There is much to be excited about these days at La Grange, not least of which is the impending arrival of our new winemaker, Jef Stebben. Jef is coming to us from Napa, California with a B.S. Fermentation Science degree from U.C. Davis and 15 years experience as a winemaker. He recently visited with us for several days - you may have had to opportunity to meet him if you were at our barrel tasting event on April 4th. Here's a little taste of who Jef is, a quote from a letter he sent to Chris Pearmund referring to his recent work as a consultant with some California wineries and his ultimate goal:
"With a focus on building small, ultra premium brands, it has been my joy to take the essence of my clients' visions and grow them into well crafted wines. I respect traditions and styles that have been built over time and craft wines of quality. With over five years experience running a one man cellar, I am a hands-on winemaker who is truly involved in every aspect of wine production. It is my goal to find the right fit on a winemaking team whose skills encourage the creation of great wine"
It's my bet that Jef and Chris Pearmund will be the winemaking team that Jef has been looking for! Not only are we convinced that he's just who we were looking for to take our wines to the next level and beyond, we're excited to welcome a genuinely nice guy into our winery family!
In honor of Jef's arrival, we're planning a really special winemaker's dinner the evening of June 20. It's our "
Meet the Winemaker" dinner and it's all about you getting to know Jef and Jef getting to know all of you. He'll talk about his experiences in California, his winemaking philosophy and his plans for La Grange. He'll also answer your questions and maybe he'll have some questions for you! This is a big move for Jef, a lifetime in California and now he finds himself all the way on the east-coast. We want him to learn what's so special about Virginia and Virginia wine from the people that know it best! Please join us. Check out the
menu on our happenings page and call for your spot today.
Chris has recently returned from a trip that you'll no doubt hear more about in the coming months. He traveled to London, England to participate at the world's biggest wine trade show. 30,000 wines from around the world were offered for tasting to the trade and, reports are, the 35 Virginia wines offered were a big hit! Here's a little of what Chris had to say:
"Stephen Spurrier went directly to the Virginia wines booth upon his arrival, and after tasting all 35 wines, declared Pearmund Cellars 2007 Petit Verdot the best wine of the Virginia lot. The world's most prolific wine book writer and TV host Oz Clarke agreed the following day. But Virginia's Viognier took centre court as the varietal to taste. Across the acres of wines to be had, Viognier is the new sweetheart of wine drinkers, and Virginia has the best in the world so many said. The word did get around to many of the 18,000 attendees, and by the second half of this 3 day tradeshow many came asking to taste this new found wine region. Virginia hit primetime with Viognier, Petit Verdot, and Cab Franc. Pearmund Cellars was regarded as one of the best and had interest from 4 European wine importers, several chain wine shops and restaurants. Keep your eye on summer issues of Decanter Magazine. Stephen Spurrier may be writing about Bottleshock II, Virginia."
All I can say is, WOW! The WORLD is starting to notice Virginia wine! That is the ultimate! Nothing can stop us now! Virginia will be King! Ok, ok, breathe, ok, I'm calming down now. Well, you have to admit, that is exciting!! Next time you find yourself in merry old England, order up the Virginia wine and watch how others admire your very refined taste in wine.
Have you planned your summer vacation yet? I am pleased to report that there are a few spots left on the Mediterranean Cruise set to sail from Rome on June 17 and cruise for 10 days from Italy to Monaco to France and finally to Spain. There are amazing excursions to wineries including the Mastroberardina Wine Estate in existence for 3 centuries in Pompeii, Domaine Berteau Belieu winery near Grimaud and a winery in the village of Chateauneuf du Pape. All of the excursions will be led by Chris Pearmund and are sure to be adventures remembered for a lifetime. For more information visit
oceaniacruises.com or call us at the winery and we'll get you in touch with the right people.
Come visit us this Memorial Day Weekend. We'll offer military discounts all weekend and, back by popular demand, we'll open our Sangria bar. As always, we'll offer tastings of the Sangria and, if you love it (and we know you will), you can by it by the icy pitcher-full for only $19. Also new is our 2008 Riesling. What a refresher! It's it little fruity and a wee bit sweet and really nice to sip on a patio with your favorite friends. You bring your friends, we'll provide the patio and a good time is guaranteed for all!
If you're in love with our 2007 Pinot Gris, here's another reason to visit us this weekend. It's almost gone!! This will likely be the last weekend we'll have with the light and lovely 07 Pinot Gris so don't miss your chance to enjoy it one last time!
All of us at the winery hope that you are having a wonderful spring and that you'll include a visit with us in your plans!
