Virginia Wineries Offer Tasty Valentines

January 26, 2002
Contact: Pamela Jewell (804) 786-0481
pjewell@vdacs.state.va.us

Serve up a unique Valentine's Day celebration at a number of wineries across Virginia this year. Tasteful options including romantic dinners and delectable desserts paired with award-winning Virginia wines are sure to warm the heart of anyone's beloved.

Pre-Valentine's Day Activities

With Valentine's Day 2002 falling on a Thursday, many of Virginia's more than 70 farm wineries will provide opportunities for sweets-for-your-sweetie the weekend before the big day. At Barboursville Vineyards explore the ruins of one of only five Thomas Jefferson-designed houses before enjoying a glass of award-winning Phileo and select desserts from their Palladio Restaurant. In the heart of wine country, sample sparkling wine and chocolates at Prince Michel Vineyard. Register for a romantic gift basket while savoring homemade fudge and raspberry dessert wine at Wintergreen Winery near the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.

Sip Cabernet from a collectable glass while trying chocolates and other delectable desserts at the seventh annual Valentine's event at Gray Ghost Vineyards, or sample chocolate and Cabernet at Breaux Vineyards. For a more casual outing, travel to acclaimed Oasis Winery for lunch beside a romantic fireplace or cuddle outdoors on the heated deck and pavilion before trying the wine-filled chocolates for dessert. There's nothing more romantic than a meal of hearty soup, a basket of bread and wine before a blazing fire at Loudoun Valley Vineyards.

Violin music - against the backdrop of a Confederate battlefield - awaits those traveling to sample chocolates and Roué, Windy River Winery's signature "passion" wine. For a more substantial fare, consider a lovely dinner prepared by a Shenandoah Valley chef at North Mountain Vineyard and Winery.

Valentine's Day Activities

For purists seeking a perfect Valentine's Day, Chateau Morrisette, known for its signature wines featuring canine-inspired labels, serves up a "Puppy Love Dinner." For the ultimate Valentine's Day experience, consider romancing your sweetheart over an elegant dinner at Prince Michel's AAA four-diamond restaurant before retiring to one of the French Provincial-style suites on the property. Or enjoy an exquisite five-course dinner and a flight of wine at Tarara Vineyard, where wines are aged in a 6,000-square-foot cave overlooking the Potomac River. Add to the experience by including bed-and breakfast accommodations above the winery. In addition to the Valentine's Day dinner, Tarara Vineyard extends the offer to dinners and brunch through Feb. 17.

Post-Valentine's Day Activities

The weekend is filled with heart-warming options such as Willowcroft Farm Vineyards' red wine and chocolate tasting in their rustic barn overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains while North Mountain promises a weekend of decadence with award-winning wines and luscious chocolates. Stonewall Vineyards and Winery provide an evening of gourmet dining and dancing at their Wine and Roses dinner, while a candlelight dinner is available at Shenandoah Vineyards. Several wineries have joined forces to offer a progressive wine journey along the Blue Ridge WineWay. The participating wineries - Farfelu, Gray Ghost, Oasis, Rappahannock, Unicorn and Bleu Rock Vineyard - will provide hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and wine along the wine trail.

Cozy up to the fire with homemade soup and a glass of wine by the fire in Lake Anna Winery's new tasting room. Smokehouse Winery, also noted for its English-style hard ciders, has scheduled a distinctive Imbolc Imbibing in celebration of the Celtic spring festival of light, warmth and fertility. Live Celtic music, folklore and honey wine, known as mead, will be available along with hearty dishes.

Whatever your timetable, Virginia wineries present an array of Valentine's Day offers sure to match any interest or budget. For additional events and details on the Valentine's events, see the February events listing at www.VirginiaWines.org or call 800-VA VINES (800-828-4637) for a free 2002 Virginia Wineries Festival and Tour Guide.

35mm slides available on request. Contact Pam Jewell at 804-786-0481 or
pjewell@vdacs.state.va.us.
1100 Bank St., Suite 1012, Richmond, VA 23219