The year was 1988. Pat Robertson chased the Republican nomination; lost it to George W. Bush. Hustler Magazine v. Falwell went to the Supreme Court. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 140 points.
October was dubbed Virginia Wine Month.
Twenty years later, much is the same and much is not. A Bush is in the White House. Porn and preachers are on the internet. The stock market is, ahem, bouncing back, after the 2008 mini-crash. And, this October is the 20th anniversary of Virginia Wine Month.
Last Monday, at a celebration of the 20th anniversary of our state’s wine- tourism- industry –juggernaut, Gery Baliles said this about our state’s juice: "Twenty years ago the wine and press coverage got much better by the end of the night."
But, at this year’s event, the wines and the press went down real easy from the first sip. Politicos Tim Kaine and Gerry Baliles glad-handed with wine industry vets Tyler Packwood from The Inn at Little Washington, Joe Formica of The Society of Wine Educators and Bartholomew Broadbent from Broadbent Selections, who all came, saw and toasted the occasion with a glass of Kluge Brut Rose, a dry, Champagne-method sparkler. Virginia hearts pink wine.
If you were unable to make this event, don’t worry; be celebratory, at one of the many events planned around Richmond this month. Or, if you are the traveling sort, visit this site: 20 Ways to Celebrate 20 years, and pack a picnic, jump in a hot air balloon or take a wine and food pairing class at a Virginia winery.
Virginia Wine Month Events in RVA
Wine Dinners
Dinner, wine and face-time with the powers behind the vines, meet local winemakers for a taste of Fall this month. Reserve your spot ASAP -- there is still room at the Delfosse winemaker dinner tonight at The Jefferson Hotel. Call Ben Eubanks, Director of Restaurants for the hotel at (804) 649-4629 and he’ll set another plate for you.
Tomorrow, Friday, October 3, join Luca Paschina, Barboursville’s winemaker for a 5-course dinner including foie gras, blue crab napoleons and duck confit at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Call (804) 272-7755 for details.
Thurs, October 30th, Michael Shaps winemaker dinner at The Jefferson Hotel. Call (804) 649-4629 to reserve your seat.
Get your pour on: These eateries will have Virginia wines by-the-glass during the month of October.
Strawberry Street Café features Prince Michel Viognier, Prince Michel Restaurant Reserve Chardonnay, Rapidan River Semi-Dry Riesling (Rapidan is part of Prince Michel), Prince Michel Restaurant Reserve Merlot, Prince Michel Cabernet Franc and Prince Michel Restaurant Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon by- the- glass, with flights of any three VA wines for $7.95.
The new Whole Foods in Short Pump will feature Virginia Wines at their tasting bar beginning October 7th. Buy a card and try small pours or a glass from wine manager Daniel Yacher’s deft selections. Fridays nights are when to go, as the store is in heavy demo-mode, offering selections from the cheese, seafood and prepared-food departments along with free wine tastings in the wine department.
Wine Shops: VWM tastings at area wine shops hosted by local wine distributors.
Friday, October 3, 5 to 7 p.m., Virginia Wine Tasting with Dave Forcelli of Country Vintner, Strawberry Street Vineyard, 407 N. Strawberry St., in the Fan.
Fridays in October, Wine tasting 4:30 until 7:30 p.m., a Virginia Wine will be featured each week, The Vineyard’s Corner, 6523 Centralia Road.
Thursday, October 16, 4 to 7 p.m. Lovingston Winery tasting at Wine & Beer Westpark , 9631 W. Broad St., in the West End.
Thursday, October 23, 4 to 7 p.m. Linden Winery tasting at Wine & Beer Westpark.
Friday ,November 8, 3 to 6 p.m., Amrhein Wine Cellars tasting, Kroger West Broad Street, 9480 W. Broad St.
Friday and Saturday afternoons in October, Ellwood Thompson’s samples Virginia wine, produce and cheese. Call Ellwood Thompson’s Natural Market, 4 N. Thompson St., details (804) 359-7525.
Localvore Winery Events: Carytown street festival and the closest wineries.
October 5, Noon to 6 p.m., The 5th Annual Food and Wine Festival "A Taste of Carytown" comes to the streets of Carytown. The Food and Wine festival supports area restaurant and wineries. Tickets $15 advance, $20 day-of.
October 11, Noon to 5 p.m., Woodland Vineyard Harvest Party, learn about winemaking and grape harvesting, try wines with nibbles, including their lip-smacking wine ice cream. Children welcome. $5 single ticket $8 family, Woodland Vineyard, 155501 Genito Road. Details: (804) 739-2774.
October 31, 6 to 11 p.m., James River Cellars Winery -- 2nd Annual Monster Mash Friday's on the Patio Costume Party! Featuring DJ Bill Holiday with dance music, light food, costume contest, ghostly tours and a special wine tasting. Bring a picnic and some friends. Tickets:$13.34 plus tax/person - includes: admission, wine tasting, souvenir glass, live music, light appetizers, winery tour. Info: http://www.jamesrivercellars.com/