Vol. XIII, Issue No. 2                                                                                  January 30, 2018    
   
Evening on the Lawn: Winery at Bull Run - Centreville, Virginia 

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February is "choc full" of sweet events at Virginia's wineries . . . and cideries, breweries and distilleries.  Be sure to check out Events for the multitude of activities occurring this month across the state.
 
Wine lovers, foodies, craft beer enthusiasts and whiskey fans will gather in Richmond on February 27 through March 4 for the annual Virginia Wine Expo.  It's the hottest winter event in the mid-Atlantic region, this year with a dramatically refreshed schedule that includes well-curated and informative wine, spirits, craft beer and food experiences.
 
This month we are featuring the Winery at Bull Run in Centreville where rustic charm meets history and elegance.  Established in 2012 as a scenic working farm vineyard, it is situated adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park.  Our subscribers voted the Bull Run Tasting Room as one of their top favorites in 2017.  

We wish you a Happy Valentine's Day . . . and, as always, Cheers! 
  
J une Britt
Editor
 
 
 
       FORWARD TO A FRIEND  
         
 



 
VIRGINIA WINE EXPOfestivalofthemonth  
February 27-March 4, 2018
Main Street Station, Richmond                                                       www.virginiawineexpo.com/event-schedule/

Now in its 11th year, the Virginia Wine Expo is a dream destination. It is the season's hottest wine, craft beer, whiskey and culinary event in the mid-Atlantic region and features a world-class venue, the recently revitalized Main Street Station in Downtown, for many of its events.    A dramatically refreshed schedule includes well-curated and informative wine, spirits, craft beer and food experiences.   
 
At the heart of Expo are the Walk-Around Tastings which include premium wines of Virginia along with selections from Oregon and New Zealand/Australia, the National and International guest regions.  There will also be samplings of ciders, spirits and specialty foods. Taste why Virginia, with 280+ wineries, has emerged as one of America's premier wine regions.  Enjoy comparing and contrasting Virginia wines to those of the guest regions.
       

 
THE WINERY AT BULL RUNBULLRUN   
Rich in History and Charm
 
The Winery at Bull Run was established in 2012 by the Hickox family as a scenic working vineyard.  The focus is on crafting fine Virginia wines while paying tribute to the history and preservation of 19th century pastoral Fairfax County.  Bull Run is the closest winery to Washington DC, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  

Bull Run occupies 225 acres adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park and next door to an equestrian farm.  The winery was built to represent the two types of historic barns in Northern Virginia, a smaller 1800's-style structure and a larger 1920's-era dairy barn complete with hayloft and hay lift cable and beam.  

The family's passion for history of the land led them to create the largest working farm in Fairfax County.  There are two vineyards on site, totaling over 8 acres of Norton vines.  In addition, a property in Rappahannock County, the home of Rock Mill Vineyard, has 42 acres under vine with eight different varietals.

       


   
  SINFULLY CHOCOLATE PIE pie 
  Valentine's Day is right around the corner, and sometimes
  the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that you make yourself.
  And of course, that calls for chocolate.  We promise this
  sinfully chocolate pie will melt your Valentine's heart! 
 
  CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE        

 
VALENTINE SANGRIA SANGRIA  
    
Sangria is an alcoholic beverage that originated in Portugal and Spain.  It traditionally consists of red wine and chopped fruit.  Our recipe calls for a Virginia red, and we added raspberries and strawberries for a Valentine twist.

Like many wines, sangria is a nice accompaniment to cheese, particularly brie with its rich creaminess but mild flavor. Serve on crackers or crostini with sliced Granny Smith apples. Sangria also goes well with aged cheddar, Gouda and Asiago.

CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE
  

 
2018 GOVERNOR'S CUP ETCETERA
February 27, 2018 
Winner of this year's Virginia Governor's Cup will be announced at the Gala to be held on February 27 at Richmond's newly refurbished Main Street Station.  The event is the premier gathering of the Virginia wine industry, highlighted by the announcement of the winner of the Governor's Cup competition.  The annual event is sponsored by the Virginia Wine Marketing Board in partnership with the Virginia Wineries Association, the Virginia Wine Council and the Virginia Vineyards Association.  For information, email info@vawine.org or call 804-592-3196
 
 
 
FAREWELL TO FOGGY RIDGE CIDER
Diane Flynt, founder of Virginia's Foggy Ridge Cider has announced that the current release will be the last. "It's time to return to my roots," Flynt said, referring to growing apples, without the pressing business of producing and marketing cider. Flynt has been a prominent advocate for the craft cider movement, promoting the revival and use of traditional cider apple varieties common in colonial days but nearly forgotten in the modern marketplace.  Her work earned her a James Beard Award nomination this year as outstanding beverage professional. Flynt will continue to grow heirloom apple varieties at the orchard in Dugspur.
 
 
FIDO BANNED FROM WINERY TASTING ROOMS                                                           Many Virginia wineries have welcomed four legged friends, but that's in the past.  A new Virginia Law no longer permits dogs in winery tasting rooms, leash or not (with exception for service animals), according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 
 
 
 
VIRGINIA WINE:  FOUR CENTURIES OF CHANGE
By Andrew Painter 
New book focuses on the history of Virginia's wine industry from its earliest Spanish accounts in 1570 through its rebirth and growth in the modern era. It provides a background on nearly all industry participants from Captain John Smith to Thomas Jefferson, to modern viticultural pioneers. Originally conceived as a conventional winery tour guide, the focus of the work evolved into a comprehensive historical account of the development of Virginia wine.

 
DISTILLERS MEET WITH GOVERNOR 
Distillers from across the Commonwealth met with Governor Ralph Northam to advocate for regulatory support for the distilled spirits industry during their second legislative day on January 25.
(Photo Credit:  Revel Photography Co.) 


VIRGINIA FOOD & BEVERAGE EXPO
Coming March 21, 2018
Virginia's specialty food and beverage trade event will be held on March 21 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center with specialty, gourmet, grocery and beverage buyers, celebrity chefs and restaurateurs gathering to see hundreds of Virginia specialty foods and beverages. Sponsored by VDACS, the Expo connects industry buyers with Virginia specialty food and beverage products. It happens once every other year.
      


Check Future Festivals
for Dates and Opportunities
to Purchase Tickets at Early Bird Savings

februaryevents

February 2-4:  Chocolate Lovers Festival
City of Fairfax
Four days of delicious events, including Chocolate Challenge and the Taste of Chocolate.
See schedule on website.
 
February 2:  Bacchus Wine and Food Festival
Virginia Living Museum (Newport News)
Samplings of fine wine, craft beer, restaurant fare and eclectic mix of music and entertainment.  A gala gathering midst the beautiful museum galleries and exhibits. Reservations.
February 2:  Chocolate & Wine Pairing
Paradise Springs (Clifton)
Local artisan chocolates paired with a full tasting of Paradise Springs wines, including port style Swagger.  Makes reservations for groups.
February 2:  Groundhog Day Celebration
Blue Mountain Brewery (Afton)
Live music, great food, craft beer and family fun.
February 3:  Wine Dinner
DelFosse Vineyards & Winery (Faber)
Delicious chef prepared dinner accompanied by award winning wine.  Make reservations by January 31.
 
February 3:  Super Bowl of Wine                        
Paradise Springs Winery (Clifton)                       
Blind tasting event with 5 Paradise Springs wines alongside a wine of the same varietal and price point from another region of the world.  Reservations.       
February 3:  Winterfest
Stable Craft Brewing (Waynesboro)
Celebrate all things winter with cold weather hijinks including frozen turkey bowling, snowball throwing, stout ice cream floats and more.  Will Morocco see his shadow?
February 3:  Super Bowl Weekend
Little Washington Winery (Washington VA)
Wear your NFL gear, join the football pool and toss the old pig skin on the lawn.
 
February 4:  Sip & Paint Party
Breaux Vineyards (Purcellville)
Sip & Paint party featuring wine specials, Mardi Gras themed prizes, grab bags, giveaways.  Selection of wines and delicious cheeses.  Includes all art supplies.
FOR COMPLETE LIST OF FEBRUARY EVENTS

About Events:  As our information comes from many sources, we recommend you verify dates and times, as well as costs
and reservations that may be required.  (We are not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate information.)

If you would like to submit an event, send details (what, where and when, as well as contact information) to info@vawinelover.com no later than the 10th of the month prior to the month of the event. 

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