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September 2009 Newsletter |
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Melissa's Message |
What's Happening at the Winery
by Melissa Stephan |
 We received our first load of 2009 harvested grapes last week. Viognier, how fitting! So, thus it begins, Crush is upon us. Chris and Jef have visited the local vineyards, found the fruit that speaks to them, discussed the plan for the new vintage, made the deals and now, at last, the harvesting has begun. Trucks filled with Virginia's finest, freshly harvested, plump and juicy grapes are arriving regularly now. The de-stemmer and the crusher are cranked up on our crush pad. Bins are being filled with freshly pressed fruit. It smells great, it sounds great, it's quite simply the most exciting time of year!! We're getting Pinot Gris grapes later this week and I believe Chardonnay follows close behind. Yum, yum, yum. You have to come by and see the place in action - there's nothing like it!
Another good time to visit us will be this Friday night, September 18. It's our first movie night of the fall and we're showing the classic 1930's movie " The Thin Man". Perfect! Come with your favorite friends and settle on our lawn for an evening of picnicking and wine sipping and enjoy the flick on us! It's an adult only evening so we hope you'll be able to relax, forget about the work week, let the babysitter help the kids with their homework while you start the weekend by hanging with us! The food is delicious, you know the wine is too and the movie starts at dusk. It's a reservation only event so be sure to call us to save your spot.
The next movie will be the evening of October 16th when we'll show " The Philadelphia Story" with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. Then, steady yourselves for the classic of all classics, " The Rocky Horror Picture Show" on October 30th. Your picnic that night will come complete with all the props you need to really get into the action. AND - if you want to dress up, by all means, do it! We can't wait!!
Saturday October 31st will be the night of our all time favorite annual Winemaker's Dinner. We talk about it all year and it seems that it will never come - The Spooktacular Halloween Dinner! Put on your best costume ( there are prizes) and come prepared to get spooked, have loads of fun and dine in our creepy dungeon, um, I mean beautiful dining room. I'm sure Dracula will make a repeat appearance this year, he never can resist, so be sure and protect your necks! This is a night you don't want to miss!!!
All in all, fall remains our favorite time of year and we hope you'll make a trip here part of your autumn plans. See you at the winery!! |
| 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!
- Movie Night - September 18th, Friday night at La Grange showing "The Thin Man" starring William Powell & Myrna Loy
- 3rd Annual Art Exhibit - October 3-4th, Fine Artist Clara Thompson
- Book Signing - October 16th, Author Walker Elliott Rowe will be signing his new book "A History of Virginia Wines from Grapes to Glass"
- Movie Night - October 16th, Friday night at La Grange showing "The Philadelphia Story" starring Cary Grant & Katherine Hepburn
- Movie Night - October 30th, Friday night at La Grange Showing "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" starring Tim Curry & Susan Sarandon
- Winemaker's Dinner - October 31st, Join us for a spooky night of wine and adventure
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| Winemaker Message |
| What's Happening at the Winery
By Jef L. Stebben |
 Greetings Wine-fans! There is a gentle breeze blowing through the air and subtle feeling that things are changing. A glimpse at the trees shows the first colors of fall only hinting at the show of color to come.
At the winery these changes mean one thing: Harvest is here! On September 9, we received our first fruit, Viognier from the Honah Lee Vineyard. This will make the base of our 2009 Viognier, which will be the first wine I have crafted at Winery at La Grange. I am looking forward to working with all of our fruit and building some of the best wines Virginia can offer.
The trees and vineyard are not the only place to see changes. As most of you know, I am new to the East Coast. Though I have been here since June, the rest of my family has made the move across the "Lower 48" and arrived last month. We are so excited to be here. My family and I are settling into life in Virginia, and we wish to extend a heart felt thanks to everyone who has stopped by and made us feel welcome. We are looking forward to exploring all Virginia has to offer. Please feel free to stop by any time, and I would be happy to show you what is happening around the winery.
Cheers,
Jef L. Stebben
Winemaker |
| Recipe from La Grange |
Recipe with La Grange Merlot
by Adale Henderson |
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We knew it was coming, it always does, but the "official" end of summer on Labor Day leaves me wistful for at least a few more grilling days...mostly because it is the hubby manning the grill!
But now with school in session, after school sports starting up, and just plain old daily life getting more and more hectic, I thought a really yummy dinner that you plop in the slow cooker in the morning and get raves for at dinner time a must.
Enjoy this flavor of France with our stunning La Grange Merlot.
I hope to see you at the Winery soon!
Provencal Chicken Stew
Yield: Makes 4 to 6 servings
Ingredients
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 chicken, cut into serving pieces and skinned
1/4 cup olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into chiffonade, for garnish
1 cup kalamata olives, for garnish
Preparation
Combine the 3/4 cup flour and the salt in a resealable plastic bag. Add the chicken to the bag, several pieces at a time, and shake to coat completely.
Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the oil. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, for 8 to 10 minutes, until browned on both sides. Using tongs, transfer to paper towels to drain, then arrange in the slow cooker.
Set the sauté pan over medium-high heat and add the onion and the 2 tablespoons flour. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the garlic and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the wine and stir to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat to high and add the tomatoes and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10 to 15 minutes, until some of the tomato liquid evaporates.
Pour the onion mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 8 hours, until the chicken is tender. At 3 to 4 hours, the chicken will still be firm and hold its shape. At 6 to 8 hours, the meat will be falling off the bone.
Divide the chicken among dinner plates and garnish with the parsley, basil, and olives. Serve immediately. |
| 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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Winery Staff
The Winery at La Grange
703-753-9360
Opened Daily 11am to 6pm
4970 Antioch Road - Haymarket, VA 20169
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