Bon Vivant: (n) a person having cultivated, refined, and sociable tastes especially with respect to food and drink.

All posts in Guest Posts

Thanksgiving Virginia Wine Pairing Guide

Posted in: Bon Vivant, Guest Posts, Helpful Hints, Holidays, Seasonal Sips, Virginia Wine, Wine Concierge, Wine Pairing, Wine Recommendations, Winemakers, Wineries and Vineyards

Virginia wine is making its mark. And if you’re not on board yet, here are 6 outstanding Virginia wines that will change your mind, perfectly suited to complement your Thanksgiving Feast. Get all the details and tasting notes in my guest post on The Hill is Home!

Breaux Vineyards. Fall, 2013

Breaux Vineyards. Fall, 2013

There’s something for everyone- from the bubbly lover to dessert wines- from just a few of Virginia’s esteemed wineries, including Thibaut-Jannison, Breaux Vineyards, RdV, Stone Tower Winery, Tarara Winery and Linden Vineyards.

Taste makers around the country are singing the Commonwealth’s praises, most recently at the Virginia Wine Summit.  Food And Wine Magazine Editor, Ray Isle, was recently the keynote speaker, where he praised both the gorgeous scenery and outstanding wines right in DC’s backyard.

Have you tried Virginia wine yet?  If not, consider one of my Thanksgiving pairing recommendations or contact me for a custom excursion into DC’s wine country.  I promise you won’t be disappointed!

For more wine pairing guidance this Thanksgiving check out my recommendations here!

cheers

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The Hill is Home

Posted in: Capitol Hill, DC events, Drink Well, Guest Posts, Wine Shops, Wine Tasting

I’m excited to be teaming up with the folks at one of my favorite neighborhood DC blogs- The Hill is Home. Those in the area know it as a great resource for all things Capitol Hill- from community meetings, festivals, local politics and now food and wine!

To check out my first post on where and when to  taste wine for FREE click here.

If you’re in the neighborhood and have any ideas on what you’d like to see, sound off in the comment section below!

cheers

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Charlottesville Food and Winery Getaway

Posted in: Bon Vivant, Drink Well, Guest Posts, Restaurant Reviews, Virginia Wine, Weekend Getaways, Wineries and Vineyards

I recently guest blogged over at Virginia Wine in my Pocket’s new “Go!” feature about my restaurant and winery picks for a quick Charlottesville, VA getaway.  If you’re planning a weekend getaway this fall, check out my recommendations here!

Taking in the view at Trump Winery with a glass of blanc de blanc

Taking in the view at Trump Winery with a glass of blanc de blanc

I’ve included 2 stand out wineries including Pippin Hill, Trump, a great local company that offers private vans so you can sip safely, and some amazing restaurant options!

Head on over to VAWIMP  GO! for more details, and enjoy some eye candy below!

Grape vines at Pippin Hill Winery

 

Cheese and Charcuterie at Pippin Hill Winery

 

Cheese and Charcuterie at Pippin Hill Winery

The view of the vineyards at Trump Winery

Are you planning any weekend getaways this fall?  What are some of your favorite Charlottesville wineries and restaurants?

cheers

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Wedding Season Sips

Posted in: Bang for Your Buck, Bon Vivant, Events, Guest Posts, Wine Recommendations

Head on over to The DC Ladies wedding week to check out my picks for bubbly and champagne as we head into the thick of wedding season!

champagne

I offer my top ten picks for every budget- to satisfy mimosa makings, hostess gifts at bridal showers, or even a special bottle of Champagne for a unique (and delicious!) wedding gift that no one will be exchanging!

What’s your favorite sparkling wine or champagne?

cheers

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Golf Cart Vineyard Tours & More!

Posted in: Guest Posts, Helpful Hints, Virginia Wine, Wine apps, Wineries and Vineyards

Check out my latest post on Virginia Wine in my Pocket’s blog in which I covered my recent visit to Stone Tower Winery.  I had a lovely time and was lucky enough to check out bud break up close and personal.

Bud break in VA wine country

Bud break in VA wine country

As much time as we all spend shopping for wine and enjoying the fruits of a winemaker’s labor, it’s so interesting to get a behind the scenes look at the vine to bottle process- and this is precisely what Stone Tower offers its guests- in a golf cart led tour, no less!

wine barrel room

Head on over to Nancy’s site to read more about my time at this trailblazing winery and check out other fantastic posts in her learning issue.

I first met Nancy, an authority on the VA wine scene, at Frank Morgan‘s Annual Sparkling wine tasting. The VA wine world is a small one, and I enjoy running into (and drinking wine with) Nancy at various Virginia wine events.

Enjoying VA wine with Nancy at last week's Great Grapes of Loudoun event.

Enjoying VA wine with Nancy at last week’s Great Grapes of Loudoun event.

In addition to her blog, Nancy has created an essential app for all VA wine fans- VA Wine in My Pocket. It’s currently the only app offering a comprehensive and interactive guide to navigating your way through Virginia’s wine country. It includes information on Virginia wineries, wine trails, nearby inns, dining, and GPS mapping (let’s face it, who hasn’t gotten lost on those country roads?!)

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© Virginia Wine in my Pocket

So the next time you’re planning a visit to Virginia’s Wine Country give Nancy’s app a try!  It will be a great help when you inevitably get lost in the backwoods.

Have you visited Stone Tower Winery?  Do you have a favorite wine app? Do tell!

cheers

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