Arcady Vineyard Escorted Wine Tasting Tours & Wine Country B&B

Release of Starr Hill's "Monticello Reserve Ale" on Presidents' Day!

2011-02-22T10:28:00.000-05:00

Left is Chris from Arcady, right Mark Thompson from Starr Hill Brewery

We visit Starr Hill all the time with our hybrid brewery/winery tours and have been so impressed with the vast knowledge of Brewmaster Mark Thompson. Not only does he brew a mean beer, but if you ever get a chance to chat with this busy fellow you will learn all kinds of interesting facts as to the history of beer in America.

For instance, did you know that as wine was an expensive import in early America, Thomas Jefferson drank beer with dinner? It was brewed at Monticello, while wine was enjoyed as an after-dinner beverage!

Yesterday, on Presidents' Day, Chris went over to Monticello (all in the name of research, natch) to taste the release of the new Monticello Reserve Ale seen here in Mark's hand which is the result of a team effort of Starr Hill Brewery and Monticello. It will be Monticello's signature beer and was created by carefully studying what kind of beer was created at Monticello during Jefferson's time.

More information can be seen at Starr Hill's blog on this tasty new treat!!

The Latest at Arcady

2010-12-28T14:22:00.000-05:00

We made it through the "busy" season and what a ride that was! Fortunately we have a wonderful couple who have an innsitting business to cover for us at the B&B entertaining and checking in guests for us while we are out driving wine tours or we would never have made it through October and November. It was so much fun with so many great guests but the time went by in a whirl and winter snuck up on us!

Chris now has a barrel of port style desert wine sleeping and aging at Virginia Wineworks, the custom crush winery owned by Michael Shaps. Don't miss this low-key winery where some of the best wines in the state are made! They are there most days now rather than just weekends, f you want to pop in for a tasting and to purchase some award-winning wines.

Recently in an interview a Virginia winemaker stated that it would not come to be to see a Virginia wine that would sell for $6-7 a bottle.

Just to show you how FAST things move in Virginia Wine Country, that statement is now disproven! Michael Shaps has brought in the equipment to box wine. We now have two super crowd-pleasing everyday wines - a lightly oaked Chardonnay and a great Cabernet Franc. The box holds the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine and retails for $30. That comes to $7.50 a bottle!!! So go on down to Virginia Wineworks or to Kroger Rio and enjoy that one or two glass of wine with dinner with NO pumping the bottle, and NO wine going to waste. The glass of wine you enjoy after first opening the box is the same a week down the road. Fresher, saving you money to purchase, saving waste, and, I'm sure, much "greener" than the bottle! I personally love, love love the convenience!!!

Wine tasting is now a much more leisurely experience after the hectic crowds of fall. It's now a great time to visit our area and enjoy the wineries as the tasting staff have time to answer all your questions with no lines waiting for space at the tasting bar!

Pictured here is a treat we had on an Arcady Wine Tour last week - it was quiet in the tasting room and guests were allowed to taste the freshly pressed grape juice for a dessert wine alongside of the finished product.

We also love a new winery in the area - Glass House. Whimsical artwork greets you at the entry. The tasting room is to the left and an impressive glass atrium filled with tropical plants to your right. We enjoyed their first offerings - they are the only winery in the immediate Charlottesville area that makes a Babera besides Barboursville! Along with that we enjoyed some artisan chocolates made right there at the winery. Bottles come with cool glass stoppers, too. They will be open on New Year's Day if you want to taste wine in an exotic ambience!

This is the time of year when you want to double check before taking off to wine taste to see if any of the wineries you plan to visit have changed to winter hours. Many are still open every day, but some are working shorter weeks - Pollak and White Hall are closed on Monday and Tuesday right now. Only a few close for the winter months - Mountfair is closed until March, for example.

At Arcady Vineyard B&B while business is quieter during the week we're working on the addition of our second wing. The County allows a bed and breakfast to have up to five rooms, so this wing will hold four rooms. Two will have private decks and two will have private terraces. They'll connect through a door in the existing sitting room which we'll convert into a game room.

Right now the roof is half finished - we're waiting for the shingles to be delivered. Then when the window man comes back from Christmas vacation we'll order our windows. This shows the addition from the back, looking from the vineyard.

The final events of the year in our Wine Country include the Masked Ball at Veritas Vineyards New Year's Eve and New Year's Day Brunch at DelFosse Vineyards.

See you in the New Year!

First Harvest at Arcady Vineyard

2010-10-05T16:55:00.001-04:00

It was a bit of a nail-biter for our first harvest. We had the B&B and wine tours booked and were watching the brix count of the grapes, scampering over to our wine friends asking about this and that...when we were finally told, "You have to pick them NOW" we were lucky that we only had guests in the B&B and no tours. Our guests were from Spain and had a Viognier vineyard, so they understood exactly what was going on.

Fortunately, they were planning to visit Monticello and didn't need any service from us that day other than breakfast!

It's been a strange season, with the red grapes ripening a week ahead of normal. All the dry weather means that we'll have less fruit but it should have great flavor.

So Riki took the day off from work, Chris dashed out to borrow lugs, and there we were the Tuesday before Labor Day with 90 degrees heat and high humidity picking away. We were pouring as much water on our heads to keep cool as we were drinking!

The fruit was so ripe it had to be picked in a very careful manner or the berries would fall off if handled too roughly. We carefully pulled apart the hay netting and started to work .

It was a scorcher - Chris called Riki a wimp when she give up in the heat after four hours, leaving him the last half row to do on his own.

We could swear there were some clusters weighing a pound! They were dried and pressed, fermented, mixed with a little Merlot, and right now going into a French barrel. In about two years time we will have a port-styled dessert wine.

Reports from top winemakers were very complimentary on our juice, so we are excited!

Tasting in Charlottesville

2010-03-17T14:01:00.002-04:00

Festivals in Town
The Festival of the Book opens today, March 17, 2010 so there will be more folks in town than normal on the Downtown Mall pictured here.

I don't know that it will make tasting any more crowded, but dining in the area will be so if you are visiting from out of town try and make reservations, or go to the local gourmet shops and pick up something delicious to eat in and avoid the crowds. Of the several here we visit most often Feast and Brix.

Wine News
As far as wine news - lots of excitement from the Governor's Cup. This year they decided to restrict the tasting and judging to reds and awarded the cup to King Family for their 2007 Meritage (a Bordeaux Blend). As a result they are now out of it and pouring their 2008 Meritage which is very smooth-tasting for such a young red. King also released their dry rosé which I like just as much as the one from last year.

But I'm still waiting for my favorite to be released from Pollak - the Pinot Gris. Hurry Up!!!

Passport to Three Wineries
If you're tasting in March, don't forget to start at Keswick and ask for the $10 tasting Passport. This pays for your tasting at Keswick, tasting at Jefferson, and the regular tasting at Kluge (not the sparkling tasting) . And while you are at Kluge don't forget Blenheim, where tasting is $5 and you keep the glass. If you return with your glass to Blenheim, a future tasting will be free. We love Kirsty's wines and hear that they will be expanding the back deck which will be wonderful - it's a gorgeous view!

Virginia Wines in the Press
Some Virginia red wines are getting great ratings from the Wine Enthusiast magazine.

Congrats to:
Kluge for the 2005 New World Red Blend (87 Points)
DelFosse (pictured) for the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (86 points)
Cooper Vineyards 2007 Cabernet Franc (85 points)

Of course, I'm reminded that we have to take what the wine magazines write with a grain of salt. The recent article from Wine Spectator points this out to me when they talk about Virginia making wine from their native grapes like Niagra. I had to search to see who makes wine from that grape. I would have mentioned Norton myself.

Afton Mountain is almost finished with their outdoor renovations for seating and wine sipping while viewing the magnificent views. The tasting room inside is completed and beautiful. My favorite tasting there is the Reserve list.

Another of our favorites, Mountfair, has released their Inaugural 2008 Bordeaux Blend, and we have great news from them! They are now open Friday as well as Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 5. Check out their website and their release party on March 27!

Wine by the Glass Week

The first year for this event which joins local wineries with restaurants and wine shops. Those participating will offer a minimum of two Virginia wines by the glass. Charlottesville has a number of local restaurants that are stocking local wines and I hope this encourages more!

Charlottesville Participating restaurants and wine vendors:

Bistro 1834

Clifton Inn

Kroger

Market Street Wine Shop

Inn at Meander Plantation (GREAT restaurant just north of C'ville)

Ivy Inn and Restaurant

Montpelier

Old Mill Room (at Boars Head Inn)

The Virginia Shop

If you are not dining at any of these, just ask for a Virginia wine. Many restaurants have one on the list. In the past at one of our favorites, The Local, we have had a wonderful Pollak wine, and one from Gabrielle Rausse. At Hamilton's we have enjoyed A6, a food-friendly Chardonnay/Viognier blend from Cardinal Point, and at Tavola we have had Brad McCarthy's Bradford Reed Merlot! Chris had a barrel tasting recently of Brad's upcoming Cabernet Franc, and said it is magnificent, even though it's not bottled yet!

See you in the tasting rooms!

Erika

2010-02-23T15:34:00.009-05:00

Charlottesville Area Wines in Washington DC!

Well not only has the White House served a Charlottesville area Virginia sparkling wine - Claude Thibaut's Sparkling Chardonnay - Thibaut Janisson Brut, Monticello at that infamous White House dinner not long ago, but last Sunday at the Governors Ball another local Charlottesville wine was served: the 2008 Metit Mansang from Sugarleaf. Way to go, local winemakers!

We also did very well at the San Francisco Wine Competition - which is the largest competition of US wines in the world. I can attest to that - having been there once. It was HUGE. Virginia wineries this year took 23 medals with everything from Viognier, to Petit Mansang, to Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot to WHAT??? Cabernet Sauvignon???!! Good show!! How did Charlottesville wrestle a medal from Northern California for a Virginia-grown Cabernet Sauvignon!! They usually don't give ours a chance!!

What's upcoming now?? Check Pollak Vineyards for their barrel tastings - they are coming up soon - March 21-22 and March 28-28 is what I hear. Tasting fees will be $10 for non case club members

They plan to taste 5 wines at the barrel tasting: 08 Cabernet Sauvignon, 08 Meritage, 07 Meritage, and the port-styled Viognier. Yum! We sampled the port-styled Viognier at their wine dinner not long ago and loved it.

Later in March on the 20th will be Jefferson's Barrel Tasting Dinner which will allow guests to taste the 2009 wines that are aging. I don't see a menu so call them to find out what they'll be serving at 434-977-3042.

What’s Up in Wine Country the Weekend of February 19

2010-02-16T09:43:00.007-05:00

There is normally not any thing special planned for the tasting rooms the weekend after Valentine’s Day here in the Charlottesville area, as most of the principals are in Richmond pouring for a premier wine tasting event known as The Virginia Wine Expo. This is the hotly contested competition for the Governor's Cup, awarded to the best wine submitted this year.

February 26, 27 & 28. 2010

Virginia Wine Expo – Highlighting the Quality and Diversity of Virginia Wine

Location: Greater Richmond Convention Center

Attendees will enjoy fine food from top restaurants and vendors, live chef demos, wine seminars and more! Your entrance fee includes a Schott Zweisel crystal wine glass. Guests are invited to taste and purchase wine.

Now if you are in the Charlottesville area to taste wine and don't feel like the 45 minute drive to Richmond, never fear! All of the tasting rooms are open, and when we drove our wine tours last weekend, all the roads were clear.

Don't wear any of our favorite strappy shoes, however! As you can see here the current weather is only enjoyed by our Russian Wolfhound, Sasha. Tie on your hiking boots as the walking in and out is either slushy, muddy, or both!

Other tasting events this weekend:

Cooper Vineyards - Saturday,
February 20 11 am - 5pm $20 per person

Mardi Gras at Cooper Vineyards! Souvenir tasting glass, beads, King Kake. Obrigados will provide New Orleans' style jambalaya. $15.00 per person advance ticket purchase here.

2010-02-03T16:14:00.007-05:00

This Weekend in Charlottesville, February 5-7, 2010

Well folks it sure does not look good for wine tasting. We had to rebook our wine tours last weekend when we only got 8 inches or so. What happens is the main highways get cleared and plowed, but the wineries are like Arcady - we're almost all on secondary roads.

Here in Charlottesville we don't normally get this kind of weather, so there is not enough equipment to do the back roads which means we all have to wait until the storm is over and the plows reach us.

About the only ones that live close enough to their tasting rooms that they can walk over there to open would be King Family Vineyards and Blue Mountain Brewery. There are possibly more (Keswick - or Afton Mountain maybe?) but those are the only ones that come to mind right now.

If you look at this picture of the last big storm that's Chris walking Sasha right outside Arcady Vineyard B&B here - just out our front door - and while we are only 6.5 miles from town, oneof those miles is a secondary road. Looks more like my hometown in Switzerland than Charlottesville!

So, watch the news but from what I am hearing, we are possibly going to get 10 - 18 inches which will make wine tasting not possible.

If you are in the area on Thursday, Elinor at In Vino Veritas has moved her weekly (free!) tasting from Friday to Thursday because of the potential storm. She'll have wines from Argentina this week from 4:30 to 7:00pm unless the storm starts earlier than predicted. (It's supposed to start Friday morning)

You'll be tasting:

La Yunta Torrontes 2008 ( I love that grape!)
Terra Chardonnay 2008
Finca La Martina Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Duriguti Malbec 2007
Henry LaGarde Gnarda 2006 (Malbec, Cabernaet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah)
Terra Sparkling Malbec 2008 (this sounds interesting...)

In Vino Veritas is at 3015 Louisa Road, Keswick

Tel: 434-977-6366

Also on Friday (weather permitting, I imagine) Beer Run will have their Wine Tasting from 6pm to 8pm. Brycen downes of Virginia Distributing will be pouring Layer Cake Red Wines. Tastings are also free and you will receive $1 off bottles purchased from the tasting lineup.

Beer Run is at 156 Carlton Road, Suite 203 in Charlottesville's Belmont Area
Tel: 984-BEER

See you in the tasting rooms - after this big one!

Erika

Wine Tasting on Saturday, January 30

2010-01-29T09:55:00.005-05:00

For all you wine tasters out there, we are possibly getting anywhere from 2-6 inches of snow Friday Night through Saturday, depending on the forecaster.

We are planning to scape off the tour van and run the scheduled tours but will call the wineries around 10-11 am to see if the roads are clear for driving first.

If they are, everyone will be open. A snowstorm does not usually cause them to close unless it gets bad enough that the employees can't drive out to serve you.

We have run great tours in the snow in the past. It's pretty and the fireplaces will be burning bright!

To check if your winery is ready for business on Saturday, go to www.virginiawine.org and on the left side select, "find a winery". Scroll down and click on the letter - for example Virginia Wineworks is having a special barrel tasting on Saturday and Sunday, so for that click on "V" and scroll down to Virginia Wineworks. Click on "details" for the phone number, website, and directions.

See you in the Tasting Rooms!

Erika

Wine Tasting Friday January 29, 2010

2010-01-27T14:58:00.004-05:00

Our favorite wine shop, In Vino Veritas which is located right around the corner from Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast has wine tastings on Fridays. We love to bring our guests there for a free tasting after they check in.

Elinor has sent out the tasting list of two beers and four wines for this Friday, January 29:

Robert Crum from Roanoke Valley Wine Company will be here for the last tasting in January and before another SNOW storm!

You'll be sure to enjoy these by the fire and watch the flakes fly.

Duchesse de Bourgogne...a Flemish red ale.

St. Bernardus Abbey Brown Ale...one of the best beers in the world.

Red Wire 2007, CA - 33% Syrah, 31% Petite Sirah, 18% Cinsault,

and 18% Grenache Blanc

Hey Mambo Sultry Red 2007, CA - blend of Syrah, Barbera, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Malbec & Alicante Bouchet

Chasing Lions 2006, CA - 55% Merlot, 25%Cabernet Sauvignon,

10% Cabernet Franc, 7%Syrah & 3% Petite Verdot

Charles & Charles RED 2007, WA - 50% Cabernet Sauvignon & 50% Syrah

Cheese & Crackers, too.

Directions to In Vino Veritas are:

Take 250 West towards Richmond - past Pantops until you come to the Keswick turnoff (Rte 22/Louisa Road). Take the left fork onto Rte 22 and immediately on your right turn into the parking lot of In Vino Veritas. You'll see their sign and they usually have a sign out "Tastings Today". For GPS the address is 3015 Louisa Road, Keswick, VA and the phone is 434-977- 6366

See you in the tasting room!

Erika

Wine Tasting Activities from Arcady

2010-01-25T13:57:00.039-05:00

Here in Charlottesville, as January starts winding down there are some great tasting activities planned.

Especially exciting is the 2nd Annual Futures Barrel Tasting and Sale this weekend (Jan 30/31 from 11am to 5pm) at Virginia Wineworks.

You'll be tasting their 2008 reds: Meritage, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc as they age in their oak barrels. Advance purchases will save you $10 to $15 per bottle.

For those of you that prefer to visit the fancy tasting rooms and cozy up in front of the fire with a bottle, this is not for you. But if you are a Virginia Wine Fanatic and want a chance to meet one of our leading winemakers and find out what a "custom crush" winery is all about, this is a must! Both Michael Shaps, winemaker, and Philip Stafford, his partner, will be there to pour for you.

You'll be walking past the bottling machine and tasting right in the barrel room, as a custom crush winery does not usually have a formal tasting area. This is a winery where smaller vineyards like us and other growers can go to to press our grapes, age them, and get winemaking advice. Besides Michael's wines I believe there are 7 growers using Virginia Wineworks to make their wine.

For more informations about Virginia Wineworks go to http://www.virginiawineworks.com

Directions: Take Rt 20 south for 12 miles from I 64. Turn right at the grape sign for First Colony Winery (Harris Creek Road). Drive past First Colony and continue into the woods onto a dirt road for about 1/4 mile. Virginia Wineworks is at the end of the road, and the building has the name Montdomaine on it - but you're in the right place!

It looks like they will also be pouring some new releases: 2008 Michael Shaps Viognier and 2007 Michael Shaps Meritage.

For those of you who have not read about the surprise results of a recent blind wine tasting in DC last August, experts were shocked to find that they had scored Virginia wines higher than some well known and favored French and California wines.

Michael Shaps' Chardonnay 2007 was ranked as 4th best over all whites with all the judges all figuring it was from Burgundy. His 2007 Cabernet Franc scored fifth best overall for the reds.

You may want to make an afternoon of it by stopping at Feast! or Brix first and purchase a picnic of sandwiches, cheeses, salads, etc. After your barrel tasting at Virginia Wineworks stop and taste at First Colony where you can enjoy your picnic lunch. They have lots of indoor space for lunching comfortably.

On a side note - not so much to do with wine tasting, but if you're in the Charlottesville area this week - January 25 - 31, it's our second "Restaurant Week" so you may want to go online and book a dinner reservation as it's immensely popular and restaurants will be booking up fast. You can see who is participating at this link.

See you in the tasting rooms!

Erika

Wintertime Wine Tasting in Charlottesville, Virginia, Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast

2010-01-05T12:37:00.043-05:00

There are folks, who for some reason think that wine tasting is only offered during warmer weather. Here in Charlottesville, we enjoy it year 'round! While there are one or two smaller wineries who close until Spring, most simply shift to a winter schedule.

Pictured here is Pollak Vineyards, whose winter hours last until March: Wedesday through Sunday from 11am - 5pm. They are part of a great tasting route open in winter: King Family, Pollak, Cardinal Point and Veritas

During these slower times wineries have a chance to offer specials like barrel tastings.

It's a great idea to call in advance to reserve one and find out the cost. Ask if there are any events such as the Blending Class scheduled at Jefferson Vineyards in February.

Blenheim, open daily 11 am to 5:30pm, can be contacted to reserve a barrel tasting at $25 per person.

For this price you enjoy a tour with winemaker Kirsty, tasting from the barrels, and then taste the line of bottled wines.

In the wintertime check which wineries allow snacks indoors as it's waaaay too cold to enjoy them outside. For this and information you may need, like directions, go to the Virginia Wine website where you can look up your specific winery.

Also, don't forget our brewery trail here just west of Charlottesville - they are located in the same general area as the wineries in Crozet/Afton.
Should you need a bite to eat during touring, consider Blue Mountain, open every day but Monday, from 11:30 - 10pm, where lunch can be ordered along with your beer tasting.

If your group are not all beer drinkers Blue Mountain also offer local wines.

Another local favorite Starr Hill, located in Crozet, where the tasting bar is smack dab in the middle of the brewery.

Open on Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm with tastings and tours (on the hour), which is sure to please your avid beer drinker!

Salut! Santé! Zum Wohl!

Erika
Arcady Vineyard Wine Tours &
Bed and Breakfast

Wine Country's Winter Farmers Market in Charlottesville

2009-12-07T13:37:00.028-05:00

Arcady Vineyard B&B and Wine Tours is a dedicated "shop local" company.

We were excited to see that the Farmers Market extended to December 19th with hours of 8am to 2pm this year. Arcady Vineyard B&B shops here in-season for eggs, veggies, and other produce we use for our inn.

Besides Christmas goodies and decorations, the Farmers Market continues to be a place where guests and locals alike can enjoy a walking gourmet breakfast or lunch as they shop!

The market is up from around 8am until noon - the day we were there was last Saturday when we had a snowstorm - and of course the next day was blue skies and sunny! But we still had fun.

There were gourmet coffees, freshly made bagels, cheese, and delicious Mexican soft tacos that smelled heavenly! We were out there to find Babes in the Woods, our local pork vendor as we needed more for the B&B breakfasts, and we found him, all bundled up and selling delicious pork breakfast sandwiches.

Other wonderful local vendors we use at Arcady Vineyard are:

Gearhart's Chocolates - We use them for our bed and breakfast turn down in the evening with port, and for the cheese/ fruit/ chocolate platter on our tours!

Feast! - Where we can count on a wonderful selection of cheeses, local and imported, as well as many other gourmet goodies perfect for cheese plates, parties, meals, snacks or gifts.

S imply Cheddar - A positively ADDICTING cheese we use at the B&B and on our cheese plate for the tours.

Albemarle Baking Company - The bed and breakfast and wine tours uses this baker for birthday cakes - the princess cake with marzipan frosting is out of this world! And they make great crostini for our cheese plates, dessert tarts for our wine tour lunches, and breads for our breakfast toast.

The Organic Butcher - We use this local vendor for our bacon. Once you breakfast on this you'll never go back to the store-bought stuff with all the preservatives!!

B rix Terrace Cafe - When we serve the picnic lunch on our tours this is our go-to place for sandwiches. They have a wonderful selection of everything from salad to sandwiches to desserts in a beautiful Italian-inspired decorated café.

When you stay at Arcady Vineyard B&B or tour with us, you'll see first-hand the quality of all of these wonderful vendors that help us create a first class experience for our guests!

And don't forget while you're Christmas shopping, we have several different gift certificates available for the wine lover in your family or circle of friends! Look and see what we have this year at Arcady Vineyard Wine Tours and Bed and Breakfast!

2009-10-01T12:37:00.015-04:00

The Wineries were Busy this October!

We were ready for Virginia Wine Month - this is always one of the busiest times of year, and was even more so this past October. I think because of the economic situation and poor service and reliablity of the airlines, more people drove for getaways then flew and the tasting rooms were slammed!

Out running a tour the other day at Pollak Chris got some action shots of the winery standing up a new steel tank. I like to think that they rushed right out and bought it when I was so dismayed at the end of their Pinot Gris, to fill it up for me, but Chris doesn't think so..he says they need it for their popular red blend, which ran out even earlier. Either way, we love to see them expand since we are great fans of their wine!

I know it's Fall when my favorite local restaurants bring out their fantastic squash soup! The weather is slightly cooler, especially in the morning now, and wine tasting is great fun with all the fireplaces burning brightly!

For visitors and locals alike, there is a great tasting deal right now which will run until the end of December, so think of this also for stocking stuffers. For $10 you can purchase a "Passport" card which gives you a tasting at Keswick Vineyards, Jefferson Vineyards, and Kluge Farm Shop.

The tasting at Kluge is the still selection which consists of one sparkling wine, a Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, two Albemarle Red blends and the Cru dessert wine if I recall correctly. It does not cover the sparkling wine selection which is three sparklers, two New World Reds and the Cru cocktail.

Another thing when tasting at Kluge - we recommend when you pick up your tasting to ask them for a wine glass. We find that tasting the wines in a glass rather than from the pointy holders (pictured) allows us to swirl and get a sense of the nose!

This passport is a great deal as the tastings together would cost somewhere around $23.00 normally, and you don't have to use it up all at once. They simply punch the card when the tasting is used. This program runs until December 31, 2009.

Lastly, we were thrilled to find out that this winter Blenheim Vineyards, owned by musician Dave Matthews, is now open on a daily basis. There are a handful of wineries here that close on Monday and Tuesday during the winter, so it was great news to find a winery that is expanding it's hours. We love the wines presented this year by winemaker Kirsty Harmon! They also showed us the new wine label designed by Dave Matthews for a soon-to-be- released red.

As always, if you need any info, hours of operations or directions to a Virginia winery, just go to http://www.virginiawine.org/ where you'll find everything you'll need!

Group Tasting - How to Do It!

2009-08-10T13:34:00.045-04:00

We've been busy out touring and tasting all summer! The crowds have not been bad recently which makes for great fun since there's not much waiting for bar space. This will probably change once the "high season" hits this fall.

Fall is our busiest time since there's so much going on. We have the leaves turning glorious colors on the trees and the grape vines, we have Uva Football games, and of course, we have wine lovers tasting and catching a glimpse of the harvest action.

A staff member at one of our favorite wineries was chatting with me over a glass of wine and a cheese plate recently. Something had happened earlier at the tasting room, and as she told me her story it made me think this would be a good blog topic for those who are planning to visit the wine country with a large group of friends.

She said the winery had been buzzing along, busy but not particularly slammed, when a rented bus with a group of forty (40!) friends pulled up and they all trotted into the tasting room.

Now, we have beautiful tasting rooms and the majority of them are very organized, here in the Charlottesville area, but when we are busy, a sudden arrival of forty can really throw a wrench into an otherwise beautifully flowing day.

Pictured above: King Family's Barrel Room

What saved the afternoon for this group was the fact that the barrel room, which acts as a small function room, was not being used, and a quick-thinking server grabbed some bottles and glasses, and herded them there for a private tasting.

So, if you are planning to travel to wine country with 10 or more people, here are a few tips for a flawless day:

Always check your route first -you may have heard great things about Mountfair, Lovingston and Barboursville, but check on the fantastic website http://www.virginiawine.org/, get the addresses and Mapquest them to see if they are all feasible in your timeframe. If they are, figure out in which order you should drive to avoid wasting time on the road. While the countryside is beautiful here, you want to spend your time enjoying the wineries, not sitting in a bus!
Once you know which wineries you wish to visit, call them and tell them how many are in your group and when you would like to visit. Many of them will have a barrel room or function room where they can set up a lovely tasting just for your group. Pictured below is the function room at Pollak Vineyards where a group of ours had a private tasting recently.

This leaves the tasting bar free for others to taste, and at the same time adds to your atmosphere of fun getting your own personal pourer! Your call also alerts the winery in case they will need additional staff that day. Since you have called ahead and organized your tasting time, you can walk right in and enjoy your tasting without any real wait time.

Just imagine if that group of forty had arrived and there had been another group in the function room already. The tasting room would have been chaos with everyone trying to jokey in for bar space and service. Their group alone would have taken up both tasting bars, which were already busy!

Either pack a picnic or have your driver stop at one of our wonderful local gourmet shops for a picnic. Here in Charlottesville we have Feast! and Brix , and in the wine cluster just west of town we have Greenwood Grocery
All three offer everything from local and imported cheese to super sandwiches, salads and gourmet chips. Anything and more that you would need for your afternoon picnic.

Pictured above is Chris carrying everything for a served Arcady Vineyard Wine Tour picnic lunch for four at Pollak Vineyard!

Some folks assume that we have restaurants with our wineries, and while a few have enough staff to offer a cheese plate or bagot of bread with cheese and salami, most don't have food for sale. We're far too busy making wine, and good restaurant staff are difficult to find. And you'll need some munchies if you're tasting all afternoon!

Okay now you all are group tasting experts! So get a group of friends and go taste some of our fantastic Virginia wines!

Springtime in the Virginia Wine Country!

2009-05-05T21:00:00.007-04:00

It's finally spring and the vines have budded! Chris now has to fit in vineyard management around driving the wine tours. As you can see in the photo below the baby clusters have formed. We were thrilled that we had no freezes to worry about this spring. The gardens at Arcady Vineyard Bed & Breakfast are blooming too and with all this rain they are looking great! Now, if we can just keep up with the weeding...

We've had a little time to go and taste some of the new releases, and we're impressed!

The semi sweet whites at Cardinal Point are stellar again this year. Even proclaimed "Red Wine Only" wine drinkers on our tours have fallen for them. They are mildly semi-sweet and very clean, crisp and refreshing - perfect with spicy foods.

Pollak has a new Pinot Gris that they left on the skins for more flavor and it's absolutely delicious as is the whole lineup. We also found all the reds wonderful - the Cabernet Franc is soooo smooth! The only thing they're worried about right now is running out of wine before the year is out!!

King has a lovely lineup as well. I am especially fond of their Rosé this year! It has a great grapefruit essence to it that will be perfect on a sunny day.

We also stopped by Mountfair north of town. Their Bordeaux blends are something we really enjoy, and they told us that they will also soon be carrying Brad's Reisling which will be called, well, -Brad's Reisling". (Another favorite local winemaker -Brad McCarthy)

2009-05-05T21:00:00.001-04:00

Virginia Wineworks open on Weekends!

2009-01-26T12:36:00.012-05:00

We love to find new spots to bring our guests to taste the local wines. The reason we were excited to see partners Michael Shaps and Philip Stafford open Virginia Wineworks is because it is a "custom crush" facility.

To us, a custom crush winery means that our Monticello Appellation is becoming a TRUE wine region. This type of winery is a winemaker's winery. The vineyard grower can bring his fruit here and rent equipment and/or expertise and advice in making wine.

Here in Virginia there are roughly 130 or so wineries. The number of vineyards double that. Just like my home state of California, not all wineries are able to grow all the fruit that they need for production of their wines. Then again, there are vineyards who want to make wine but cannot afford the equipment.

On top of that, there are people like us here at Arcady. We have a small vineyard for the B&B guests to enjoy and as a future backdrop for small custom weddings. But we have not yet decided what we'll do with the fruit!

They can also source the fruit for the client who wishes to make wine and assist throughout the whole procedure.

Virginia Wineworks is a great place to visit for those interested in WINE. They don't care about the frou frou stuff. I love it because it's the real winery experience. While we love the beautiful tasting rooms for serving our lunches and cheese plates, there's something so FUN about walking up and having to really SHOVE the door open to enter...turn left and walk past the bottling machine sitting there waiting for its next batch...are they closed? No... if you listen you can hear voices and see a light under the garage door pulled down to keep the winter chill out of the barrel room where all the wines are sleeping.

Give a knock and you'll be invited to hoist up the garage door and join the merry group inside tasting wine produced by one of the most successful winemaker/consultants in the Charlottesville area.

You'll sample an offering of the everyday Wineworks line, and Michael Shaps fine dinner wines.

Bring your checkbook or cash for payment, and if you're running late - say after 4pm, give them a call to let them know you're coming. Tastings now during the winter months are on Saturday and Sunday, and the winery is located just past First Colony Winery.

Directions:

From I64 take the 20 south exit towards Scottsville.

Drive about 15 minutes - about 11 miles and look for the grape sign on your right at Harris Creek Road.

One mile up the road and you'll see First Colony Winery. This is also a great place to stop and taste, and they have plenty of inside and outside tables for picnic lunches!

Just past First Colony you'll find Virginia Wineworks.

Yes, it does say "Montdomaine" over the door, but don't let that fool you. You're in the right place!

Virginia Wineworks, LLC

1781 Harris Creek Way

Charlottesville, VA 22902

434-296-3438

info@virginiawineworks.com

Wine Tasting in the Winter Time

2009-01-10T13:01:00.005-05:00

Guests are always asking me when the best time to go wine tasting would be. My answer ? "It depends!"

The cooler weater of Spring starts showing the grass and flowers starting to bud as well as the grape vines. It's not hot yet so the tasting rooms are not so busy. Many wines are released at this time so there are lots to choose from for your tastings.

Tasting in the summer is fun - the weather can sometimes be hot, but the sky is a beautiful clear blue, you can just throw on your shorts and flip-flops, and dine outside. Of course we have to work hard to keep the cheese and chocolates on our tour plate chilled, but have developed a talent for that.

Fall is stunning for tasting - the leaves on the trees and the vines turn beautiful colors, the weather is comfortable inside and out, and the wineries are harvesting grapes so it's often we get a chance to catch some action like grapes being destemmed. We’re often offered tastings of grapes as well as wines. You do have to book early since it's a popular time to visit our wine country, and be prepared for some crowds, but wine tasters are a jolly bunch!

But winter, ah... I love tasting in the winter! The busy crowds are gone, the wineries have recovered from their frantic long days of harvest, and are relaxed and ready to spend some time with us, often taking us into the cellar to try this or that. Fireplaces are burning warm and bright, and to me, the vineyards, dormant against the winter sky and snow are a romantic sight.

But then again, I'm a native San Franciscan, and we think our morning fog is romantic and beautiful!

The Heck with Matt Lauer - Where in the World is Brad McCarthy??!!

2008-11-24T09:35:00.006-05:00

The Answer?

EVERYWHERE!

When we started out wine tours about 6 years ago, our guests' favorite stop was with Winemaker Brad McCarthy!

They loved his no-nonsense wine explanations, they loved his dog Avril, and, best of all, they loved his wine!

Since he's gone off on his own again, we keep getting asked where the heck he went so we made it our mission to find out.

He went everywhere! He went virtual! He's making wine at several local wineries - and this year, 2008, is his 21st vintage.

His independent label Bradford Reed Wines has released a 2006 100% Merlot, made again with fruit from King Family Vineyards. We tasted it (11/22/08) at the Wine Warehouse in Charlottesville. I'm loving the fruit forwardness which to me is a typical Brad style wine. Here are his tasting notes on his first two 2006 releases:

Bradford Reed 2006 Merlot
This is a ripe, intense, single vineyard Merlot (100% King Family Vineyards). Its deep purple color alludes to its full flavor. This wine has the flavor of a lot of black fruits with an earthy undertone. Medium body with supple tannins and good acidity. It pairs well with a broad range of foods.

Bradford Reed 2006 Virginia Meritage

This Virginia Meritage has the classic Bordeaux flavors. It is a supple wine with a cedar edge to the currant and spicy flavors. 45% Cabernet Franc, 42% Petit Verdot and 13% Merlot. It has a full, complex flavor that will take the first glass to fully explore.

Bradford Reed wines soon to come in 2009
from Ox-Eye Vineyard fruit grown by John Keirs:

Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc!

Monticello's New Welcome Center Opens!

2008-11-18T08:45:00.014-05:00

We had some free time so drove the two miles from our B&B to Monticello to check out the new welcome center. It's about time! When we moved here in 2000, tickets were purchased in an old mobile unit, and the only food available was at a little outdoor stand.

It's beautifully done in wood and other elements that blend in with the surrounding forest.

We found that they moved the nursery to the front which we love. They don't have much to offer right now as winter is approaching, but you can see that it will be beautiful when spring and summer hits.

The building is designed around a courtyard. Right now the Welcome Pavilion, the Café at Brix, and the Monticello Museum Shop are open. Down the road they will also have the Carl and Hunter Smith Education Center. I thought I saw some areas that will house artist studios, but I'm not sure yet.

While I'm sorry to see Brix no longer operating at the end of our road (how convenient was that!) we are thrilled to see them running the Café at the Welcome Center.

In the past when guests planned to tour Monticello, lunch was another trip to either Brix for fabulous sandwiches, salads, pastries and more for outside picnics, or to Michie Tavern or Kluge.

Now you can see above that the Café is lovely and allows visitors to lunch right there after touring Monticello. And we can still visit
Brix's other beautiful location in Pantops in Charlottesville to get our sandwiches for our Wine Tour lunches.

Fortunately for everyone involved, the people making the choosing "chose wisely" as the saying goes, and chose Brix to manage the food venue here.

We didn't have time to enter the Museum Shop, but noted that it sure is spacious compared to the little shop up by Monticello! Lots of room to walk around and check out all the wares.

The International Food and Wine Experience of Charlottesville

2008-10-02T13:00:00.015-04:00

January 23, 2009 ***NOTE*** The First International Food and Wine Experience has been moved from January 2009 to July 2009 ****

WOW! I've just met with Tim O'Brien, (website http://www.ifweoc.com/) to find out about this wonderful new Event.

He kindly gave me some press releases to use to inform Arcady's guests here in my blog.

The first of what we are sure will be many many years of the:

International Wine & Food Experience of Charlottesville!

What it's NOT: Not a festival. Not a wine tasting. Not a wine dinner.

What it IS: The Internationsl Food and Wine Experience of Charlottesville will be one of the most distinctive experiences in Virginia for the serious epicurean and wine connoisseur.

This year's Experience will feature around 100 wineries from around the world, numerous fine dining restaurants, gourmet foods, celebrity chefs, champagne breakfasts, 14 wine tasting seminars, a live auction and a silent auction.

When: Starting at 10:00am Friday, January 23 through Sunday, January 25

What: A complete and elegant Wine Experience to include:

A Grand Tasting on Friday from nearly 100 of the most prestigious wineries around the world!

Special wine seminars on Friday and Saturday

A Gala Dinner on Saturday Night at the Omni Hotel with the Unexpected Boys who harmonize Franki Valli and the Four Season's best hits

Sunday Brunch

Seminars Include:

Southern Hospitality - Fried Chicken, Grits and Wine

A South African Wine Safari

The Artist in Wine

Fins, Zims and Ray C. Wines

Tiny Bubbles - A Discussion of Growers Champagne

Green Wines - Organic and Biodynamic Creations

Dirty Thoughts - A Study of Terroir

D'Vine Divas

It's a Cheesy

Charlottesville Sugar Shack featuring Grand Cru by Kluge Estate

Crystal Clear: Does a Glass Make a Difference?

The Perfect Pair: French Wines and French Food --ooh la la!

An American in Paris - One Chardonnay Which Changed the World

Red, White, and Barbeque

Speakers and Presenters include:

Luca Pashina, of Barboursville Vineyards, Virginia
Claude Thibaut, Master of the "methode champenoise", of the new lable Thibault-Janisson "Blanc de Chardonnay", Virginia
C. Matthew Cain, a wine marketing profesional, owner of J. Soif, Inc, wine import company

Sponsors include:

The Omni Hotel, located on the downtown pedestrian mall. The Omni will be the site of the Grand Tasting, numerous seminars, and the Gala Award Dinner

Monticello Media Group, and it's six stations

Charlottesville Newsplex, and it's 6 television stations

Tickets:
Grand Tickets $759 with 2 night hotel stay, $559 without hotel room include:

Choice of 3 seminars

Champagne Breakfast

Grand Tasting

Blind Tasting

Gala Dinner

Sunday Brunch

I'm still collecting information about this wonderful Event, and I'm sure it is still evolving as more and more wine enthusiasts get involved.

A portion of the funds will go to scholarships to Virginians in the food and wine industry

Main contacts/organizers:

Timothy P. O'Brien, MPAff, president

George Benford, Consultant, Owner of SIIPS on the downtown walking mall.

For updates on this Event, please keep an eye on the website at http://www.ifweoc.com/

Chris and I have worked backstage at Napa's Wine Auction which is held every year, so we're excited to see this Event starting here in Charlottesville. It should be great fun!

October - Charlottesville's Busy Wine Month

2008-09-23T15:37:00.008-04:00

October is an exciting time here in the Charlottesville Wine Country. It's also exhausting! The grapes are carefully watched and as soon as they are the proper brix they are harvested. That can happen anytime.

I can remember a time while we were in Napa, California and Chris was working at Newlan Winery. The grapes were ready at 1 am so by golly that's when they were picked.

Later that morning after the fruit was delivered to the winery, Chris was running the destemmer and saw something shiny - a flashlight that had been forgotten in the lug and traveled to the winery with the fruit! He had to make a quick dive to retreive it or so it didn't travel through the machine and ruin an expensive batch of grapes. Later that vintage won some great awards and we teased him that he should swim in all the fruit before we sent it to fermentation!!

Anyway, if you are planning to travel to our area anytime in October look for your accommodations NOW. Everyone could be booked completely already. We are at our B&B for weekends, and have few tour seats left. During the week we still have some openings for both the B&B and the wine tours.

The exciting news right now is that a great new winery Mountfair is now open on both Saturdays and Sundays for tastings. Open hours are from 12 noon to 5 pm.

Previously they were open only on Sundays or by appointment. Our guests are really loving their reds! They have a great location to sit outside while it's still warm and enjoy a picnic. Of course there is also their golf game up there...you'll have to ask them how that's played! Pictured here is a view of the vines and pond from outside the tasting room.

The other winery that has gone from appointment only to open hours on Saturday and Sunday from now through December, is

our new Custom Crush Winery, Virginia Wineworks. This is a winery where they not only make wine but have facilities for other grape growers to bring fruit and make wine with or without

assistance. Their hours will be from 11 am to 5pm. Pictured here is the tasting area from the barrel room.

So remember - when you go tasting right now you'll have a chance to possibly see some winemaking action but it's going to be crowded since it's a popular time to visit the wineries.

And be patient while waiting to taste - many are working on little sleep since there is so much to be done right now!

Salut!

New Tasting Room at Carter's Mountain in Charlottesville

2008-08-19T08:47:00.017-04:00

As our little Wine Country Oasis known as Arcady Vineyard Bed & Breakfast continues to grow with our luxury accommodations and wine tours, we grow more excited every day as new things to do crop up just minutes down the road.

We're blessed to be located in a cluster of wineries and history - with Jefferson's Monticello, Monroe's Ashlawn Highland, Michie Tavern, Carter's Mountain pick your own fruit, Jefferson Vineyard, Blenheim Vineyard, Kluge Farm Shop, Brix Country Store and First Colony just miles away, and only 6.5 miles to downtown Charlottesville.

Now we can add Carter's Mountain new Wine Tasting Room and Virginia Wineworks to that list! I wonder what they will come up with next!

Pictured above is the final approach to Carter's Mountain to the apple and peach orchards and shop. They have been growing fruit for some time now, including the grape vines which are a beautiful sight as you reach the top.

We have always enjoyed sending our guests up here for the wonderful views of Charlottesville, the pick-your-own fruit, shopping, donuts and fresh apple cider. Pictured above is the store where you'll find all these treasures.

But something new has arrived! To the left of the store is a new building that houses a tasting room for wine tasting! The wines are created at Prince Michel, http://www.princemichel.com/ , a winery located north of Charlottesville just off highway 29. Some of the wines are made with the fruit you see right there on Carter's Mountain.

While the wines were quite nice - (we purchased a Pinot Grigio) I do hope that once they are open for a good while they change to regular glassware instead of the little plastic shot glasses for the tastings. The staff were very knowledgeable, but I had to take their word for it when they described the nose of the wines. All I could smell was plastic and there was no way you could swirl to get a sniff.

I suggest that you be sure not to taste up here on an empty stomach, or if you have not eaten get some of the yummy munchies up here or bring a picnic from Brix Country Store or Feast! since the drive back down is just a tad steep and you want all your wits about you when you leave.

There is a great selection in the shop if you need to bring something home to mom or the sitter.

Sit down a spell and play a game of checkers! Or just wander out back and enjoy the view of Charlottesville all the way to the University of Virginia and beyond.

The other great new find was Virginia Wineworks, located just past First Colony Vineyard. They had an opening day for the public so we went there with one of our wine tours. This is not a venue that we would normally go to with tours, as it is a "Custom Crush" winery. This means that a local grape grower now has a way to produce wine without having to purchase the necessary equipement which costs a small fortune, and is only used once a year. http://www.michaelshapswines.com/home.html (Ever hear the old joke? Question: "How does one make a small fortune in the wine industry? Answer: "Start with a large one!"

Pictured above are the two partners who own Virginia Wineworks assisting the public that day behind the pouring table. To the left is Philip Stafford, and to the right is Michael Shaps.

The winery produces their own wines as well as assisting clients do the same, and we were able not only to taste the bottled wine but also wine from the barrels which was great fun. Pictured left is Michael Shaps using a "wine thief" to draw wine from the barrel for guests to taste.

For a tasting appointment - one must call ahead to schedule at (434)923-8314 but you can purchase their wines in retail stores as well under the Michael Shaps and Virginia Wineworks lables.

Wine Tours in Northern Virginia

2008-07-29T12:42:00.007-04:00

We've been running wine tours now going on six years, and decided to close up shop for a couple of days and explore the wineries in Northern Virginia. We wanted to drive the Skyline Drive out of Waynesboro as well so we could direct our B&B guests and describe the trip as well.

We contacted Deidra of Virginia Wine Adventures, LLC, http://www.vawineadventures.com/ to see if she had availablity on a Tuesday, which she did!

The entrance to Skyline Drive is well defined by signs. From Arcady we went west on 64 to exit 99 and popped right on. It was a beautiful drive, and about an hour north we saw that there was an exit where you could get off onto 33 heading east. That would be a great day trip from our inn - an hour enjoying the Skyline Drive - possibly stopping for a hike or picnic - then getting off on 33 east and enjoy some wine tasting at Barboursville and/or Keswick Vineyards and back to our B&B.

We found it takes about 3 hours to make the entire drive up to Front Royal. The wildflowers were beautiful!

Once we got off at Front Royal we stopped at Rappahannock Cellers at Huntly and had a tasting. Great wines! Very nice staff, and pretty location. http://www.rappahannockcellars.com/

On we went to check in to our bed and breakfast which was a darling renovated building right in town called the Middleburg Country Inn http://www.middleburgcountryinn.com/. It was just what we wanted - a nice room, right in town, with great breakfast! Our host JoAnne had all kinds of suggestions for us.
The wine tour the next day was wonderful! We wanted to ensure that four wineries was enough for one tour, and found out that it certainly is! Any more and the wine all starts to taste alike. Our guide Deidra saved us a lot of time as hassle we found, as the wineries operate differently than down in Charlottesville. Here where we are located the wineries are open most of them seven days a week. Sometimes some are closed on Tuesday.

Up there in Loudoun County, many of them are closed during the week, only open on weekends. We would have wasted a lot of time driving around only to find the doors locked!!

I think of the four that we visited, Tarara was our favorite. They were all great but there was something about their Merlot that had Chris wanting more! What a nice afternoon we had, and when Deidra brought out the cheese plate I was ready to eat!

That's another reason we chose Virginia Wine Adventures with whom to tour. Yes there are limos out there, but you usually need to tell them where you wish to go, and if you're not familiar with the area you waste a lot of time and money not taking a well planned route. Plus they don't provide cheese plates, to my knowledge, and I find that when you're tasting wines it really helps to have something to eat midway. That's why we provide one with our tours, and I'm glad we do now that I've done a similar tour in Loudoun.

We also enjoyed massages at Joan Marie's Skin Care in Middlesburg, which were wonderful!
http://www.joanmarieskincare.net/ and the facial was relaxing too. We glowed afterwards!

The last mention is the French Hound Restaurant. http://www.thefrenchhound.com/
What a restaurant! It is not in one of the historic buildings, but somehow the design fits in beautifully. We just knew when we saw it that we'd like it for some reason! We sat in the little bar, had some wine and chatted with another traveler and the bartender who was charming enough to entertain us, and then sat down at a sunny table for wonderful dinner that was great quality for the price! REAL pommes frites, like in the old country! And REAL bread. Just wonderful.

Well, as soon as we got back we have tours booked like crazy, but we sure got in some great rest and relaxation. Now we can really see why our guests enjoy our tours. We' ve been there!

Sad Farewell to Oakencroft

2008-06-11T11:34:00.002-04:00

We are sorry to see Oakencroft Winery closing, and encourage everyone to go visit for a last tasting. It's a beautiful property and we loved bringing our guests to taste and enjoy the lovely views there.

On a more cheerful note, our vines at Arcady B&B are growing and healthy so we should have some pretty vineyard views for the B&B guests as soon as they pop out of the grow tubes. We had to put them back on since our deer decided they were tasty!

We are getting ready also for the Ashlawn's Outdoor Music Festival. They call it an Opera Festival but it's really one opera and one musical that's performed every year in July and August.

It's a great way to see a wonderful professional performance much closer up than in the regular theater. They have a pavillion in case of rain. I recommend to bring drinks and a hand fan if it's hot outside.

This year the opera is Carmen and the musical one of my favorites: My Fair Lady! You can find out more and purchase tickets online at http://www.ashlawnopera.org/

See you at the show!

Erika

A New Jewel in the Monticello Appellation!

2008-05-07T14:18:00.007-04:00

This past Sunday Chris and I finished our chores and were able to run west of Charlottesville about 15 minutes to check out Pollak Winery which is just off exit 107 Crozet. (Take a left onto 250 and 3 miles down turn right on Brooksfield Road, then right on Newtown Road and it's just up the road on your left).

I hope the owners forgive these amateur photos as the winery is just gorgeous and comfortable, but more importantly, the wines are luscious! We liked them all from the Pinot Gris and the Chardonnay to the full flavored reds like Cabernet Franc, Meritage and Petit Verdot! Yum!
The views are wonderful and I can't wait until they get the furniture for the terrace outside the tasting room. We have been serving our wine tours their cheese plates just outside the tasting room where they enjoy a glass of wine and the view of the pond, trees and vineyard. It's such a peaceful layout, and for some reason makes me think if Italy.

I've only met Nick in the tasting room so far, but he is very knowledgeable about the wines and obviously works in the cellar as well as up front.
The winemaker said hello when we were there last as well. It's a very friendly place.

We strongly recommend you make this stop while tasting in the Crozet area. This makes for a very nice loop - King Family, Pollak, Cardinal Point, Afton Mountain. Taste at Veritas at the end as it can take some time to get through the tasting. And don't forget to stop at Greenwood Country Store for your picnic! It's on your left when traveling from King Family to Pollak Winery.

April in Charlottesville

2008-04-18T11:41:00.008-04:00

April has been a super busy month for wine tours! And as the weather gets warmer, lots more activities are coming up.

Our Charlottesville Farmer's Market has started on Saturday mornings on Water Street in the pay parking lot. It runs from around 7am to 12 noon. It's a lot of fun, and not only can you purchase plants and produce, but there's everything from gourmet coffee to our FAVORITE breakfast sausage (Babes in the Woods) served to you as you amble along. Also artwork and jewelry. It's a great time to enjoy the morning but please don't bring your pets. They are not invited, and it does get crowded so they would not enjoy being there.

Don't forget the annual Montpelier Wine Festival, May 3-4. The festival, located at Madison's Montpelier outside the town of Orange will open each day at 11 a.m., rain or shine, until 6 on Saturday and 5 on Sunday.

Tickets are $14 in advance and $20 at the gate. For more information and how to purchase tickets, go to http://www.montpelierwinefestival.com/

The festival includes:

a souvenir wine glass
taste of 20 Virginia award-winning wines
cooking with wine demonstrations
foods for picnics
live music
arts and crafts
kite demonstrations and kite making
revolutionary war encampment and re-enactments
horse and carriage rides
tour Montpelier

Meanwhile the Chambourcin vines we planted appear to be budding so we are excited! We're putting in our new gardens and the wisteria, weeping Cherry tree, redbuds and dogwoods are all blooming, and I'm getting my summer clothes out of the basement! Life is good at Arcady!

Dining Out in Charlottesville, Virginia

2008-04-04T15:03:00.004-04:00

We have been super busy this month and as a new B&B, working on compiling our restaurant menu selection for Arcady Vineyard, for our guests to peruse upon arrival to decide where to go for a wonderful dinner experience.

This is a tough decision in Charlottesville as we have so many from which to choose.

We have a starter list to which we'll come back and add to as time goes by. This list is by no means completed - there are many wonderful restaurants in town that we and our guests have not yet experienced.

Okay, here goes! And this is not in order of excellence - they are all excellent!

Restaurants

Orzo is one of my favorite restaurants. It's near the downtown mall and has its own parking. The menu is Mediterranean—food from Italy, Greece, and the South of France, so they have a little of everything. It's a fun and vivacious wine bar/bistro http://www.orzokitchen.com///

Another bistro we love that is very casual but great food and wine is Bijou, located on the downtown mall. They do not take reservations, so it's a great place to go on the spur of the moment. They don't have a website that I can find. The inside is casual, with booths and old movie posters. They serve fresh fish, pork and beef dishes. My favorite is the spicy meatloaf, Chris loves their hanger steak.

Both of these bistros have waitstaff that can actually help you select a wine with dinner whether by the glass or bottle.

If you're looking for what Chris calls "Great steak and seafood" we recommend the Downtown Grille, also on the walking mall. Guests that stayed with us at Arcady Vineyard B&B went there last weekend and had only one word to describe their steak dinners: "Awesome!" Another great thing about this restaurant is they are non smoking, as some others are here, and have a big comfy bar where you can sit and order off the menu if you don't want to go into the dining room or have a husband who refuses to make reservations! http://www.downtowngrille.com/

Bang! is just about a block off the downtown walking mall with Asian style tapas and great martinis at 213 Second Street Southwest. Guests have loved this spot where you can order little orders until you are full! Outdoor patio dining is available

Another cutting edge decor restaurant that is fun is Zocolo on the downtown mall at http://www.zocalo-restaurant.com/ This is a Cuban inspired menu which is wonderful.

Hamilton's Restaurant on the downtown mall at http://www.hamiltonsrestaurant.com/ is a pretty elegant restaurant with lots of great selections. I had a risotto dish there last time that I loved.>

C&O just one block off the downtown mall at http://www.candorestaurant.com/ is a local favorite. Located in a historic building, our guests love this one for special dinners. They love the way the waitstaff can fill you in on what to do in town, going the extra mile in service.

Blue Light Grill on the downtown mall at http://www.bluelightgrill.com/ so impressed some of our guests they insisted to speak to the Chef! They loved their dinner there

L'etoile near UVA at http://www.letoilerestaurant.com/ is a beautiful spot for a romantic dinner. Located on two floors of a brownstone type building, it's French inspired American food. (e.g. steak with bourbon sauce..yummy.)

Picnics & Vineyard Dining

And of course if you are going out to Monticello or to visit the wineries, there are our favorite places to get your super duper elegant picnic lunch.

Brix - has two locations, one near Jefferson Vineyard so it's perfect to hit right after touring Monticello. Take a left out of the Monticello exit, and a couple of miles or so up the road when you see the little white church on your right (right after the sign for Jefferson Vineyard) stop at the little stone building across the street from the church. There you can get fantastic sandwiches (yes even a veggie sandwich), sides, fresh baked pastries, gourmet chips and desserts.

Leaving Brix continue the same direction and on your right is the entrance to Jefferson Vineyard. Stop in, get a glass of wine, and picnic right there. They have picnic tables under big shady trees.

The other location is on Pantops, behind the Hallmark store. There they can pack your lunch for you or you can dine there in a charming Italian decor dining room. http://www.brixcafe.com/cafe.htm

If the weather is lousey for dining al fresco, continue past Brix, past Jefferson, keeping always straight/right at the forks, only about five miles down the road you will pop out to see Kluge Estate's vineyards on your right, and you'll see their sign on your left shortly after that. Here the menu is displayed visually which is a great idea. They have outside and a few inside tables for dining, with portable tastings which they can pour, explain, and let you carry to your table to enjoy at your leisure. And they have splits of wine just right for lunch for two!http://www.klugeestateonline.com/

If you are staying in town, before you take off to the wineries, another super place to get a wonderful picnic lunch - and an exotic cheese plate!!!! is Feast! http://www.feastvirginia.com/ This shop is located in Main Street Market with parking and there you can go to Feast! for sandwiches, cheese, wine and all kinds of yummy stuff, continue to Gearhart's for specialty chocolates, and ABC Bakery for crostini, breads, and fresh pastries, or aand beautiful birthday cake if needed!http://www.charlottesvilleonline.com/cville/Shopping/MainStreetMarket http://gearhartschocolates.com/ http://www.albemarlebakingco.com/index10.htm

If you already are out in Crozet, check out Greenwood Country Store on 250 between King Family Vineyard and Cardinal Point, Afton Mountain and the others. They have a little of everything and great sandwiches and a selection of cheeses. You can't miss them as they have beautiful garden pots and plants out front. I could not find a website for them.

This is all the time I have right now, and I'm sure as soon as I hit "post" there's going to be another one that hits me that I didn't mention. More to come!!!

Monticello's Saturdays in the Garden

2008-03-03T12:45:00.002-05:00

There are lots of things to do if you enjoy the outdoors here in Charlottesville, and one of my favorites is the "Saturdays in the Garden" series put out by Monticello.

Every Saturday morning from March through December it's something different, from learning about planting a vineyard from our own Gabrielle Rausse, who started some of the local vineyards back when nobody thought we could make wine here, to instructions on gathering seeds in Autumn, to making Christmas Weaths.

Almost all the classes charge a paltry $10 to attend and are great fun. I'm listing the schedule so you can see if you can hit one on your weekend visiting here in Charlottesville. Although they like to have guests call ahead, they can usually fit you in even if you call that morning.

March 15, 2008 9:30am

Where: Tufton Farm
What: Apple Grafting Workshop

March 22, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Starting a Vineyard

March 29, 2008 9:30am
Where: Tufton Farm
What: Pruning & Propogating Historic Roses

April 5, 12, 19, 2008 8:30an & 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Spring Wildflower Walk

April 26, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Vegetable Garden Workshop

May 3, 2008 6:30am
Where: Tufton Farm
What: Spring Bird Walk

May 17, 2008 9:30am
Where: Kemper Park
What: Montalto Trek

May 31, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Painting and Sketching in the Garden

June 7, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Edible Plants in the Ornamental Garden

June 21, 2008 9:30am
Where: Tufton Farm
What: Pruning Practices for Woody Ornamentals

June 28, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: History of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway Hike

July 12, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: The Natural History of Trees

July 19, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Woody Plant Propogation

August 2, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Tomato Tasting

August 9, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Wine Making Workshop

August 16, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Summer Fruit Tasting

August 23, 2008 9:30am
Where: Tufton Farm
What: Creating an Herbal Potpourri

September 6, 2008 10am - 4pm
Where: Tufton Farm
What: Heritage Harvest Festival

September 13, 2008 9:30am
Where: Tufton Farm
What: "Precious Refreshment" - Virginia Cider Making

September 20, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Seed Saving Workshop

September 27, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Thomas Jefferson and the Natural History Walk

October 4, 2008 9:30am
Where: Tufton Farm
What: Tufton Fern Walk

October 18, 2008 9:30am
Where: Tufton Farm
What: Apple Tasting

October 4, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Cooking Unusual Vegetables

November 15, 2008 9:30am
Where: Monticello at the Garden Shop
What: Vinegar Making Workshop

December 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 $45 for class and materials
Where: Smith History Center
What: Wreath Workshops

For descriptions and reservations of the classes go to www.monticello.org
For reservations and information call 434-984-9822

** The Garden Shop at Monticello is located next to the ticket office at Monticello
Tufton Farm is at 1293 Tufton Farm Road, just off Route 732, a few miles past Monticello

Valentine Weekend and February in Charlottesville

2008-02-08T15:07:00.002-05:00

For any of you last minute planners, there is a lot going on in the Charlottesville Wine Country for you and your sweetie! I’m not sure how filled up the wine dinners are yet, but the wineries are all set to give you a wonderful time!

Here goes:

February 14 - 17 Cardinal Point Winery Enjoy wines and handcrafted chocolates to sample and purchase for Valentine's Day. Enjoy our new wine releases, including the 2007 Quattro and the Rockfish Red!

February 15 Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast has Friday night, Feb 15th still available for our Valentine Package one night with special amenities and wine tour stay- see http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?AttrID=48836&CharID=493932

February 16 Arcady Vineyard Wine Tasting Tours has 2 seats left for our special Valentine Wine Tasting Tour – visit three wineries with a start at Keswick Vineyards to enjoy their specialty dipped strawberries and wine pairing – contact us at http://www.arcadyvineyard.com/

February 16 – Arcady Vineyard Wine Tasting Tours has seats still available for our Valentine West of Town Tour – tasting including hand crafted chocolates at Cardinal Point Winery – and if you are also beer lovers, you can opt for a stop at the new brewery Blue Mountain for a beer tasting! Yummy! Email http://www.arcadyvineyard.com/

February 14 - Valentine's Day Dinner at King Family Vineyards - A romantic four-course dinner paired with our wines. Passed hors d’oeuvres begin at 6:30 with dinner beginning at 7pm. $100/pp inclusive of tax, tip, food and wine. Prepaid reservations required. Please call 434-823-7800 to reserve.

February 14 – Veritas Winery - Celebrate Valentine's Day with a wine dinner and your sweetie at Veritas! Festivities begin at 6:30 with Mousseux Pink Sparkling Wine and continue at 7:00 with a 4-course, wine-paired meal. There will be music and dancing afterwards with DJ Ran Henry! 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM $55 per person plus gratuity

February 16 – Keswick Vineyards Wine, strawberries, and sweets... Keswick Vineyards' special wine and dipped strawberry tasting for Valentine's Day, featuring five of our award-winning wines. After your tasting, enjoy the romantic setting while you savor a glass of wine and take a guess at how many candy hearts are in our Rosé bottle to win a free future tour and tasting for you and your sweetheart. 12 - 5pm - $10 per person, includes paired tasting & wine glass.

Feb 16- Feb 17 - The Virginia Wine Expo presented by SunTrust is Virginia's premier trade and consumer wine event of the year. Offering unlimited tastings from Virginia's best wineries, wine seminars and chef demonstrations, taste specialty foods and win amazing door prizes. Wineries will taste, sell glasses and sell bottles and cases to go. Saturday, the general public will be admitted from 1:00 p.m until 7 p.m. On Sunday, the general public will be admitted from 1:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. Go to VirginiaWineExpo.com for details. $25 in Advance; $35 at the Gate11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Feb 16 - DelFosse Vineyards and Winery - Valentine Wine Dinner with Chef Eric Stamer - Enjoy a 7 course meal paired with award winning wines from DelFosse Winery.. A full menu is available on our website. 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM $85.00 per person

Feb 24 - DelFosse Vineyards and Winery Join Chef Genevieve DelFosse for a fun and tasty pairing of her gourmet, seasonal selections especially paired with award-winning DelFosse wines. The menu includes 4 elegantly prepared dishes, each paired with a different glass of wine, with a short discussion of the pairings. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM $27.50 per person

Valentine's Day in Charlottesville

2008-01-27T08:10:00.000-05:00

We're all getting ready for Valentine's Day here! At Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, we always try to find something different to offer our guests.

We always have the wine tours available, they have been a "hit" now for going on five years. We've even been written up by Frommer.

So here at the B&B we have been working with tempering fine Belgian chocolate and are offering not just chocolate dipped strawberries, oh no! Our new offering which we are introducing on Valentine's Day to be available on a regular basis to our guests is a hand dipped and drizzled Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot bottle of wine!

We've always loved the combination of chocolate and red wine, and know our guests will too judging by how they like our Gerhardt chocolates with the turn down port.

The wineries have some lovely Valentine offerings as well. Keswick Vineyards has a wonderul specialty dipped strawberry and wine pairing that goes far beyond your regular old chcolate dipped berries and wine on the 16th of February! Kluge had a beautiful heart shaped topiary packaged with their sparkling rosé in a basket. First Colony will have their yearly Wine and Chocolate pairing on February 9, Whitehall has a Custom Blendin Event on February 8, and King Family Vineyard and Veritas both have Valentine Dinners planned for the 14th!

**whew** Lots to see and do. I hope I didn't miss anybody! Seems like there is something for everyone.

Salut,

Erika & Chris

Choosing a Wine Tour in Virginia

2008-01-08T10:04:00.001-05:00

After four years of running wine tours in Charlottesville, we have found that not all tours are equal. We love what we do, so don't rely on employees because, frankly, we don't think they would take care of our guests like we do. Just go out to dinner these days and see what kind of service you can get. It's not consistantly good, even when spending a lot of money!

Here are some questions to ask while booking:

1. Do you charge a gratuity fee/fuel surcharge?

Arcady Vineyards does not charge any additional fees above what we quote. Our rate is the rate, period. How do we avoid these additional fees, some of which are as high as 20%? We drive comfortable SUVs rather than large expensive limos. And we drive our tours ourselves. Besides, Riki dosen't like limos. Wouldn't be caught in one, much less driving one. And we don't leave them running outside the winery the whole time the guests are inside tasting.

2. Do you include tasting fees?

Arcady Vineyard includes in their rate all regular and reserve tasting fees. We are suprised at how many tour companies don't include them, so ask! The fees on a 4 winery tour can run from $8 to $54 per couple. That's a lot to add onto the tour rate!!

3. Do you provide anything to eat?

Arcady Vineyard includes a sizeable cheese/fruit/chocolate plate (shown here) with all tours, no extra charge. We don't want you drinking for four hours without anything in your tummy!

Or, you can request the served lunch if you like, at the additional charge of $20 per person. But our lunch is not a sandwich that you grab at a little grocery store on the way, or a puny box lunch. Oh no! We offer a true Wine Country served picnic lunch with cheese platter, gourmet sandwich, kettle chips and freshly baked pastry all from our favorite gourmet shops here in Charlottesville. And it's all served on crisp old-world linens with Rosenthal China and silver.. to make you feel truly pampered and tell the folks walking by, "Sorry - no photographs, please!"

4. Do you escort us all the way into the winery and explain the wines and tasting procedures?

Again, Arcady Vineyard is with you all the way through your tour. We answer questions, help you find your way around to the tasting area, and make sure you have a great time!

We see lots of tour drivers outside by their vehicles waiting for the guests that they just dropped off. That's convenient if you just don't want to drive, but not if you want a true tour guide to show you the ropes!"

5. How many guests are on the tour with us?

Arcady Vineyard Wine Tours's standard tour takes only two couples per van. This way you'll be sure to sit next to your sweetie while making new friends, but not be part of a big impersonal pack. However, if you are a group of 5 or 6 we'll toss you in the van for a fun afternoon, since a group that size normally does not care about seating arrangements!

What to do New Year's when everything is closed...

2008-01-04T08:53:00.000-05:00

Or it could be entitled, "What to do in Charlottesville that's Free!"

We had some time off and decided to do the walk from little Kemper Park which is located on Rte 53 just below Michie Tavern and Carter's Orchard. From this point you can walk about 3 miles up to Jefferson's Monticello. Or, if the parking lot at Kemper Park is full, just drive up to Monticello, park your car, and do the walk backwards starting at the picnic area!

The second photo here shows the start of the walk. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the full walk, so don't bring your pooch. There's plenty of space at the bottom of the park to play with your pet, but they don't allow them on the full walk up.

What is really great about this walk is that it was specifically engineered to that someone who is wheelchair-bound but in good shape can wheel the whole way up. It is a gentle slope and has suspended boardwalks where the land dips.

We checked out the plans for Monticello's new Welcome Center which will be located at the parking lot. The ticket office is located here as well as the little bus that takes you up to the mansion should you not wish to walk the last mile up. We have heard that Brix will be opening a location here which would be exciting, so we hope it's really going to happen!!

And here the last photo shows the picnic area which is off the side of the parking lot. If the parking lot at the start of the walk is full, people will park at Monticello, and do the walk backwards since you (at least right now) don't have to pay to park at Monticello!

We are of course still running wine tours throughout the winter months. Some have cut back on their tasting room hours, so you may wish to call before going out to ensure they're open. Most all will be open on weekends. They have many new wines due to be released around February!

Salut!

Erika & Chris

2007-12-27T14:31:00.000-05:00

We have finally wound down after a very busy "high season" and are enjoying the slower pace of our "quiet season". We continue to run tours, just not at such a hectic pace, and have time to chat with our friends in the tasting rooms. Now is a great time of year. The vines go dormant. The number of visitors are smaller. Fires are lit in the tasting rooms. Ah, life is good!

Our B&B is doing very well and our little vineyard has been put to sleep until Spring. Pictured here is the bedroom of our Arcand Suite and spa nook with whirlpool tub which leads to the private bath.

There is also a Bose radio /CD player, TV with DVD player and remote controlled fireplace, as well as a bottle of sparkling wine, full country breakfast, and cheese plate and wine tasting on checkin!

All but maybe one or two wineries remain open all year round, so when you need a weekend away, don't overlook the Wine Country. We still have Monticello, Ashlawn-Highland, Montpelier, beautiful B&Bs, cozy wineries, fantastic restaurants and shopping on the downtown walking mall - lots to do in the wintertime!

Erika

Update on Arcady Vineyard

2007-10-18T11:55:00.000-04:00

Just a note to all wine tasting travelers that October and November are looking to be very busy months for us in the industry! If you are planning to come to the area be sure and get your accommodations booked as soon as you can as most of the B&Bs are fully booked! The tours are pretty booked for Saturdays, but we do still have openings during the week and on some Sundays.

We opened the Bed and Breakfast and have been very busy, making lots of new friends and having lots of fun with wine tastings. I'll have to find some time to put up more pictures of the suites.

Meanwhile, keep your fingers crossed for rain! Our poor little vineyard needs a drink!!

Erika & Chris

Our Wine Country Bed and Breakfast!

2007-08-28T22:07:00.000-04:00

We're still getting ready for opening day September 1st!

Reservations are already coming in and the race is on to be ready. The suite is practically finished - we're just waiting for a few things to be delivered such as the curtain rods and soap dispensers. We love it already! The steam showers are in and working in both baths, along with the two person whirlpool tub in the spa nook off the bedroom of the Arcand Suite..(suite bedroom pictured right, spa nook pictured below)

The heated tile floors in the baths are toasty, and the towel warmer racks for the baths are due any day!

The vineyard is going well especially with the rain we've received recently.

Now on to get the landscaping done!

Arcady Vineyard Bed & Breakfast

Erika & Chris, Innkeepers

Weekend update June 8, 2007

2007-06-08T12:49:00.000-04:00

Hi All!

Activities are always going on and loads of fun at the wineries and wine shops here in Charlottesville. Here's a sampling of what's going on this weekend:

Friday, June 8, 2007

Where: In Vino Veritas Wine Shop
http://invinoveritasva.com/
What: Wine Tasting

A “Blended” Evening Tasting! From 4:30pm to 7pm - there is no charge but so many yummy wines for wonderful prices that you'll be sure to go home with a bottle or two!

Mike Jackson from The Robins Cellars will be pouring 6 wines for tasting that are all blends of 2 or more varietals. Here’s what you’ll taste on Friday:

White Blends:
2006 Tariquet Ugni-Blanc & Colombad - France
2006 A-Mano Fiano-Greco - Italy
2005 Kumkani Chardonnay & Viognier – South Africa

Red Blends:
2004 Sherdian Kamiakin ( Bordeaux Blend) – Washington State
2005 St. Mary’s Bell ’s & Whistles (Bordeaux Blend) – Australia
2003 Domaine La Croix Bell No.7 (Rhone Blend) – France

Saturday, June 9, 2007

Arcady Vineyards Wine Tours - two seats left for tour 2!
1pm - 5:30 www.arcadyvineyard.com or call 434-872-9475

Where: Cardinal Point Winery
http://www.cardinalpointwinery.com/
What: Picnic, music, dancing!

The Cardinal Point Summer Concert Series starts off with a bang! Saturday, June 9 from 4 pm to 8 pm. Admission is $10 and you receive a glass, while the proceeds benefit The Paramount Theater.

THE CASHMERE JUNGLE LORDS, an eclectic blend of roots rock, surf and acoustic "swamp sets" will be performing.

Be sure to bring a picnic, but no alcohol is allowed. Cardinal Point wine will be available for purchase either by the glass or bottle.

Please check the website in case of RAIN which would CANCEL.

Where: Veritas Vineyards Starry Nights
http://www.veritaswines.com/

What: Starry Nights picnic, music, dancing!

Every second Saturday of the month during the warmer weather is "Starry Nights" at Veritas which runs from 7 to 11 p.m. Entry fee is $10 and includes a Veritas glass. The music this evening is King Cadillac, retro Rock 'n Roll.

You may bring a picnic or reserve your dinner (call 540-456-8000 ext. 107) prepared by Veritas Chef Said Rhafiri for $15. You can view the menu at http://www.veritaswines.com/child_menus/Starry%20Nights%20June%2007%20menu.html

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Arcady Vineyards Wine Tours - two seats left for tour 2!
1pm - 5:30 www.arcadyvineyard.com or call 434-872-9475

Where: King Family Vineyards

http://www.kingfamilyvineyards.com
What: Polo Match starting at 1:30pm

When you drive onto the property, you'll see the polo field straight ahead, to the left of the winery. You can tailgate, parking your car well behind the boards (50 feet or more).

Everyone is encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and a picnic. The winery has light picnic snacks for sale along with (of course!) wine by the glass or the bottle.

For more information or to check status in case of bad weather, go to http://www.roselandpolo.com/

Enjoy the Beautiful Monticello Appellation!

Great Friday Wine Tasting 4:30pm

2007-05-25T12:46:00.000-04:00

In Vino Veritas Wine Shop
http://www.invinoveritasva.com/

I know that it's vacation time now, and there are lots of wine tasters traveling here to Charlottesville, so I want to let you in on something fun to do if you don't feel like diving into the throngs at Friday after Five at the mall!

Our favorite wine shop which is located just around the corner from where we are building our wine country bed and breakfast inn, has a great free wine tasting every Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. We have been exposed to some wonderful wines this way - how about a killer Cabernet Sauvignon for $13!!!!!! Wow.

They also have cigars for sale which I know is something that may be difficult to find.

In Vino Veritas is located just down the road from the Clifton Inn and Keswick Hall, on 3015 Louisa Road.

They also organize delicious and entertaining wine dinners. The next one is May 30, and you can see the details at their website at http://www.invinoveritasva.com/events.htm

The shop has both everyday priced and Anniversary priced wines. It's organized so that all the red wines $20 or less are on one wall, ditto the whites on another, and the specialty wines on racks in the middle.

If you are not sure what kind of wine you would like, just tell Steve or Elinor what kind of taste buds you have and they can help you! They have their favorite selections marked as well to assist you.

Wine Tasting in Charlottesville, Virginia

2007-05-15T12:42:00.000-04:00

Arcady Vineyard Wine Tours

Just a word of warning for those who are blissfully planning to come to town this weekend - May 19 and 20, for a quick getaway and wine tasting adventure.

Unless you are staying with friends, you will have to change your plans! It is graduation weekend here at the University of Virginia, and every hotel, B&B and motel is booked, as is most of the restaurants. The town will be a madhouse! Our wine tours are booked as well.

So adjust your plans for a couple of weeks out! Right now we are enjoying wonderful weather and have had enough rain for our gardens to come alive!

Arcady Vineyard B&B

As we work towards getting our B&B license we have lots planned for our guests. The landscaping has started to bloom so we can figure where to put the new walkways. You can see to the left that our Rhodies are looking glorious! Irises have popped out as well. Below is the view from the deck off the dining room towards the vineyard behind the Weeping Cherry tree. All greening and blooming right now!

Arcady Vineyard

In the vineyard, we picked a Virginia Wine Tour favorite grape to plant: Chamboursin! As you see below they are growing fast protected in their growing tubes from our deer family.

We will let them grow as tall as possible and then trim them down to the ground in the fall so the roots will have a good chance to settle in.

Salut! And happy tastings!

2007-05-09T09:35:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

Well things are humming, the weather is warmer, the leaves on the vines are sprouting, and the wineries are gearing up to play! Despite the freeze and loss of grapes, everyone is surging forward. We seem to have lost a good amount of white grapes as they were budding first when the freeze hit. But on to more cheerful news..

Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast Inn

We are working towards getting our license and will start our County and Health Dept inspections soon! The replanting of the vineyard has been sucessful so far. There are 200 baby Chamboursin vines out back (see left) and so we can still enjoy watching our deer we put grow tubes around them for now so they don't end up being munched! They were delivered when the freeze was being announced so spent some time in the prenatal ward (read: in buckets of water in the basement) prior to planting.

Around Town...our Farmer's Market is now open so when you're in town for a tour it's a fun morning activity before touring with us at 1pm. The market is open from 8 am to 12 noon and is located on Water Street. It sets up in the open meter parking lot. You can still park in the outside parking lot next to the market itself or in either of the parking garages. They offer plants, fruits, artwork, fresh gourmet coffee and pastries (have breakfast while you shop!) and lots of neat things! They will be running a Wednesday afternoon market as well but we have not checked that one out yet.

The wineries are gearing up with lots of activites as well. A couple we like are the polo games at King Family Vineyards which start on May 27th. The games begin at 1:30 and you can bring a picnic and purchase wine by the glass or the bottle to enjoy the afternoon! Check the status of the games at http://www.roselandpolo.com/ since they are affected by rain.

Cardinal Point is gearing up for their music concerts among other activities. The first one is on May 12 and features THE GUANO BOYS who play Reggae, Ska, Calypso, Afro-Caribbean Funk. Original and Favorite Island-style jams. Bring your picnic but no alcohol. You can purchase wine by the glass or the bottle, entry is $10 and includes a wine glass souvenir! Funds go to a local charity.

A good site to check what is going on in a winery near you is http://www.virginiawines.org/wineries/index.html where they are all listed with their links in alpha order

Romantic Things to do in Charlottesville

2007-03-29T13:32:00.000-04:00

We get a lot of guests on our tours asking us for ideas on things to do – while they are together on their romantic getaway. They might be on their honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday, and have usually left their hectic working/family life for a Romantic Weekend.

Well, Romance means different things to different people. We are going on the assumption that while you are here during the weekend on your escape, and that pretty much anything fun the two of you do together will be deemed “romantic”. So here goes for this time of year:
#1 Natch would be a tour with us – Arcady Vineyard Wine Tours! We pick you up, and don’t just drive you and drop you off. No, no! We whisk you in, show you where to go to taste, pay any tasting fees, answer any questions you have about our local wines (and if we can’t answer it we know where to go to GET your answer). You don’t have to plan, drive, or read directions. We pamper you so that you can concentrate on each other and having fun! During the afternoon we serve you a generous cheese/fruit/chocolate platter that you can enjoy outside while drinking in the gorgeous views. Ahhhhh..this is the life!! http://www.arcadyvineyard.com/

#2 If you are the sporty type and the weather is fine, take the 2.2 mile trek up to Monticello along the Saunders-Monticello Trail. Turning off 64 onto 20 South (towards Scottsville), then left onto 53, you will see a small parking lot on your right. This is the start of the trail. Please note dogs are not allowed beyond a certain point on the trail. It’s a beautiful gentle slope of a walk with custom-built boardwalks taking you over the rougher terrain, ending at Saunder’s Bridge which leads to Monticello.

#3 If you’re staying at a B&B (such as the Wine Country B&B we are now ALMOST ready to open!) then after breakfast on Saturday morning, (before your wine tour!) go visit the Charlottesville City Market which is open until noon. If you are staying in a hotel or motel with meager breakfast offerings, go even earlier since they offer everything you would want for breakfast! You can sip on gourmet coffee and munch on freshly baked goodies as you shop. Here they have everything from healthy locally grown plants, veggies, fruits, (in season) to art, music and hand-made crafts. It’s great fun! And fun for two spells romance to me! Open in April. http://www.charlottesvillecitymarket.com/

#4. Visit the Downtown Walking Mall. It’s a street that is closed to traffic and you can check out the stores and restaurants. Now that it’s almost April the weather is getting nice, and the restauarants put outside tables for outdoor dining. Now that’s romantic! Sitting outside, say, Hamilton’s dining on a killer risotto, watching the crowds walk by. Not warm? Stop in places like the Downtown Grille where you can go all out in the dining room or order dinner perched at a large and lovely bar. They just went smoke-free, which is VERY romantic for me!! http://www.charlottesvilletourism.org/php-bin/resource.php?id=360

#5 For early risers or those who appreciate a beautiful sunset I only have one word for your romantic adventure – or well two – BALLOON RIDE!!! We have several super companies here in Charlottesville, and they take off from either your hotel, B&B, or a designated location if you’re staying in town. What a trip! No way it can be properly explained. For companies go to our website of Things to Do at
http://www.arcadyvineyard.com/Thingstodo.htm

#6 If you like wine tasting you like food. Both are romantic! Check our wineries before you come at http://www.virginiawines.org/wineries/r-central.html and see if anyone has any wine tasting dinners or functions going on while you're here.

Cardinal Point often has music on weekends. King Family has different events from wine dinners, to fun things like Polo during the season (late spring to fall) on Sundays - bring your picnic and tailgate! Veritas has "Starry Night" every second Saturday of the month with music and dancing outside - reserve your dinner or bring a picnic (from now to the fall). Jefferson is doing a special barrel tasting event soon. First Colony always seems to have something going on..chili cookoffs, wine dinners...I'm sure I forgot something so you had better look for yourself!

Brits to taste Virginia wines in London!

2007-02-26T10:12:00.000-05:00

A group of six virginia wineries have formed "The Virginia Wine Experience in London, LLC" to take a sampling of Virginia wines to London, England, to be tasted in celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the British settling Jamestown.

It's a great way to point out that Virginia is said to be the first location in America where English settlers attempted to grow vineyards.

The selection runs the whole gambit of wines that we take our guests to taste on our wine tours. We found a website that shows the whole list that was selected to be sent to the London tasting in May at http://www.vawineinlondon.com

The selection of varietals bottled here in Central Virginia have been growing that we can see in the three years we have been running wine tours. We are excited to see new (to us) local varietals such as Touriga, the Portugese grape most commonly known as the varietal that is used to make Port.

We are also happy to report that more wineries will be working on sparkling wines! We used to only be able to find one or two to taste, and have learned that more are to come in the very near future.

Recently out tasting, doing research without guests, we have been lucky enough to be present when the Viognier 2006 at Keswick was being checked after bottling, and were able to have a taste. It's great! This year it is dry and really full of fruit.

Randy at First Colony has FINALLY released the red dessert wine (now just like Champagne has to be "sparkling wine", I guess all ports have to be "dessert wine"). It is well worth the wait and I can see serving it at the B&B in the evening with a dark chocolate as a turn down amenitiy. Yum!

We also happened by Blenheim when Brad was in and had just bottled his Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. They were both so delicious I forgot to check the vintage year but assume it is from 2006. Wonderfully smooth! I can't wait for them to be labled so I can get my hands on some for our B&B cellar to keep under lock and key for our check in afternoon blind wine tastings!

We'll report more later as more new bottlings are released.

Salut!

Erika N Chris

Touring in the Winter

2006-12-21T09:20:00.000-05:00

We have noticed the wineries are getting into the Holiday Spirit!

Blenheim Vineyard, pictured left, one of our most FAVORITE places to take our tour guests, usually requires appointments for tastings - just to make sure they are available to pour the wines for you instead of out in the vineyard! But they will have all hands (and paws) on deck to pour for you at their Holiday Open House so please join them to toast the season. Their open house will run from December 12th-31st from 10am-5pm. http://www.blenheimvineyards.com/

King Family Vineyard, pictured right, had their Gingerbread Workshop earlier this month which we could not attend but I'm sure was as hugely popular as their cooking classes are! They are also a super place to shop for stocking stuffers and gifts. Our favorites are the wine themed Christmas tree ornaments, the wrought iron candle holders that fit into the top of an empty wine bottle, and the great tea candle holders that they make out of old barrels. And don't get me started on their basket selection....!

http://www.kingfamilyvineyards.com/

First Colony - pictured left - has a cooking class for their next event on January 5 and then they have their Firehouse Chili Cookoff later that month on the 20th! We love going there as they always have great wines to pour and lots of inside tables for picnics during the cold weather. Very few wineries have the inside room to provide tables, so it's so nice to always know you have somewhere to park yourself and spread out with a great selection of wines to choose from to accompany your lunch.

http://www.virginiawines.org/wineries/firstcolony.html

We are out of time for this post, but will check in again to let you know what some of the other wineries are doing for the winter...Have a toast to whatever Holiday you celebrate, and one for everyone else's! And our warmest wishes to you all.

Wine Country B&B - Progress!

2006-11-29T10:00:00.000-05:00

We are starting to get excited! After 8 months of wrangling we have finally gotten our land changes and now have roadside access. Then 4 weeks of work getting the heat and air guys in to set up the wing with the suites...3 weeks to get the plumber in to do a "walk through" to confirm our layout is okay...then finally! The FOURTH company we hired to put up the drywall for the suites actually came and did the work!! Yipee! Here is a view from the vineyard (which will be replanted this spring) towards the B&B.

My Aunt Bette sent us some of my grandparents' furniture and we have the two tables and chairs we need to start out the dining room - when we add the other wing we'll add the other tables.

I still have to get some decorative drapes. Not much, since we love to watch the deer as we dine, so we're sure our guests will too! We tested out the tables at Thanksgiving and they work just fine.

Below is a photo of the French Suite - The Lafayette Suite. We are designing them from different countries or continents. The second suite will be the African Suite - named after James Armistead who was probably the first African-American spy for the rebel Americans against the British who worked very closely with and became good friends with Lafayette.

As you can see the drywall is finally up! Now we just have to prime the walls, put in the flooring, paint and put in the moulding and gas fireplace and furnish it! Nuthin' to it!!!

The suites will be very spa-like, with steam showers, whirlpool tubs, all kinds of goodies to make a great getaway for our guests.

Getting Ready for the Holidays in Charlottesville

2006-11-14T21:28:00.000-05:00

We are starting to get ready for the holidays here in Charlottesville!

Monticello still has tickets available for special tours and Chris and I booked so we can finally see the upstairs of the mansion! This is not part of the house offered during the regular tours because of the staircase. Jefferson did not believe in large staircases - he thought they were a waste of space. As a result, the staircases in Monticello are barely wider than three feet! So they cannot be used by the public during the regular tours due to fire regulations. So, if you are in Charlottesville this holiday season book one of these tours at http://www.monticello.org/pressroom/showArticle.php?id=165

Touring in November

2006-11-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

Wow the weather is so crazy right now! It was cold last Saturday, then on Sunday my guests ate outside in sunny comfort! That's mountain weather for you.

Right now it's calming down. Harvest is over thank goodness and the winemakers and workers can finally get a good night's sleep and let go of all the stress of getting the crops in safely. The leaf peepers have all come and gone, so it's far less crowded in the tasting rooms. The trees are still showing some lovely color. We're getting into one of my favorite tour times: Winter!

Winter touring is comfy - most wineries have the fireplaces burning and are relaxed and have time to chat.

Monday, October 30, 2006

2006-10-30T22:08:00.000-05:00

Tours have been running just great! It's been gorgeous driving around the wineries with the leaves turning.

We took a day off running the tours to go to brunch and then to the Monticello Wine Festival held at the Boar's Head Inn the weekend of October 21. This festival is held every year at this time.

It was great fun to see everyone from all the wineries and do some tasting ourselves! We like to keep up with the new vintages and they were delicious.

As you can see by these photos the wineries set up in tents and guests go from one to the other for tasting with a glass you receive for a very reasonable entrance fee. In the middle there are tables to sit and relax, and they have water set up for rinsing your glass.

Lucky for us all our favorites were there so we were able to taste all the new vintages that have recently been released, like Cardinal Point's new Cabernet Franc Reserve. Yum.

We were quick to find Brad McCarthy (left with Chris) and get a pour of his recently released Viognier which we enjoyed with some great music!

Arcady Wine Tasting Tours

2006-10-16T13:15:00.000-04:00

October 16, 2006

Hello out there! We thought it would be easier to create a blog to talk about the tours rather than trying to change our website every week. We run a small wine tasting tour company in Central Virginia, Arcady Vineyard Wine Tasting Tours.

People ask all kinds of questions before they book, and during the tours. We hope to answer some of these questions as they pop up.

This past week, for instance, some of our returning guests remarked that the wineries seemed a little "commercial" over their last visit - did not give them quite the attention they had previously received. Their timing was the reason, really, not that the wineries had changed that much.

Their first visit had been in January- when things are quieter in the vineyards and the wineries. This is more of a "down" time when the owners and employees catch their breath and take their vacation time. When you come and visit at this time they can sit down with you and chat to your heart's desire!

But this second visit was in October - the middle of harvest time! This guest was getting a trade off bonus during this tour and didn't realize it. True, the owner did not sit down and chat with them - but the group had the chance to watch him from just 10 feet away as he was running the grape destemmer! That's the contraption that takes the grapes in the top and on one side out come the grapes and on the other side out comes the stems. They also were allowed to taste the grapes fresh out of the vineyard.

So remember when you are visiting our vineyards during this time of year that often the families and employees running the wineries are operating on very little sleep - when it's time to pick and destem or crush, they have to do it right then and there. Whether it's midnight or during peak visiting hours. Your tradeoff as a visitor is possibly a peek at the action!

Remember - conserve water - live green - drink Virginia Wine!!