Newsletter | January 2008 Newsletter

January 2008 Newsletter

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We have wonderful news!  We've crunched the numbers, compared statistics and determined that The Winery at La Grange has achieved the highest first year sales of any new winery in Virginia to date.  Thanks to the very skilled winemaking of Chris Pearmund and Rob Cox, thanks to the gorgeous property that we love sharing and, most of all, thanks to all of you who supported us in 2007 - we are grateful and look forward to many more years serving as one of your favorite Virginia destinations!

We also received some incredible validation from our industry in 2007 with twelve of our wines winning major awards at wine competitions across the country.  Our 2005 Meritage was the big winner with seven medals placed around its neck!  We have just entered some upcoming competitions and will keep everyone informed as to the outcome of those.

Among the most interesting events of 2007 were the ghostly encounters experienced by many of us.  Christmas was a particularly busy time for our ghostly friends who made their presence known with pranks that included a glass that popped right out of a deep box right in front of our amazed Saturday staff, footsteps on the floors of empty rooms above and Christmas decorations on one of our fireplace mantels that were wiped right off onto the floor with no one near in the middle of a busy afternoon.  One of our staff noticed that during the weekend that was particularly "active" the glass of wine that we leave on the Tasting Room Mantel for Benoni had been removed and not replaced.  She quickly put a fresh glass up and things seemed to settle right down. (que The Twighlight Zone theme music)  Well, some local ghost hunters got wind of our stories and came out to talk to us on a recent Sunday about what we have heard and experienced.  They are so convinced that we may truly have some paranormal inhabitants that they've made arrangements to come back and spend an upcoming night in the Manor House starting late in the night and staying until the wee hours of the morning investigating.  We will definitely update you on the outcome of their visit!

We have a Winemaker's dinner coming up on January 19th (Sold Out) and this one is truly special.  We are featuring guest Chef Andrea Ferrero who has created a five course menu with each course representing a different region of his home country, Italy.  In honor of this special menu we have decided to pair each course with an Italian wine that hails from the same region as the course it's served with.  This will be delicious, fun and educational!  If you haven't book your Valentine Dinner with us for February 14th, hurry as this will be sold out soon.

• Wine Maker's Dinner - Taste of Italy, January 19th, 6:30-10pm (Sold Out)
• Winemaking 101 - Taste of DC, January 20th, 9am-3pm
• Virginia Wine Showcase - Dulles Expo Center, February 9-10th
• Wine Cellar Management - Lord Fairfax Community College - Workforce Solutions, February 9th 9-1pm at Pearmund Cellars
• Wine Maker's Dinner - Valentines Day, February 14th 6:30-10pm
• Valentine Weekend, February 16-17th 11-6pm
• Wine Maker's Dinner - Valentine Dinner @ Pearmund Cellars, February 16th 6:30-10pm
• Barrel Tasting & Futures Sale, Pearmund Cellars, March 8-9th 11-6pm
• Barrel Tasting & Futures Sale, La Grange, March 15-16th Noon-5pm
• Wine Maker's Dinner - St. Patrick Day @ Pearmund Cellars, March 15th 6:30-10pm

See our detailed Happenings page for cost, contact and event information.

Now that you've indulged your senses at the first established winery in Prince William County, The Winery at LaGrange, discover why History Loves Company here.

Located only 30 miles from the nation's capital, the premier destination is home to links where the legends play - the four-time host of the President's Cup.  For those who may not always aim for the hole-in-one, there are nine, championship, daily fee golf courses and three executive courses and training facilities with an array of terrain and amazing mountain and water views.

Closest to The Winery at LaGrange is Bull Run Golf Club off Route 15 in Haymarket, voted one of the "Best Public Courses in the D.C. Area."  Enjoy 450 acres of some of the most beautiful landscape in Northern Virginia.

Not far from the intersections of Rt. 15 and 29 are Stonewall Golf Club and Virginia Oaks Golf Club.  Designed by Tom Jackson, Stonewall offers breathtaking lake views, rolling terrain and wooded areas.  Designed by P.B. Dye, Virginia Oaks is nestled among towering oak trees and offers large, rolling greens.

Prince William County also is known as the Outdoors Capital of the Capital Region.  From the depths of the Potomac River to the heights of the Bull Run Mountains, Prince William County offers two national, one state and dozens of local and regional parks, sanctuaries and wetlands.  Visitors seeking to escape city streets for quiet retreats may enjoy hiking, bicycling, fishing, boating, horseback riding and birding.

Families also may bridge the generation gap at three water parks, indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks and Potomac Nationals minor league baseball games. 

Shopping is the top activity on vacation, and Potomac Mills Mall is the most visited tourist attraction in Prince William County and one of the largest value outlet malls on the East Coast!  Bargains, and treasures, also are found on three antique corridors, and in Historic Manassas and Historic Occoquan.  Our destination also offers family-friendly festivals year-round, while the world's hottest entertainment acts take center stage at Nissan Pavilion, located in Gainesville, near Haymarket.

Prince William County may be best known for its unforgettable role in American history.  In July 1861, Union and Confederate forces faced off for the first major battles of the Civil War.  Today, nearly one million visitors a year journey through hallowed ground at Manassas National Battlefield Park and explore interpretive exhibits at the Manassas Museum tracing the region's history from colonial days to the recent past.

To make their stays complete, visitors may rest easily at 40 hotels and a charming bed and breakfast, Bennett House, and eat memorably at 400 restaurants. 

Discover why History Loves Company in Prince William County, Virginia!  For a new, 2008, visitors guide, championship golf guide, calendar of events and pocket map, please call 1-800-432-1792.  To make your lodging reservation right now, please log on to www.visitpwc.com.