Wednesday, September 28, 2011

October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love of Local Wines

Press Room - October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love of Local Wines

Here is a link to events all over the state: http://www.virginia.org/winemonth/


Here is the Full Press Release from the Virginia Tourism Office:


October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love of Local Wines

-Discover Your Local Crush theme invites travelers to Virginia for wine harvest season-
RICHMOND, Va. (September 20, 2011) - The Virginia Tourism Corporation invites wine lovers to start planning a trip for October Virginia Wine Month, one of the best times of the year to visit the state's numerous wine regions. "Discover Your Local Crush" is the Wine Month theme, tempting travelers to visit and taste the best of Virginia wines at wineries and festivals statewide.
Since October Virginia Wine Month began in 1988, the Virginia wine industry has grown tremendously, encompassing nearly 200 wineries and 16 wine trails. Now ranking fifth in the nation for the number of wineries and sixth nationally for wine grape production, Virginia serves as a perfect destination for oenophiles and travel enthusiasts.
October Virginia Wine Month is an ideal time to visit Virginia. The state's 15 million acres of foliage are bursting with color and wineries are celebrating the harvest. From the coastal serenity of the Eastern Shore to the majestic splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, each wine region provides travelers with a one-of-a-kind wine experience. Visitors are encouraged to start planning a wine month getaway today and discover their local Virginia crush. Visitwww.Virginia.org/wine for information on celebrations taking place throughout the state in October including events such as:
11th Annual Norton Wine & Bluegrass Festival
Chrysalis Vineyards - Middleburg, VA (October 1-2, 2011)
Wine travelers can visit Chrysalis Vineyards, home to the world's largest grower of Norton, The Real American Grape!®, and experience one of Northern Virginia's top wineries during the harvest season. The area's best bluegrass, food from the local "BBQ King," cheese, chocolates and chutneys from Virginia's premier producers, jewelry and art from top-notch artisans and designers, hayrides and vineyard tours and a special nine-wine tasting, are just some of the weekend's highlights. Admission is $15 in advance and day-of is $20.

Wine, Moon & Stars at Virginia Mountain Vineyards

Virginia Mountain Vineyards - Fincastle, VA (October 7, 2011)
Set in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Mountain Vineyards will offer clear skies and an unobstructed view of the constellations, weather permitting, on the evening of October 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. A member of the Roanoke Astronomy Club will be on hand for a brief astronomical presentation, and telescopes will be set up in the vineyard for stargazing. Participants will also enjoy a bowl of chili and bottle of Virginia Mountain Vineyards wine as music plays under the tent. Admission is $5; children under 12 are free.

Blackdog Wine & Classic Rock Festival

Chateau Morrisette - Floyd, VA (October 8, 2011)
Located just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Chateau Morrisette Winery will host the 2011 Black Dog Wine & Music festival this October. The rock event will feature amazing bands, great food, the winery's famous sangria and the best of their wines. Travelers can dance the day away or sit back and take in the show from one of the private gazebos. A variety of local food, arts and crafts and wine sales areas are located in the courtyard and festival field. General admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the gates.
Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival
Rebec Vineyards, Inc. - Amherst, VA (October 9-10, 2011)
The Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival embrace food, wine, live entertainment, arts, crafts and most importantly, garlic. The festival offers something for everyone, old and young alike, including live entertainment, contests, wine tastings from six different wineries, and a kid's area with a petting zoo and bounce area. Five stages are filled with music and entertainment, including garlic cooking as well as Garlic King, Queen and Jr. Queen Contests. Wine Tasting tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the gates. General admission is $14 in advance and $25 at the gates, and children under 12 are free. For more information, call 434-946-5168.
Millwood, VA (October 14-16, 2011)
A fun-filled, three-day family celebration unfolds with the 15th anniversary of the Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon, Wine & Music Festival. Held on the spacious lawns and rolling fields of Historic Long Branch in Clarke County, the festival brings balloonist and their colorful airborne craft from far and wide to delight spectators of all ages. In addition to the balloons, more than a dozen Virginia wines will be featured for tasting.
Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Town Point Park - Norfolk, VA (October 15-16, 2011)
One of Virginia's largest outdoor wine festivals, the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival features more than 30 Virginia wineries along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront. Wine lovers can enjoy the crisp fall air and background music as they sample a variety of wines and gourmet local Virginia cuisine, as well as shop onsite retailers for specialty crafts and wine accessories. All wines offered during the event are available for purchase by glass, bottle or case. Ticket required for entry. For more information, call 757-441-2345.
Devault Family Vineyards Fall Family Fun
Devault Family Vineyards - Concord, VA (October 21-22, 2011)
The annual Fall Family Fun event at Campbell County's newest winery, extended to two evenings this year, will offer activities and fun for people of all ages. Situated on 32 beautiful rolling acres, Devault Family Vineyards will provide travelers with a selection of live music from a Beatles Tribute Band and Out of Spite, as well as a Haunted Woods and a variety of other family-friendly happenings. For more information, call 434-993-0561.
Dugspur, VA (October 22, 2011)
Fall in an apple orchard couldn't be better. Sample Foggy Ridge cider along with mead from neighboringBlacksnake Meadery, each paired with tasty seasonal treats. $5 fee covers tastings and food pairings at both locations.
MARTIN'S presents Richmond International Wine Excursion
Historic Tredegar Iron Works- Richmond, VA (October 28-29, 2011)
The first ever MARTIN'S presents Richmond International Wine Excursion will feature a weekend of premier wine events including grand tastings, a "locavore" luncheon and wine-tasting seminar. The event will also feature global cuisine from some of the Region's finest chefs and restaurateurs. Notable presenters include world-renown importer Bartholomew Broadbent and Georg Riedel, the 10th generation scion of the world-class Riedel Glass Company. It will be held on the grounds of the American Civil War Center at Tredegar.
Autumn Barrel Tasting at Barboursville Vineyards
Barboursville, VA (October 29 - 30, 2011)

One of Virginia's oldest and finest wineries invites visitors to a special barrel tasting. This enhanced tasting will focus on valuable older vintages, along with a traditional sampling of new Octagon from the barrel. Caromont Farm will present award-winning artisan cheeses and fresh breads from Palladio Restaurant will refresh the palate. Admission Fee: $25.
Find these great events and more details on October Virginia Wine Month at www.Virginia.org/wine.
Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Visit www.Virginia.org for more trip ideas or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Capital Home and Garden Show at Chantilly Expo Center 9/23 - 9/25

Find out more info here:  http://www.capitalhomeshow.com/ME2/Sites/

It’s that Time Again – The Capital Home Show is Back!
Learn the Latest and Greatest in Home Design

The Capital Home Show returns to the Dulles Expo Center Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25 with new and exciting ideas on how to finish up lingering projects and get any home ready for winter. Meet area experts in home design and renovation, discover the latest developments in green home products and snag cutting-edge creative ideas! There will be dynamic stage demonstrations focused on both home design and fresh cooking trends, as well as guest appearances by celebrity headliners.

“This year the show is focused on using easy techniques with affordable products to get the best results. We have an amazing group of local industry experts all under one roof, all of whom are eager to share tips and tricks,” show manager Alyson Caplan said.

Highlights of the fall Show include:

Sand Castle Creations – The Sand Sculpting Company will create a unique masterpiece through the duration of the Show;

Kitchen & Home Design Stage – Enjoy demonstrations by renowned local chefs and experts on home design and remodeling who will be offering tips for the holidays, and every day;

The Repurposing Rooms by Habitat for Humanity – The renovation team at Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia will show how to repurpose household furniture to create new items that look like a million bucks, but actually cost very little to make;

Celebrity Pastry Chef Yigit Pura – The season one winner of Bravo’s “Top Chef: Just Desserts” will be on site Saturday and Sunday showcasing fun and easy baking tips using the latest modern cookware;

HGTV’s Sasha Andreev – The host of “Curb Appeal” and “Decorating Cents” will make an appearance to give advice on do-it-yourself home remodeling; and

Local legend Mike McGrath – The nationally syndicated writer and radio personality, WTOP’s Gardening Editor and host of “Garden Sense,” will be at the show to discuss home design, both indoors & outdoors.

 “There will be over 200 exhibitors and incredible expect presenters at the Show this fall making it a wonderful resource for anyone living in the region,” Caplan said. “I encourage everyone to come with questions, because the Capital Home Show has answers!”

The Capital Home Show is open Friday, Sept. 23 and Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10:00am to 9:00pm and Sunday, Sept. 25 from 10:00am to 6:00pm. Click here to purchase $7.00 discounted tickets online.

Tickets are also available at the door – Adults: $10.00; Children 6-12: $3.00; 5 and under: FREE.
Tickets are valid for one day. Visit  www.capitalhomeshow.com for full details.