.  Additionally, Eric mentioned the potential for  ”hundreds” of jobs associated with the growth of the winery. 

No matter what locals think, the Trump name creates fervor and  excitement in a realtively sedate area of Virginia. I know it  certainly was fun for me to sit in the Trump   helicopter even though I couldn’t wrangle a ride out of the pilot!  The pilot  did however mention that he loved  flying over our  scenic Virginia wine country!  Planning a trip to Charlottesville?  A must-do after visiting  Monicello, home of Thomas Jefferson,  is  the new  Trump Winery and the neighboring  vineyards  owned by Dave Matthews,  Blenheim Winery!

Promises and Celebrations at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Jun21

Promises and Contrasts.  Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards  is the newest addition to the Monticello Trail AVA  but has the aura of  generations of history. Set in a valley in the southern end of Albemarle County, this boutique winery promises to be one of the most coveted locations for wedding celebrations  in Virginia.  I was struck by the contrasts of old and new, soft and coarse, refined and rustic; the promise of a new venture developing like a fine Bordeaux into an exquisite wedding destination. 

 Upon first approach from the road, the hillside divide into two vineyards, both are in first year growth. Very new!  On the crest of the hill,  the Granary and Tasting Room are visible,  designed in the style of a classic farmstead house with the barn blending into the rolling countryside.  The structure appears old but the newly sown grass and plantings give it away.  The panoramic views are Old World and I can’t help but anticipate the views after the vines mature, anchoring the vista of  the  Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding hills !  Definitely add this to your Autumn leaf peeping, wine tasting outings!

                                                                                  

Owners, Dean Andrews and Lynn Easton Andrews, have assembled the best team, from the architects and landscape designer to the interior design team of  JohnSarahJohn!  Dean has an extensive 30 year background in the hospitality industry  specificically,   international hotel operations and development including properties in the US, Caribbean, French Polynesia and Mexico.  Lynn’s professional career includes producing  large events for Fortune 500 corporations, non-profit organizations, and top-level social clients. Lynn’s expertise is described as orchestrating “high-touch” events that require maximum attention to detail.  It appears that between them, they have the recipe for success!

Chris Hill is the vineyard consultant with decades of experience in vineyard establishment and  management. Michael Shaps of Virginia Wineworks is partnering with Pippin Hill to produce wines and supplement with his label to get things rolling.

 The Structure 

The Pippin Hill facility offers five different arenas for entertaining: the main event building, The Granary; the Winery Tasting Room; the Veranda & Courtyard; the Wine Cellar and Alfresco Dining in the Vineyard.

The elements of design were artistically placed with photo opportunities in mind ( at least that was my impression) and permit countless  locations for keepsake snapshots!  Little niches placed here and there are priceless for stolen kisses and intimate moments!  Perfect for exchanging wedding promises!  Already, the wedding photographers and planners are blogging about this hot location! While I was visiting, three different groups were contemplating scheduling their big event here and judging by the smiles and number of camera clicks, I’d have to believe some deposits were placed!

The Granary is a barn inspired structure and the main event hall for wedding receptions,  accommodating up to 200 people with over 3,600 square feet of open floor space beneath a dramatic two- story wood beamed ceiling.  Old wood and rustic, distressed  furniture coupled with lavish fabrics create a sense of established elegance, feminine yet substantial. Several pieces were selected and imported from San Miguel, Mexico adding to the international feel.  Upstairs,  Brides can dress and primp with their bridesmaids  in the Bridal Loft  delicately decorated with  wispy sheer draperies and soft linen tweed upholstery.  

         

Below, wine tasting and a “vineyard to table” menu are offered on the Veranda and in the Tasting Room, which coincidentally has a loft for the groom  to prepare for the occasion!   The rustic decorating style continues throughout interior and exterior, with little touches of country elegance achieving an effect of a French or Tuscan farmhouse. 

In the Tasting Room, the bar top is constructed  out of  harvested wood from a Montezuma Cypress tree.  These trees are extremely hardy with a  long lifespan, some  can be up to 2,000 years old!  The  Montezuma Cypress  is Mexico’s national tree and cannot be cut down while still alive.  This tree was estimated to have died 10 years ago.  The tree’s circumference is 10′ and stood approximately 70-80′ tall!  

Stay tuned for my next post which will be Part II of Pippin Hill,  the wine  and ambience!

2011 North American Wine Bloggers Conference in Charlottesville!

Jun14

In a little over a month, Charlottesville, Virginia will be hosting The North America Wine Bloggers Conference!  They are expecting as many as 325 participants, actually limiting it to that number!  This is quite a coup for Virginia and the efforts of many in the Commonwealth including Governor Bob McDonnel . With the recent opening of Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards  and this week Stinson Vineyards,  there is a lot of excitement in the air around Charlottesville’s wine country!

This is my first time to participate and I’m excited to be  learning more about wines from enthusiasts world wide!  I will be joining wine bloggers, new media innovators, and wine industry leaders on July 22-24, 2011 in Charlottesville, Virginia for the fourth annual North American Wine Bloggers Conference!  Best of all, I feel proud to be a local wine blogger and have the opportunity to show off  the beauty of our wine country and some of our superb wineries! 

There is also a Pre-Conference Excursion to Loudoun County.  Loudoun County is located just outside Washington DC and is one of Virginia’s premier wine areas, with 28 area wineries. I really wanted to join this group as well but can’t take that much time away from real estate in the summer! Other than visits to local wineries and Monticello, all meetings will be held at the Omni Hotel,  located near the end of our charming downtown pedestrian mall.

I’ve never “Live-Wine Blogged” before, hopefully I’ll get some pointers before the event!  The agenda is amazing including Dave McIntyre, wine writer for the Washington Post and founding member of DrinkLocalWine.com;  Lenn Thompson, founder of New York Cork Report; and Rémy Charest, blogger at The Wine Case in Canada.  This panel will be moderated by wine blogger, Frank Morgan of  Drink What You Like.  It will also be a great chance to meet wine tweeps in person!

New York Times wine critic and blogger Eric Asimovwill be providing the  keynote speech for the conference. I also noticed my friend Kat Schornberg Barnard of Keswick Vineyards will be attending!  I’ll know one person!

Look out C-ville, Here come the winos :)

Today At DuCard!! Artists, Music and Wine!

Jun12

Get an “Official” Taste of Spring on The Appellation Trail

Apr12

 Albemarle County is catching on fast! I try to arrange self-guided wine tours for friends and clients with location and proximity in mind.  Now, the newly formed  Appellation Trail has done just that!   By organizing a mapped tour of four ( soon to be five wineries ) a logical sequence of wine tastings is simplified for tourists and locals.  Loudoun County has a similar set up for 27 wineries broken down into “clusters” for easy touring.  Wikipedia describes an appellation as a legally defined and protected geographic indication used to identify where grapes are grown.  It is also defined as a geographical name (as of a region, village, or vineyard) under which a winegrower is authorized to identify and market wine according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary.

Playing off of the name of the nearby Appalachian Trail,  the  “AT”  is a unique wine route that connects five artisanal wineries in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains:  White Hall Vineyards,  Mountfair Vineyards,  Glass House Winery,  Stinson Vineyards & Moss Vineyards (opening 2012).

  This Saturday April 16th  is the celebration of the” official opening” of  The Appellation Trail!

Spring is the Time for Wine!

                                           Appellation Trail Grand Opening Winery Events on April 16th:

 White Hall Vineyards:

Vertical tasting of  2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009 Petit Verdot,  paired with cheese (12:00 to 3:00pm)

 Mountfair Vineyards:

Pre-Release Tasting of the 2009 Engagement Blend with live music!

 Be sure to stop by  &  join them on the patio for a delicious glass of wine while taking in the beautiful views & the sweet tunes of  THE LOST SOULS!

 

 

 Glass House Winery:

Tank tasting of 2010 Viognier with Live music — The Stoned Masons (3:15 to 5:45pm)

 Stinson Vineyards

 Winery Preview Opening featuring Gryffon’s Aerie meats & mini-burgers.  Preview four of their seven wines!  The 2010 Sugar Hollow White, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Sugar Hollow Red will all be available to taste and purchase.  Additionally, they will be featuring Gryffon’s Aerie meat and miniburgers – stock up on pasture-raised, heritage beef, pork, and sausage!

 

ALERT! “Noise Ordinance”- Keswick,We’ve Got Your Back!

Mar5

 

Keswick Vineyards is doing their best to be a good neighbor!

Come support our neighboring vineyards at the Albemarle County Office Building March 9th at 6 p.m. !

This is a reprint of Keswick’s blog that I felt should be seen by as many people as possible.

 

A Call to Action

I got into winemaking for many reasons, the love of farming and definitely a love of wine. I get butterflies in my stomach when I see sweeping vineyards and land being farmed to create products that not only bring joy to customers, but also provide a much-needed boost into the economy of the surrounding areas.

It is with this in mind that I request your help regarding a certain matter, that not only affects us at Keswick Vineyards, but also potentially many other wineries in the county of Albemarle in the future. We opened our doors last year for weddings to be hosted on the property knowing that many a bride would want to say their vows surrounded by beautiful vineyards, with gorgeous views of the Southwest Mountains. What better way to start a new chapter in one’s life.

Albemarle County’s noise ordinance leaves much to personal interpretation, and dependent on the surrounding residents may be used to force the wineries to cease holding these events. It is with this in mind that I urge you to read the information regarding this ordinance, and if you feel like we do, to sign the petition as either a resident or non-resident of Albemarle County [there are two specific petitions].

Petition for Albemarle county residents

Petition for non-residents

We are having a public hearing at the county office building on March 9th at 6pm and showing your support  would be greatly appreciated.

Kindly

Keswick Vineyards

   

“3″ A Triple Play for Virginia Wine

Mar2

If you can’t break away on Thursday March 3rd at 3:33, all is not lost!  There will be tastings of “3″ at Pollak, Veritas and King Family Vineyards on March 6th.  This is an opportunity for a unique gift or collectable bottle of wine, all you oenophiles! I’m looking forward to tasting this on Sunday myself!  Below is the official press release and a bio on the winemakers. Enjoy!

Three's A Charm!