First Colony Winery Wins Medals at International Wine Competition

May 23, 2002
Contact: Christie Shaps
(434) 979-7105

Judges at the recent Taster's Guild International Wine Competition awarded two silvers and a bronze medal to First Colony Winery. Over seventeen hundred wines entered this prestigious competition, representing sixteen countries. The 2001 Chardonnay and Blush received silver medals and the 2001 Vidal Blanc received a bronze medal.

The winemaker, Jean-Michel Jussiaume, comes to First Colony Winery from the Muscadet region of the Loire Valley of France where his family has been making wine for generations. His first year in the United States, he had the benefit of working with Virginia's best growing season on record, so it is no surprise that his newly released wines are outstanding. The red wines of the 2001 vintage that remain in barrels are tasting beautifully right now and will only improve with more oak aging before they are released later this summer.

There are several events to look forward to this summer at First Colony Winery. Every Saturday in June, July and August Charlottesville's favorite pianist, George Melvin, will entertain visitors from 12 to 5pm. Each month a local artist displays their artwork at the winery. Mike Uriss of Charlottesville will be highlighted in June. The first annual Pig Roast will be held on Saturday, June 15. Families are welcome to come enjoy an authentic pig roast on the lawn with all the works. In addition to the food, there will be live music, wine tastings and tours. The cost is $15/ person and includes a wine glass. Reservations are required and will be accepted until full.

A Winemaker's Dinner will be held on Saturday, June 22. Vincent Derquenne, the French chef and co-owner of the highly acclaimed Metropolitain Restaurant of Charlottesville, will prepare the five-course dinner to be paired with the wines of First Colony. Winemaker Jean-Michel Jussiaume will discuss the wines with each course. The reception begins at 6:30 pm with an aperitif and guests sit down for dinner at 7:30 pm. The cost is $75/ person (all inclusive). Reservations are required.

First Colony Winery is conveniently located on Route 20 South (Exit 121 off I-64), just 15 minutes from the city of Charlottesville and 10 miles south of Monticello. The tasting room, winery and gift shop are open daily from 11 am to 5 pm for complimentary tours and tastings. For more information call (434) 979-7105 or visit their web site at www.firstcolonywinery.com.