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| Representatives of the wineries producing the 12 highest ranking wines in the competition -- the Governor’s Cup Case |
Virginia Governor's Cup Gala
Richmond, Virginia

The results are in from the 2013 Virginia Governor’s Cup.This year, 377 wines from 93 wineries competed; 20 won gold. Reds, especially blends, dominated the competition claiming 11 of 12 spots in the Governor's Cup Case.
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The 2013Governor's Cup goes to the 2009 Octagon, a Merlot-based blend with 15% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
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| Munchkin and Pomeroy at Barboursville |
It was produced by Wine Dog Pal Luca Paschina, general manager and winemaker at
Barboursville Vineyards, outside of Charlottesville.
The Octagon, along with the next 11 highest ranking wines in the competition will be combined in the Governor's Cup Case. These award-winning wines will be used to showcase the best of Virginia's vines and vintners,including use by Governor Bob McDonnell on international marketing missions and other events to promote Virginia wine and winery tourism, including the Governor's upcoming trip to California..
The Wine Dogs salute Barboursville and the other case members:
Jeff and Karen Cooper of
Cooper Vineyards toasting their gold medalist, the 2010 Petit Verdot Reserve.
King Family Vineyardswinemaker Mathieu Finot produced a Gold Medalist with the 2010 Meritage.King Family was a Governor's Cup winner in 2010 for their 2007 Meritage.
Edand Jane Puckett of
Lovingston Winerycelebrate their gold medal winning 2009 Josie's Knoll Estate Reserve, another of the Virginia Meritages in the Governor's Case.
Philip Carter Strother and teammates Jeremy Ligot and Dat Metzgerare taking home gold for
Philip Carter Winery with the 2010 Cleve, a distinctive blend of Petit Verdot and Tanat. Visit Cleve Hall and say hello to wine dogs Fairfax and Cortoman.
For the second year in a row,
Potomac Point Winery'sHeritage Reserve is a gold medalist -- this year it's the 2010 vintage happily displayed by owner Cindy Causey . The
Wine Dogs recently visited this impressive, dog-friendly winery and enjoyed the 2009 vintage.
Owner John Delmare pours a glass of Rappahannock Cellars 2010 Meritage, a Gold Medal winner in the Governor's Cup competition.
2012 Governor's Cup winner Jeff White samples
RdV Vineyard's two Gold Medal winning Meritages -- the 2010 Rendezvous and the 2010 Lost Mountain.
Scott Spelbring, Assistant Winemaker at
Sunset Hills Vineyards, was pouring the gold-medal winning 2010 Mosiac, a Meritage blend.
The Governor's Case wouldn't be complete without some bubbly --
Trump Winery's Sparkling Rose'. Cheers!
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| Governor Bob McDonnell presents the 2013 Governor's Cup to Luca Paschina for Barboursville's 2009 Octagon |
Richmond, Virginia

Virginia's vibrant wine industry celebrated its ownas the results of the 2013 Governor's Cup competition were announced. The night's big winners:
Barboursville (Guv Cup), Mary Beth Williams (Wine Person of the Year), Willowcroft's Lew Parker (Lifetime Achievement), Del. Dave Albo (Legislator of the Year) + 12 Gold Medal Wines for Governor's Cup Case (a total of 20 wines were awarded gold).
Dr. Jeff Cooper (
Cooper Vineyards) chaired the Governor's Cup Committee and served as the night's emcee.
"We wanted to create the premiere wine competition in the U.S.," he explained, going over the major changes adopted in 2011 that have made the Virginia's Governor's Cup competition one of the most stringent and comprehensive wine competitions in the United States.
WillowcroftFounder
Lew Parker received the Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing the extensive time he has devoted as an active proponent of the growth and vitality of the Virginia wine industry.
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Mary Beth Williams, Virginia's "Wine Lawyer," was recognized as "Wine Person of the Year" for her contributions to the industry, helping wineries, vineyards, and future winery owners navigate the ABC and other laws.
"The world is your market,"
Governor Bob McDonnell told the winery representatives, adding that "The advancements in Virginia winemaking are on display in every bottle we have here tonight."
First Lady Maureen McDonnell (whose tireless efforts promoting the industry earned her the 2012 Wine Person of the Year honors) then revealed the 2013 Governor's Cup winner was Barboursville's 2009 Octagon. It is a record fourth time Barboursville has claimed the Governor's Cup.
Luca Paschina, Winemaker and General Manager of Barboursville, noted that 2009 was a fine vintage, calling the 2009 Octagon "probably one of the best wines I every made in my life" -- adding that he is 50 and has been making wine since he was 14. The 2009 Octagon, whichhas also claimed a 90-point score from
Wine Enthusiast, gold medals form the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago, and the Winemaker's Challenge and Critics Challenge in California, and the Platinum Medal of the Sommelier Challenge in California, will be released August 1.
This year's competition attracted 377 wines entered by 93 wineries. The 12 highest ranking wines will be combined to comprise the Governor's Cup Caseand used to showcase the best of Virginia wine - including the Governor's trip to California in April.

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Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery
Stafford, VA
Pomeroy decided Prosecco was ready to begin her training as
a Virginia Wine Dog. First stop, Potomac Point Vineyard and Winery, a short
trip down 95 from Alexandria.

Potomac Point's large Mediterranean-style tasting room says “wine” from
the moment you pull up, with an impish Bacchus poised out front ready to
greet guests and gates embellished with sculptured vines enclosing an enticing
outside seating areas (for warmer weather).
Designed by homebuilder Skip Causey (his largest commercial
project) and decorated and furnished by wife Cindi, the interior features a
four-sided tasting bar, imviting fireplace, and impressive murals of la vita
vino.

Potomac Point also offers Le Grand Cru Bistro for those who want to wine
and dine (Wine Dogs are not allowed in the dining room, but are otherwise
welcome).
Indeed, Pomeroy and Prosecco were warmly welcomed to
Potomac Point by proprietor Skip, who provided them the inside scoop on the Potomac Point winery and wines.
The Causeys have lived in Stafford for 27 years. In 2005, Skip was looking for an investment
and, having been bitten by the winebug in Napa and Sonoma – as well as a
pruning class at
Tarara – decided to start a winery close to home. Potomac Point opened to the public in 2007
and currently has 5 acres in vine (Viognier, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Petit
Manseng) andare exploring acquiring additional acreage.
Skip told the Wine Dogs that 2009 has been his best year for reds so far. Looking
ahead to the 2012 wines, he expects the Viognier to be a star and
anticipates an awesome Rose. In addition, Charlie Kidd will be coming to Potomac Point to makehis
Virginia debut as winemaker, after working in California and Texas.

Pomeroy and Prosecco opted for the Premier tasting and Erin led the Wine Dogsthrough a flight of 11 wines. There were several standouts and unique
offerings.
Pomeroy gave paws up to the 2010
Chardonnay Reserve, a big and oaky offering while Ecco preferred the 2011 steel-barrel
fermented Chard with its crisp flavors.

Potomac Point offers two “custom label” wines, and both Wine
Dogs gave paws up to the Custom Label Red (a blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, and
Cab Sauv) playfully labeled “Drunken Reindeer” for Christmas. Pomeroy also
liked the 2011 Norton , a classic presentation of the native Virginia varietal
finished nicely with a touch of Cab Franc (10%) and Tannat (5%).
Both of the desert wines are noteworthy. The Vin de Paille
is crafted in the Itailian Passito style, with wind-dried Muscat grapes wind-dried on beds of straw from an old Virginia tobacco
warehouse and blended with hand-des-stemmed very late harvest Vidal and Petit Manseng for a pleasantly
sweet, peach-apricot wine which Pomeroy adored.
On the Port side, the Rabelos blends Touriga Nacional, Chambourcin and
Tinta Cao aged in a bourbon barrel from the neighboring
A. Smith Bowman Distillery for a
lovely desert wine that had Ecco coming back for more.

The star of the lineup is the 2009 Richland Reserve Heritage.
The Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv and Petit Verdot was the Wine
Dogs’ pick for enjoying in front of the fireplace, where they were joined by Chianti, a 2-1/2 year old Australian Shepherd and “Miss December” in the 2013 Old Dominion Wine Dogs Calendar.
Heritage is one of the 12
Governor’s Cup Gold medal winners to be
included in the 2012 Governor’s Case used to showcase the best of Virginia Wine
across the country and around the world. This year’s Governor’s Cup winners
will be announced on February 21.
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In Memoriam
Munchkin, the Original Virginia Wine Dog
The Virginia Wine Industry lost one of its most enthusiasticpromoters earlier this year. On September 10, 2012,Munchkin -- the irrepressible Yorkshire Terrier of
Virginia Wine Dogs fame -- crossed the Rainbow Bridge to tend heaven's vineyard.
Munchkin got her first taste of the grape en route to the mountains for Columbus Day Weekend in 2004, making a chance stop at what was then known as Virginia's first vineyard, Farfelu Vineyards (French for eccentricor hair-brained -- like the idea of a pair of pups having a wine blog?).Her last visits took her to the opening of
BOW's
Oak Hill Estateand to wine club events at
Keswick and
Rappahannock Cellars followed bya spontaneousstop at
Little Washington Winery.
The great-great-granddaughter of the venerable CH Cede Higgins (the only Yorkshire Terrier ever to win "Best in Show" at Westminster), Munchkin broughther natural flair for showmanship to tasting rooms across the Commonwealth. She delighted in entertaining winery guests -- all the more when her dancing, twirling, rollovers and other tricks were rewarded with treats.

The jumping off point for Munchkin's wine adventures was a mountain retreat just minutes from
Fox Meadow, one of several new wineries openingin theBlue Ridge during the first decade of the 21st Century.In 2007, Munchkinteamed up with Pomeroy (Pomeranian and photographer extraordinaire) to create the
Virginia Wine Dogs blog, making it their business to sniff out Virginia'sfinest.
Over the years, Munchkinfaithfully reported barking wine newson her blog and
Facebook page, spreading thepawsitive wordaboutVirginia's fast-growing industry and its rising reputation as a top wine destination and producer.
She was on hand as a Rovering Reporter when the North American
Wine Bloggers Conference came to Charlottesville in 2011, earning a spot on
VAWine TV.
To build her expertise, Munchkin tried herpaw at winemaking at
Three Fox Vineyard
planted a Petit Verdot vine at
Gadino Cellars,
and even took a turn at bottling at
Breaux.
Munchkin's credits includefeatures in
Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA Dog, and
Our Townand on NBC 29 (Charlottesville).
Munchkin's loved ones are keeping her spirit alive throughher
wine blog and
Facebook Page. Several as yet unpublished Wine Dog reviews from past years have been located, so fans can look forwardto new adventures in the months ahead.
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Desert Rose Ranch and Winery
Hume, Virginia
Desert Rose
Winery celebrates its first anniversary this weekend (March 31). Shortly after it opened, Munchkin and Pomeroy
moseyed out to the ranch and saddled up.
This is a unique property – reflecting the life and heritage (and humor) of its
owners, Bob and Linda Claymier.
Bob hails from high desert country in Oregon. The horseshoe on the Desert Rose logo, the calfskin on the walls, saddles and hay even bales are a tribute to Bob's cowboy roots - many of the artifacts are old family heirlooms.
The tasting bar reflects other aspects of Bob's life - his career with a federal agency that took the Claymiers all over the world. At every stop, Bob and Linda collected currency, now serving as the counter Desert Rose's "million dollar bar" - one of the only places where Israel and Iraq sit peacefully side-by-side.
In Greece, Bob and Linda met Louis Papadopoulos, who later emigrated to the United States and, showing just what a small world it is, today runs a neighboring Fauquier County winery -
Mediterranean Cellars. Bob told the Wine Dogs that the wonderful thing about the wine industry in Virginia “it is such a collegial group - giving a “hats off to John [Delmare] and the entire group at
Rappahannock" Cellars. Before buying his own property, Bob used to come down and help Dirgham Salahi atOasis.

Munchkin and Pomeroy are pleased to report that, as a ranch, Desert Rose is an animal property and pet friendly inside and out. On the day of the Wine Dogs' visit, they were hosting a benefit for the Fauquier County SPCA.

In addition to four-legged friends looking for new homes, Munchkin and Pomeroy met Gigi. The adventurous senior dachshund, owned by Bob's brother Ken, has hung up her tiny motorcycle hat and leather jacket and settled in comfortably to life as a winery dog.

The Wine Dogs also met daughter Kris and granddaughter Emily, who helps out at the family winery. Kris recalls what it was like to grow up with a homewinemaker for a father. "Some of my earliest memories are smelling the yeast coming out of the basement as the wine was percolating.” adding that “Dad would make wine out of anything – even dandelions."
Today, Bob makes his wine out of grapes grown primarily on the property or under his supervision (although the Port-like
Starboard is aged in whiskey).
Most of Desert Rose's wines are playfully named and labeled ("we take wine and wine-making very seriously, but not ourselves"). The five other current offerings include:
- The Hitch Hollow Chardonnay is named for the local community dating back to the late 1800s
- Ole Moo Moo - named for the ranch's celebrity cow and blizzard survivor. Munchkin gave two paws up to the off-dry white made for Linda, who is not a fan of dry.
- Sparky (picture of the power line since part of land was claimed by Dominion Power) is a Rose produced from bleed off from a blend of Cab Franc, Merlot, and Cab Sauv.
- R.E.D. is named for Bob – Retired and Extremely Dangerous (check the label for more hints about that government agency). The chambourcin is a little spicy with a very distinctive finish.
- And a simply named Cabernet Franc, which Pomeroy's decided was the pick of the litter.
Desert Rose produced 1,000 cases its first year and is looking to expand slowly, but not too much. "About 2,000, I get out of my concept of a boutique winery," Bob says. But then again, Bob describes the winery as "a hobby that got out of control."
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| Representatives of the wineries producing the 12 highest ranking wines in the competition -- the Governor’s Cup Case. |
Virginia Governor's Cup Gala
Richmond, Virginia
This year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup competition featured new rules and new honors. More than 400 wines competed;13 won gold.

The 2012Governor's Cup goes to the 2009 Hodder Hill meritage produced by Wine Dog Pal Jeff White, owner and winemaker at
Glen Manor Vineyards in Front Royal. Jeff has two wine dogs of his own -- Chuck, a chocolate lab, and Sport, and American brit.
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| Winemaker Jeff White pours the 2012 Governor's Cup winner, Glen Manor Vineyard's 2009 Hodder Hill Meritage. |
The Hodder Hill, along with the next 11 highest ranking wines in the competition will be combined in the Governor's Cup Case (actually 10 cases of each wine will be available). These award-winning wines will be used to showcase the best of Virginia's vines and vintners,including use by Governor Bob McDonnell on international marketing missions and other events to promote Virginia wine and winery tourism.
The Wine Dogs salute Glen Manor and the other case members:
Lee Hartman of
Bluestone Vineyard with his Gold Medal 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon. This new winery opened only 13 months ago and is off to a great start with a wine in the Governor's Cup Case.
Delfosse Vineyards winemaker Paul Mierzejewski produced a Gold Medalist with the 2007 Meritage Blend.
Ben and Chris show off
Jefferson Vineyards' Gold Medalist, the 2010 Cabernet Franc. Known for creative blending, winemaker Andy Reagan added 10% tannat and 6% Lemberger to this Virginia classic with outstanding results.
Owner Cindy Schornberg was doing double time with
Keswick Vineyards' two gold medalists -- the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and the 2010 Merlot. These yet-to-be released wines, both 100% varietals, are already proving their pedigree.
David King proudly displays
King Family Vineyards Meritage, a Gold Medalist in the 2012 competition. The 2007 Meritage claimed the Governor's Cup in the 2010. The Wine Dogs made their
television debut when they visited the King Family Winery in 2010.
Winemaker Simone Bergese produced
Potomac Point Winery's Gold Medalist -- the 2009 Heritage Reserve. The Wine Dogs look forward to visiting this impressive, dog-friendly winery.
Winemaker Jordan Harris produced
Tarara's 2010 Honah Lee - a Gold Medalist that will be part of the 2012 Governor's Cup Case. A blend of Viognier, Petit Manseng, and Roussanne, this is a white red wine drikers will enjoy; warms you from the inside out.
Patricia Kluge adds class to the Gala with an apertif, the Kluge Estates Cru. She is the founder of the winery that produced the 2008 Kluge SP Blanc de Blanc, a 2012 Gold Medalist and part of the Governor's Cup Case. Kluge Estates is now
Trump Winery.
Winemaker Emily Pelton produced a Gold Medalist at her family winery with the
Veritas 2010 Vintner's Reserve, a meritage blend.
Lisa Champ, whose famly started
White Hall Vineyards 18 years ago, displays the Gold Medal winning 2010 Gewurtzraminer, one of only two whites to make the 2012 Governor's Cup Case.
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Richmond, Virginia
At the Governor’s Cup Gala on Thursday night, the Virginia Wineries Association recognized First Lady Maureen McDonnell as the Virginia Wine Person of the Year.

She was introduced by Ann Heidig of Lake Anna Winery, who was recognized as the Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
As First Lady of Virginia, Maureen McDonnell has been a tireless champion of Virginia wine, promoting. Her First Lady’s Initiatives Team Effort (FLITE) trips have brought press, restaurateurs and wine shop owners on tours of Virginia’s wineries and serves Virginia wines when she entertains.

Governor Bob McDonnell, who was at the Gala to present the 2012 Governor's Cup, looked on proudly as his wife received this unexpected but well deserved honor.
Last year, the First Lady planted 12 vines at the Executive Mansion in recognition of the 1619 12th Act of the Virginia House of Burgess, requiring every landowner in the Virginia Colony to plant and maintain at least 10 vines. She announced will be bottling Mansion Wine for the upcoming 200th Anniversary of the historic home of Virginia's governors.
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| Jeff White of Glen Manor Vineyards Receives Governor's Cup (read about the Wine Dogs' visit to Glen Manor) |
Richmond, Virginia

It was an evening of celebration as the results of the 2012 Governor's Cup competition were announced. The night's big winners: Glen Manor (Guv Cup), 1st Lady Maureen McDonnell (Wine Person of the Year), Lake Anna's Ann Heidig (Lifetime Achievement), Del. Scott Garrett (Legislator of the Year) + 12 Gold Medal Wines for Governor's Cup Case.
Dr. Jeff Cooper (Cooper Vineyards) chaired the Governor's Cup Committee and served as the night's emcee.
Virginia's Governor's Cup competition has been revamped and is now one of the most stringent and thorough wine competitions in the United States.
Lake Anna Winery Founder (and Spottsylvania County Supervisor) Ann Heidig received Gordon Murchie Lifetime Achievement Award for her many years of exceptional service to the Virginia Wine Industry.

First Lady Maureen McDonnell was recognized as the Virginia Wine Person of the Year. As First Lady, she has been a tireless promoter of Virginia Wine.
VA Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore reads the proclamation declaring March "Virginia Wine and Dine" Month (so successful it's expanded from a week... mirroring the success and expansion of theVirginia Wineindustry).
Governor Bob McDonnell says one of the easiest parts of his job is promoting Virginia wines, which he has featured on international trade missions. "Just as Virginia wines have been gaining acclaim here and abroad, we have raised the bar on the competition," the Governor explained, including a requirement that all entries to be made 100% from Virginia-grown grapes.
More than 400 Virginia wines were entered into the competition. Governor McDonnell presented the Governor's Cup to Jeff White, owner and winemakerof Glen Manor Vineyards, for the 2009 Hodder Hill, a meritage blend which the Governor called "“a stunning representation of the best in Virginia wines."
Winemakers representing the 12 highest ranking wines in the competition out of 400 entries. These wines will be combined in the Governor's Cup Case and used to showcase the best of Virginia wine.
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No need to let the cold weather put a chill on plans to explore Virginia wine country -- just named one of the top 10 travel destinations for 2012 by Wine Enthusiast magazine! Munchkin and Pomeroy share their winter wining tips.
Snuggle up in front of a warm fireplace. So what if you don't have a warm fur coat like Pomeroy's. Grab a bottle of red and curl up in front of a crackling fire. The Wine Dogs especially enjoy the blaze at Philip Carter's Cleave Hall (above) and
love the homey atmosphere at Aspen Dale Winery at the Barn. A truly impressive fireplace can be found at Barrel Oak Winery ,
as well as generous arrangement of firepits outside (throw on your own logs) -- Munchkin and Pomeroy enjoyed both, along with a bottle of 2009 CabFranc, last weekend.
Enjoy winter comfort foods with your Virginia vino. Several wineries have winter specials. The grandfather of them all is Naked Mountain's "Lasagna Lunch." The wonderful pasta sensation (sausage or vegetarian), layered with cheese and topped with a savory sauce, is prepared by Chef Eric and offered from January thru March. Pomeroy could hardly resist long enough to pose for the picture.
The Wine Dogs give two paws up to new owners Randy and Megan Morgan for continuing this tradition. Pair with Naked's 2007 Cabernet Franc or 2006 Merlot.
Also on the winter menu are Souper Sundays at Pearmund Cellars and Chili and Wine Time at Philip Carter. If you're a true Chili Dog, you won't want to miss the Chili Cook-Off Wine Trail Weekend, January 28-29, where you can sample chili at each of the four wineries along the Heart of Virginia Wine Trail (Cooper, Grayhaven, James River Cellars and Lake Anna)and vote for your fav. 
That's Entertainment! Live entertainment continues at Virginia wineries throughout the winter. Take in some of the more unique offerings next weekend with Three Fox's Cabernet Caberet (sing along with winemaker/pianist "Giovanni" and special guests on the winterized patio, 1/22) and the Laugh Sip and Smile... Saturday Night Live comedy night (1/21) at Bogati's Bodega.
Many other wineries feature local musicians, such as Friday Evening in Paradise (Springs) as well as the winery's Live Music Saturdays. And of course, Munchkin's favorite wine trubador Robbie Limon is making the circuit at North Mountain (1/28, 2/12), Veramar (2/11), and Narmada (2/25).
Virginia wineries are open - what are you waiting for?
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The Virginia Wine Dogs were first to tweet the barking news on Monday.
Barboursville Vineyards has signed an agreement with Tianjin Tewoo Group to export their wines to China. The deal is a result of Governor McDonnell's trade and marketing mission to Asia in May and is believed to be the first commercial transaction between a Virginia winery and a Chinese importer. Barboursville and other Virginia wines have also hit the London market.
Munchkin and Pomeroy were not surprised. The Wine Dogs traveled to Barbours-ville in 2009 and sampled the award-winning wines. The winery is located in Orange County, Virginia, on the farmland of James Barbour, the 18th governor of Virginia, and includes the ruins of the manor house designed by Thomas Jefferson. Barboursville is one of the oldest wineries in Virginia, founded in 1976.
At the North American Wine Bloggers Conference in Charlottesville, viticulturalist Gabriele Russe talked about defying expectations to found a thriving vineyard in Virginia. And the bloggers who toured Barboursville were all a-twitter about Octagon. Created only in exceptional vintage years, Barboursville's premier Bordeaux blend is proof that Virginia can make world-class wines with the structure and balance to age gracefully.
This work of art is lovingly crafted by Barboursville's winemaker and general manager, Luca Paschina, currently celebrating his 20th anniversary at Barboursville. Munchkin caught up with him at Monticello, where she was treated to a sample of the 2002 Octagon.
Mr. Jefferson would be proud!
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#VAWines claimed 14 of the 37 golds awarded at the Atlantic Seaboard Competition, and best-of-breed (Category) honors for:
Blush/Rose Hybrid/NA
2010 Gulabi by Narmada Winery, VA
Bordeaux-Style Red Blends
2007 Octagon by Barboursville Vineyards, VA
Other Red Vinifera Varietals
2008 Sangiovese by Ingleside Plantation Vineyards, VA
Other White Vinifera Varietals
2008 Petit Manseng by Horton Cellars Winery, VA
Petit Verdot
2009 Petit Verdot Reserve by Barboursville Vineyards, VA
Seyval Blanc
2010 Seyval Blanc by Barrel Oak Winery, VA
Sparkling Vinifera Wines
NV Scintilla by Veritas Winery, VA
Vidal Blanc
2010 Cold Harbor White by James River Cellars, VA
Viognier
2009 Viognier by Lazy Days Winery, VA
White Vinifera Blends
2009 Reserve d'Oriane by DelFosse Winery, VA
Other Virginia Gold Medalists were:
2009 Cabernet Franc Reserve by Afton Mountain Vineyards, VA
2009 Cabernet Franc by Fabbioli Cellars, VA
2008 Cabernet Franc by Flying Fox Vineyard, VA
2009 Reserve Chardonnay by Gray Ghost Vineyards, VA
2006 Petit Verdot by Ingleside Plantation Vineyards, VA
2009 Petit Verdot by Keswick Vineyards, VA
2008 Johann by Notaviva Vineyards LLC, VA
2010 Viognier Reserve by Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery, VA
2007 Meritage by Rockbridge Vineyard, VA
The Atlantic Seaboard Competition was held July 23-24. 564 wines from 11 states competed.
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Official welcome for the Wine Bloggers Conference from Governor Bob McDonnell (Wine Dogs are big fans!). Munchkin is packing her bags for Charlottesville.

Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Bob McDonnell
Virginia Welcomes National Wine Bloggers Conference
– 330 wine bloggers from across the country to converge in Charlottesville this weekend –
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today welcomed 330 national wine bloggers to the annual North American Wine Bloggers Conference taking place this weekend in Charlottesville. The three-day symposium brings top wine bloggers from across the country to taste local wines, visit wineries and discuss the intersection of wine and new media.
Virginia, home to almost 200 wineries across the state, is the fifth largest wine producing state in the nation. The Virginia Wine Board, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau are working in partnership to host the event, which is organized by Zephyr Adventures. Eric Asimov, chief wine critic for the New York Times, and Jancis Robinson, world-renowned Master of Wine, will be special guest speakers.
Speaking about this weekend's conference, Governor McDonnell remarked, "Virginia is honored to be hosting the Wine Bloggers Conference and excited to showcase our local wines to this national audience. The conference locating in the Commonwealth this year is yet another indication of the Virginia wine industry's growing reputation in domestic and global marketplaces, and it also furthers my goal of making Virginia the East Coast Capital of wine and wine tourism."
Virginia's theme for the conference is "A Commonwealth of Wine," highlighting the fact that Virginia has wineries in nearly every region of the state. Virginia has nine distinctive wine regions and six federally-recognized American Viticultural Areas.
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore added, "The Virginia wine industry is an important part of our agricultural and tourism efforts to employ thousands of Virginians, preserve working farmland and promote buying locally grown products. I commend the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the Charlottesville/Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office for their work in bringing the Wine Bloggers Conference to central Virginia and for helping to promote our burgeoning wine industry."
During the event the wine bloggers will attend seminars, taste wines from nearly 60 Virginia wineries from across the state, tour more than 20 area wineries and visit area attractions including Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and downtown Charlottesville. Attendees also are taking a pre-conference tour of Loudoun County wineries.
"We're proud to be the host city for the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference," said Kurt Burkhart, Executive Director of the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We see this conference as the perfect complement to Vintage: The Winemaker's Year, which clearly shows that Virginia wines have arrived."
Attendees will use social media sites including Facebook and Twitter to share impressions and discoveries about Virginia's wines and travel experiences as well as blogging from the event.
Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, noted, "This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Virginia as a wine travel destination to thousands of potential travelers across the country through social media. We are excited to be a part of this event and look forward to welcoming the wine bloggers to Virginia."
Allan Wright of Zephyr Adventures stated, "We are thrilled with the response Virginia has shown us once we decided to bring the conference to the state. This is our fourth conference but our first on the East Coast and we feel we made the right decision in picking Virginia as the host."
Visit http://winebloggersconference.org/america for more information or keep up with the conference action on Twitter @Winebloggerscon #WBC11. Follow Virginia's wine and tourism industries on Twitter @vawine, @visitVirginia and @vatourismpr.
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Congrats to the Gold Medal winner (41 strong) at the State Fair of Virginia wine competition.
The competition drew 193 wines from 43 wineries. The gold-ribbon winners:
Afton Mountain Vineyards: Festa Di Bacco 2009, Gewurztramier 2009;
Annefield Vineyards: Cabernet Franc 2009, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009;
Barboursville Vineyards: Octagon 2007, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Sangiovese Reserve 2009;
Barren Ridge Vineyards: Meritage 2008;
Casanel Vineyards: Batucada Cabernet Sauvignon 2008;
Delfosse Vineyards & Winery: Cabernet Sauvignon 2008;
Democracy Vineyards: Velvet Revolution 2009, Forum 2009;
Flying Fox Vineyard: Viognier 2010;
Gray Ghost Vineyards: Reserve Chardonnay 2009, Vidal Blanc 2010; Ingleside Vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Merlot 2006, Petit Verdot 2006, Sangiovese 2008;
Keswick Vineyards: Petit Verdot 2009;
Lake Anna Winery: Enigme NV, Totally Red NV, Morgan Merlot 2008; Pearmund Cellars: Cabernet Franc Pan D'OR Vineyard 2009;
Rockbridge Vineyard: Meritage 2007, Chardonnay Reserve 2009, Dechel Riesling 2008, Merlot Reserve 2007;
Sugarleaf Vineyards: Vidal Blanc 2009;
Sunset Hills Vineyard: Viognier 2010;
The Hague Winery: Meritage 2009;
The Winery at La Grange: Meritage 2008, Cabernet Sauvignon 2009; Veritas Vineyard & Winery: Cabernet Franc 2010, rosé 2010; Foggy Ridge Cider: First Fruit Cider 2010, Serious Cider 2010, Sweet Stayman Cider 2010; Reynard Florence Vineyard: Petit Manseng 2009;
Sunset Hills Vineyard: Nettare di Tramonto 2008;
Veritas Vineyard & Winery: Petit Manseng 2009.
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We're not talking puppy love, here. March 18-27 is Wine Week in Virginia. What a great time to fall in love with the fabulous wines being produced in the Old Dominion.
Over 300 restaurants and wine shops across the Commonwealth will be featuring elegant Virginia wines and special food pairings that will have you begging for more. You'll find a full list at the
“Virginia Wine Week: Love by the Glass offers visitors the best of our culinary experiences: restaurants offering local wines and food as part of their menus and hotels that make it easy to plan and visit our scenic countryside and wineries,” said Virginia's First Lady, Maureen McDonnell. “In addition, many of the white wines from our previous harvest are being released at the wineries during that time, an excellent time to get out and visit.”
Keep an eye out for Munchkin and Pomeroy.
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