Tag: Gabriele Rausse

The 1st Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival

Published on by Tricia Traugott3 Comments

Oh, no! A conflict (unless it rains of course!) between spending time in beautiful Nelson County at the Blue Ridge Oyster Festival or heading to our own Charlottesville nTelos Pavillion for the first ever Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival. Two totally different experiences and I guess one could attend both but the idea of relaxing and being in the moment as compared to rushing to make both events leads me back to selecting only one. Sunday is the rain-date for the Blue Ridge Oyster Festival in case you want to gamble on rain.

On Saturday April 21st, the Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Wine Festival – Presented by Brown Mercedes-Benz, will take place at the nTelos Wireless Pavilion on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall from 2-6 p.m. Special early VIP entry from 1pm – 2pm.
Attendees will be able to sample from over 90 wines from 24 Trail members.

For $75 Special VIP packages include parking, early access, exclusive catered lunch provided by C&O Restaurant, opportunity to sample select wines not available to general public and a chance to mingle with wine-makers. For $25 VIP Designated Driver tickets are available.

The wine education classes offered in 30 minute segments by Wine Made Simple look very interesting! Wine Made Simple specializes in unique wines less than $20, wine education classes and special events.  The shop opened last year and is located at the Townside Center on Ivy Road in Charlottesville.  

Reading a Wine Label  – 2:30 

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but there’s no better place to start. The graphic designs, photography and illustrations on a wine label are the first thing to catch your eye, but they are the least important. The important stuff is all there on the label and you’ll learn how to discern the information that you will need to make an informed decision and find a wine that suits your palette.

Tasting and Describing Wine – 3:15

You don’t have to be a wine expert in order to taste and evaluate wine properly. We all have out personal tastes, but objective standards for determining the quality and character of wine are helpful. Learn the seven key characteristics of wine, and improve your tasting skills and descriptive vocabulary.

Old World vs. New World Winemaking – 4:00

The “Wine World” can be divided in two important poles: Old World Wines and New World Wines. Tradition and terroir in each style produces very different wines. For instance, New World vineyards are generally in hotter climates and the grapes tend to be riper, more alcoholic and full-bodied.

Pairing Wine with Food – 4:45

 You need not always heed traditional advice, i.e., white wine goes with white meat and vice versa. Wine and food from the same region are meant to be enjoyed together, remember….what grows together, goes together. Discover the general rules that will help you make the best pairings and impress your guests.

The Relevance of Price When Selecting Wine – 5:30

The selling price of a bottle of wine is not necessarily an indication of its quality or of its potential to be enjoyed. Understand the economic and marketing issues that underscore the prices we pay for the wine we drink, and the many sensibly priced and affordable wine options available.

Author Richard Leahy

I think this is really cool! Richard Leahy will be selling and autographing newly published copies of Beyond Jefferson’s Vines, a hardback book with over 200 pages detailing the history of Virginia wine since 1619 but focuses on the last decade, with visits to wineries statewide. I met Richard at the 2011 Wine Bloggers Conference just prior to the book going to print. Hmmm, Mother’s Day Gift idea? Wink!

Proceeds will benefit Jeffersonian Wine Grape Grower’s Society.  Event sponsors: Brown Mercedes-Benz – NewsRadio 1070 WINA – C&O Restaurant – redstar Merchandise – Monticello Wine Trail.

TICKET PRICES:

$29 – Advance  $35 – Day of Event

$75 – VIP $25 – VIP Designated Driver ticket

$10 – Designated Driver ticket

$10 – Ages 13-20 Kids 12 and under FREE

Participating Wineries/Vineyards:

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

Published on by Tricia Traugott1 Comment

Gabrielle_Rausse_Cabernet_Sauvignon_Reserve_2010Another 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.

Virginia_Cabernet_Sauvignon_VinesThe 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.

Charlottesville_Cupcake_ 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 🙂

Sandy_Branch_Vineyard_InteriorThe 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.

Sandy_Branch_Vineyard_House_Charlottesville

Stone Mountain Vineyards “Altitude and Attitude”

Published on by Tricia Traugott1 Comment

                                                                                                                      

Stone Mountain masqueraded as  “Snow Mountain”  on October 29th & 30th for the 12th Annual Stone Mountain Vineyards Open House. “Bacon Holloween” at Stone Mountain Vineyards drew a nice crowd of leaf peepers, snow seekers and wine sippers. The winery is situated on the side of  the mountain above Bacon Hollow, an area known long ago for moonshine and revenue agents.  Last Saturday brought an unusual dusting of the white stuff adding a sugar-coating on pumpkin and scarlet colored leaves.   Visitors enjoyed  private tours of  the wine cave and sampling directly from the barrel with winemaker Chris Breiner and tour guide, Brian Taylor. Vertical tastings were also  available. We found Gabrielle Rausse  pouring tastings of his own wines at a separate bar. Surprised to see Gabrielle, I inquired about the reason for his presence.  Winking, he explained that he considers himself Chris Breiner’s life coach.  In fact, he does coach Chris on winemaking and in return, periodically showcases some of his own signature labeled wines at Stone Mountain.

 

Wine on Tap

 A new venture for the owners  is serving wine on tap.  Stone Mountain Vineyards wines are featured on tap, yes, on tap at Aida Bistro Wine Bar in Columbia, Maryland. Aida installed a new Wine on Tap System with 20 Wines on Tap. Based on customer acceptance and demand, they are increasing it to 30 Wines on Tap by Fall 2011. Their Wine on Tap System is the largest in Maryland and second largest in the U.S!   They feature  Stone Mountain  2010 Pinot Grigio, 2010 Chardonnay and 2008 Cabernet Franc and Aidatage.  Aidatage is a special blend the staff created at the winery with
their 2009 Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvigon and Petit Verdot.  According to Chris, the
staff had a lot of fun creating the Aidatage and in turn  presenting it to
their customers. I wish I had tasted that one.  My husband and I have brought friends to Stone Mountain Vineyards numerous times and after a little apprehension about the drive up, they conclude it is well worth the trip.  With the vineyards sloping  just below the back deck  they have found the Autumn views unrivaled by any of the other wineries in our area.  Sited at a 1700 foot elevation, the vantage point provides expansive views of Greene County and Northern Albemarle County.

On this particular visit we selected a bottle of Chardonnay rather than going through  a complete tasting.  It was an ideal afternoon for relaxing on the deck and taking in the scenery, albeit a bit chilly. Later, we joined a small group for the barrel tasting guided  Brian Taylor. We sampled 3 Cabernet Francs, 2007, 2008, 2009 and one Chardonnay from the barrels. The 2008 was my favorite and given some more time, should be excellent!

Brian demonstrating bottling for us

The 2008 Chardonnay was delightful, with ripe green apple flavors aged in 100% stainless steel for a full but crisp mouth feel.  I particularly liked the die-cut label  with the Blue Ridge Mountains cresting the top.  If you have friends who haven’t developed a taste for wine, the Maquillage (Make-up in French) has 3% residual sugar and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, and Chardonnay. Fruity, it pairs well with cheeses and lightly spiced dishes. Naming wines can be quite fun and a few give a humorous nod to the history of the “hollows” of Greene County, especially the Bacon Hollow Revenuers Select.

The Winery

Stone Mountain’s log cabin style winery hugs the mountainside below a tumble of large rocks, hence the name. The natural heart pine wood tasting room is spacious, rustic and cozy. I had so many pictures that I’ll close with a mini gallery of scenes to entice you up the mountain. Part of the fun of Stone Mountain is the approach, passing streets like Mutton Hollow, Bacon Hollow, Brokenback Mountain and finally arriving at Wyatt Mountain Road.  Another tidbit- the tasting glasses for collectors have the logo for Stone Mountain and on the back, the Chinese Year, this one being the year of the rabbit. Helpful hint: Drive slowly up the mountain and stay right, it is only one lane and after rains can be quite bumpy. Still, it’s worth the effort.  Definitely have a DD for the ride back down!

Fall Foliage
Wrapping around the winery

Their Motto

Climb the Mountain, see how a positive change in altitude,
brings a positive change in attitude..

 

 

Winery Hours: Open March 9 thru December 18, 2011 – Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays and Federal Holiday Mondays 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Closed Easter Sunday).

Directions:

From Charlottesville area (approx. 30 minutes)

  • Take 29 North to Ruckersville, VA.
  • Take Route 33 West to Stanardsville
  • Turn left onto Route 810 (Dyke Road) to Dyke, VA. (Intersection Route 810 & 627 – Bacon Hollow Rd.) Turn right onto Route 627 (Bacon Hollow Rd.) and proceed 3.6 miles
  • Turn left onto Route 632 (Wyatt Mountain Road – gravel road)
  • Proceed up mountain 2 miles to entrance of Stone Mountain Vineyards (Left hand side of the road).
Year of the Rabbit
 

Snow Capped Winery
                           

Established in 1995
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wendy Williamson Pouring

Wine Blogging at Monticello!

Published on by Tricia Traugott3 Comments

After spending a day at the Omni Hotel on the Charlottesville downtown pedestrian mall ( I write this description for non-locals) we climbed on busses heading up curvy route 53 to Monticello for a dinner reception featuring Virginia wines. Extremely muggy hot weather was not the best conditions to show off our fair city and Blue Ridge Mountains. I still think despite the New Orleans Bayou-thick air, out of state visitors were impressed with the history and beauty of Monticello.  Efforts were made to keep the guests comfortable, hand-held fans printed with “Virginia Is For Lovers” were distributed and outdoor air conditioning was provided at strategic locations, fans with water reservoirs diffusing cool mist on the more aggressive heat relief seekers (Me!).  TJ look-alike mingled with the guests  along with celebrities like the Zonins, owners of Barboursville, just in from Italia! 

The wine makers were sheltered under a vast tent, keeping their bottles in coolers before opening them  for the bloggers. I couldn’t be more proud of our winery owners, wine makers and hosts-cheerfully pouring (more requested) whites  and reds and extolling the quality of their wines. Meanwhile, I shed my heels at Ankida Ridge’s table and walked barefoot in the grass,  meeting other wine bloggers and tasting wine.  As I wandered around, I couldn’t help but wonder what Thomas Jefferson would think about these techy wine lovers traipsing around his home and sharing thoughts regarding an industry that he started centuries ago  in Virginia!  

I was a little despondent about the demise of the 200+ years old White Oak and Poplar trees flanking the west side of Monticello. Noticeably missing, the large tree stumps look void and sad, so I toasted Thomas Jefferson quietly to myself.  The value of some of the wines attributed to his collection have reached record prices at auction!

Ankida Ridge, Glass House, Stinson, Gabrielle Rausse,  Flying Fox and Pippin Hill Farm Vineyard were stops for me, unfortunately I missed several others due to waning energy. The food was excellent!  Shrimp and cheese grits, mini crab cakes, tiny stuffed red potatoes were all tasty pairings for the wines offered. Water bottles were the most coveted item on the menu, Keswick Hall did a fabulous job!

All in all, a lovely event and I overheard many guests discussing return travel plans to Virginia!

Great job, Charlottesville and Virginia Tourism!

Monticello Wine Festival

Published on by Tricia TraugottLeave a comment

Tonight on the West Lawn at Monticello!  The Monticello Wine Festival is an opportunity to  sample some of the best wines in our area in a historic setting.  The weather is fabulous today and everyone should have a great time, not sure if tickets are still available at this time, but for  future events, check out the Monticello Wine Trail!  One of my favorites will be represented, Pollak!  Try their Cabernet Franc!Cabernet Franc 2007 Reserve was recognized with gold at the Grand Harvest Awards sponsored by the Vineyard and Management magazine while the 2008 vintage received gold at the Virginia State Fair.

Kluge Estate, Veritas, Keswick, Whitehall, Jefferson,Afton Mountain, Gabriele Rausse and King Family wines will all be available!  Enjoy, I can’t make it but guaranteed I will be there next year! Look for future posts about EACH of these wineries and tips about making the most of your visit to them.