About     FAQ     Contact      Advertise With Us      Press   

Fauquier County, Virginia Wineries Need Your Help!

July 10, 2012 – 7:25 am

Yesterday we learned of proposed and disturbing changes to winery regulations in Fauquier County, Virginia.  The 25 farm wineries in Fauquier County could be seriously affected if these proposed changes are approved at a Thursday, July 12 meeting.

One of the wineries seriously affect is the renowned Pearmund Cellars in Broad Run, Virginia.  Chris Pearmund is the owner and a major force behind the winery industry in Virginia. He owns Pearmund Cellars, is Managing Partner at Vint Hill Winery and is instrumental in helping numerous wineries throughout Virginia and in North Carolina. In 1994, Pearmund purchased his vineyard that had been planted in 1976. He went on to build Pearmund Cellars in 2002.

Is the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors singling out wineries? It seems that the new ordinances to be voted on, are designed to specifically hurt Pearmund Cellars although it will affect all Fauquier County wineries. Does the Board of Supervisors understand the benefits of agritourism? In order to stay in business many wineries need to have events including wine dinners, wine tastings, wine and food pairings and an assortment of other delightful activities. People who visit wineries add to the economy of a region. Bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants and gas stations are all needed. In addition, governments gain with the increase of tax collections.While the new regulations will hurt the wineries, they will also hurt the economy. The benefits of having wineries and vineyards in a region outweigh the minor, if any, inconveniences of a few.

Part of the Zoning Administrator Permit includes these items.

  • A winery must be over 25 acres – Pearmund Cellars is at 25 acres
  • Winery must not be on an easement – Pearmund Cellars is on an easement
  • The building must be 300 foot setback –Pearmund Cellars is at 270 setback
  • New changes require parking setback at 300 feet and Pearmund Cellars is at 220-foot setback.

In an email Pearmund wrote, “5 years ago when Fauquier County was acknowledged as ‘best place to live in rural America,’ Pearmund Cellars was highlighted representing what was best about this county. “

One might believe that the Fauquier County is being influenced by Prohibitionist attitudes.  Or is it “politics as usual?

Whether you live in Fauquier County or not beware of the impact that politics can play in your enjoyment of wine and at wineries. Attend the meeting or email the following people to express your dissatisfaction with the lack of support for wineries in Fauquier County!

More information is available: http://agenda.fauquiercounty.gov/Bluesheet.aspx?ItemID=1961&MeetingID=80

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 12 at Warren Green Building, 10 Hotel Street, Suite 208, Warrenton, VA 20186.

If you can’t attend please used these email addresses to express your concern before the meeting.

Fauquier County Board of Supervisors emails:

kim.johnson@fauquiercounty.gov

Peter.Schwartz@fauquiercounty.gov

Holder.Trumbo@fauquiercounty.gov

chester.stribling@fauquiercounty.gov

lee.sherbeyn@fauquiercounty.gov

chris.granger@fauquiercounty.gov 

Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

26th Annual Fall Music Festival & Celebrity Golf Classic to Benefit Local Charities

July 8, 2012 – 5:20 pm

B.R. Cohn Winery & and Olive Oil Company

Start planning now to attend The 26th Annual Fall Music Festival and Celebrity Golf Classic at B.R. Cohn Winery & Olive Oil Company in Sonoma, California from October 5 to October 8, 2012. In the past, this annual charity music festival has been very successful.

Events

Friday, October 5: Charity Auction Dinner from 6pm to 10pm

Saturday, October 6:  Charity Music Festival from 12pm to 6pm

  • Featuring: The Doobie Brothers, Buddy Guy, The Turtles, Lara Johnston and Scars on 45

Sunday, October 7: Charity Music Festival from 12pm to 6pm

  • Featuring: The Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins,Eric Burdon and the Animals, Dave Mason, The Turtles, Tyrone Wells and Pat Simmons Jr.

Monday, October 8: Celebrity Golf Classic

Fall Music Festival Benefits Local Charities

Numerous local charities will benefit from this annual festival including: Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, Redwood Empire Food Bank, Sonoma, Valley Education Foundation, The Guardsmen, American Legion Post 489 and Operation Homefront.

This year’s festival will be dedicated in memory of Mike Hossack, the drummer for the Doobie Brothers.

More information and tickets are available on the B.R. Cohn Winery & Olive Oil Company website. It is a good idea to get your tickets early. If you would like to volunteer, check out http://www.brcohn.com/events/concert-volunteers.

We had the opportunity to visit with Bruce Cohn, owner of the winery. He is delightfully friendly and talked to us about his background and his connection with the Doobie Brothers. An article is available on the Wine Trail Traveler website.

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee? Include a Trip to a Winery

July 6, 2012 – 12:03 am

One of the main entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Close by urban areas include Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. This area offers an array of activities for families including but not limited to Dollywood, theatres, and outdoor activities.

While planning your visit to this summer wonderland, stop by one of four boutique wineries in the area. The newest winery, Sugarland Cellars, is in Gatlinburg. The Apple Barn Winery and Hillside Winery are in Sevierville, Mountain Valley Winery is in Pigeon Forge.

Wine Trail Traveler visited all but the newest winery and we are looking forward to visiting Sugarland Cellars. Articles about visits to these Tennessee wineries are available online.

Tennessee is a beautiful state to visit and you will discover a southern style welcome.

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Upcoming Wine Events

July 5, 2012 – 12:06 am

Check out these wine events coming up. They include jazz, wine dinners, wine pairings, and a sugar cookie weekend. In the event  reservations are needed or changes/corrections were made, be sure to contact the winery in advance. Have a great weekend!

Cheers, Kathy

Thursday, July 5

Chateau Chantal, Michigan
Event:Tapas Tour-Daily ’til 9/3/12
Event: Jazz at Sunset
Website Information

Slack Winery, Maryland
Music: Billy Breslin
Website Information 

Friday, July 6

Chateau Chantal, Michigan
Event:Tapas Tour-Daily ’til 9/3/12
Event: Wine Dinner
Website Information

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Music: 4-Kings
Website Information

Reid’s Orchard Winery, Pennsylvania
Event: First Friday – Civil War Music at Jennie’s House
Website Information

Serpent Ridge Winery, Maryland
Event: First Friday – Steve May Acoustic Rock and Roll
Website Information

The Winery at LaGrange, Virginia
Event: Wine Down
Website Information

The Winery at Perennial Vineyards, Ohio
Music: Tim and TJ Gang
Website Information

Saturday, July 7

Cava Winery, New Jersey
Event: Sweet, Sweet Sugar Cookie Weekend
Website Information

Chateau Chantal, Michigan
Event:Tapas Tour-Daily ’til 9/3/12
Event: Wine Dinner
Website Information

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Music: Afternoon-Dave Sterner, Evening-Uncharted Course
Website Information

Reid’s Orchard Winery, Pennsylvania
Event: Music in the Valley Concert Series
Website Information

The Winery at Perennial Vineyards, Ohio
Music: John Stipe
Website Information

Sunday, July 8

Cava Winery, New Jersey
Event: Sweet, Sweet Sugar Cookie Weekend
Website Information

Chateau Chantal, Michigan
Event:Tapas Tour-Daily ’til 9/3/12
Website Information

DelFosse Vineyards & Winery, Virginia
Event: Summer Food & Wine Pairing
Website Information

Ferrante Winery & Ristorante, Ohio
Music: Trifecta Rockin Blues
Website Information

Reid’s Orchard Winery, Pennsylvania
Event: Music in the Valley Concert Series w/Across the Pond
Event: Civil War Music in Jennie’s House
Website Information

Slack Winery, Maryland
Music: Richard Wagner
Website Information

Smith & Wilson, Ontario, Canada
Event: Small Bites for Sharing
Website Information

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Events | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

ZAP Focuses on Zinfandel

July 4, 2012 – 6:36 am

Zinfandel Advocates & Producers otherwise known as ZAP is an association focusing on the grape variety Zinfandel. ZAP was formed in 1991 when Zinfandel was less known variety. Today ZAP features events and research promoting Zinfandel. Many of California’s wineries have chosen to support ZAP by becoming members.

Events to promote the grape varietal Zinfandel include Zinfandel tastings, food and Zinfandel pairings, winemakers’ dinners and cruises.

ZAP has created the Heritage Vineyard. This vineyard is a collection of grapevine cuttings from California vineyards. The grapevines include famous and rare Zinfandel. The one-acre Heritage Vineyard is at the UC Davis Oakville Research Station in Napa Valley.

It is interesting to read on the website the European connection to Zinfandel in the US. “Historians have traced Zinfandel’s roots in the United States back to the 1820s, when cuttings from the Imperial collection of plant species in Vienna, Austria, were imported.” On the same page it is noted that Zinfandel is thought to be one of the oldest varietals from which wine was first made.

The Association for Zinfandel Advocates & Producers has developed a comprehensive and informative website. It is a handy tool for anyone who wants to know more about Zinfandel whether events, tastings, research or history.

Be sure to check out the ZAP website to learn more.

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Highlighting: Slack Wines at Woodlawn Farm in Southern Maryland

July 2, 2012 – 1:04 am

Enjoy a visit to Woodlawn Farm and taste wines from one of Maryland’s newer wineries – Slack Winery in Southern Maryland. Wine lovers who want to experience Slack wines have the opportunity to do so when visiting Woodlawn Farm. Woodlawn Farm is the location of the Woodlawn Estate Bed & Breakfast and for Slack Winery wine tastings. The beautiful Manor House built in the late 1700’s is only a few feet from the Potomac River. For more information read the Wine Trail Traveler article.

A special sale of Slack wines is taking place now until Sunday, July 8. Purchase white or rosé wines and get 20% off. Wine Club members receive 35% off. Events for this summer include music events on Thursday evenings when visitors can enjoy Sunset Serenades and Sunday afternoons are Sparkling Sundays. Scheduled for Thursday July 5 is Billy Breslin and on Sunday July 8 is Richard Wagner. For more information visit the Slack Winery website.

If you plan to visit to taste wines and/or enjoy an event, consider spending an evening or two at the delightful Woodlawn Bed and Breakfast.

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes, Winery Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

It’s Easy to Miss the Wineries in Your Own Backyard

June 29, 2012 – 10:13 am

Sometimes it’s so easy to miss the delightful boutique wineries in your own backyard. Those who follow our winery and vineyard travel adventures know that we have traveled to wineries near and far. We have been fortunate to travel to the West Coast of the United States, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and Italy. We also are fortunate to have numerous wonderful wineries within driving distance of our East Coast home. We have visited many of the local wineries and enjoy what each one has to offer.

While it’s fun to plan a long trip, it’s also great to discover the wines produced along the East Coast. We’ve been home for a few weeks now and while continuing writing winery reviews, adding photos and editing our first book, getting caught up on Social Media and writing blogs we have also taken several day trips to wineries.

In Pennsylvania, we visited with the owners of Tuscarora Mt. Winery in Chambersburg.  We also made a stop at Trickling Springs Creamery, where we were able to get some great milk that we used at home to make our first feta cheese.

On our way to Tuscarora Mt. Winery we visited Knob Hall Winery in Maryland where we met the owners, Richard and Mary Beth Seibert. Mary Beth is also the winemaker. On another day we visited Romano Vineyard and Winery. While the Romanos do not have a dedicated tasting room yet, they occasionally do wine tasting onsite and at small Maryland wine festivals. Thanksgiving Farm Winery is a jewel to be found in Anne Arundel County not far from Annapolis. The very long driveway goes past farm buildings, farm equipment and through shady trees until visitors see vineyards and arrive at the winery.

Yesterday we drove along Route 15 between Frederick, Maryland and Leesburg, Virginia. After passing into Virginia there are several wineries and we were delighted to visit three of these wineries. Fabbioli Cellars, Lost Creek Winery, and Hidden Brook Winery. All are within a few minutes of each other and offer different experiences.

We are currently contemplating visiting more wineries in our own backyard!

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary, Winery Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Should the EU Think Outside the Proverbial Box to Solve Winery Overproduction?

June 27, 2012 – 1:05 am

With all of the economic problems that the EU is having lately, I was surprised to learn that Italy, Spain and Greece are being penalized for planting too many vineyards. According to an article, “EU fines Italy, Spain Greece of Illegal Vine Plantings,” in Harpers Wine & Spirit by Chris Mercer, “Spain must hand back €131.3m (US$164m) of funding handed out by the European Commission, while Italy must repay €98.9m.” Greece needs to repay €21.3m.

Okay, it makes sense that the EU does not want an overproduction of grapes, which could lead to too much wine production. The EU is having difficulties and three of the countries in the news are Greece, Spain and Italy. Exactly where are they going to come up with the funds to pay the fine?

There must be other solutions to the problem of overproduction of vineyards. Create wines that can be aged for years. Not every year is phenomenal and eventually supplies will moderate. Use the grapes to produce things other than wine. Rather than creating wine during years of production why not produce 100 percent juice from the varietals. In our travels we have come across wineries that do produce juice and we have found it to be delicious. It’s also a great way to taste particular varietal grapes.

It seems easy to say let’s fine them but it’s harder to think outside of the box. Maybe the EU should think outside the box.

Cheers,
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , , | Comments (0)

Save a Couple of Your Vacation Days to Attend the New York City Wine & Food Festival

June 26, 2012 – 12:37 pm

Save vacation days to use this October when the New York City Wine & Food Festival takes place. Scheduled for Thursday, October 11 to Sunday, October 14, this event is sponsored by Food & Wine. Events include an assortment of activities including seminars, dinners, parties and more. Many personalities are involved with the wine and food festival including Rachael Ray and Paula Deene.

Tickets are available online now. They can be purchased as single events or packaged events. Consider purchasing tickets soon before certain events are sold out.

This is a large charity event. This annual celebration of food benefits Food Bank for New York City and Share Our Strength that has an ongoing campaign “No Kid Hungry.”

“100% of the net proceeds benefit the Food Bank For New York City, fighting hunger in the five boroughs; and Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit working to end childhood hunger in America.”

Cheers for a good cause!

Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes, Winery Events | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Two Small Wineries Need Your Help!

June 25, 2012 – 8:52 am

Mission: Small Business has 12 grants to offer for small businesses. CHASE and Living Social designed this program to help small businesses by providing $250,000 for each of 12 grants.  To be reviewed for a grant, applicants must receive 250 votes via Facebook by June 30.

To support a small business, go to Mission: Small Business website and click LOG IN & SUPPORT. You can search for small businesses that have applications for a grant. Two wineries that I know of have submitted applications and need your vote. Check them out and vote for them so that they receive enough votes to have their applications reviewed- Tuscarora Mt Winery in Chambersburg, PA and Vineyards at Southpoint in North Carolina.

We first became aware of the program when we visited Tuscarora Mt Winery last week. I also received an email from Vineyards at Southpoint in North Carolina. They also need the votes to help see that their application is reviewed.

Owning and maintaining a winery and vineyards is an expensive venture. Putting in vineyards costs thousands of dollars and oaks barrels frequently cost $1,000 apiece. A common acknowledgement of the cost of owning a winery and vineyard is the comment. “Want to know how to make a million dollars? Start with two million.”

The Small Business grants would go a long way to help Tuscarora Mt Winery and Vineyards at Southpoint.

It only takes seconds to help these wineries get their applications reviewed. Go to Mission: Small Business and select Log In & Support. Search for Tuscarora Mt Winery and Vineyards at Southpoint. It only takes a few seconds to help these small wineries.

Cheers! Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

info@winetrailtraveler.com            Sitemap                      Privacy Policy

Copyright: Terry and Kathy Sullivan 2006-2013