How's your winter? We are having a great one at the winery! Remember around this time last year we were all skating around on inches of ice? This year the weather is much more cooperative and we're taking full advantage. We just participated in the Virginia Wine Showcase at Dulles Expo Center and introduced ourselves to a whole new bunch of friends. We also saw loads of our old friends that weekend, thanks to all of you who stopped by. Thanks also to everyone who voted on their favorite Chardonnay at the showcase. Our "Fletcher's Chardonnay" was voted as the people's favorite. Our sister winery, Pearmund Cellars, was also voted as having the people's favorite dessert wine, Late Harvest Viognier. That's keeping it in the family - way to go winemakers!
Our Valentine's Day Winemaker's Dinner was held on the evening of love itself and everyone had a great time! The food, as always, was incredible (Thanks Chef Kyle!) and love was in the air! Then, the weekend following the dinner, our friends the Ghost-hunters came back and spent the night investigating our friendly inhabitants. We haven't gotten the full report yet, we'll let you know as soon as we do, but they did tell us that they smelled cigar smoke when no lit cigar was anywhere near. They also said that late in the night there was some serious banging on the front door. Creepy!!
If you haven't been by lately you should know that we've released the 2006 vintage Meritage and it is delicious! The new vintages of Norton and Merlot will be released by the end of the month. We especially like the new Norton - it has just a touch of Cabernet Franc blended into it and we think it's our best one yet. Then you can look forward to April - last years very popular Cuvee Blanc is making a comeback, we'll keep you posted.
Our next Winemaker's Dinner has already sold out! It's the Murder Mystery Dinner and it is sure to be a repeat! The response has been incredible and we can't wait to find out who murdered our winemaker. You see - there was a party at the winery the night before the dinner and sometime after, the winemaker was found dead in the barrel room. We're all gathering to question the suspects that were at the party to get to the bottom of the mystery. No doubt, with our team of sharp investigators, the murderer will be led away in handcuffs! Fun!!
The dinner after that is scheduled for May 3rd and is a celebration of Springtime in Virginia filled with foods that Virginia is famous for. Make reservations early, these dinners fill up quick!!
We have some other exciting things coming up including the first Barrel Tasting event of the season. It's scheduled for March 15 & 16 and will be led by our winemaker, Rob Cox. You'll have the opportunity to taste some of our 2007 vintage wines right out the barrel with Rob telling you all about the process and the desired outcome of what you're tasting. And, I'll tell you a little secret, I overheard the winemaker's talking amongst themselves during our harvest season this past fall - they are THRILLED with the fruit they harvested. They are talking about the 2007 vintage wines being one of the very best for Virginia wine. Very exciting news and you'll get to taste them first at this event!!
We also have a jewelry show in March, a Corvette Car Club show in April, something for everyone all the time!
Oh, and now until the end of the month we have a Great 3-pack deal for you. A bottle of 2005 Merlot, 2006 Pinot Grigio and your choice of the 2006 "Fletcher's Chardonnay" or 2006 Meritage for only $50.
Now you know you have to come see us!
