March 2012 – Charlottesville UnCorked

2nd Annual Blue Ridge Oyster Festival

Published on March 29, 2012 by Tricia Traugott2 Comments

Press Release!

The Blue Ridge Oyster Festival is very proud that the food, wine and beer all come from Virginia and one of the many ways we celebrate this is to debut two wines from 2 vineyards, from 2 counties. This year, Blenheim Vineyards will debut their House Red at the Oyster Festival and Cardinal Point Vineyards will debut their Chardonnay. This year the festival will be held on April 21st with a rain date of the 22nd.

From Cardinal Point –Nelson County

2011 Chardonnay: Featured Release – clean,round, nice vanilla and cream, but not heavy. Our chardonnay escaped any ill effects of the 2011 harvest rains. Aged in 100% American oak, mostly fromPennsylvania.

2011 Rockfish Red: 100% Cab Franc, aged for four months in French oak. The steady rains during the 2011 harvest account for its lighter than usual color, but the great ripening weather before the rains account for the great flavor. This wine has great berry fruit aromas and flavors, which have a nice dry and crisp finish. A perfect warm-weather red wine!

From Blenheim Vineyards –Albemarle County

2011 Red Table Wine – Featured release

The latest version of red table wine is fruit forward and packed full of juicy berry flavors.

Butterscotch and caramel notes that come from some barrel aging support the ripe plum and red cherry. 50% aged in French and American oak for 5 months. 352 cases produced. 46% Cabernet Franc, 36% Merlot,18% Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 White Table Wine

A crisp and refreshing warm weather white, perfect for pairing with oysters and picnic fare. 100% stainless steel fermented and aged, 33% Viognier, 66% Chardonnay. 331 cases produced.

2011 Rosé

A delightfully fruity but dry rosé made fromMourvedre, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Extended skin contact helped create a vibrant and flavorful wine that pairs well with a variety of seafood dishes as well as grilled chicken and vegetable dishes. 280 cases produced.

Featured beer will includes:

Devil’s Backbone Brewery

Starr Hill Brewery

ViennaLager StarrPils (German Style Pilsner)

EightPoint IPA NorthernLights (IPA

Reilly’sRed Ale

BelgianCongo Pale Ale

WintergreenWeiss

Wings Over Wine Country

Published on March 28, 2012March 28, 2012 by Tricia TraugottLeave a comment

Screech_Owl_Pignoli_Wildlife_Center_Virginia The Wildlife Center of Virginia had literally flown under my radar until recently. Via social media, my attention was called to the fundraiser “Wings Over Wine Country”. Combining a love of wine and the beauty of the powerful raptors, Bill Sykes, Outreach Ambassador, brings the birds out to the wineries to promote interest and encourage contributions to the wildlife center. Prince Michel Winery and DuCard Vineyards have already played host to the charity this year.

As a child in Germany, we lived near a falconry and observed the Peregrine Falcons in action, hunting for food. The image has been imprinted in my brain for ages and seeing these remarkable birds brought the whole experience back to life. Through friends, we were able to tour one of the world’s leading teaching and research hospital for wildlife and conservation medicine. Bill (Sykes) guided us through the 5,700-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. It is fully equipped with gas anesthesia, critical care equipment, surgery, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, laboratory facilities, inside and outside holding areas, and flight cages. At any time there may be from 80 to 250 animals on the premises.

Later we headed outdoors to meet some of these amazing bird. The rehabilitation center cares for thousands of injured native wildlife. Animals unable to be released back into the wild can become educational animals or “Ambassadors” for the center. starting with the diminutive Pignoli, the Eastern Screech Owl. She is pictured at the top of the page, showing us her one good eye and her striking russet colors.

Junior, the Golden Eagle, was very engaging and hopped over to a perch to greet us. Junior will join Wildlife Center President and Co-Founder Ed Clark at Pollak Vineyards in Greenwood, Virginia for a very special event to benefit the Wildlife Center of Virginia on April 7th from 5-7 p.m. Tickets to this event are available through Pollak Vineyards for $25 per person. Pollak Vineyards will donate $15 of every admission to the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Grayson is a fiercely beautiful Broad Winged Hawk and regularly accompanies Bill on outings to the wineries and breweries. She is one of the patients that was unable to be released back into the wild. These rehabilitated birds can become educational animals or “Ambassadors” for the center.

The program “Caring fo Critters” is a great way to educate children not only about the center, but how we as human beings impact wildlife in even small ways. Through this program, you can sponsor an animal and as part of the adoption packet you will receive:

The sponsored animal’s biography
A photo of the animal
Detailed information about the characteristic of the animal’s species, and
A personalized certificate of sponsorship

Several events have been scheduled this year so there will be many opportunities to learn about the animals and birds that have been rehabilitated at the center.

Wings Over Wine Country & Kickoff of National Parks Week Sunday, April 22, 2012, 2-6 PM Bill Sykes from the Virginia Wildlife Center will be here with live raptors – hawks, owls and other ‘ambassadors’ and talk about their efforts to rehabilitate injured wildlife in Virginia. There’s no charge for visiting the Shenandoah National Park during this Week, so it’ll be a great day to take a hike too. Contributions welcome, with matching by DuCard.

Special thanks to Paulette Musselman for introducing me to Bill and of course, to Bill Sykes for the time he shared with us and his passion for these amazing birds.

For Sale: California Contemporary with Cabernet Vineyard In Virginia Wine Country

Published on March 24, 2012March 29, 2012 by Tricia Traugott1 Comment

Another segment of “Honey, I Want a Vineyard”

Here is a rare and unique opportunity to own an airy, light-filled abode at the foot of a mature vineyard and wrapped by a ten-acre spring fed lake. With over 4000 square feet on 11 acres, this contemporary ranch style home offers geo-thermal radiant heat and a commercial kitchen for the avid chef.

“Vintage” views are yours, whether relaxing on the swimming deck in the warm Summer months or pulling up a chair and glass of wine to the outdoor fireplace during peak Autumn color. Gabrielle Rausse’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is bottled from grapes from this vineyard! The dock is equipped with a ladder for easy exiting after kayaking or swimming. The neighborhood is also known for its 4th of July fireworks display over the lake.

The Vineyard

Soft breezes waft down the slopes from the 2+ acres of vineyard where 525 ten-year old Cabernet Sauvignon vines are in production. Located a mere 10 minute drive from the Charlottesville Albemarle County Airport, makes this property a “best of both worlds” scenario. Burnley Vineyards is just a short distance down the road and the historic Barboursville Winery (where the Virginia wine industry got started) is nearby.

Don’t be intimidated by the vineyard, the vines are irrigated and require periodic pruning but there is plenty of local interest to support and guide you. Being a wine lover and distant from our 200 acre Southton Farm in Texas, I can’t imagine dividing this lovely, spacious home from its grapes. However, the property is available sans the vineyard. You will find me kicking and screaming if you do this, but, it is listed in our MLS both ways. There is also a 3.9 acre waterfront lot that can be divided off of the property.

Sophisticated California Style Home

The floor plan offers a variety of lifestyle options including a separate wing for guests and privacy for the owners. It has excellent potential for a Bed & Breakfast and is listed online with Airbnb, check out the pictures. One wing includes an additional complete kitchen, living area with patio, and two bedrooms plus a family room. Tiled flooring makes this home low maintenance and hypoallergenic. The present homeowner uses the main central kitchen with its customized island as a licensed commercial kitchen for her luscious Charlottesville Cupcake baking.

One level living design also makes the home easily accessible for elderly individuals and combined households. The workshop below the garage and the fenced raised-bed garden are wonderful bonuses. Personally, I think the home would make a nice tasting room for a winery with living quarters for the homeowner or even a venue for weddings and events. Parties of 75+ guests have been entertained here with plenty of space to socialize. The hot tub, fishing/ swimming dock, outdoor fireplace and expansive great room plus the vineyard combine to create a package that seldom finds its way to the Virginia market. Disclaimer: Cupcakes Not Included 🙂

The property is listed two ways, one (CAAR MLS 487248) includes the house, 11 acres total and the vineyard for $1,249,000.

CAAR MLS 486111 lists the house along with 5+ acres without the vineyard and 3+ acre waterfront parcel.

If you have any interest in viewing this property, it would be my pleasure to show you this lovely home. It is presently listed by Montague, Miller and Company-Westfield. There are only a few properties that boast having income-producing vineyards. If you would like a complete list of vineyard properties or are looking for a home with vineyard views, please check out our website at Welcome Home Charlottesville.com.

We are licensed Real Estate agents with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate III 2271 Seminole Trail in Charlottesville, Virginia and knowledgeable about the local wine and vineyard industry.

An Evening at Pollak: Meet Ed Clark with Junior the Golden Eagle

Published on March 23, 2012March 24, 2012 by Tricia TraugottLeave a comment

Wednesday afternoon I had the special opportunity to meet Junior, the Golden Eagle, at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. Courtesy of spokesperson, Bill Sykes, we had a wonderful tour of the facility and were able to see rescuers in action. I’ll post a separate entry about our visit, but wanted to get the word out about this upcoming event. If you’re a wildlife lover and wine lover, this is just the event to mark on your calendar. On Saturday, April 7th, from 5 to 7 PM, Pollak Vineyards in Greenwood, Virginia will host an evening event to benefit the Wildlife Center of Virginia, you must contact Pollak Winery to reserve tickets!

Pollak Vineyards in Greenwood, Virginia will host a very special event to benefit the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

The guests of honor will be Wildlife Center President and Co-Founder Ed Clark, and Junior the Golden Eagle. Tickets to this event are available through …Pollak Vineyards for $25 per person. Pollak Vineyards will donate $15 of every admission to the Wildlife Center of Virginia. Admission will be limited to the first 200 people who purchase tickets, so please act fast if you would like to attend.

Call Pollak Vineyards at 540.456.8844 during normal business hours (11 AM to 5 PM Wednesday through Sunday) to reserve your spot and purchase tickets to this truly memorable event!

http://pollakvineyards.com/

Chris Breiner PVCC Viticulture and Enology Scholarship

Published on March 13, 2012March 13, 2012 by Tricia Traugott3 Comments

Last night family and friends gathered at Horton Vineyards to honor and celebrate the memory of Stone Mountain Vineyards’ winemaker, Chris Breiner. Guests were asked to share a favorite story about Chris and raise a glass to his life. I had met Chris a few times and on my last visit to Stone Mountain Vineyards, chatted with him at length about the direction they were going with on-tap wines. He seemed very proud of this venture and am sorry that his life and enthusiasm were cut so short. The idea of a scholarship to help students of the wine industry is an ideal way to remember him and his contributions to the Virgina wine community.

In memory of Chris, the Virginia wine industry has created a need-based scholarship for students in the Piedmont Virginia Community College Viticulture & Enology Certificate Program.

Chris supported this useful program every year since its launch in 2005, teaching the bottling class at Stone Mountain and helping with the wine marketing class. Make a donation in any amount to the scholarship in his name at this event or online at the PVCC web site at www.pvcc.edu/giving_to_pvcc/.
A friend, Mark Simpson attended and had commented below:
The Hortons certainly paid a fine tribute to Chris. Chris’ family was there as well as many tearful friends. His distributor is donating $20 to the Chris Breiner scholarship @ PVCC for each case some SMV wines sold in March 2012. Other wines will garner $10/case. The scholarship is intended for students seeking a viticulture career and not for those who only want to take one class. If you donate, be sure to indicate on your check or online donation that it is for the “Chris Breiner Scholarship.”

Think Pink-E’ville Pink at Glass House Winery

Published on March 10, 2012March 10, 2012 by Tricia TraugottLeave a comment

The first exciting debut will take place on Saturday, March 10th, when Glass House will release the highly-anticipated E’ville Pink Drink! Yes folks, the 2011 Cab Franc rose will finally be available for tastings and purchase. Far from “evil,” this wine is named in honor of their loyal Earlysville customers. Playing off of their C’villian wine which refers to the abbreviation for Charlottesville, Virginia; Jeff and Michelle Sanders continue the trend with E’ville. Completely dry and light, it has a distinct hint of grapefruit on the front palate with strawberry notes behind it. It’s the perfect wine to enjoy on their deck or yours in this beautiful spring-like weather! This might pair well with a recipe I found by Emeril Lagasse “Marinated and Grilled Chicken Salad with Tropical Fruits, Marcona Almonds, Baby Lettuces and Lemon-Ginger Vinaigrette” . Or maybe just the Marcona almonds to nibble on while sipping under the banana trees!

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