Virginia Wine Dogs Blog

Reds Make the Case for Virginia Wine

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 20:18:00 +0000

Representatives of the wineries producing the 12 highest ranking wines in the competition -- the Governor’s Cup Case

Virginia Governor's Cup Gala

Richmond, Virginia

The results are in from the 2013 Virginia Governor’s Cup. This year, 377 wines from 93 wineries competed; 20 won gold. Reds, especially blends, dominated the competition claiming 11 of 12 spots in the Governor's Cup Case.

The 2013 Governor's Cup goes to the 2009 Octagon, a Merlot-based blend with 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Munchkin and Pomeroy at Barboursville

It was produced by Wine Dog Pal Luca Paschina, general manager and winemaker at Barboursville Vineyards, outside of Charlottesville.

The Octagon, along with the next 11 highest ranking wines in the competition will be combined in the Governor's Cup Case. These award-winning wines will be used to showcase the best of Virginia's vines and vintners, including use by Governor Bob McDonnell on international marketing missions and other events to promote Virginia wine and winery tourism, including the Governor's upcoming trip to California..

The Wine Dogs salute Barboursville and the other case members:

Jeff and Karen Cooper of Cooper Vineyards toasting their gold medalist, the 2010 Petit Verdot Reserve.

King Family Vineyards winemaker Mathieu Finot produced a Gold Medalist with the 2010 Meritage. King Family was a Governor's Cup winner in 2010 for their 2007 Meritage.

Ed and Jane Puckett of Lovingston Winery celebrate their gold medal winning 2009 Josie's Knoll Estate Reserve, another of the Virginia Meritages in the Governor's Case.

Philip Carter Strother and teammates Jeremy Ligot and Dat Metzger are taking home gold for Philip Carter Winery with the 2010 Cleve, a distinctive blend of Petit Verdot and Tanat. Visit Cleve Hall and say hello to wine dogs Fairfax and Cortoman.

For the second year in a row, Potomac Point Winery's Heritage Reserve is a gold medalist -- this year it's the 2010 vintage happily displayed by owner Cindy Causey . The Wine Dogs recently visited this impressive, dog-friendly winery and enjoyed the 2009 vintage.

Owner John Delmare pours a glass of Rappahannock Cellars 2010 Meritage, a Gold Medal winner in the Governor's Cup competition.

2012 Governor's Cup winner Jeff White samples RdV Vineyard's two Gold Medal winning Meritages -- the 2010 Rendezvous and the 2010 Lost Mountain.

Scott Spelbring, Assistant Winemaker at Sunset Hills Vineyards, was pouring the gold-medal winning 2010 Mosiac, a Meritage blend.

The Governor's Case wouldn't be complete without some bubbly -- Trump Winery's Sparkling Rose'. Cheers!

Octagon Is Top Dog in Governor's Cup Competition

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:46:00 +0000

Governor Bob McDonnell presents the 2013 Governor's Cup to Luca Paschina for Barboursville's 2009 Octagon

Richmond, Virginia

Virginia's vibrant wine industry celebrated its own as the results of the 2013 Governor's Cup competition were announced. The night's big winners: Barboursville (Guv Cup), Mary Beth Williams (Wine Person of the Year), Willowcroft's Lew Parker (Lifetime Achievement), Del. Dave Albo (Legislator of the Year) + 12 Gold Medal Wines for Governor's Cup Case (a total of 20 wines were awarded gold).

Dr. Jeff Cooper (Cooper Vineyards) chaired the Governor's Cup Committee and served as the night's emcee. "We wanted to create the premiere wine competition in the U.S.," he explained, going over the major changes adopted in 2011 that have made the Virginia's Governor's Cup competition one of the most stringent and comprehensive wine competitions in the United States.

Willowcroft Founder Lew Parker received the Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the extensive time he has devoted as an active proponent of the growth and vitality of the Virginia wine industry.

Mary Beth Williams, Virginia's "Wine Lawyer," was recognized as "Wine Person of the Year" for her contributions to the industry, helping wineries, vineyards, and future winery owners navigate the ABC and other laws.

"The world is your market," Governor Bob McDonnell told the winery representatives, adding that "The advancements in Virginia winemaking are on display in every bottle we have here tonight." First Lady Maureen McDonnell (whose tireless efforts promoting the industry earned her the 2012 Wine Person of the Year honors) then revealed the 2013 Governor's Cup winner was Barboursville's 2009 Octagon. It is a record fourth time Barboursville has claimed the Governor's Cup.

Luca Paschina, Winemaker and General Manager of Barboursville, noted that 2009 was a fine vintage, calling the 2009 Octagon "probably one of the best wines I every made in my life" -- adding that he is 50 and has been making wine since he was 14. The 2009 Octagon, which has also claimed a 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast, gold medals form the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago, and the Winemaker's Challenge and Critics Challenge in California, and the Platinum Medal of the Sommelier Challenge in California, will be released August 1.

This year's competition attracted 377 wines entered by 93 wineries. The 12 highest ranking wines will be combined to comprise the Governor's Cup Case and used to showcase the best of Virginia wine - including the Governor's trip to California in April.

Wine Dogs Get to the Point

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 17:00:00 +0000

Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery

Stafford, VA

Pomeroy decided Prosecco was ready to begin her training as a Virginia Wine Dog. First stop, Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery, a short trip down 95 from Alexandria.

Potomac Point's large Mediterranean-style tasting room says “wine” from the moment you pull up, with an impish Bacchus poised out front ready to greet guests and gates embellished with sculptured vines enclosing an enticing outside seating areas (for warmer weather).

Designed by homebuilder Skip Causey (his largest commercial project) and decorated and furnished by wife Cindi, the interior features a four-sided tasting bar, imviting fireplace, and impressive murals of la vita vino.

Potomac Point also offers Le Grand Cru Bistro for those who want to wine and dine (Wine Dogs are not allowed in the dining room, but are otherwise welcome).

Indeed, Pomeroy and Prosecco were warmly welcomed to Potomac Point by proprietor Skip, who provided them the inside scoop on the Potomac Point winery and wines.

The Causeys have lived in Stafford for 27 years. In 2005, Skip was looking for an investment and, having been bitten by the winebug in Napa and Sonoma – as well as a pruning class at Tarara – decided to start a winery close to home. Potomac Point opened to the public in 2007 and currently has 5 acres in vine (Viognier, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Petit Manseng) and are exploring acquiring additional acreage.

Skip told the Wine Dogs that 2009 has been his best year for reds so far. Looking ahead to the 2012 wines, he expects the Viognier to be a star and anticipates an awesome Rose. In addition, Charlie Kidd will be coming to Potomac Point to make his Virginia debut as winemaker, after working in California and Texas.

Pomeroy and Prosecco opted for the Premier tasting and Erin led the Wine Dogs through a flight of 11 wines. There were several standouts and unique offerings.

Pomeroy gave paws up to the 2010 Chardonnay Reserve, a big and oaky offering while Ecco preferred the 2011 steel-barrel fermented Chard with its crisp flavors.

Potomac Point offers two “custom label” wines, and both Wine Dogs gave paws up to the Custom Label Red (a blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and Cab Sauv) playfully labeled “Drunken Reindeer” for Christmas. Pomeroy also liked the 2011 Norton , a classic presentation of the native Virginia varietal finished nicely with a touch of Cab Franc (10%) and Tannat (5%).

Both of the desert wines are noteworthy. The Vin de Paille is crafted in the Itailian Passito style, with wind-dried Muscat grapes wind-dried on beds of straw from an old Virginia tobacco warehouse and blended with hand-des-stemmed very late harvest Vidal and Petit Manseng for a pleasantly sweet, peach-apricot wine which Pomeroy adored.

On the Port side, the Rabelos blends Touriga Nacional, Chambourcin and Tinta Cao aged in a bourbon barrel from the neighboring A. Smith Bowman Distillery for a lovely desert wine that had Ecco coming back for more.

The star of the lineup is the 2009 Richland Reserve Heritage. The Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv and Petit Verdot was the Wine Dogs’ pick for enjoying in front of the fireplace, where they were joined by Chianti, a 2-1/2 year old Australian Shepherd and “Miss December” in the 2013 Old Dominion Wine Dogs Calendar.

Heritage is one of the 12 Governor’s Cup Gold medal winners to be included in the 2012 Governor’s Case used to showcase the best of Virginia Wine across the country and around the world. This year’s Governor’s Cup winners will be announced on February 21.

In loving memory of Munchkin

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 03:24:00 +0000

In Memoriam

Munchkin, the Original Virginia Wine Dog

The Virginia Wine Industry lost one of its most enthusiastic promoters earlier this year. On September 10, 2012, Munchkin -- the irrepressible Yorkshire Terrier of Virginia Wine Dogs fame -- crossed the Rainbow Bridge to tend heaven's vineyard.

Munchkin got her first taste of the grape en route to the mountains for Columbus Day Weekend in 2004, making a chance stop at what was then known as Virginia's first vineyard, Farfelu Vineyards (French for eccentric or hair-brained -- like the idea of a pair of pups having a wine blog?). Her last visits took her to the opening of BOW's Oak Hill Estate and to wine club events at Keswick and Rappahannock Cellars followed by a spontaneous stop at Little Washington Winery.

The great-great-granddaughter of the venerable CH Cede Higgins (the only Yorkshire Terrier ever to win "Best in Show" at Westminster), Munchkin brought her natural flair for showmanship to tasting rooms across the Commonwealth. She delighted in entertaining winery guests -- all the more when her dancing, twirling, rollovers and other tricks were rewarded with treats.

The jumping off point for Munchkin's wine adventures was a mountain retreat just minutes from Fox Meadow, one of several new wineries opening in the Blue Ridge during the first decade of the 21st Century. In 2007, Munchkin teamed up with Pomeroy (Pomeranian and photographer extraordinaire) to create the Virginia Wine Dogs blog, making it their business to sniff out Virginia's finest.

Over the years, Munchkin faithfully reported barking wine news on her blog and Facebook page, spreading the pawsitive word about Virginia's fast-growing industry and its rising reputation as a top wine destination and producer.

She was on hand as a Rovering Reporter when the North American Wine Bloggers Conference came to Charlottesville in 2011, earning a spot on VAWine TV.

To build her expertise, Munchkin tried her paw at winemaking at Three Fox Vineyard

planted a Petit Verdot vine at Gadino Cellars,

and even took a turn at bottling at Breaux.

Munchkin's credits include features in Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA Dog, and Our Town and on NBC 29 (Charlottesville).

Munchkin's loved ones are keeping her spirit alive through her wine blog and Facebook Page. Several as yet unpublished Wine Dog reviews from past years have been located, so fans can look forward to new adventures in the months ahead.

Wine Dogs Saddle Up at Desert Rose Ranch & Winery

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:48:00 +0000

Desert Rose Ranch and Winery
Hume, Virginia

Desert Rose Winery celebrates its first anniversary this weekend (March 31). Shortly after it opened, Munchkin and Pomeroy moseyed out to the ranch and saddled up. This is a unique property – reflecting the life and heritage (and humor) of its owners, Bob and Linda Claymier.

Bob hails from high desert country in Oregon. The horseshoe on the Desert Rose logo, the calfskin on the walls, saddles and hay even bales are a tribute to Bob's cowboy roots - many of the artifacts are old family heirlooms.

The tasting bar reflects other aspects of Bob's life - his career with a federal agency that took the Claymiers all over the world. At every stop, Bob and Linda collected currency, now serving as the counter Desert Rose's "million dollar bar" - one of the only places where Israel and Iraq sit peacefully side-by-side.

In Greece, Bob and Linda met Louis Papadopoulos, who later emigrated to the United States and, showing just what a small world it is, today runs a neighboring Fauquier County winery - Mediterranean Cellars. Bob told the Wine Dogs that the wonderful thing about the wine industry in Virginia “it is such a collegial group - giving a “hats off to John [Delmare] and the entire group at Rappahannock" Cellars. Before buying his own property, Bob used to come down and help Dirgham Salahi at Oasis.

Munchkin and Pomeroy are pleased to report that, as a ranch, Desert Rose is an animal property and pet friendly inside and out. On the day of the Wine Dogs' visit, they were hosting a benefit for the Fauquier County SPCA.

In addition to four-legged friends looking for new homes, Munchkin and Pomeroy met Gigi. The adventurous senior dachshund, owned by Bob's brother Ken, has hung up her tiny motorcycle hat and leather jacket and settled in comfortably to life as a winery dog.

The Wine Dogs also met daughter Kris and granddaughter Emily, who helps out at the family winery. Kris recalls what it was like to grow up with a homewinemaker for a father. "Some of my earliest memories are smelling the yeast coming out of the basement as the wine was percolating.” adding that “Dad would make wine out of anything – even dandelions."

Today, Bob makes his wine out of grapes grown primarily on the property or under his supervision (although the Port-like Starboard is aged in whiskey).

Most of Desert Rose's wines are playfully named and labeled ("we take wine and wine-making very seriously, but not ourselves"). The five other current offerings include:

The Hitch Hollow Chardonnay is named for the local community dating back to the late 1800s
Ole Moo Moo - named for the ranch's celebrity cow and blizzard survivor. Munchkin gave two paws up to the off-dry white made for Linda, who is not a fan of dry.
Sparky (picture of the power line since part of land was claimed by Dominion Power) is a Rose produced from bleed off from a blend of Cab Franc, Merlot, and Cab Sauv.
R.E.D. is named for Bob – Retired and Extremely Dangerous (check the label for more hints about that government agency). The chambourcin is a little spicy with a very distinctive finish.
And a simply named Cabernet Franc, which Pomeroy's decided was the pick of the litter.

Desert Rose produced 1,000 cases its first year and is looking to expand slowly, but not too much. "About 2,000, I get out of my concept of a boutique winery," Bob says. But then again, Bob describes the winery as "a hobby that got out of control."

Making the Case for Virginia Wine (Wine Dogs Hint - Start with 12 Great Wines)

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:30:00 +0000

Representatives of the wineries producing the 12 highest ranking wines in the competition -- the Governor’s Cup Case.

Virginia Governor's Cup Gala

Richmond, Virginia

This year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup competition featured new rules and new honors. More than 400 wines competed;13 won gold.

The 2012 Governor's Cup goes to the 2009 Hodder Hill meritage produced by Wine Dog Pal Jeff White, owner and winemaker at Glen Manor Vineyards in Front Royal. Jeff has two wine dogs of his own -- Chuck, a chocolate lab, and Sport, and American brit.

Winemaker Jeff White pours the 2012 Governor's Cup winner, Glen Manor Vineyard's 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage.

The Hodder Hill, along with the next 11 highest ranking wines in the competition will be combined in the Governor's Cup Case (actually 10 cases of each wine will be available). These award-winning wines will be used to showcase the best of Virginia's vines and vintners, including use by Governor Bob McDonnell on international marketing missions and other events to promote Virginia wine and winery tourism.

The Wine Dogs salute Glen Manor and the other case members:

Lee Hartman of Bluestone Vineyard with his Gold Medal 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. This new winery opened only 13 months ago and is off to a great start with a wine in the Governor's Cup Case.

Delfosse Vineyards winemaker Paul Mierzejewski produced a Gold Medalist with the 2007 Meritage Blend.

Ben and Chris show off Jefferson Vineyards' Gold Medalist, the 2010 Cabernet Franc. Known for creative blending, winemaker Andy Reagan added 10% tannat and 6% Lemberger to this Virginia classic with outstanding results.

Owner Cindy Schornberg was doing double time with Keswick Vineyards' two gold medalists -- the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and the 2010 Merlot. These yet-to-be released wines, both 100% varietals, are already proving their pedigree.

David King proudly displays King Family Vineyards Meritage, a Gold Medalist in the 2012 competition. The 2007 Meritage claimed the Governor's Cup in the 2010. The Wine Dogs made their television debut when they visited the King Family Winery in 2010.

Winemaker Simone Bergese produced Potomac Point Winery's Gold Medalist -- the 2009 Heritage Reserve. The Wine Dogs look forward to visiting this impressive, dog-friendly winery.

Winemaker Jordan Harris produced Tarara's 2010 Honah Lee - a Gold Medalist that will be part of the 2012 Governor's Cup Case. A blend of Viognier, Petit Manseng, and Roussanne, this is a white red wine drikers will enjoy; warms you from the inside out.

Patricia Kluge adds class to the Gala with an apertif, the Kluge Estates Cru. She is the founder of the winery that produced the 2008 Kluge SP Blanc de Blanc, a 2012 Gold Medalist and part of the Governor's Cup Case. Kluge Estates is now Trump Winery.

Winemaker Emily Pelton produced a Gold Medalist at her family winery with the Veritas 2010 Vintner's Reserve, a meritage blend.

Lisa Champ, whose famly started White Hall Vineyards 18 years ago, displays the Gold Medal winning 2010 Gewurtzraminer, one of only two whites to make the 2012 Governor's Cup Case.

Wine Dogs Recap Governor's Cup Awards

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Jeff White of Glen Manor Vineyards Receives Governor's Cup (read about the Wine Dogs' visit to Glen Manor)

Richmond, Virginia

It was an evening of celebration as the results of the 2012 Governor's Cup competition were announced. The night's big winners: Glen Manor (Guv Cup), 1st Lady Maureen McDonnell (Wine Person of the Year), Lake Anna's Ann Heidig (Lifetime Achievement), Del. Scott Garrett (Legislator of the Year) + 12 Gold Medal Wines for Governor's Cup Case.

Dr. Jeff Cooper (Cooper Vineyards) chaired the Governor's Cup Committee and served as the night's emcee. Virginia's Governor's Cup competition has been revamped and is now one of the most stringent and thorough wine competitions in the United States.

Lake Anna Winery Founder (and Spottsylvania County Supervisor) Ann Heidig received Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of exceptional service to the Virginia Wine Industry.

First Lady Maureen McDonnell was recognized as the Virginia Wine Person of the Year. As First Lady, she has been a tireless promoter of Virginia Wine.

VA Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore reads the proclamation declaring March "Virginia Wine and Dine" Month (so successful it's expanded from a week... mirroring the success and expansion of the Virginia Wine industry).

Governor Bob McDonnell says one of the easiest parts of his job is promoting Virginia wines, which he has featured on international trade missions. "Just as Virginia wines have been gaining acclaim here and abroad, we have raised the bar on the competition," the Governor explained, including a requirement that all entries to be made 100% from Virginia-grown grapes.

More than 400 Virginia wines were entered into the competition. Governor McDonnell presented the Governor's Cup to Jeff White, owner and winemaker of Glen Manor Vineyards, for the 2009 Hodder Hill, a meritage blend which the Governor called "“a stunning representation of the best in Virginia wines."

Winemakers representing the 12 highest ranking wines in the competition out of 400 entries. These wines will be combined in the Governor's Cup Case and used to showcase the best of Virginia wine.

Wine Dogs Salute Virginia’s First Lady and Wine Person of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Richmond, Virginia

At the Governor’s Cup Gala on Thursday night, the Virginia Wineries Association recognized First Lady Maureen McDonnell as the Virginia Wine Person of the Year.

She was introduced by Ann Heidig of Lake Anna Winery, who was recognized as the Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award winner.

As First Lady of Virginia, Maureen McDonnell has been a tireless champion of Virginia wine, promoting. Her First Lady’s Initiatives Team Effort (FLITE) trips have brought press, restaurateurs and wine shop owners on tours of Virginia’s wineries and serves Virginia wines when she entertains.

Governor Bob McDonnell, who was at the Gala to present the 2012 Governor's Cup, looked on proudly as his wife received this unexpected but well deserved honor.

Last year, the First Lady planted 12 vines at the Executive Mansion in recognition of the 1619 12th Act of the Virginia House of Burgess, requiring every landowner in the Virginia Colony to plant and maintain at least 10 vines. She announced will be bottling Mansion Wine for the upcoming 200th Anniversary of the historic home of Virginia's governors.

Winter Wining Tips from the Wine Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:21:00 +0000

No need to let the cold weather put a chill on plans to explore Virginia wine country -- just named one of the top 10 travel destinations for 2012 by Wine Enthusiast magazine! Munchkin and Pomeroy share their winter wining tips.

Snuggle up in front of a warm fireplace. So what if you don't have a warm fur coat like Pomeroy's. Grab a bottle of red and curl up in front of a crackling fire. The Wine Dogs especially enjoy the blaze at Philip Carter's Cleave Hall (above) and love the homey atmosphere at Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn. A truly impressive fireplace can be found at Barrel Oak Winery , as well as generous arrangement of firepits outside (throw on your own logs) -- Munchkin and Pomeroy enjoyed both, along with a bottle of 2009 CabFranc, last weekend.

Enjoy winter comfort foods with your Virginia vino. Several wineries have winter specials. The grandfather of them all is Naked Mountain's "Lasagna Lunch." The wonderful pasta sensation (sausage or vegetarian), layered with cheese and topped with a savory sauce, is prepared by Chef Eric and offered from January thru March. Pomeroy could hardly resist long enough to pose for the picture. The Wine Dogs give two paws up to new owners Randy and Megan Morgan for continuing this tradition. Pair with Naked's 2007 Cabernet Franc or 2006 Merlot.

Also on the winter menu are Souper Sundays at Pearmund Cellars and Chili and Wine Time at Philip Carter. If you're a true Chili Dog, you won't want to miss the Chili Cook-Off Wine Trail Weekend, January 28-29, where you can sample chili at each of the four wineries along the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail (Cooper, Grayhaven, James River Cellars and Lake Anna)and vote for your fav.

That's Entertainment! Live entertainment continues at Virginia wineries throughout the winter. Take in some of the more unique offerings next weekend with Three Fox's Cabernet Caberet (sing along with winemaker/pianist "Giovanni" and special guests on the winterized patio, 1/22) and the Laugh Sip and Smile... Saturday Night Live comedy night (1/21) at Bogati's Bodega. Many other wineries feature local musicians, such as Friday Evening in Paradise (Springs) as well as the winery's Live Music Saturdays. And of course, Munchkin's favorite wine trubador Robbie Limon is making the circuit at North Mountain (1/28, 2/12), Veramar (2/11), and Narmada (2/25).

Virginia wineries are open - what are you waiting for?

Gov's Trade Mission Puts Barboursville on Fast Boat to China

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:03:00 +0000

The Virginia Wine Dogs were first to tweet the barking news on Monday.

Barboursville Vineyards has signed an agreement with Tianjin Tewoo Group to export their wines to China. The deal is a result of Governor McDonnell's trade and marketing mission to Asia in May and is believed to be the first commercial transaction between a Virginia winery and a Chinese importer. Barboursville and other Virginia wines have also hit the London market.

Munchkin and Pomeroy were not surprised. The Wine Dogs traveled to Barbours-ville in 2009 and sampled the award-winning wines. The winery is located in Orange County, Virginia, on the farmland of James Barbour, the 18th governor of Virginia, and includes the ruins of the manor house designed by Thomas Jefferson. Barboursville is one of the oldest wineries in Virginia, founded in 1976.

At the North American Wine Bloggers Conference in Charlottesville, viticulturalist Gabriele Russe talked about defying expectations to found a thriving vineyard in Virginia. And the bloggers who toured Barboursville were all a-twitter about Octagon. Created only in exceptional vintage years, Barboursville's premier Bordeaux blend is proof that Virginia can make world-class wines with the structure and balance to age gracefully.

This work of art is lovingly crafted by Barboursville's winemaker and general manager, Luca Paschina, currently celebrating his 20th anniversary at Barboursville. Munchkin caught up with him at Monticello, where she was treated to a sample of the 2002 Octagon.

Mr. Jefferson would be proud!

More Gold for VA in Atlantic Seaboard Competition

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:55:00 +0000

#VAWines claimed 14 of the 37 golds awarded at the Atlantic Seaboard Competition, and best-of-breed (Category) honors for:

Blush/Rose Hybrid/NA
2010 Gulabi by Narmada Winery, VA
Bordeaux-Style Red Blends
2007 Octagon by Barboursville Vineyards, VA
Other Red Vinifera Varietals
2008 Sangiovese by Ingleside Plantation Vineyards, VA
Other White Vinifera Varietals
2008 Petit Manseng by Horton Cellars Winery, VA
Petit Verdot
2009 Petit Verdot Reserve by Barboursville Vineyards, VA
Seyval Blanc
2010 Seyval Blanc by Barrel Oak Winery, VA
Sparkling Vinifera Wines
NV Scintilla by Veritas Winery, VA
Vidal Blanc
2010 Cold Harbor White by James River Cellars, VA
Viognier
2009 Viognier by Lazy Days Winery, VA
White Vinifera Blends
2009 Reserve d'Oriane by DelFosse Winery, VA

Other Virginia Gold Medalists were:

2009 Cabernet Franc Reserve by Afton Mountain Vineyards, VA
2009 Cabernet Franc by Fabbioli Cellars, VA
2008 Cabernet Franc by Flying Fox Vineyard, VA
2009 Reserve Chardonnay by Gray Ghost Vineyards, VA
2006 Petit Verdot by Ingleside Plantation Vineyards, VA
2009 Petit Verdot by Keswick Vineyards, VA
2008 Johann by Notaviva Vineyards LLC, VA
2010 Viognier Reserve by Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery, VA
2007 Meritage by Rockbridge Vineyard, VA

The Atlantic Seaboard Competition was held July 23-24. 564 wines from 11 states competed.

Wine Bloggers Get Big Welcome from Virginia Governor

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:51:00 +0000

Official welcome for the Wine Bloggers Conference from Governor Bob McDonnell (Wine Dogs are big fans!). Munchkin is packing her bags for Charlottesville.

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell

Virginia Welcomes National Wine Bloggers Conference
– 330 wine bloggers from across the country to converge in Charlottesville this weekend –

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today welcomed 330 national wine bloggers to the annual North American Wine Bloggers Conference taking place this weekend in Charlottesville. The three-day symposium brings top wine bloggers from across the country to taste local wines, visit wineries and discuss the intersection of wine and new media.

Virginia, home to almost 200 wineries across the state, is the fifth largest wine producing state in the nation. The Virginia Wine Board, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau are working in partnership to host the event, which is organized by Zephyr Adventures. Eric Asimov, chief wine critic for the New York Times, and Jancis Robinson, world-renowned Master of Wine, will be special guest speakers.

Speaking about this weekend's conference, Governor McDonnell remarked, "Virginia is honored to be hosting the Wine Bloggers Conference and excited to showcase our local wines to this national audience. The conference locating in the Commonwealth this year is yet another indication of the Virginia wine industry's growing reputation in domestic and global marketplaces, and it also furthers my goal of making Virginia the East Coast Capital of wine and wine tourism."

Virginia's theme for the conference is "A Commonwealth of Wine," highlighting the fact that Virginia has wineries in nearly every region of the state. Virginia has nine distinctive wine regions and six federally-recognized American Viticultural Areas.

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore added, "The Virginia wine industry is an important part of our agricultural and tourism efforts to employ thousands of Virginians, preserve working farmland and promote buying locally grown products. I commend the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Charlottesville/Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office for their work in bringing the Wine Bloggers Conference to central Virginia and for helping to promote our burgeoning wine industry."

During the event the wine bloggers will attend seminars, taste wines from nearly 60 Virginia wineries from across the state, tour more than 20 area wineries and visit area attractions including Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and downtown Charlottesville. Attendees also are taking a pre-conference tour of Loudoun County wineries.

"We're proud to be the host city for the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference," said Kurt Burkhart, Executive Director of the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We see this conference as the perfect complement to Vintage: The Winemaker's Year, which clearly shows that Virginia wines have arrived."

Attendees will use social media sites including Facebook and Twitter to share impressions and discoveries about Virginia's wines and travel experiences as well as blogging from the event.

Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, noted, "This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Virginia as a wine travel destination to thousands of potential travelers across the country through social media. We are excited to be a part of this event and look forward to welcoming the wine bloggers to Virginia."

Allan Wright of Zephyr Adventures stated, "We are thrilled with the response Virginia has shown us once we decided to bring the conference to the state. This is our fourth conference but our first on the East Coast and we feel we made the right decision in picking Virginia as the host."

Visit http://winebloggersconference.org/america for more information or keep up with the conference action on Twitter @Winebloggerscon #WBC11. Follow Virginia's wine and tourism industries on Twitter @vawine, @visitVirginia and @vatourismpr.

# # #

VA Wine is Golden

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:48:00 +0000

Congrats to the Gold Medal winner (41 strong) at the State Fair of Virginia wine competition.

The competition drew 193 wines from 43 wineries. The gold-ribbon winners:

Afton Mountain Vineyards: Festa Di Bacco 2009, Gewurztramier 2009;
Annefield Vineyards: Cabernet Franc 2009, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009;
Barboursville Vineyards: Octagon 2007, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Sangiovese Reserve 2009;
Barren Ridge Vineyards: Meritage 2008;
Casanel Vineyards: Batucada Cabernet Sauvignon 2008;
Delfosse Vineyards & Winery: Cabernet Sauvignon 2008;
Democracy Vineyards: Velvet Revolution 2009, Forum 2009;
Flying Fox Vineyard: Viognier 2010;
Gray Ghost Vineyards: Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Vidal Blanc 2010; Ingleside Vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Merlot 2006, Petit Verdot 2006, Sangiovese 2008;
Keswick Vineyards: Petit Verdot 2009;
Lake Anna Winery: Enigme NV, Totally Red NV, Morgan Merlot 2008; Pearmund Cellars: Cabernet Franc Pan D'OR Vineyard 2009;
Rockbridge Vineyard: Meritage 2007, Chardonnay Reserve 2009, Dechel Riesling 2008, Merlot Reserve 2007;
Sugarleaf Vineyards: Vidal Blanc 2009;
Sunset Hills Vineyard: Viognier 2010;
The Hague Winery: Meritage 2009;
The Winery at La Grange: Meritage 2008, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009; Veritas Vineyard & Winery: Cabernet Franc 2010, rosé 2010; Foggy Ridge Cider: First Fruit Cider 2010, Serious Cider 2010, Sweet Stayman Cider 2010; Reynard Florence Vineyard: Petit Manseng 2009;
Sunset Hills Vineyard: Nettare di Tramonto 2008;
Veritas Vineyard & Winery: Petit Manseng 2009.

Wine Dogs Celebrate Love in a Glass

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 14:42:00 +0000

We're not talking puppy love, here. March 18-27 is Wine Week in Virginia. What a great time to fall in love with the fabulous wines being produced in the Old Dominion.

Over 300 restaurants and wine shops across the Commonwealth will be featuring elegant Virginia wines and special food pairings that will have you begging for more. You'll find a full list at the

VirginiaWine.org website.

“Virginia Wine Week: Love by the Glass offers visitors the best of our culinary experiences: restaurants offering local wines and food as part of their menus and hotels that make it easy to plan and visit our scenic countryside and wineries,” said Virginia's First Lady, Maureen McDonnell. “In addition, many of the white wines from our previous harvest are being released at the wineries during that time, an excellent time to get out and visit.”

Keep an eye out for Munchkin and Pomeroy.

Wine Dogs Congratulate Foxy Friends

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 13:05:00 +0000

UPDATE: Munchkin and Pomeroy popped into Fox Meadow on Sunday to give give their neighbors a personal "paws up" and pick up a bottle of the award-winning Le Renard Rouge to taste for themselves.
Grrrr-eat!

Fox Meadow Winery
Linden, VA

The Virginia Wine Dogs congratulate our Blue Mountain neighbors, Dan and Cheryl Mortland, winners of this year's Governor's Cup for their Fox Meadow Vineyards Le Renard Rouge. The award was announced at the Virginia Wine Expo on Friday Night.

Sixty Virginia wineries submitted 196 entries in this year’s cup competition. Other Gold Medal finishers are Afton Mountain Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Barboursville Winery 2008 Petit Verdot, Cooper Vineyards 2008 Norton, Hiddencroft Vineyards 2008 Cabernet Franc and Keswick Vineyards, 2009 Cabernet Franc.

Fox Meadow is celebrating the Chili Days of February this weekend. Warn up with a bowl of chili, bread and a glass of award-winning wine. The extra "fixings" are provided to make your chili the way you like it. No reservations needed. $14.00.

Les Chiens Vin reviewed Fox Meadow in 2007. Read our review here.

Wine Dogs Discover Holiday Anghel

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 17:21:00 +0000

Rappahannock Cellars
Huntley, Virginia

Wine Dogs and other Virginia wine afficionados know Jason Burrus as the skillful winemaker at Rappahannock Cellars. Recently, however, Jason has branched out, launching his own label -- Anghel Wine.

Munchkin and Pomeroy joined a small group of Wine Club members for a special sampling of Anghel's first offering - the 2008 Virginia Red Table Wine - last month.

Jason's stated goal is to produce small lot artisenal wines from Virginia's finest vineyards. In this case, he chose Petit Verdot and Cab Franc grapes from Two Principals Vineyard near Marshall and Willowcroft Winery in Loudoun County, respectively. The wine spent 18 months in oak before bottling in May.

The result is a full-bodied Bordeaux-style wine that exhibits the distinictive cherry and pepper flavors of the best Virginia Cab Francs, with the PV adding a silky richness. Both Wine Dogs give Anghel an enthusiastic four paws up!

Anghel is Russian for angel and is the maiden name of Jason's wife, Natalia. The Wine Dogs were also introduced to the other little Burrus 's anghel, son Maximilian (9 months in barrel), who helped inspire the wine.

Seasons Greetings

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:26:00 +0000

Wine Dogs Wonder: Ho, Ho, Ho, Who Wouldn't Breaux?

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Breaux Vineyards

Purcellville, Virginia

It was Wine Dogs to the rescue when winemaker Dave Collins sent out the call for bottling help. Munchkin and Pomeroy high-tailed it out to Breaux Vineyards for a long-overdue visit to the winery that has been voted Virginia's favorite for two years running. Started by Paul and Alexis Breaux in 1994, the popular winery now has over 1,000 members in its wine club.

With 104 acres of grapes producing 10,000 cases a year, Breaux maintains its own bottling room (many other wineries use mobile bottlers).

Bottles are placed on the mechanized assembly line and sent into the bottling room where they are automatically washed, sanitized, dried, filled, corked and labeled. The completed bottles come out the other end, where they are manually placed into cases, which must be closed and placed on the palates.

The immediate task was getting the 2008 Lafayette Cab Franc into bottles – 7,200 of them. The line to the machinery was connected to the tank holding the wine.

As things cranked up, the bottles started pouring out at a furious pace and the Wine Dogs were called onlto the line to lend a helping paw.
During a lull in the process for quality control (the labels require precision setting), Dave took the Munchkin and Pomeroy back for a tour of the barrel room. They were met by Breaux General Manager Chris Blosser.

As thanks for their assistance, the Wine Dogs were treated to a tasting. Even on a wintry Thursday afternoon, the tasting room was a hub of activity. Wine Educator Kathy led Munchkin and Pomeroy through a flight of 10 Breaux wines – three dry whites, five reds, and two sweet wines.

The whites were friendly and approachable, but with the cooler weather, the Wine Dogs’ fancy turned to reds. The selection was outstanding, beginning with the Equation – a blend of 2007 grapes which had excellent finish and rich mouth feel, a great buy at $15/bottle.

After spending the morning bottling the 2008 Cab Franc, the Wine Dogs were eager to check out the earlier vintage in the tasting room. The 2006 Marquis de Lafayette pleased their puppy palates with hints of the coffee and chocolate/cherry. Breaux’s 2006 Meritage was another winner. Based on this tasting and wines recently sampled from Pomeroy’s cellar, Virginia’s 2006 reds appear to be coming of age and are drinking beautifully.

With a little more time in the bottle, the 2004 Merlot has had the chance to fully integrate, producing a silky wine with a subtle oak finish. The stand-out was the 2005 Nebbiolo, an Italian grape with that produces a rich, sultry wine. As a terrier, Munchkin appreciated the earthy flavors of leather and tobacco and detected a raspberry nose.

The Wine Dogs took home left a bottle of Breaux’s 07 Reserve Cab Franc to sample during the Virginia Wine Blogger’s virtual wine tasting. While Dave says he loves all his wine "children," he told the Wine Dogs the Cab Franc Reserve a very special wine. After tasting it on Thursday night (it pairs perfectly with tenderloin), Munchkin and Pomeroy agree with an enthusiastic four paws up. The Wine Dogs are still savoring the taste and looking forward to their next visit to Breaux.

Wine Dogs Go Clubbing at Rappahannock

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 17:15:00 +0000

Rappahannock Cellars
Huntley, Virginia

There are wine clubs, and there are wine clubs, but the Wine Dogs have found few compare to the Wine Club at Rappahannock Cellars, where Munchkin is in her fifth year of membership.

On Saturday, the Munchkin and Pomeroy joined fellow Wine Club members at the club’s Progressive Soup Party. That's the special thank you that proprietor John Delmare hosts every year for Wine Club members.

Marketing Director Allan Delmare runs the 850-member club, and Kelly Delmare, Rappahannock’s tasting room manager, was responsible for the event. “It’s a great gift to have your son and daughter come back and engage in the business,” their proud papa said, admitting “It is a lot more fun to come to work every day.”

Even the youngest of the 12 Delmare pups (nine girls and three boys) got involved as daughters Grace, Sophia, and Maura saw that check-in ran smoothly and kept tables supplied with bread.

The complimentary wine starts flowing as soon as guests arrive at the soup event (this year’s selections, the Noblesse Blanc and North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon). A four course meal follows, with soup and wine paired to perfection.

The Wine Dogs agreed that the Chardonnay was an excellent complement to the rich Champagne Brie soup (a perennial favorite), and the New World Red balanced nicely with the Spicy Black Bean and Italian Sausage soup. But the Chapelle Charlemange Cab Franc, paired with Wild Rice and Mushroom soup, stole the show, earning a full eight paws up.
Fresh baked pecan cookies and the amber-hued Solara finished the meal.

Wine Club members also get a taste of what’s happening in the vineyard and the barrel room at the soup event.
Winemaker Jason Burrus said the buzz around Virginia this year is excellent grapes courtesy of the drought, producing high-quality/high alcohol wine. He expects the stars of 2010 to be the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Viognier (2009 is definitely the year for Cab Franc, Jason says, and the winemaker says he’s bottling a Glenway Vineyard CF and “it is divine”).

Big wines weren’t the only big news at this year's event. Wine Club members Rob and Lynn had their first date at Rappahannock Cellars two-and-a-half years ago; on Saturday, Rob popped the question (and the cork); Lynn said yes; and the happy couple will probably hold their wedding at Rappahannock as well.

Membership has its privileges, as Pomeroy knows.

Rappahannock has a club room where Members can bring guests for complimentary tastings or a glass of wine (is Munchkin drunk under the table?).

The Wine Dogs love the special Members-only section of the deck, where the paw-ty never stops. You never know who is going to pop up (or pop out, as this Wine Club member did to hear Robbie Limon play).

Wine Club members get discounts on wine and first notification to all events held at Rappahannock Cellars. Munchkin and Pomeroy highly recommend the Barrel Tastings with Jason and Vineyard Manager Tom Kelly. That’s where the Wine Dogs’ began to train their sensitive canine noses and sophisticated little palates to fully appreciate the great grape.

So how can you join the club? Just buy two bottles of yummy Rappahannock Cellars wine every month at a 15 percent discount, and you're in. That's right. No membership fees, and unlike a cellphone contract, you can cancel whenever you like with no penalty.

The club is exceptionally flexible. If like Munchkin your palate runs to reds, you can go red-only - or just swap out the white when the mood strikes you (a woman's prerogative and all). Don't like sweet wines - substitute.
Rappahannock will ship your monthly selections, but why pass up an excuse to visit Virginia Wine Country and pick up your wine personally. Perhaps you'll run into your favorite Wine Dogs there.

Wine Dogs Uncover the Naked Truth

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 18:00:00 +0000

Naked Mountain Vineyard and Winery
Markham, Virginia

One of Virginia’s oldest wineries is under new ownership. Randy and Meagan Morgan visited Naked Mountain in February, enjoyed the wines, and then learned the winery was for sale.

Jumping at the opportunity to own their own business and follow their passion for wine, they purchased Naked Mountain from founders Bob and Phoebe Harper in August – just in time for harvest. “We survived,” Meagan said. “The staff were patient, coaching us through it.”

On Sunday, the Virginia Wine Dogs sat down with the young pups for an interview (at 27 and 26, respectively, Randy and Meagan are probably the youngest winery owners in Virginia). While they have plans for taking Naked Mountain on to a new generation, the Morgans see themselves as stewards of a great tradition.

For starters, the barrel-fermented Chardonnay – once served at the White House – will continue as Naked Mountain’s flagship wine. “Naked has a great white wine tradition,” Randy told Munchkin. The new owners intend to maintain the current production level of about 2,500 cases a year, while broadening the selection. One of the first areas to be replanted will be the 35-year-old Chardonnay grapes.

The staff stayed on, including Cellar Master Brooke Walter. She led the Wine Dogs through a tasting of six Naked Mountain wines. Munchkin was delighted to find solid reds in the line-up, including the 2006 Cab Franc and the Scarlet Oak Red (a blend of Syrah, Mouvedre, and Tannat). Pomeroy loved the new Chardonnay/Riesling, an off-dry white with fruit perfectly balancing the 2% residual sugar. “It is the first vintage I was responsible for,” Brooke beamed.

As part of taking Naked Mountain into the next generation, the Morgans plan to update the logo. They also want to open up the tasting room to host more people, while keeping the homey, warm feel of the ski-chalet setting. “Virginia wine crowds are getting bigger and bigger,” Randy said, noting the synergy among area wine owners and the support given to the industry by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and his team. “We want people to think of visiting the winery like visiting our home,” Meagan added.

Randy also hinted at an expansion of the deck that overlooks the vineyards and offers a remarkable view of the Blue Ridge, as well as additional parking.

The Wine Dogs were delighted to learn that the famous Naked Mountain lasagna lunches, a mainstay of their winter wining, will continue.

Wine Dogs Fall (Again) for Philip Carter

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 18:00:00 +0000

Philip Carter Winery of Virginia
Hume, Virginia

It was like homecoming when the Wine Dogs dropped by Philip Carter for an impromptu visit during the winery's fall festival. They spent an enjoyable autumn afternoon catching up with old friends and sipping fabulous wine.

Dick Zweber welcomed Munchkin and Pomeroy warmly as they hopped out of the jeep, letting them know that fellow wine dogs Cortoman (American Mastiff) and Fairfax (Shih Tzu) were waiting by the fire pits.

Owner Philip Strother treated the thristy travelers to a glass of Cab Franc and filled them in on the program, which included the moon bounce, a book signing by Counterfeit Farm Girl Susan McCorkingdale, and barrel tastings by winemaker Rob Cox.

Pomeroy was tempted until Munchkin learned that the one and only Robbie Limon was performing downstairs(she swears she didn't know). So the Wine Dogs opted for Cleve Hall and a bottle of Cleve (a lush, velvety blend of Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon which earned Platinum at the Virginia Wine Lovers Classic in June).

As they whiled away the afternoon, they caught up Karen and Amanda and PC Event Coordinator Donna Johnson, who shared photos of weddings at the winery as well as First Lady Maureen McDonnell's visit in August. Munchkin is thinking sunset ceremony...

Wine Dogs Congratulate Winners of the Towne Point Wine Competition

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:25:00 +0000

More than 100 wines competed in the Towne Point Wine Competition over the weekend. Pomeroy notes that juice for the Meritage winner (Pearmund's 2007 Ameritage) fermented in his dad's barrel.

The Wine Dogs congratulate the all the #VAWine winners:

WHITE WINES
ChardonnayGold - 2009 Cross Key Chardonnay
Silver - 2009 New Kent Chardonnay
Bronze - 2008 The Winery at La Grange Fletcher's Chardonnay

Viognier
Gold - 2009 Cooper Viognier
Silver - 2009 Pearmund Viognier
Bronze - 2008 Chateau Morrisette Viognier

Vinifera White
Gold - NV Prince Michel Sparkling
Silver - 2008 Delfosse Reserve D' Oriane
Bronze - 2009 Cardinal Point A6

Hybrid White
Gold - 2009 First Colony Zephyr
Silver - 2008 James River Cellar Vidal Blanc
Bronze - 2008 Democracy Declaration

Dessert
Gold - NV Cooper Noche-Noche
Silver - 2008 Cross Key Ali D'Oro
Bronze - 2009 The Winery at La Grange Snort

RED WINES
Hybrid Red
Gold - 2008 Davis Valley Autumn Red
Silver - 2008 Chateau Morrisette Chambourcin
Bronze - 2008 Cooper Norton

Vinifera Red
Gold - 2007 Rockbridge Syrah
Silver - 2008 Prince Michel Syrah
Bronze - 2009 Holly Grove Sunset Rose

Merlot
Gold - 2009 Keswick Merlot
Silver - 2007 Lovingston Merlot
Bronze - 2007 Rockbridge Merlot

Cabernet Franc
Gold - 2008 the Winery at La Grange Cabernet Franc
Silver - 2009 Keswick Cabernet Franc
Bronze - 2009 Sugarleaf Cabernet Franc
Bronze - 2009 Lovingston Cabernet Franc

Petit Verdot
Gold - 2009 Willowcroft Petit Verdot
Silver - 2008 Cross Key Petit Verdot
Bronze - 2008 Chateau Morrisette Petit Verdot

Cabernet Sauvignon
Gold - 2008 Pearmund Cabernet Sauvignon
Silver - 2008 Sugarleaf Cabernet Sauvignon
Bronze - 2007 Barboursville Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve

Meritage
Gold - 2007 Pearmund Ameritage
Silver - 2008 Cross Key Meritage
Bronze - 2008 Cooper Coopertage

Paradise Springs Chard Named State's Top White

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:24:00 +0000

Open less than a year, Paradise Springs may be just a pup in Virginia's growing kennel of top wineries but they're demonstrating show quality - claiming the Governor's Cup at Monticello on Wednesday night for their 2009 Reserve Chardonney. This is the first time since 1991 that a Chardonnay has won the cup. Munchkin and Pomeroy extend their congrats to Jane Kincheloe and Kirk Wiles and all our friends in Paradise.

BOW is Top Dog with "Best in Show" Ribbon at Virginia State Fair

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:31:00 +0000

The Virginia Wine Dogs congratulate Brian, Sharon, Rick and the entire pack at Barrel Oak Winery. BOW wowed the Virginia State Fair judges with their 2008 Reserve Petit Verdot and received the "Best in Show" ribbon at the Black Tie & Boots gala on September 22.

Veritas was also recognized for racking up the most ribbons. The full list of winners follow:

2010 State Fair of Virginia Wine Competition
Best in Show

Barrel Oak Winery - Reserve Petit Verdot 2008

Gold Ribbon
AmRheins Wine Cellars - AGLIANICO 2007
Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn - Rockawalkin 2007
Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn - Parris Country Blend 2008
Barboursville Vineyards - CABERNET FRANC RESERVE 2008
Barboursville Vineyards - PINOT GRIGIO 2009
Barboursville Vineyards - SAUVIGNON BLANC 2009
Barrel Oak Winery - Reserve Petit Verdot 2008
Barrel Oak Winery - Viognier 2008
Barren Ridge Vineyards - Meritage 2008
Barren Ridge Vineyards - Viognier 2008
Casanel Vineyards - Chegada Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Cooper Vineyards - Petit Verdot 2008
Crosskeys Vineyards - Meritage 2008
Delfosse Vineyards & Winery - GRAND CRU OLIVIER 2008
Delfosse Vineyards & Winery - MERLOT 2008
Delfosse Vineyards & Winery - PETIT VERDOT 2008
Democracy Vineyards - VELVET REVOLUTION 2007
First Colony Winery - Merlot 2008
Flying Fox Vineyard - Viognier 2009
James River Cellars - Gewurtraminer 2008
Keswick Vineyards - Viognier Reserve 2009
Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard - Kluge Estate New World Red 2005
Lake Anna - Barrel Select Chardonnay 2008
Lake Anna - Morgan Merlot 2007
Naked Mountain Vineyard - VA Cabernet Franc 2007
Narmada Winery - Viognier 2009
Notaviva Vineyards - Cantabile 2008
Notaviva Vineyards - Calor 2009
Pearmund Cellars - Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Pearmund Cellars - Riesling 2009
Pearmund Cellars - Petit Manseng 2009
Philip Carter Winery - Cabernet Franc 2009
Pollak Vineyards - Pollak Cabernet Franc 2008
Pollak Vineyards - Chardonnay RSV 2008
Pollak Vineyards - Pollak Petit Verdot 2008
Pollak Vineyards - Viognier 2009
Rockbridge Vineyard - DeChiel Riesling 2008
Rockbridge Vineyard - Merlot - Dechiel 2007
Rockbridge Vineyard - Syrah - DeChiel 2007
Rockbridge Vineyard - Rockbridge Vignoles 2007
The Winery at La Grange - Pinot Gris - Toll Gate Vineyard 2009
Veritas Vineyard & Winery - Vintners Reserve "VR" 2008
Veritas Vineyard & Winery - Sauvingon Blanc Reserve 2009
Afton Mountain Vineyards - Pentola D'Oro 2008
Barboursville Vineyards - MALVAXIA 2006
Crosskeys Vineyards - Ali D'Oro 2008
Mattaponi Winery - Odeimin (Strawberry) 2010
Veritas Vineyard & Winery - Kenmar 2007

Silver Ribbon
Afton Mountain Vineyards - Festa DiBacco 2008
AmRheins Wine Cellars - PINOT GRIGIO 2008
Annefield Vineyards - RED 2008
Barboursville Vineyards - OCTAGON 2007
Barrel Oak Winery - Merlot 2008
Barrel Oak Winery - Traminette 2009
Barren Ridge Vineyards - Red Barren 2008
Barren Ridge Vineyards - Cabernet Franc 2008
Cooper Vineyards - Viognier 2009
Delaplane Cellars - Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2008
Delaplane Cellars - Emerald Vineyard Viognier 2007
Democracy Vineyards - UNUM 2009
Dry Mill Vineyards & Winery - Barrel Chardonnay 2008
First Colony Winery - Meritage 2008
Flying Fox Vineyard - Cabernet Franc Ridge Run Vineyard 2007
Gray Ghost Vineyards - Reserve Chardonnay 2008
Hiddencroft Vineyards - Traminette 2009
Holly Grove Vineyards - Celebration 2009
Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard - Albemarle Simply Red 2006
Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard - Kluge SP Blanc de Blanc 2007
Kluge Estate Winery & Vineyard - Albemarle Viognier 2009
North Gate Vineyard - Chardonnay 2009
Notaviva Vineyards LLC - Verano 2009
Paradise Springs Winery – Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Pearmund Cellars - Viognier 2009
Piedmont Vineyards & Winery - Hunt Country Chardonnay 2009
Pollak Vineyards - Pollak Cabernet Sauvingon 2007
Rockbridge Vineyard - Cabernet Franc - DeChiel 2007
Rockbridge Vineyard - Chardonnay - DeChiel 2009
Rosemont of Virginia Winery - Syrah 2008
San Soucy Vineyards - Cabernet Franc 2008
San Soucy Vineyards - Tempranillo 2008
Sugarleaf Vineyards - Petit Manseng 2008
Sunset Hills Vineyard - SUNSET ROSE 2009
Sunset Hills Vineyard - VIOGNIER 2009
The Hague Winery Inc - Cabernet Franc 2008
Veritas Vineyard & Winery - Cabernet Franc 2009
Veritas Vineyard & Winery - Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Veritas Vineyard & Winery - Viognier 2009
Williamsburg Winery, Ltd. - Adagio 2007
Woodland Vineyard - Barrel Select 2009
North Gate Vineyard - Apple Wine NV

Individual Label Design:
1st place – Delfosse Grand Cru Olivier
2nd place – Paradise Springs of Clifton Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
3rd place – Kluge SP Blanc de Blanc

Overall Winery Presentation:
1st place – Pollak Vineyards
2nd place – Veritas Vineyard & Winery
3rd place – Delfosse Vineyards & Winery

Individual Label Design – Dessert or Sweet Wine Bottles (375 ml):
1st place – Afton Mountain Pentrola D’oro
2nd place – Barboursville Malvaxia Passito
3rd place – Veritas Kenmar

Best Use of Whimsy on a Label:
1st place – Narmada Dream
2nd place – Flying Fox Cabernet Franc
3rd place – Notaviva Vineyards Cantabile Cabernet Franc

Most Ribbons Awarded to a Single Winery:
Veritas Vineyard & Winery

The Artists formerly Known as Wine Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (VA WINE DOGS) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Outer Barks
Duck, NC

Munchkin and Pomeroy outside Outer Barks with Barker and one of owner Kevin and Robin
Carey's pet Keeshondens (they have four).

An absolute must for every pampered pup's OBX beach vacation is the weekly Yappy Hour at the Outer Barks. It takes place each Wednesday from 4-5:30.

While there is no wine (enterprising humans have been known to BYOB), there are delightful Puppachinos and generous array of special doggie appetizers for the post-beach cocktail hour.

Munchkin and Pomeroy adored the chicken and potato casserole with a touch of cheddar that hostess Robin prepared last week.

On clear days, Yappy Hour takes place in the big yard behind Scarborough Faire, with pools for pups to splash in and hoops and agility rings to jump.

A favorite Yappy Hour activity among the four-legged crowd is the art.

Who knew a puppy paw was a natural paint brush?

This year's colors were peppy orange and pink (water soluable for easy cleaning).

Both Wine Dogs left with full tummies and full confidence that their new masterpieces are destined for the walls of the Petropolitan Museum of Art.