It's Greek to the Wine Dogs

Date: Tue, Sep 30, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Mediterranean Cellars

Warrenton, VA

The Wine Dogs decided to venture south, destination Mediterranean Cellars, Virginia’s own taste of Greece.

Passing between two white columns, Munchkin and Pomeroy entered the winery and were warmly greeted by Katie Papadopoulos, who started the winery with her husband, Louis, 18 years ago.

The five-year-old tasting room has the charm of a shop in the Greek countryside, with clean white walls and rich wood shelves filled with all kinds of goodies. Munchkin’s mouth was watering.

On one wall hangs a picture of Lucia Papadopoulos, Louis’s mother. Katie told us Louis is a third-generation goldsmith but has been making wine all his life, his first vintage in 1961 in his native Greece.

Against another is a portrait honoring Apollo, the house canine who followed from the gold shop. The Wine Dogs were sad to learn he passed away last year.

What started as a hobby for Louis has become a full-time vocation. He produces 13 wines, all made from grapes grown in Meediterranean's own vineyards.

Munchkin and Pomeroy found a perch by the tasting bar, and sampled the offerings – six whites, six reds, and one rose’. All of the wines were gentle and understated. Munchkin liked the honey tones and light, flirty taste of the 2005 Sweet Lucia. Pomeroy was attracted to the strong nose of the 2004 Chambourcin Special Reserve.

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of two Virginia cabs featured in London as part of the Jamestown 400th Anniversary celebration. Two years in oak produced with legs a model would envy (and Munchkin certainly does), and a long finish that reaches in and spreads through you.

Also notable is the Rechina, Mediterranean’s version of the wine that has graced Athenian dinner tables since the 13th century B.C. One can just imagine it complimenting grilled lamb and olives with its earthy scent of pine resin and spicy finish.

Selecting a bottle of the 2004 Romance, a light blend of Chambourcin and Merlot, the Wine Dogs retired to the arbor. Under a trellis dripping with grapes, surrounded by fountains and grecian urns, they enjoyed an afternoon repast of wine and bread and cheese. The map may say Virginia, but the feel is classic Greek.

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Wine Dogs Toast New Arrival

Date: Wed, Sep 24, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Munchkin and Pomeroy extend a warm welcome to Cortoman, the new Wine Dog at the Phillip Carter Winery of Virginia. We're expecting big things from him... he is, after all an American Mastiff. Can't wait to hear how Fairfax is adapting to her new brother.

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Going to the Dogs in Alexandria

Date: Thu, Sep 11, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Doggone it! We're not making it out to the mountains, but Munchkin and Pomeroy aren't wining because there's so much going on here at home in Alexandria.

Kick off the weekend early with Doggie Happy Hour at the Hotel Monaco from 5 to 8 pm this Thursday (and every Tuesday &Thursday through October). Director of Pet Relations "Charlie," a very handsome Bichon, ensures all Wine Dogs have a great time.

It's also 2nd Thursday Art Night in Alexandria. Art gallaries and businesses throughout Old Town will stay open and participate with free events. There's a special 9-11 candlelight vigil at the Torpedo Factory dock at 8:30 PM.

The theme this week is "Art Is Everywhere," and more so than ever with with the Alexandria Festival of the Arts in town. Grab your leash and hit the street (King St., that is). Traffic on Saturday and Sunday is blocked from Washington Street down to the River so hundreds of artists from across the country can display their talents. A "must do" on Munchkin's annual calendar, and she always runs into so many puppy patron pals along the way. Wine Dogs will appreciates the sidewalk cafes set up by many of Old Town's finest restaurants along the way, and especially the considerately places water bowls outside many shops.

On Saturday, our friends at the FernStreet Gourmet are teaming up with A la Lucia at 315 Madison Street for a salon-style wine tasting featuring the 06 "BIG DOGS" FROM BURGUNDY. Thre's a $35 charge, $10 of which goes to the D.C. Multiple Sclerosis Society.

And finally, there's the Olde Towne Dogge Walke on Sunday, September 14. The mile-and-a-half walk kicks off from Munchkin's alma mater, the Olde Towne School for Dogs at 9 a.m. Proceeds will go to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for the care of abandoned and homeless animals in the community.

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Wine Dogs Get Happy at Yappy Hour

Date: Wed, Aug 27, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Outer Barks

On most Wednesdays, the field behind the store is filled with all kinds of games and entertainment to keep for vacationing furkids and their families.

Munchkin gets a chance to show off her agility...

Even this year's rainy afternoon couldn't dampen the Yappy Hour spirits. A little drizzle is no reason to let those specially prepared Arf d'Ouvres that Munchkin loves to munch or the potent Dogquiri cocktails Roy enjoys sipping go to waste.

To help everyone stay dry, the venue was moved to the deck in front of the store. Munchkin wasted no time diving into the turkey fritata and apple spice cake that Robin had prepared.

The Wine Dogs met up with dogs by the dozens, including dachshounds and labs, a Maltese duo and aptly named Beefy the Bull Dog. Munchkin and Pomeroy also got a chance to show off their artistic skills with a little paw painting.

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Of Light Houses and Light Beer... Wine Dogs Go Island Hopping

Date: Tue, Aug 26, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

On Tuesday, Munchkin and Pomeroy decided it was time to explore the southern shores of the Outer Banks. Aboard the North Carolina Ferry in Hatteras, the Wine Dogs created quite a stir when passengers recognized the celebs on board in their Cheers Chairs.

The Wine Dogs were able to enjoy a harborside lunch in the quaint fishing village of Ocracoke, watching the action at the Jolly Roger, a perfect place to waste away. Pomeroy's Dad was tempted to stay behind, but Munchkin and Pomeroy wanted to explore the famous Outer Banks lighthouses...

at Ocracoke...

and Hatteras...

and Corolla.

Munchkin also checked in on her latest business venture, the Munchkin Academy of Wine. Pomeroy, however, played hookie and was discovered tail-gating and wagging.

Apparently, the salty sea air left both Wine Dogs hankering for a cold one. So on the way home they pulled into the Brew Thru to pick up a case of light beer (Munchkin knows a girl's got to watch her figure; but Pomeroy insisted they stop at Pig Man for BBQ to take back home to woof down.

Wednesday is the famous Outer Barks Yappy Hour. The Wine Dogs can't wait!

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Wine Dogs Enjoy Sun and Surf

Date: Mon, Aug 25, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

It's been great weather here in Duck. Long walks on the beach in the morning. Lazing in our new beach chairs all afternoon. Cocktails watching the sunset over the inlet in the evenings. It's a dog's life, and we love it!

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Wine Dogs Having Whale of a Time in NC

Date: Wed, Aug 20, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

The Whalehead Club
Corolla, NC

Munchkin and Roy took time out from the beach to check out the weekly Wednesday afternoon Wine Festival at the Whalehead Club on the Currituck Sound. Julia Jordan, whose job was to educate us about "the club" while pouring delicious French wines, told us the Whalehead is actually a beautifully restored home originally built in the 1920s. It's got 21,000 square feet... that's some dog house with room for lots of puppies!

As two- and four-legged oenophiles sampled the various wine offerings, local performer Kim Kalman entertained with her sultry, voice, accompanied by sounds guitar. The Wine Dogs first discovered Kim's singing a couple of years ago in Duck, and it's always a treat to hear her play.

While Pomeroy explored the marshes, Munchkin found her niche wine among a wide array of offerings from the Corolla Wine, Cigar, and Gourmet shop.

The Wine Dogs were especially impressed with the pawsitive hospitality provided by Tom, whose family owns GiGi's Coastal Italian Restuarant. He has promised a dog-friendly deck and Mom's homemade sauces and Tiramisu. Dinner on Saturday... Munchkin is already salivating.

Munchkin and Pomeroy also got to check out Moonrise Bay, one of the local North Carolina wineries. It's located on Knotts Island, along with Martin Orchard & Vineyards. You have to take a furry boat to get there. Go figure. They had several wines, including a Muscadine, made from native grapes, and a raspberry wine which must have been quite popular because it was all gone before we got there.

Speaking of moonrise, the Wine Festival finishes just as the sun begins to set over the sound. Wine Dogs recommend filling your glass and staking out a picnic table to relax and enjoy.

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Wine Dogs on Vacation

Date: Tue, Aug 19, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Wine Dogs are enjoying some well deserved R&R at the Outer Banks. We'll fill you in on the local wine scene. On day one, Munchkin and Pomeroy discovered they like Pina Coladas. It's a ruff life!

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Wine Dogs Visit Virginia's New "PC" Winery

Date: Sun, Aug 3, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Hear ye, hear ye: The winery formerly known as Stillhouse shall henceforth be known as The Philip Carter Winery. Huzzah!

Philip Carter Wnery

Markham, VA

After running into PC-PR Maven Donna at the Linden Shell Station, Pomeroy and Munchkin decided it was time to check back in at the winery formerly known as Stillhouse and see how our friend Fairfax the Shih Tzu was doing in her new role as wine dog.

Fairfax is very proud to have been named for Lord Fairfax, who granted 300,000 acres of land to King Carter, father of Charles Carter, maker of the first internationally recognized wine in Virginia and ancestor of Philip Carter Strother, the current owner. Talk about a name with history (both Fairfax and The Philip Carter Winery)!

So it was little surprise that Charles Carter and Thomas Jefferson were on hand for official renaming on May 24th. It attracted quite a crowd, including of course the Virginia Wine Dogs.

This latest visit was all about the wine. Philip and Danielle greated us warmly, and Philip patiently introduced us to the new PC offerings of two whites, four reds, and two dessert wines.

Falconwood is the PC white table wine, a fruity blend of Vidal, Seval, and Chardonney. The label features a beautiful Fauquier County landscape (one of several paintings by artist Adrei Kushnie that can be found around the tasting room). One dollar from each bottle goes to the Leeds Ruritan Memorial Scholarship fund for a student who pursues an education in vitaculture.

The other white, a light citrussy Chardonney, was just perfect for the Dog Days of August, and our choice for enjoying out on the patio surrounded by the lush vines with the Blue Ridge in the background. But first... the reds. The line-up included a Chambourcin; a dry, peppery Cabernet Franc that Munchkin sniffed and confirmed "smells like Virginia"; as well as an earthy Cabernet with cherry undertonse and nice legs. The Meritage with its nice tannins set Munchkin's tail waggin', while Pomeroy enjoyed the locally produced Darby cheese.

There is also an oh so PC late harvest Vidal with the usual sweetness but a less syrupy consistency than is common.

Sweet Danielle is the name given to PC's port-style offering, and the label features a wedding cameo of Danielle. Philip worked secretly with an artist for months on the design, then invited his wife to dinner and "selected" the wine which was presented at the table to an emotional Danielle (Pomeroy, are you paying attention?). Is it coincidence that the new owners have added an event wing, perfect for weddings, including a bride's room?

The Wine Dogs spent an enjoyable afternoon at PC. It was great to catch up with Fairfax, and to meet her boys, the five-year-old twins Carter (left) and Pierce (right), who kept us entertained with peaches and cheese to compliment our wine. Thanks, boys!

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Dog Days of August Begin

Date: Fri, Aug 1, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

As the summer heats up, so does the Wine Dogs' social calendar. Munchkin and Pomeroy recomend a couple of fun doggie events this weekend.

Pomeroy's Paw Signing

Come to Pomeroy’s official “Paw Signing” of his very own Hallmark Birthday Card.

Saturday, August 2, 10:00a - noon
JJ’s Hallmark
610 King Street, Alexandria

Thanks to everyone who came, and don't forget to vote for "Happy Boy" Roy.

Barrel Oak Winery

Our friends Brian and Sharon Roeder at BOW are hosting a Dawg Days of Summer weekend, and those who come with their best friends get 10% off all take out bottles of wine and 15% on all cases!

Friday nite, August 1, from 6-9pm is TGISunsets. You can play in the grass or lie quietly cooling on your belly watching the sun fall lazily behind the beautiful Piedmont. Wonderful wine and lite fare on the patio and a great way to wine down the week!

Saturday, August 2 is a Dawg Day with Paws n Claws pet photographers taking dog shots from 1 till 5pm. They''ll have hot dogs BBQing on the patio for a donation to our friends at Middleburg Humane. And there'll be a Doggies in Drag competition with prizes and snacks for all!

Sunday, August 3 is a Dawg Day! The fur flies with more photography by Paws n Claws, BBQ'd hot dawgs on the patio and prizes for the uggliest best friend and handsomest mutt. Of course, snacks for all of fuzzy friends!

Downtown Frederick
Downtown Frederick goes to the dogs with "Dog Days of Summer," on Saturday, August 2. The festivities begin at 5PM, featuring a dog contest, dog friendly stores, animal art & more and conclude with a Yappy Hour doggie after party that runs til 9 PM. Also enjoy live entertainment, guest artists and extended shopping hours at 80+ downtown stores. A portion of Dog Days proceeds benefit the event's co-organizer, the Frederick County Humane Society.

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Wine Dogs Make Wine: Lesson 6 (Put a Cork in It... We're Done!)

Date: Tue, Jul 29, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Three Fox Vineyards
Delaplane, VA

It's bottle and cork time! No surprise, Munchkin and Pomeroy have become teacher's pets, and in the last class, John uses our wine for the demonstration.

Everybody gets to taste "Wine Dog" wine!

Munchkin, ever the perfectionist, feared the team had "over-oaked."

Pomeroy assured her that it just needs time in a bottle for the flavors to blend and intensify.

And the classmates agree, giving Wine Dogs two paws up.

One minor issue -- the wine is a little short on mouth-feel. Additives to the rescue, this time in the form of a jammy substance called exberry, which is basically grapeskin. Mixed in 20 grams and it's ready to hit the bottle.

Once again, we set up a wine-pumping assembly line, with Munchkin and Pomeroy supervising the bottling process.

Uncle Jeff quickly learned it takes great precision to fill the bottles just to the neck.

He did a pretty good job... most of the time. Fortunately, Munchkin was on hand to take care of the spillage. In this case, it turns out the wine isn't really good to the last drop. We left the residue behind, but ended up with 28 bottles.

To close them up, we used a manual corking machine, which squeezes the cork then jams it in. John did everyone's bottles. Quite a workout!

Then over to the foil machine (there's one for that, too). Slip the cap on top of the bottle, and slide it into a really hot machine. Uncle Jeff never did get the in-out motion right, but everyone else seemed to master capping.

All in all, the Wine Dogs are proud of their first vintage. The cabernet is rich and complex, and goes down smooth. John predicts that when we serve it at our paw-ty, our guests will think we got the wine in France. We'll tell 'em it was bottled in a little town just outside of Paris... Paris, Virginia that is.

Cheers to all our classmates... keep up your wining ways!

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BOW Wows the Wine Dogs

Date: Wed, Jul 16, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Barrel Oak Winery
Delaplane, VA

Munchkin and Pomeroy got so caught up in the grand opening excitment at Barrel Oak Winery (BOW) they almost forgot to post.

What a day! The big stone fireplace was still an open hole in the wall; the railing had yet to be connected upstairs; and there were bathroom glitches. But the tasting room and the wines were ready for the the crowds that came pouring in off I-66. Host Brian Roeder welcomed the Wine Dogs warmly, and led us through a tasting of seven basic-flight and five reserve wines in between greetings from his buds and even a congratulatory call from home.

Sharon serves as winemaker, and her basic wines are solid. The BOWHaus White recently took Gold at both the Virginia State Fair and again at the 2008 Indy International Wine Competition. We can attest that it's light and fresh and a great patio-sipping wine on a hot summer day. Even Munchkin, a confirmed red wine drinker enjoyed, although she is partial to the BOWHaus Red (note the pawprints on the bottle).

Pomeroy found the Merlot easy to drink, while Munchkin was torn between her usual fav the CabFranc (great peppery finish) and the velvety smooth Petit Verdot. Not to be missed are the dessert wines, the pineapply Late Harvest Viogner was great, but overshadowed by the Chocolate Lab. This rich red blend aged with real chocolate is a dessert in itself.

Flowers lined the tasting bar, including an arrangement bearing good luck wishes from Holli and John at neighboring Three Fox Vineyards. The Roeders are helping promote synergy among Fauquier County's wineries and businesses, even bringing in the alpacas from the Full Moon Farm. There are beautiful alpaca items for sale in the spacious tasting room as well. Brian has seen to every detail, playing up advantage of setting and incorporating rocks from the Blue Ridge and wood from barrels into the design.

The tasting room flows gracefully out to the patio, with its vista views of the vineyards, the mountains, and John Marshall's estate. The Roeder's new Golden Retriever, Justice, is named in his honor. Word is the young pup overindulged one day on strawberries that had fermented in the hot sun and got a little tipsy. He's going to make a great Wine Dog!

When it's good, you keep coming back. And the Wine Dogs think Barrel Oak Winery is the cat's meow. Munchkin's already visited three times, and the whole pack will return on Friday, July 18 for BOW's TGISunset under the Blood Moon. We can't wait to check it out, and to and see how Puppy Justice has grown.

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Wine Dogs Fall into the (Chester) Gap

Date: Sun, Jul 6, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Chester Gap Cellars
Front Royal, VA

The Wine Dogs made their second visit to Chester Gap this weekend to pick up more bottles of the their new summer standard... the 2006 Rose, an exquisite blend of CabFranc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot bled off the fine grapes grown on the estate.

It was April when Roy and Munchkin first fell into the Gap... actually, they decided to spring up on Chester Gap Cellars to check out the new tasting room and patio deck (the a picnic table was crafted by the local tech class). For years, owners Bernd and Kristi Jung had been doing their tastings under a canvas tent behind their home.

"We focus on the wine," Bernd told the Wine Dogs, and the results certainly show. This wine is Quality with a capital "Q." Merchants and restaurants in DC and across Virginia are lapping it up (as did the Wine Dogs). The Chester Gap label can be found in more than 80 establishments, including Dean & Deluca and Whole Foods, or look for it when dining at Bistro Bis, the Georgetown Club, Charlie Palmer's and the Inn at Little Washington, among others. Not bad for a small vineyard that produces 1,500 cases a year.

German-born Bernd has been making wine since mid-1980s, arriving in Virginia via Florida. A five-year quest for a site more reminiscent of his native Bavaria, with rolling hills and and lush mountains brought the Jungs to Virginia. As soon as they saw the property "on the top of the world," with its eastern exposures for the grapes and stunning views of the Blue Ridge for their guests, the Jung's made an offer. They knew they had found their dream vineyard.

Bernd is an excellent and enthusiastic host. He led our pack through a tasting of seven wines and patiently answered every question barked out at him. The 2006 Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, kept cold to discourage malolactic fermentation. The 2006 Viognier has an exceptionally soft feel and was delicious, as is the 2006 Viognier Reserve, fermented in steel, then aged in oak. Even the reds are soft, especially the 2006 Merlot. We tasted both a 2005 and 2006 CabFranc, the former blended with 4 percent Petit Verdot and 4 percent Merlot; the latter only the Petit Verdot to produce a strong nose, excellent mouthfeel and the peppery finish Munchkin loves. She was also impressed with the silver spit buckets.

Meanwhile, Kristi took turns serving other customers and watching the couple's exuberant 3-1/2 year old son, Luke. The Wine Dogs took Luke off her hands, Pomeroy leading him in a lively game of chase and hide and go seek... more fun even than chasing ball.

Chester Gap can be a little hard to find as you approach off 522. Look for the barrel on the left-hand side of the street, right after you pass the turn-off to the right for the town of Chester Gap.

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Wine Dogs To Attend Another Opening, Another Show

Date: Thu, May 22, 2008 Wine Tasting Winery Blogs

Big wine happenings in the Blue Ridge over the Memorial Day holiday, and Munchkin and Pomeroy will be on the scene to check it out.

Barrel Oak Winery opens its tasting room this weekend, and they're pulling out all the stops with everything from live music to Full Moon Alpacas. You just know a winery whose slogan is BOW-WOW has to be pretty doggone friendly. The Wine Dogs can vouch. We met owners Sharon and Brian Roeder at Fox Meadow last year and they told of us their plans to open a new winery just off I-66. We've enjoyed watching it go up, and we can't wait to meet their trusted but loopy golden retriever, Barley, and new fluffy retriever pup, Justice, on Saturday. Look for baby pics!

Not quite new, but with a considerable facelift is the winery formerly known as Stillhouse. It reopens on Saturday as the Philip Carter Winery of Virginia. Celebration includes music, pony rides, a fencing tourney, and VIP vistors including Thomas Jefferson, Charles Carter (perhaps Virginia's first winemaker), and yours truly. This is a winery heavy with hsitoric overtones... Carter is an ancestor of new owner Philip Carter Strother.

Munchkin and Pomeroy met Philip and his wife Danielle and their wine dog Fairfax (as in Lord) last month when we dropped by to inspect the progress on the tasting room and can be seen here supervising Danielle's clean-up efforts. We left Fairfax in charge.

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