ABINGDON VINEYARD & WINERY
20530 Alvarado Road, Abingdon 540.623.1255 www.abingdonwinery.com – Washington County’s first farm winery situated on a 53-acre farm with 10 acres of grapes. You can enjoy the beautiful grounds nestled next to the South Holston River in this well-know outdoor tourist area. There is a casual, rustic atmosphere warmed by a cozy fireplace and friendly surroundings. Vineyard and winery tours are available.
ADULT COOKING CLASSES
Salem Parks & Recreation 540.375.3057- Ages: 18 and up Date: thru April 28th all Saturdays Time: 11:00am-12:30pm Location: Salem Presbyterian Church Fee: $95 Make checks payable to Michele Carden. A copy of the Winter/Spring Brochure is available at the City of Salem Parks and Recreation office on 620 Florida Street, Salem Va.
AFTON MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS
234 Vineyard Lane, Afton 540.456.8667
www.aftonmountainvineyards.com – The vineyards, winery, and cave are open for tastings, tours, and picnics everyday except Tuesday from 10am-6pm (July through December). Afton Mountain Vineyards is located just minutes from the junction of Interstate 64, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive. April 21 – 22 Monticello Wine and Food Festival. Spend the day in the serenity of the Blue Ridge Mountains enjoying the fine wines and gourmet foods, artisan craftsmen and musicians. At Morris Farm on Route 33 in Greene County, from 11 AM – 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday. Advance tickets $15 per person, at the door $20 per person. April 28 – 29; 16th Annual James River Wine Festival. The annual James River Wine Festival is held at the Innsbrook Pavilion, in Richmond’s west end from Noon – 7 PM Saturday, and Noon – 6 PM Sunday.
AMRHEIN’S WINE CELLAR
9243 Patterson Drive, Bent Mountain 540-929-4632 www.roanokewine.com – Winner of the 2002 and 2003 Virginia Governor’s Cup, judged as the best wine in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and winner of 19 state medals and 11 international medals in other elite competitions since 1998. They specialize in Virginia-style wines with a German influence from 95% estate grown grapes. Experience this family owned winery and vineyard at 2500 feet while enjoying the splendid views of the mountains, peaceful lake and abundant wildlife while sitting under the gazebo. April: 21 & 22, Bold & Beautiful Spring Barrel Tasting
AmRhein Wine Cellars presents its 7th Annual Spring Barrel Tasting where you can participate in an exclusive barrel tasting and discussion of our unreleased reds hosted by our winemaker, Steven Bolleter. Compare barrel samples with their bottled counterpart and take the opportunity to reserve future bottles of our fabulous red wines. Enjoy live entertainment as you select hors d’oeuvres to complement our Virginia-style wines. Admission $10/person (includes a souvenir glass) 12pm-5pm.
CARDINAL POINT WINERY
9423 Batesville Road, Afton 540.456.8400 www.cardinalpointwinery.com – Family owned and operated Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery lies in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge, in the shadow of Afton Mountain. Sip their award winning wines in a unique “industrial meets pastoral” setting. Patio and pasture land for picnicking. Tours include an informative video presentation of seasonal activities in the vineyard and winery.
CHATEAU MORRISETTE
Milepost 171.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Meadows of Dan 540.593.2865 www.thedogs.com – For over twenty years, Chateau Morrisette has been producing premier wines in Virginia. Located just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in Floyd County, Chateau Morrisette brings unique styles and character to both its wine and fine foods. Chateau Morrisette is both a relaxing and exciting experience for anyone who enjoys fine wine, good food, and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you are a true wine connoisseur or just being introduced to wine, Chateau Morrisette has something just for you. Make plans to stop by their winery, take a tour, do a tasting and enjoy. EASTER FUN, SATURDAY, APRIL 7, Spend a lovely spring afternoon on the lawn at Château Morrisette. We’ll hide the eggs and let you ‘find’ the rewards. Prizes include chocolates, a bottle of our award-winning wine, and gifts from our tasting room gift shop. Connect with your inner bunny and join the hunt at 3:00 p.m. $15 adults 21 +. Reservations requested, hop-ins welcome. Inclement weather cancels. EASTER BRUNCH, SUNDAY, April 8. The Restaurant will be serving brunch and lunch from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Reservations recommended. The Winery will also be open during these hours and tours with tastings are scheduled at noon, 2 and 4pm. SPRING OPEN HOUSE, April 21, 22, 28 & 29. Enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres, winery tours, wine tastings and discounts on gifts and wines during our salute to spring open house for Kennel Club Members, guests and visitors, Noon until 4pm.
DAVIS VALLEY WINERY
1167 Davis Valley Road, Rural Retreat 276.686.8855 davisvalleywinery@hotmail.com – Smyth County’s first farm winery invites you to enjoy the beautiful panoramic vistas of Southwest Virginia from their scenic hilltop setting. Enjoy great music, tours, and tasting available. Located one mile off of Interstate 81 between Wytheville and Marion.
EASTER AT MARINERS LANDING
Celebrate Easter at The Pointe at Mariners Landing! We will be offering a special menu for the occasion with delicious offerings just for this holiday. Brunch is on April 8th from 10:30-2:30 pm, and the Easter Bunny will be our special guest! After the meal, join us on the lawn for an Easter Egg Hunt at 2pm, and find eggs filled with candy and prizes! For more information visit www.marinerslanding.com or call BJ Daniels at 540.296.1215
EASTER BUFFET AT THE HOTEL ROANOKE
The Hotel Roanoke is offering a sumptuous buffet this Easter featuring entrees such as prime rib, buttered sole with shrimp and garlic stuffing, and baked glazed Virginia ham with a raisin sherry sauce. Soups, salads, side dishes and desserts also are included. The buffet is being offered in the Crystal Ballroom and the Regency Room. Reservations are required and available by calling 540.853.8280. The cost: $34.95 for adults, $15.50 for children 12 and under, and children 3 years and younger are free.
FINCASTLE VINEYARD & WINERY
203 Maple Ridge Lane, Fincastle 540.591.9000 www.fincastlewine.com – A family-owned and operated winery producing handcrafted Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. Enjoy the serenity of their secluded mountain vineyard form a rocker under the pergola or a hillside picnic table.
FIRST COLONY WINERY
1650 Harris Creek Road, Charlottesville 877.979.7105 or 434.979.7105 www.firstcolonywinery.com – From historical inspirations to seasoned winemaking expertise, old world traditions about at FCW. They have combined their focus on producing world-class wines with gracious hospitality. Cooking Class-Enjoy and unforgettable experience learning to cook from a guest chef. Class is held the first Friday of every month. Includes interactive cooking class, 3-course meal, wines with each course, tour, tasting, signature wine glass, and all taxes. Reservations required. $50/pp. 11am-2pm. April 7: Spring Open House at First Colony Winery. Celebrate the rites of spring: sunshine, flowers and wine. Enjoy light hors d’ oeuvres, wine tasting, barrel samples, tours, and new wine releases! Free.
FOODIES
Foodies offers fun cooking classes classes.
For more information call 540.776.3693 or visit
www.cookingmadefun.com
HICKORY HILL VINEYARD
1722 Hickory Cove Lane, Moneta 540.296.1393 www.hickoryhillvineyards.com – Hickory Hill Vineyard is a small, family owned and operated vineyard located in the Smith Mountain Lake area. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east side of Smith Mountain Lake, the vineyard was once a cattle farm and the winery was once the homestead. This quiet, country setting is perfect for relaxing afternoons while enjoying the simple pleasures in life. They invite you to visit their vineyard and experience its quiet country charm. Tours of the winery and tastings are available. Saturday, April 7; Redbud Festival. Toast the first blooming trees of spring with our Smith Mountain Lake Redbud wine. Bring a picnic, blankets, chairs and enjoy a beautiful, relaxing spring day in our quiet country setting. Kids will enjoy the Kite Fly, Arbor Day display and Easter Egg Hunt! noon-5. Free.
HILL TOP BERRY FARM & WINERY
2800 Berry Hill Road, Nellysford 434.361.1266 www.hilltopberrywine.com – Small, family-owned winery nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This winery features “true to the fruit” Virginia wines. Specialty wine selections include Mead and fruit and more.
HOTEL ROANOKE & CONFERENCE CENTER
The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center has begun offering cooking classes on Sundays with award-winning chef Billie Raper and Mark Worsley. Classes meet from 1—5 pm. Cost is $75 per person and must be secured by a credit card. For more information or to register call the Regency Room at 540.985.5900 or email Worlsey at chef31@cox.net.
JEFFERSON VINEYARDS
1353 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville 434.977.3042 www.jeffersonvineyards.com – When Thomas Jefferson and Italian Filippo Mazzei established vineyards in 1774, they chose the land adjacent to Monticello—the site of present day Jefferson Vineyards. With current vineyard plantings dating to 1981, Jefferson has produced some of Virginia’s finest wines for over twenty years. Bring a picnic lunch (Brix Marketplace is just around the corner) and relax on the deck among the mountains, vineyards and horses. April 14 & 15, Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday Celebration. Jefferson Vineyards celebrates our namesake’s birthday weekend with the official release of our 2006 white wines, including Pinot Gris and Viognier. Select red wines will also be tasted, and all will be paired with a springtime tasting menu from Chef Tammy Knock. 1-4 pm. $20/person. (Reservation is for one day only.)
KING FAMILY VINEYARDS/MICHAEL SHAPS WINES
6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet 434.823.7800
www.kingfamilyvineyards.com – Spectacular Blue Ridge views fifteen minutes from Charlottesville. They invite you to taste award-winning wines including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Meritage. Indoor/outdoor seating for groups, private parties and picnics. Cooking Classes at King Family Vineyards.
KLUGE ESTATE WINERY AND VINEYARD
3550 Bleinheim Road, Charlottesville 434.984.4855 www.klugeestate.com – Tucked into the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard is situated on Carter’s Mountain, near Thomas Jefferson’s historic home, Monticello, where Virginia wine-making began. Offering tours by appointment and tastings at the Kluge Estate Farm Shop, their tasting room and gourmet food outpost. Sample the New World collection of Bordeaux-style red wine, sparking white and aperitif. The Farm Shop offers a full range of exquisite prepared foods, plants and horticultural items, wine accessories, homegrown and homemade preserves, and original gifts.
OAKENCROFT VINEYARD
1486 Oakencroft Lane, Charlottesville 434.296.4188 www.oakencroft.com – Oakencroft Vineyards and Winery was founded and licensed in 1983. The first vineyard plantings were made in 1980 with Seyval Blanc, followed by Vidal Blanc, Chambourcin, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Oakencroft’s first vintage won medals in The International Eastern Wine Competition and The Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition and has continued to garner awards throughout the years. Spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains are seen from the vineyards and a lake fronts the Winery Courtyard. Located in Albemarle County, it is the closest winery to Charlottesville.
THE PEAKS OF OTTER WINERY
2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford 540.586.3707 www.peaksofotterwinery.com – Just married? Receive a free gift. All sweethearts love our “Grandma’s wines”. Come site by the fire with us and taste to your hearts content. Our Fruit of the Farm wines features apple, cherry, berry, pear, peach, nectarine, plum, apple cinnamon, and apple chili pepper wines. Taste samples of the fresh fruit that their wines, jellies, jams, butters, and sweet ciders are made from. Picnic in their pavilion and enjoy the breathtaking views. Take a self-guided farm tour and enjoy visiting farm animals that you would expect to find on a self-sufficient farm during the thirties and forties. Apr 1, 7, 8, 14, 15 – Blossom to Bottle Open House at Peaks of Otter Winery – Noon-5 – Visit the farm and enjoy the many blossoms here and along the way. Picnic under a blossoming tree, taste the wines, visit the farm animals and get advance tickets for The Horse and Hound Wine Festival.
POINTE AT MARINERS LANDING
Smith Mountain Lake 540.297.4900 ext. 81850 www.marinerslanding.com – Join Executive Chef Glenton Goodwill along the shores of beautiful Smith Mountain Lake for The Pointe’s quarterly wine dinners and single-malt scotch whiskey tastings. Each new wine dinner will feature multiple courses paired with a delightful wine. Most recently The Pointe featured wine dinners from The King Family Vineyards, Kluge Estates and throughout France. Single-malt scotch whiskey tastings are hosted by resident expert and resort manager, Hale Clary.
PRINCE MICHEL VINEYARD
9 miles south of Culpepper on Route 29 540.547.3707 www.princemichel.com – In 1983, Jean Leducq created the first significant Virginia vineyard in the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Prince Michel was planted with first quality vinifera vines. Prince Michel Vineyards has received over seven hundred awards and medals since 1987. Prince Michel is located 9 miles south of Culpepper on Route 29, 30 miles north of Charlottesville on the west side of Route 29.
REBEC VINEYARDS
2229 North Amherst Highway, Amherst 434.946.5168 www.rebecwinery.com – Rebec Vineyards, located in Amherst, Virginia, was planted in 1980 and boasts eight acres of the world’s finest grapes: the noble vitis vinifera of Europe. Commanding an expansive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the winery was designed and built by owner Richard R. Hanson and his son-in-law Mark Magruder. The winery features rich weathered chestnut siding and exposed beams from a 200-year old tobacco barn that was located on this historic farm. Mountain View Farm is listed both on the National Register of Historic Places and as a Virginia Landmark.
R.I.C.E.
The Roanoke International Cooking Experience (R.I.C.E.) offers new cooks, experienced cooks, and adventurous eaters who have never cooked the opportunity to learn about delicious dishes from Asia and around the world. Classes are held at the Brambleton Center in Cave Springs Corners; consult their brochure or website at www.roanokecountyva.gov/prtonline or check out the R.I.C.E. website for more information including private cooking classes tailored to your specific interests. Cooking parties, special events, demonstrations, and corporate culinary team-building events are all available with the emphasis on enjoyment. For more information call R.I.C.E. at 540.989.3961, or visit www.binaryspark.com/asian.
ROCKBRIDGE VINEYARD
35 Hill View Lane, Raphine 1.888.511.WINE www.rockbridgevineyard.com or e-mail us at rockbridge@email.com – Winner of the 1995 and 2001 Virginia Governor’s Cup. Enjoy the splendor of the Shenandoah Valley while sampling award-winning wines including Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Cabernet, Vidal Blanc and Pinot Noir. Hours: Mon-Sat 11-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm, Free Tasting. April 9 is Uncorked and Unplugged : 2-5pm. Relax on our deck with live acoustic music while sampling award winning Rockbridge wines. No charge.
SINGLE-MALT SCOTCH WHISKY TASTING
Spend an informative evening with Host Hal Clary learning about the history of Scotch whisky, how it is made and the nuances that give it its distinctive flavor. Cost per Taster-$35 Guest of taster (wine) $20 inclusive. Light Hors d’eouvres included. Event located at The Pointe at Mariners Landing on beautiful Smith Mountain Lake, Saturday April 28th from 6:00pm-8:00pm. Special lodging rates for participants are available also!
TRIO BISTRO.BAR.BOTTLE
Free Wine Tastings every Saturday, 11-2pm 540.904.5887 www.triowinebar.com
VALHALLA VINEYARDS
6500 Mt. Chestnut Road, Roanoke 540.725.WINE www.valhallawines.com – Winner of the 2000 Virginia Governor’s Cup and the 2001 Atlanta International Wine Summit as the best wine in the southeastern United States. One of Virginia’s most scenic vineyards located at an elevation of 2000 feet overlooking the Roanoke Valley. They are a family operation, estate grown, vinified and bottles on-site since 1998. Their wines are made in the French minimalist fashion and aged in their 200-foot-long barrel cave 60 feet beneath the vineyards. The gravity flow winery encompasses the entrance to the cave. April 27 – Band Night at Valhalla bring your picnic and enjoy live music and dancing.
VERITAS WINERY
145 Saddleback Farm, Afton 540.456.8000
www.veritaswines.com – Veritas invites you to take part in the essence of Virginia. Visit their vineyard, see how they grow their grapes, how they make the wine and, finally, how sit back on their sun-drenched deck and enjoy the vistas and wondrous beauty of the Blue Ridge, while tasting the fruits of their labor, captured for you in their delicious wines. April 8, 2007 is our Easter brunch, 11:30 am and 1:30 pm seatings. Please join us for a four-course brunch with wine pairings. $45 per person. For reservations and additional details, please call the winery ext. 107
VILLA APPALACCIA WINERY
752 Rock Castle Gorge, Floyd 540.593.3100
www.villaappalaccia.com – Enjoy a small piece of Tuscany when you visit their winery just of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southwest Virginia. Taste their innovative blends and varietal wines made from Italian grape varieties grown in their 12-acre vineyard. Located in the Blue Ridge Parkway between mileposts 170 and 171. (Located one mile north of Chateau Morrisette.) Apr. 7-28 Savory Soup Saturday at Villa Appalaccia. Every Saturday in April we will have fresh soup, great crusty bread and local cheeses to warm you up in the early spring on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Likely soups include potato and leek as well as an Italian vegetable and pasta soup. All served with our own olive oil. Fee for event. $8 per person soup, crusty bread and cheese. Noon-4 pm.
WINDY RIVER WINERY
20268 Teman Road, Beaverdam 804.449.6996 www.windyriverwinery.com – Windy River, Hanover Country’s first farm winery, opened in 1997. Twelve acres of vinifera and hybrids on gently rolling hills in historic Beaverdam overlooking Confederate battlefields and the North Anna River. Windy River provides a great day or evening in the country for just sipping or enjoying their outdoor events.
WINTERGREEN WINERY
462 Winery Lane, Nellysford 434.361.2519 www.wintergreenwinery.com – Experience renowned hospitality and award-winning wines while soaking in panoramic mountain views at this family owned and operated winery and vineyards. Wintergreen Winery is located in the beautiful Rockfish Valley of Nelson County on the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Wintergreen Resort. The winery property offers spectacular scenery throughout the seasons. Nestled inside (at 19th century farm building) are the state-of-the-art winery operation, a comfortable tasting room and one of the finest winery gift shops in the state.