There's Something to Celebrate in Virginia Wines This October in Northern Virginia

September 23, 2002
Contact: Pamela Jewell
Virginia Wine Marketing Office
Phone: 804-786-0481
pjewell@vdacs.state.va.us

Denise Bird
CommuniQué Marketing
(804) 225-1800, ext. 16

RICHMOND, VA – Every October, Virginians celebrate the quality, abundance and variety of Virginia wines in observance of Virginia Wine Month. This October gives us much to celebrate, indeed. While less rain made some grapes smaller, it also rendered their sugar content – and therefore their quality – higher. With more than 70 wineries completing harvest this fall, Virginians have almost unlimited opportunities to uncork, swirl, sniff, pour and pair Virginia wines with fabulous foods at some of Virginia’s beautiful wineries.

Virginia wines have something for everyone
Today, there’s a Virginia wine guaranteed to appeal to every Virginian, whether novice or connoisseur. The state’s wineries produce more than eight varieties of white wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc; more than five varieties of red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot; as well as rosé and dessert wines. The abundance of Virginia wines means that consumers have a choice of prices as well as varieties.

Northern Virginia Wine Events
Virginia wines are available at retail stores and restaurants throughout Northern Virginia. In celebration of Virginia Wine Month, many of the area’s wine retailers are offering special tasting events and discounted prices on selected Virginia wines. Jan Alten, owner of Opera House Gourmet in Manassas, says that her store hosts weekly wine tastings and occasional wine dinners highlighting Virginia wines. She says, “Many customers don’t have a clue about the quality of Virginia wines, but as they try them, we have seen a steady increase in sales. Virginia wines outsell California wines by over one half at our store.”

Virginia’s wineries: the perfect way to spend a fall afternoon
One of the best ways to begin cultivating an appreciation for Virginia wines is to visit a winery. There’s no better time to take a day trip than October, with Virginia Wine Month in full swing. Many of the wineries in the Northern Virginia area offer free wine tastings and guided tours. Enjoy their romance, architecture and ambience, brought to life around the state with tree-lined drives, ivy-covered walls, rolling vineyard hills, mountain vistas and picnic areas. Chat with winemakers and learn how grapes are grown and how wine is aged to yield desirable characteristics.

Many wineries collaborate in the fall on joint special events, tours and tastings. The Blue Ridge WineWay, for example, includes seven wineries and vineyards, restaurants and bed and breakfasts. The Wine Way offers special weekends restaurants and bed and breakfasts. The WineWay offers tastings at the wineries, light food or your can take your own picnic lunch or dinner, all within one hour of Washington D.C.

For a complete listing of special events in celebration of Virginia Wine Month, log onto www.virginiawines.org, or call the Virginia Wine Marketing Office at 1-800-828-4637 to receive a free copy of the Virginia Wineries Festival and Tour Guide.

October - Virginia Wine Month
Northern Virginia

Oct. 4, 5, 6
Mount Vernon Wine Festival and Sunset Tour ENCORE
This event sells out each spring, so this year the first president's home decided to host a fall version of this very popular local event. The Wine Festival celebrates the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the Mansion and wine cellar and live music on the east lawn of George Washington's Mount Vernon home overlooking the scenic Potomac River. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and relax on the lawn as they sample wines from Virginia wineries, and enjoy food from on-site concessions. Tickets are available for sale through TicketMaster or at Mount Vernon's Main Gate. The spring event has been a pre sell-out event every year and early ticket purchase is suggested. 6 pm until 9 pm. Info: 703-799-5203
Website: www.mountvernon.org

Oct. 5
Fall Jubilee in Old Town Manassas
Stroll the streets of Old Town Manassas on a crisp autumn day. The Opera House Gourmet celebrates Virginia Wine Month by tasting our Virginia wines from 10am-4pm. Info: 703-330-9636.

Oct. 5, 6
Virginia Wine Month Open House at Oasis
Select wines discounted these two days only. Info: 800-304-7656.
Website: www.oasiswine.com or AOL, keyword: Oasis Wine.

Oct. 5, 6
En ‘Core’ Apple Days at Tarara
U-pick varieties of apples while sampling our homespun apple recipes. Check website for current pricing information. 11am-5pm. Info: 703-771-7100 (x250).
Website: www.Tarara.com.

Oct. 12, 13
Skyline Fall Colors Open House at Oasis
Release of our new Cabernet. Select wines discounted these 2 days only. Info: 800-304-7656.
Website: www.oasiswine.com or AOL, keyword: Oasis Wine.

Oct. 12-14
Blue Ridge WineWay Columbus Day Weekend
Discover the Blue Ridge WineWay as we present a progressive exploration of wine. Hors d'oeuvres and/or entertainment at each winery on the WineWay. Participating members include Oasis, Gray Ghost, Farfleu, Rappahannock and Unicor wineries and Bleu Rock Vineyard. 11am-5pm. Info: 800-820-1021.
Website: www.blueridgewineway.com

Oct. 13, 14
Fall Color Tour at Willowcroft
Enjoy the scenic beauty of fall. Bring your family for special tours, a hike in the woods, or a picnic of our gourmet snacks. Hot wine punch. Info: 703-777-8161.

Oct. 19, 20
Fall In Love with the Fall Foliage at Oasis
Release of our new Meritage. Select wines discounted this day only. See description for Info: 800-304-7656.
Website: www.oasiswine.com or AOL, keyword: Oasis Wine.

Oct. 19, 20
Shenandoah Valley Hot Air Balloon & Wine Festival at Historic Long Branch
More than 35 hot air balloons, wine tastings, artisans/crafters, entertainment and a variety of foods all amidst the fabulous fall foliage of the Shenandoah Valley. 7am-5pm. (Wine Tasting 11am-5pm), $5/person or $20/carload. Tasting: $5/glass purchase. Info: 888-558-5567.
Website: www.historiclongbranch.com.

Oct. 19, 20
Oktober Wine Days at Tarara
Celebrate fall with hayrides, live festival music, and Tarara's Oktober wine specials, and Loudoun County Farm Tours. Info: 703-771-7100 (x250).
Website: www.Tarara.com.

Oct. 19, 20
Fall colors at Loudoun Valley
Enjoy the fall colors. Tours, tastings, wine specials, gift ideas for the upcoming season. 111am-5pm. Info: 540-882-3375.
Website: www.loudounvalleyvineyards.com

Oct. 19, 20
Art in the Vineyard at Breaux
There will be a blending of beautiful paintings, exciting sculptures, and fine wines for sale. Art sales to benefit Loudon Academy of the Arts. Enjoy light gourmet fare on Patio Madeline or by the stone fireplace. Info: 800-492-9961
Webstie: www.breaxvineyards.com

Oct. 26
Wine of Sicily, Italy at Willowcroft
Try “known” grapes and some unusual ones as well. Noon-5pm. $5/person.
Info: 703-777-8161.
Website: www.willowcroftwine.comOct. 26
Harvest Festival at Hartwood Winery
Hayrides, Halloween costumes and pumpkin painting contest, games and fun for entire family. Bring your lawn chairs. BBQ available or bring a picnic. Live music, wine tastings and souvenir glass. 11am-5pm. $10/adults, $5/under 21. Info: 540-752-4893.
E-mail: jdliving@juno.com

Oct. 26, 27
A Celebration of Colors at Oasis
Celebrate the harvest, sample our latest releases. Info: 800-304-7656

Statewide October Events
Media: See Virginia Wine Industry Fact Sheet