Let the Festivals Begin.  It's That Time of Year.    
Vol. XII, Issue No. 5                                                                                                    May 2, 2017   
   
            
 
Dear Wine Lover Friends,   letter
   
May is a great time to explore Virginia and to visit some of the 280 wineries, 100 craft breweries and 16-and-counting distilleries (as of this date).  You'll find them in every direction, along with festivals and special events and great places to dine.  

Check the list of Events for suggestions on where to go and what to do this month and take note of the Favorite Tasting Rooms of Virginia wine lovers.  Our Featured Festivals for May include:

   Central Virginia Corks & Taps Festival - May 6 in Glen Allen
   Wine & Craft Festival - May 20 in Front Royal
   ValleyFest Beer & Wine Festival - May 27 in Massanutten
   Brewmasters Ball - Coming June 2, Infinity Downs in Arrington

We just came back from a weekend at the Tides Inn in Irvington where they were hosting the Taste of Spring 2017 with delicious Virginia wines and craft beers.  It was a great festival, despite the rain.  Put it on your bucket list for next spring.

Cheers!
 
 
 
Frank C. Britt
Publisher    

IN THIS ISSUE 
 
 
May 6: Central Virginia Corks & Taps

May 20: Virginia Wine & Craft

May 27: ValleyFest

Recipe of the Month 
 
ETCetera

  May Events   
  


* CLICK HER E for 15% Discou nt. Promo Code: FRANK 15
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THERE ARE 10 WINERIES OF THE MONTH FOR MAY!
They are the Favorite Winery Tasting Rooms of Virginia Wine Lovers. 
favnew favorite
Springtime is a great time to wine your way across Virginia. There are some 280 wineries and hundreds of vineyards to explore, and among them are the Favorite Tasting Rooms selected by readers of the Official Virginia Wine Lover. At each, you will enjoy fine 
selections of wines and a friendly and knowledgeable staff and attractiveness and 
proximity of the winery location.
 









   (Listed in Alphabetical Order)






MAY 6, 2017
INNSBROOK PAVILION, GLEN ALLENcorks
Award-winning fund raising event organized by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association, Richmond Chapter, features 10 wineries, 6 craft breweries and cideries from around Virginia. Big Enough, The Mike Lucci Band and one more awesome band will provide entertainment throughout the day. There will be food and non-alcoholic beverage concessions and over 
14 specialty-item vendors. All proceeds go to scholarship and endowment funds for Richmond area Virginia Tech students

   
READ MORE



MAY 20, 2017
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN FRONT ROYALwinecraft
                                                               
Festival gates open at 10 am with activities and live entertainment throughout the day until 6 p.m.   The event covers more than seven blocks featuring some 20 Virginia wineries, over 100 vendors, artists and crafters from all over the east coast .Not to be outdone by the wineries and crafters, food vendors are on point with over a dozen to choose from. Festival goers are encouraged to visit the many unique shops and restaurants along Main Street during the event as well. Entertainment throughout the day includes Gallows Bound, back by popular demand Back To Zero, and Grass Fed .

 
 












MAY 27, 2017
MASSANUTTEN RESORTCOOLLOGO
 
Kick off summer this Memorial Day weekend at the Valley Fest Beer & Wine Festival. More than 4000 attendees are drawn to the slopes of the Massanutten Resort in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley Festival to sample a wide variety of regional wines and microbrews; listen to live music, enjoy delicious food and browse the wares of quality crafters and artisans. The annual event, now in its 17th year, is a rain or shine event.
 
   
 





 



SPRING SHRIMP SALAD recipe
A great recipe for warm May days.
And perfect served with a Virginia Viognier. 
(Courtesy of a Wine Lover friend)


ACCOLADES FOR BARBOURSVILLEetc
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate recently awarded 90+ Points to Barboursville's Nebbiolo Reserve 2014, 92 Points to Paxxito 2013, 90 Points to Octagon 2014 and Viognier Reserve 2015, and 89 Points to Cabernet Franc Reserve 2014, Petit Verdot Reserve 2014, and Vermentino Reserve 2015. Wow!
 
 
TURPIN TO HEAD VIRGINIA WINE COUNCIL
Jim Turpin has been appointed as VWC's Executive Director. Owner of Democracy Vineyards and a seasoned lobbyist, Turpin has a long and active history with the Virginia wine industry.
READ MORE



SOMMELIERS' GOLD TO NARMADA

Narmada Winery was awarded a gold medal for Narmada Melange 2014 at the TexSom International Wine Awards which features a judging panel that includes no fewer than 34 Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine. There were over 3000 entries from around the world, sampled by 67 judges. 
READ MORE   



                                                                                       
SAVORING VIRGINIA'S WINES AND FOODS
The Fifth Annual Virginia Wine Summit for wine and food professionals will take place on May 16 at the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville. The trade event   is a celebration of Virginia's wine and food culture and an opportunity for Virginia winemakers, national beverage professionals and wine writers to interact.
READ MORE



CHECK FUTURE FESTIVALS EACH MONTH 
FOR DATES AND OPPORTUNITIES
TO PURCHASE TICKETS AT EARLY BIRD SAVINGS. futurefest

To Select Festival and Follow Link to Purchase Tickets.

mayevent

May 6:  Baltimore Wine & Food Festival
Rash Field (Baltimore Inner Harbor)
Join thousands of area foodies for all you care to taste wines, spirits and beers along with world-renowned chefs, artisanal craftsmen and culinary pioneers.
Website

May 6:  Blues, Brews and BBQ
331 Water Street (Yorktown)
Festival on the river with down-home blues, incredible microbrews, amazing BBW and other gourmet foods for purchase.
Website

May 6 & 20:  Sangria Saturday
Lazy Days Winery (Amherst)
Bring a picnic, play corn hole or just relax and listen to live music. Bring your sangria growler or purchase a filled growler.
Website

May 6:  Central Virginia Corks & Taps Festival
Innsbrook Pavilion (Glen Allen)
Ten wineries, 6 craft breweries,14+ specialty vendors, awesome music, food and  non-alcoholic beverages.  Hosted by VA Tech Alumni Assn. Richmond chapter.
Website

May 6:  Virginians vs South American Wines
Bogati Winery (Round Hill)
A fun and unique blind tasting where you decide which wines are Virginia.  Which are South America?  Which are better?  Space is limited; reservations.
Website

May 6:  Uncorked Half Marathon
New Kent Winery (New Kent)
Run in the beautiful countryside.  Unwind with a post-race massage and deluxe brunch package.  Uncork with award-winning wine.  Reservations:  $85 to $115.
Website

May 6:  Rock the Ridge
Valley Road Vineyards (Afton)
A great day to support the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.  Music by Wil Overman Band and local artists.  Two Brothers Grill and Valley Road varietals will be flowing.
Website
 

May 6-7:  Town Point Virginia Wine Festival

Waterside Drive (Norfolk)
Over 30 Virginia Wineries along Downtown Norfolk waterfront.  Live musical performances, gourmet foods and specialty wares for purchase.
Website

May 6-7:  Montpelier Spring Wine Festival        
11350 Constitution Hwy (Montpelier Station)
Annual festival on the grounds of Montpelier featuring Virginia wineries, arts and crafts, specialty food vendors, live music and children's entertainment, carriage rides and kites flying.
Website

May 6-7:  Winery Opens to the Public
Slater Run Vineyard (Upperville)
Usually closed to the public but open for the first time to visitors for tastings and tours. Beautiful views, fine wine and food.
Website

May 7:  Wine and Chocolate Pairing
Virginia Mountain Vineyards (Fincastle)
Learn how to pair these two complex decadent treats.  Pairing with Baylee's Best Chocolate.  Reservations; $25.
Website


May 7:  Library Tasting

Gray Ghost Vineyards (Amissville)
Past vintages and current releases of Gray Ghost in the wine library with the owners and winemakers.  Limited number of each wine available for sale.  Reservations $25.
Website

May 7:  OM Roam Celebration
DelFosse Vineyards and Winery (Faber)
Energize, expand and explore with intuitive readings and holistic practitioners.  Free mini yoga classes.  Wine tastings and seasonal foods.
Website

May 5:  Cinco de Drinko
Brew Republic Bierwerks (Woodbridge)
Mexican menu items, Mexican-themed beer creations, live music and the most fun anyone has had since the celebration after the Battle of Puebla.
 

May 6:  Oyster Roast

Devils Backbone Brewing Company (Roseland)
Serving up bushels of fresh oysters and pints of beer.  Live music by Full Moon Saloon Band and Scott Slay and the Rail.  Rain or shine in the outdoor Meadows.
May 6:  Revolutionary Beer Fest
Chesapeake City Park (Chesapeake)
Unlimited samples of over 30 beers, food for purchase and live entertainment.  Purchase a growlette, or bring your own.  Tickets limited; purchase today.
 

May 6:  Derby Day Party

Virginia Distillery Company (Lovingston)
Celebrate Derby Day with our signature Virginia Julep.  Music by the John Spear Band and food from Thrill of the Grill.
 

May 6:  Smith Mountain Lake Beer & BBQ Festival

Smith Mountain Lake (Downtown Moneta)
Variety of BBQ, over 20 breweries with 60+ craft beers and music by Goose Gpssett and Place Called Home Band.
 
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 event.

THE TIDES TASTE OF SPRINGwewerethere
APRIL 22, 2017 - IRVINGTON, VA
No matter the weather, you can't beat the Tides, and despite a bit of rain, a large crowd turned out for this annual spring event. There was lots of beer and wine, good music and a variety of foods, including fresh seafood, of course.
READ MORE


Cheers from the Tides!

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