Wine Dogs Discover There's No Place Like Hume

Date: Sat, Jul 10, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Hume Vineyards

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Wine Blogger Conference Coming to Virginia

Date: Wed, Jul 7, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Yip yip yippee! Governor McDonnell issued the official announcement today, barking out the exciting news. The bloggers are coming to Virginia for the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference -- the first time this usually sold-out event will be on the East Coast. Munchkin and Pomeroy look forward to meeting fellow bloggers from across North America when they come to Charlottesville July 22-24. Organizers noted the full support of the Virginia Wine Board, Virginia Tourism, and the Charlottesville community in sealing the deal.

Governor Robert F. McDonnell: News: "Governor McDonnell Announces National Wine Bloggers Conference to be Held in Virginia
– Charlottesville Selected as 2011 Location for National Conference; 300 Attendees Expected --Premier National Event for Wine Bloggers-- –"

CHARLOTTESVILLE- Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that the national 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference will be held in Charlottesville. The conference is expected to bring at least 300 attendees to the area for the 3-day gathering.

Commenting about the selection, Governor McDonnell noted, "Virginia wineries are garnering lots of attention across our country and around the world. By hosting the Wine Bloggers annual conference in Charlottesville, interest will continue to grow thus attracting more visitors to Virginia and its wineries. Since taking office, we have been looking at new and innovative ways to promote Virginia wines both domestically and internationally. In addition to announcements of major national conferences choosing Virginia, our major initiatives supporting tourism and the wine industry took effect last week on July 1st. Virginia is now the nation's fifth largest wine producer and seventh largest commercial grape producing state, and we are committed to growing this important, job-creating industry in the years ahead. I look forward to welcoming the Wine Bloggers Conference to the Commonwealth next July."

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Munchkin Filled with Patriot Spirit; Among First Tasters at GW's Historic Distillery

Date: Thu, Jul 1, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

George Washington's Distillery
Mt. Vernon, VA

Munchkin took a paws from wine-tasting to visit George Washington's Distrillery and Grist Mill today, as Washington's whiskey went on sale for the first time in almost 200 years!

The Father of our nation was not only "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen," it appears he was also first in the distilling. Washington was the only Founding Father to operate a commercial distillery, dating to 1797.

The Distillery burned in 1814, but knowledge of the operations were preserved in Washington's writings.

The Distillery has been reconstructed and reopened in 2007; however, a lot has changed since George Washington's time. In the 18th Century, you could bring your own jug directly to the Distillery and they'd fill it up for you. Try to get that approved by the ABC.

Thanks to a change in Virginia law that went into effect today, however, Mt. Vernon is allowed to offer tastings and sell whiskey directly to the public -- the first such tasting since Prohibition.

Munchkin was among the first in line, sampling two versions. While there was much ado about the Rye Whiskey made according to the General's own recipe, Munchkin found it a bit too ruff for her refined palate, preferring the smoother Whiskey blend available at Mt. Vernon in commemorative sets.

What a wonderful way for a patriotic pup to kick off America's 234th Birthday Celebration weekend! Munchkin left full of patriotic spirit as she rushed home to tell Pomeroy about her audience with President Washington.

Munchkin also recently met with Thomas Jefferson at Philip Carter Winery's 2nd anniversary celebration.

And both Wine Dogs enjoyed a pleasant morning exchange with George Mason during the Cherry Blossom festival.

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Virginia Wine Dogs on TV (NBC 29)

Date: Sun, Jun 20, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

King Family Vineyards
Crozet, Virginia

Virginia Wine Dogs - NBC29

Munchkin and Pomeroy visited the King Family Vineyards and it was easy to see why David and Ellen King's boutique winery won the coveted Governor's Cup. While there, the Wine Dogs ran into the Pup-arazzi, and were featured on the evening news.

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Wine Dogs Meet with Virginia Agriculture Secretary

Date: Sat, Jun 19, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

King Family Vineyards
Crozet, Virginia

While visiting the King Family Vineyards, Munchkin and Pomeroy had a private meeting with Virginia's Secretary of Agriculture, Todd Haymore (pictured above with the Wine Dogs).

Secretary Haymore told them how much he appreciated the Wine Dogs' role as spokespuppies for the industry, and filled them in on the many, many things he and Governor McDonnell are doing to help promote Virginia's wines and wineries (see Secretary's memo below).

Munchkin and Pomeroy are barking for joy at the prospect of the Wine Bloggers Conference coming to Virginia next year (they already have the Wineries Unlimited trade show on their calendar for March 30-31). The Wine Dogs look forward to catching up with Secretary Haymore, Governor McDonnell, and First Lady Maureen McDonnell and her FLITE Tour on the wine trail ahead.

Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry

Todd P. Haymore

This ...has already been an incredible year for the Virginia wine industry, both in terms of business and state support. As promised in his campaign and in visits to wineries and farms across the Commonwealth, the Governor has made the promotion of Virginia wine a signature piece of his Jobs & Opportunities agenda. It has also been my pleasure to support this industry from my first days as VDACS Commissioner and, now, as Secretary.

It's hard to believe how much we have accomplished in just six short months:

Working with the General Assembly, we have established a dedicated source of funding for the promotion of Virginia wine and increased the annual amount of that support from $580,000 per year to $1.35m. These additional funds will bring us closer to our largest East Coast competitors and will be dedicated to marketing, education, and research. The Virginia Wine Board has already adopted an FY11 budget that makes dramatic increases to our marketing and research efforts. I am pleased that the Board voted in support of the Governor's recommendations, including dedicated international marketing funds and the addition of another marketing employee tasked with increasing retail sales.

Today the Commonwealth Transportation Board, at the request of Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton, the Governor, and myself, allocated an additional $3.5m for a wine tourism initiative in conjunction with the Commonwealth's recognition of the Civil War Sesquicentennial. The funds will be used to drive tourists from Virginia's visitor centers and rest areas to wineries through the use of enhanced signage and technology.

Last month I traveled to the United Kingdom in an effort to promote Virginia agricultural and specialty food products and to expand their market share in that country. The Governor will lead a trade mission to Europe in July and he, the First Lady, and I will continue to promote Virginia wine on that tour as well. In the coming year, Virginia will open trade offices in Europe, Asia, and on the Indian subcontinent, further increasing opportunities for the export of Virginia wine.

The Governor, the First Lady, and I continue to promote Virginia wine as part of our personal mission to increase the presence of local wines in restaurants and stores across the state. Due in large measure to the First Lady's Initiatives Team Effort (FLITE) tour of Virginia wineries, a number of area retail licensees have added or increased their stock of Virginia wines. In fact, one of my favorite Richmond restaurants just added three wines to its menu after participating in the First Lady's inaugural tour. We will be working with the First Lady to schedule more such tours in the near future.

Due in part to the support of the Governor and the energy of the Virginia industry, Richmond will be the host for the 2011 Wineries Unlimited trade show. More than 2000 industry members from up and down the East Coast are expected to attend, bringing in $1.5 million in revenue to our state.

We supported the efforts of Annette Boyd in the Wine Board Marketing Office to recruit the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference to Virginia. We will know if Annette's hard work pays off later this Summer.

From a business perspective, sales of Virginia wines increased in 2009 nearly 7.5 percent over the prior year. Virginia also rose to become the 5th largest wine producing state in the country. Along with that rise, wine grapes reached Virginia's Top 20 agricultural commodities list in 2009 with cash receipts of more than $10 million.

With the hard work of this industry, the high quality of our product, and the strong support of the McDonnell administration, I can say with certainty that 2010 has the potential to see even further growth for Virginia's wineries and vineyards. I look forward to ...even better things to come in the next four years.

With kind regards,

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Wine Dogs Remember Juanita Swedenburg

Date: Wed, Jun 9, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Swedenburg Estate Winery
Middleburg, Virginia

Today marks the third anniversary of the death of Juanita Swedenburg. Munchkin and Pomeroy had the privilege of visiting with this elegant pioneer of the Virginia Wine Industry in her tasting room shortly before she passed away.

The vinyard and winery Juanita built with love and grit continues under the leadership of her son, Marc. He recently hired award-wining winemaker Curtis Vincent (formerly of Chrysalis Vineyards) to carry on the family tradition of producing fine wines in Virginia.

Mrs. Swedenburg was also the inspiration for the heroine in the series of mystery novels based in Virginia wine country by author Ellen Crosby (pictured with the Wine Dogs), whose tribute from the Washington Post can be found below.

"When Juanita Swedenburg died in her sleep at her home in Middleburg on June 9, [2007], it tore a large hole in the heart of Virginia wine country. Though she was 82, no one thought she would be gone so soon... A gray-haired rebel with a cause in tweed suits and sensible shoes, Juanita became internationally known as the woman who decided in the late 1990s to do something about the fact that she could go to jail for shipping wine from Virginia to New York."

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Wine in the New World turns 248; PC Winery, 2 great years

Date: Fri, May 28, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Philip Carter Winery
Hume, Virginia

A second big second anniversary this weekend at Philip Carter Winery on Saturday, where they're also celebrating the 248th Anniversary of American Wine. Don't miss release of Cleve, a big red Bordeaux blend, that is complex and sophisticated (just like Munchkin).

Join hosts, Mr. Thomas Jefferson and Mr. Charles Carter as they speak of their personal connection to wine in young America. A Virtual Tweetup & Tasting will bring Twitter, Facebook & Foursquare fans together for the event. Activities include live music, delicious foods, hayrides, moon bounce, and much, much more.

Well behaved canine friends are welcomed. Of course, Munchkin and Pomeroy were at the original opening, where they were joined by PC Wine Dog Fairfax.

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Wine Dogs Preview BOWHaus Wines -- to be Released Amid Anniversary Festivities

Date: Thu, May 27, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Barrel Oak Winery
Delaplane, Virignia

BOWHaus is back and better than ever. After being sold out for months, Barrel Oak Winery releases the new versions of its popular BOWHaus wines for its anniversary over Memorial Day Weekend. This year's BOWHaus wines feature arty new labels, designed by Brian brother, Ben Roeder -- his art is showing at Barrel Oak.

The Wine Dogs snuck a preview during the Virginia Wine Festival at The Plains and they are tail waggers. The White is a refreshing blend aptly described as "sunshine in a glass" (perfect for those hot patio afternoons). And this may be the best BOWHaus Red ever, combining Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, and Chambourcin for a wine that is rich and complex but still goes down easy.

Release of the BOWHaus is just part of the big doings this weekend, which kick off on Friday night. BOW is pulling out all the stops to celebrate two successful years -- special tours; great live music Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights (and during the day on Sunday); hourly raffles; and awesome food service from Local 647 Saturday & Sunday (runners up for ABC Weekend's Best Food Cart in America Competition). Dogs and children are welcome. Munchkin can't wait!

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Crafty Wine Dog Finds New Virginia Gems

Date: Sat, May 15, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Virginia Wine & Craft Festival
Front Royal, Virginia

Munchkin traveled incognito on Saturday for the Virginia Wine & Craft Festival, a wonderful street festival centered around Front Royal's Gazebo. GRR to festival organizers for the "no pets" policy – the Wine Dogs, of course, get a pass as working press.

And our favorite Yorkie certainly did work. As she made her way up and down the town’s historic Main Street, Munchkin was a pup with a purpose -- her mission, to sniff out the best CabFranc of the festival, with luck a new gem to add to her cellar.

An early stop at Unicorn Winery found two standouts – the '05 Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon were the stuff of pure fantasy – but no Cab Franc.
Indeed, Virginia’s signature CabFranc and Viognier grapes were in surprisingly short supply.

Many of the vintners brought their fruit wines, which were a tad on the sweet side for Munchkin's sophisticated palate. She did, however, find a number of pleasant surprises and made lots of new friends.

The Kluge Estate’s bubbly Blanc de Blanc tickled Munchkin’s fancy (and her nose). The winery also produced a spectacular Rose’, as did Bill Gadino with his dry Moonrise Blush, a two-Cab blend (Franc and Sauv). Munchkin is waiting for Pomeroy’s input to decide which to take to the beach this summer.

Chateau Morrisette was tasting their impressive Liberty, also a Cab Sauv/Cab Franc blend. It is one of a series of dog-labeled wines unleashed by the folks whose mascot, the Black lab Zulu Petals, is the reigning Wine Dog of the Year.

Cooper Vineyards had an outstanding Merlot (and a reminder that Lucy's Weekend is coming up May 29-30).

Munchkin found good examples of her favorite varietal at a couple of familiar locations -- Rebec Vineyards (along with a perfect Pinot Noir) and North Mountain (who had a great Chambourcin).

But it was trusty Wine Dog friend Rappahannock Cellars with the paws down favorite Cabernet Franc (we’ll be sipping on the deck listening to Robbie over Memorial Day weekend). No wonder owner John DelMare looked so content when he was spotted taking in the festival with part of his pack!

Munchkin did uncover a couple of new wineries to put on the Wine Dogs visit list. San Soucy Vineyards was tasting an excellent Viognier and Tempranillo. Wine Dog Cab (their Black Lab) will be hosting a Bark and Wine Festival on June 26.

The other gem was tiny Spring Creek Wine Cellar in Pamplin City, Virginia. Gene and Evelyn McCluney have a true farm winery. They produce 300 cases of wine totally from grapes grown in their vineyard. All are pure varietals (no blending).

Munchkin was so excited about her discoveries she stopped at a conveniently placed desk along the street (with a glass of wine, of course) to write Pomeroy about her finds. A special thanks to Uncle Jeff for filling in as guest photographer.

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It's National Tourism Week: Wine Dogs Recommend Visiting a Virginia Winery or Festival

Date: Fri, May 14, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

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Late Frost Damages Wine Crop, Year's Income

Date: Wed, May 12, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Devastating news from Loudoun County. Leesburg Today reports that Monday morning's May frost wiped out 90 percent of Doug Fabbioli's crop; other vintners also damaged. A reminder of just how fragile our industry is.

Leesburg Today - The Journal of Loudoun County - Late Frost Damages Wine Crop, Year's Income

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Cheers to you, Mom!

Date: Sat, May 8, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

And where will you be?

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Wine Dogs offer Cherry Cheer

Date: Fri, Apr 2, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Munchkin and Pomeroy welcomed spring with a champagne toast following a sunrise romp thru the cherry blossoms.

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A Veramar-velous Experience for the Wine Dogs

Date: Sat, Mar 27, 2010 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Veramar Vineyard
Berryville, Virginia

A special bloggers tour brought Munchkin and Pomeroy on a return visit to Veramar Vineyards on an early spring afternoon. It is a winery wrapped up in family, and family history - the Bogaty family, that is. As founder James Bogaty says, "Wine is in the family genes -- part of the family code from back in Italy."

His son, Justin Bogaty, welcomed the Wine Dogs and treated them to a private reserve tasting. They were joined by fellow bloggers Christian from Schiller Wine Blog and Alisha "Gut Check" Salazar from Northern Virginia Magazine.

Justin has been making wine at the family winery for 8 years; and his 2007 Cabernet Franc recently was awarded 87 points from Wine Enthusiast, the highest rating given to a Virginia red. Daughters Ashley and Tiffany work in the tasting room and will be opening the family's new enterprise, the Bogati Bodega, in May.

The group tasted six wines - three whites and three reds. Among the whites, Pomeroy was enthusiastic about the Seyval Blanc, while Munchkin really enjoyed the Estate Club Chardonney. Justin explained that part of its distinctive taste is the result of primary fermentation in Virignia oak (coopered in France). Using this process, the wine stops absorbing oak at about 2% alcohol; when it is steel fermented then transferred to barrels, it "soaks up the oak like a sponge."

The reds featured two Cab Francs -- a "free run," meaning the juices were liberated from the grapes without using any mechanical processes, giving it less tanins and more of a traditional French feel and an "unfiltered" Cabernet Franc with a more Virginia nose. The Estate Club Ameritage is a "left Bank" style Bordeaux blend of Cab Sauvignon, Cab Franc, and Merlot.

As the bloggers retired to the deck to enjoy their wine, they were met by the patriarch of Veramar Vineyard himself, who shared generously of his wine and his time.

Jim treated them to a glass of Mouvedre -- a dark, herbacious wine that paired beautifully with colorful tales of his life and Veramar's founding. The Wine Dogs lapped it up.

He led them on a tour of the vineyard, telling how Thomas Jefferson observed the Cherokees making wine from Virginia's summer grapes and hired Dr. Norton to domesticate them, giving birth to Virignia's Norton.


He took them into the barrel room where next year's vintage is aging to perfection.

He introduced them to his wife, Della, and described how he bought the property - sight unseen when she called during an out-of-town trip and declared, "I've found your farm."
He thought it would be a horse farm.

He recalled the rooster the couple spotted walking across the road, an Italian symbol of good fortune which became part of the Veramar seal and the name of their popular red blend.

He told of how the vineyard got its name -- from the North Carolina hotel where he and Della spent their honeymoon. A framed picture from the wedding, the hotel, and the bill $(23 including, dinner) hang on the tasting room wall.

Appropriately, the Bogaty's Veramar is a favorite of brides and brides-to-be. On the day of the bloggers event, Munchkin and Pomeroy found a bachelorette party already in progress, and jumped right in with the high-spirited ladies helping Shana enjoy her final fling.

On their earlier visit in July, the Wine Dogs found Veramar's idyllic grounds set for a wedding, putting ideas in Munchkin's head.

Whatever the occasion, the Wine Dogs promise you will have a Veramar-velous time.

(NOTE: Some of the pictures in this blog were taken during the Wine Dogs' July 2007 visit)

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