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Melissa's Message |
What's Happening at the Winery
by Melissa Stephan |
 There is no way to tell you just how much fun we had on Halloween! We started the day with a staff dressed to kill and the Manor House decorated to spook anyone who entered. We ended the day with our annual Spooktakular Halloween Dinner, always the highlight of fall! Rather than bore you with my lengthy descriptions, let me just provide a little visual collage....
You can see - if you didn't make it by, you DO NOT want to miss it next year!!
  Now it's time for us to think about snuggling down for winter. Our 2009 wines are safe in their barrels which means the frenzy of harvest has passed. Now we're focused on warmth and friends, food and wine and all of the reasons that winter gives us to celebrate. As the days get colder, don't forget that we have the perfect setting for you and your friends to enjoy an afternoon sipping the chill away with our firelit parlor rooms, cozy couches and plenty of games and books to keep you all entertained. We've also got some fun extras planned...watch our happenings page for continued Friday night food and wine events and think about joining us to kick off the holiday party season with our December 5th Holiday Winemaker's Dinner. While you're here, be sure to stop in our gift shop which is packed with gifts for all of your wineloving friends along with great jewelry, kitchenware and sweet treats. |
| Upcoming Events at La Grange |
We have many things happening at La Grange over the next month from wine dinners to celebrations. Check us out!
- Chili Night - November 20th, Friday night at La Grange and enjoy a bowl of chili and glass of wine
- Chilli Night - November 27th, Friday night at La Grange and enjoy a bowl of chilli glass of wine after all your quests have left and you are ready to relax
- Thanksgiving - November 26th, Thursday, closed for the holiday, open for business on the 27th.
- Winemaker's Dinner - December 5th, Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with La Grange wines
- Barrel Owner's Weekend - December 12-13th, Come join with us this weekend as a Thank You to all of our 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 barrel owners.
- Christmas Holiday - December 25th, closed for the holiday, open for business on the 26th.
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| Winemaker Message |
| What's Happening at the Winery
By Jef L. Stebben |
Greetings Wine Fans!
As we are nearing the end of November, there are many exciting things happening at the Winery.
We are officially finished with harvest!!!
As I breathe a sigh of relief from this, I am looking ahead to all the work that needs to happen. Wine is moving around the cellar at the speed of light. We are bottling Meritage while the 2009 wines are moving towards barrel. Soon the Cuvee Blanc will be assembled. We have some amazing components for this blend including Vidal Blanc, Viognier, Traminette, Riesling, and a few others as well. This is my first time making a blend like this and I think it will be a very exciting wine.
One of the issues I wanted to focus on this harvest was elevating the quality of the reds. I think the 2009 wines will show very well. We worked hard this year to balance the acidity, and already some of the results are showing. The 2009 Cabernet Franc has an amazing richness, and it is still only in its infancy. The Petit Verdot has lush aromas of roses and violets. Both these wines will bring power and elegance to the 2009 Meritage.
Please feel free to come by the winery and say, "Hello." I am always happy to talk about what is happening with the wines and share the bounty of the harvest.
Cheers,
Jef L. Stebben
Winemaker |
| Recipe from La Grange |
Recipe with La Grange Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
by Adale Henderson |
Ah, November, my favorite month! Sweaters come out from their hiding spots in the closet, fireplaces are finally lit, and the comfort of a warm, hearty dinner is a most welcome reprieve at the end of a busy day.
Enjoy this easy, quick (can't have enough of those recipes!) meal with our fabulous new 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Everyone will think you've slaved in the kitchen all day and that your choice of wine makes you a genius!
I hope to see you soon at the Winery, Adale
Parmesan-Crusted Polenta with Sausage-Mushroom Ragoût
yield: Makes 4 servings
active time: 10 min
total time: 30 min
Ingredients
· 2 pounds precooked polenta (in a tube), cut into 4 (1/2-inch-thick) rounds · 1/3 cup grated parmesan · 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided · 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casing removed · 1/2 pound mixed sliced fresh wild mushrooms · 1/2 cup dry red wine · 1 1/2 cups bottled marinara sauce · Accompaniment: grated parmesan
Preheat broiler.
Broil polenta rounds on a lightly oiled large heavy baking sheet 3 to 4 inches from heat until lightly browned in spots, about 7 minutes. Turn rounds over and sprinkle with cheese, then broil until polenta is golden in spots and cheese is melted, about 7 minutes more.
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until it shimmers, then cook sausage, breaking up lumps, until just cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
Heat remaining tablespoon oil in skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, then cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add wine and boil, scraping up any brown bits, until reduced by about half, about 2 minutes. Stir in sausage and tomato sauce and simmer, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes. Season with salt.
Serve ragout spooned over polenta.
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| 2010 Wine Cruise |
| 7-night Cruise of Burgundy & Provence |
 Join us for an extraordinary cruise of Burgundy & Provence! Our cruise along the Rhone River sailing June 27-July 4, 2010, will be aboard the intimate 134-guest River Royale of award-winning Uniworld River Cruises. En route, we'll have wine tastings, a cocktail reception, interesting wine-themed discussions, and unique wine-themed excursions. Rates begin at $2,799 per person, double occupancy. Book before November 30th and receive a $300 per stateroom reduction. Deposit is just $200 per person. For additional information about our 2010 cruise, or to book, please contact Cruise Holidays of Alexandria toll free at (866) 368-7327, or visit their website. | |
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ery Staff
The Winery at La Grange
703-753-9360
Opened Daily 11am to 6pm
4970 Antioch Road - Haymarket, VA 20169
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