868 Estate Vineyards - Purcellville, Virginia
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Vol. XV, Issue No. 3 March 3, 2020
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Spring is on the way! Tasting Rooms are reopening after the winter respite, and winery events are moving into high gear, evidenced by the many listings in March Events.
There is lots to report this month beginning with the
Virginia Wine Expo which kicks off today in Richmond and runs through March 8. The Grand Walk-Around Tastings at the weekend is one of the most popular events for Virginia Wine Lovers. Tickets are still available online and at the door.
The Governor's Cup was announced on February 25, with the coveted prize going to
868 Estate
Vineyard's 2017 Vidal Blanc Passito. You can read about the Awards and our Winery of the Month below.
Hops,
Wines & Swines Festival
comes up at the end of the month on March 28. No need to worry about the weather, as this event in under roof at the Olde Dominion Ag Complex in Chatham. Coming on April 18 is the
Smithfield Wine & Brew Fest
which we are listing early as tickets go fast and the event sells out early.
As always, Cheers to Wine Lovers!
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MARCH 3-8, 2020
Richmond
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15% DISCOUNT
With Promo Code:
FRANK 15
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30% OFF
With Promo Code:
offvawinelover
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Congratulations to Virginia's Top Wine!
868 ESTATE VINEYARDS' 2017 VIDAL BLANC PASSITO
The 2020 Governor's Cup was awarded by Governor Ralph Northam to
868 Estate Vineyards for their 2017 Vidal Blanc Passito. The winning wine
was unveiled at the Virginia Wineries Association celebration on February 25.
All wines in the Governor's Cup competition must be made from 100 percent
Virginia fruit, but the 868 Vidal 'Passito' represents the first winner made entirely
from Loudoun County fruit. Produced by the Italian 'appassimento' technique of partially drying
grapes to concentrate flavor, the winemaker halts the fermentation early
to retain the natural grape sugar in the final product.
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868 ESTATE VINEYARDS
Recipient of 2020 Governor's Cup
The spotlight is on 868 Estate Vineyards in Purcellville after winning the 2020 Governor's Cup in February for its 2017 Vidal Blanc Passito. Pictured above are winemaker Carl DiManno with Governor Ralph Northam.
868 Estate Vineyards was established on 120 acres in Loudoun County by Peter Deliso, Wendy Charron and Carl DiManno, The first 10 acres of vines were planted in 2012 and by 2018, 22 acres of vines were producing over 4,000 cases of wine per year. DiManno, the winemaker, utilizes sustainable practices in grape cultivation and embraces old world traditions in the wine making process. In all, DiManno took home four medals from the Governor's Cup competition.
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VIRGINIA WINE EXPO
March 3-8, 2020
Main Street Station, Richmond
Virginia Wine Expo
gets underway this week with six unforgettable days of the finest wines, spirits, craft beers, ciders and local artisan cuisine. Signature events are held at the s
pectacular Main Street Station in historic Shockoe Bottom.
At the heart of Expo are the
Walk-Around Grand Tastings
which this year include three sessions. You can swirl, sniff, taste and discuss premium wines of Virginia along with wine selections from Washington State, the National Guest Region. The International Guest Region is Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France.
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MARCH 28, 2020
HOPS, WINES & SWINES FESTIVAL
Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex
Chatham, Virginia
The fifth annual Hops, Wines and Swines Festival promises to be bigger and better than in previous years. This is a rain or shine event as the indoor arena offers protection no matter what the weather.
There will be regional wineries, Virginia and North Carolina craft breweries, along with BBQ and other tasty food selections, as well as local artisans. Music will be provided by the Back Porch Orchestra, a versatile and high energy group, that plays blues, bluegrass country and classic rock.
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Back Porch Orchestra
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Coming in April
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SMITHFIELD WINE & BREW FEST
April 18, 2020
Historic Manor House & Barns of Windsor Castle Park
Downtown Smithfield, Virginia
Tickets are on Sale Now! Event will sell out in advance, so don't wait.
An event experience like no other, this is an amazing opportunity for a great time. Enjoy Virginia and International wines and craft brews, live music on three stages and a riverside boutique festival.
Special features include unlimited tastings, souvenir tasting glass while supplies last,
16 oz stadium cup when purchasing brews, purchase wine (unopened) to take home, additional food, brews, wines and retail vendors available for purchase. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and spread out on the beautiful riverside fest site.
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SHRIMP SCAMPI
Takes just minutes to prepare.
Serve with nice white Virginia wine.
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BUY FESTIVAL TICKETS EARLY AND SAVE!
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March Events
There is no shortage of activities at Virginia wineries and breweries.
Be sure to check before you visit as many tasting rooms are closed
or have limited hours during the winter months.
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March 3-8: Virginia Wine Expo
Six-day destination wine and food event showcasing premium Virginia and other wines, Virginia spirits, craft beer along with a wide range of culinary experiences.
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March 1: French Crepe Day
Delicious selection of sweet and savory crepes paired with salad and your favorite wine.
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March 5: Charcuterie Board 101
Learn how to build a charcuterie board and what flavors complement each other. Sample as you enjoy a glass of wines.
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March 7: Merlot Vertical Tasting
Sample and discuss various vintages of merlot with the winemaker as three-course, 8-wine gourmet meal. Reservations.
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March 7: Mac 'N" Cheese Wine Pairing
Delicious self-guided pairing of wine and four gourmet mini mac "n" cheese bites.
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March 7: Want to Plant A Vineyard/Start A Winery?
Bluestone Vineyard (Bridgewater)
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March 7: Mac 'N" Cheese Wine Pairing
A new pairing experience of wine and four gourmet mini mac "n" cheese bites.
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March 7: Spring Winemaker Dinner
An evening of curated wines paired with seasonally inspired 4-course menu by Chef Chris Dunbar of Alley Light Restaurant.
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March 7-8: Annual Barrel Tasting
Gray Ghost Vineyards and Winery (Amissville)
Taste developing wines directly from the barrel. Only opportunity to reserve futures of 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon.
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March 8: PaintNite with Carol Erickson
Theme is "Uncork and Unwind". Time is 2 to 4. Arrive 15 minutes early to sign in.
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March 8: Bent, Broken, Smashed and Eroded
Geologist Dr. Robert Finley will describe a billion years of geologic history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pre-register email:
[email protected]
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March 8: Cork Art Shamrock
Crafting class with Dawn Spruill. Choose a couple different designs. Includes everything you need including glass of wine.
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March 8: Prime Time Wine Series
Biannual mini wine festival with intimate tastings by local winery winemakers or owners.
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March 8: Canvas Paint Day
Local artist Nancy Jacey will lead you through painting of Ladybug Love. Supplies included. Wine available.
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March 8: Holi Celebration
Celebrate Holi, the Indian Festival of Colors, and welcome spring by "throwing" rose petals.
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March 14: Virginia Winemaker Dinner
An evening of culinary delight with five-course gourmet meal with select wines. Winemaker will discuss pairings.
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March 14: St. Patrick's Day Bash
Mark your calendar and don your kilt to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with lots of stouts and red ale.
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March 14: St. Patrick's Day @ The Tasting Bar
Don't forget to wear your green and come look for the pot of gold on a treasure hunt.
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March 14: Shamrock Shenanigans Whisky Party
St. Patrick's Day Celebration with live acoustic music and signature cocktails. Light snacks available.
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March 14: Sip and Paint
Wine and watercolor workshop led by Dennis King. Mainly for beginners. Supplies included to paint a cone flower to take home.
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March 14: Celebrate St. Paddy's Day
Two sessions of original live music and classic Irish tunes and selections of stout and pub food.
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March 14: (Pi)e Day
A fun interactive event that pairs four wines with four different kind of pies.
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March 14-15: Spring Oyster Fest
A weekend of Virginia wines, live music and fresh Eastern Shore oysters, along with seasonal seafood menu.
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March 15: French Crepe Day
Delicious selection of sweet and savory crepes paired with salad and your favorite wine.
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March 15: St. Patrick's Weekend Party
Bring your Irish lad or lassie and dance a jig to Celtic rock and bluegrass. Food for purchase from Mama's Caboose/Dayton Catering.
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March 15-17: St. Patrick's Day Weekend
Show your Irish spirit by wearing green and receive special discounts.
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About Events: Our information comes from many sources, so we recommend you verify dates and times, costs
and reservations that may be required. (We are not responsible for incorrect or inaccurate information.)
Because of space restrictions, we are unable to list open houses or recurring events.
Please send your events (what, where and when) to [email protected]
by 20th of the month
prior to the month of the event
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© 2006 - 2020 Britt Marketing & Public Relations
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| © 2020 Official Virginia Wine Lover eNewsletter. All Rights Reserved. |
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