2011 October Virginia Wine Month Celebrates a Love Of Local Wines

~ 'Discover Your Local Crush' Invites Travelers to Virginia for Wine Harvest Season ~

RICHMOND, Va., July 25, 2011 – Virginia invites wine lovers to start planning a trip now for October Virginia Wine Month, one of the best times of the year to visit the state’s numerous wine regions as the winemakers bring in the grape harvest.  “Discover Your Local Crush” is the Wine Month theme, tempting travelers to visit and taste the best of Virginia wines at wineries and festivals statewide.  

Since October Virginia Wine Month began in 1988, the Virginia wine industry has grown tremendously, encompassing nearly 200 wineries and 16 wine trails.  Now ranking fifth in the nation for wine production, Virginia serves as a perfect destination for oenophiles and travel enthusiasts. 

October Virginia Wine Month is an ideal time to visit Virginia.  The state’s 15 million acres of fall foliage are bursting with color at the same time the wineries are celebrating the harvest.  From the coastal serenity of the Eastern Shore vineyards to the majestic splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, each wine region provides travelers with one-of-a-kind wine experiences. Visitors are encouraged to start planning a wine month getaway today and discover their local Virginia crush.  Visit www.Virginia.org/wine for information on events and packages taking place throughout the state in October.  The following is a sampling of special events offered during October Virginia Wine Month where visitors can discover a local crush of their own:

 

11th Annual Norton Wine & Bluegrass Festival
Chrysalis Vineyards – Middleburg, VA (October 1-2, 2011)

Wine travelers can visit Chrysalis Vineyards, home to the world's largest grower of Norton, The Real American Grape!®, and experience one of Northern Virginia’s top wineries during the harvest season.  The area’s best bluegrass, food from the local “BBQ King,” cheese, chocolates and chutneys from Virginia's premier producers, jewelry and art from top-notch artisans and designers, hayrides and vineyard tours and a special nine-wine tasting, are just some of the weekend’s highlights.  Admission is $15 in advance and day-of is $20.  For more information, call 540-687-8222.

Wine, Moon & Stars at Virginia Mountain Vineyards
Virginia Mountain Vineyards – Fincastle, VA (October 7, 2011)

Set in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Mountain Vineyards will offer clear skies and an unobstructed view of the constellations, weather permitting, on the evening of October 7 from 6 to 9 p.m.  A member of the Roanoke Astronomy Club will be on hand for a brief astronomical presentation, and telescopes will be set up in the vineyard for stargazing.  Participants will also enjoy a bowl of chili and bottle of Virginia Mountain Vineyards wine as music plays under the tent.  Admission is $5; children under 12 are free.  For more information, call 540-473-2979.

Blackdog Wine & Classic Rock Festival
Chateau Morrisette – Floyd, VA (October 8, 2011)

Located just off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Chateau Morrisette Winery will host the 2011 Black Dog Wine & Music festival this October.  The rock event will feature amazing bands, great food, the winery’s famous sangria and the best of their wines.  Travelers can dance the day away or sit back and take in the show from one of the private gazebos.  A variety of local food, arts and crafts and wine sales areas are located in the courtyard and festival field.  General admission is $20 in advance and $25 at the gates.  For more information, call 540-593-2865.

Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival
Rebec Vineyards, Inc. – Amherst, VA (October 9-10, 2011)

The Virginia Wine and Garlic Festival embraces food, wine, live entertainment, arts, crafts and most importantly, garlic.  The festival offers something for everyone, old and young alike, including live entertainment, contests, wine tastings from six different wineries, and a kid’s area with a petting zoo and bounce area. Five stages are filled with music and entertainment, including garlic cooking as well as Garlic King, Queen and Jr. Queen Contests. Wine Tasting tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the gates.  General admission is $14 in advance and $25 at the gates, and children under 12 are free.  For more information, call 434-946-5168.

Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Town Point Park – Norfolk, VA (October 15-16, 2011)

One of Virginia’s largest outdoor wine festivals, the Town Point Virginia Wine Festival features more than 30 Virginia wineries along the Downtown Norfolk waterfront.  Wine lovers can enjoy the crisp fall air and background music as they sample a variety of wines and gourmet local Virginia cuisine, as well as shop onsite retailers for specialty crafts and wine accessories.  All wines offered during the event are available for purchase by glass, bottle or case.  Ticket required for entry.  For more information, call 757-441-2345.

Devault Family Vineyards Fall Family Fun
Devault Family Vineyards – Concord, VA (October 21-22, 2011)

The annual Fall Family Fun event at Campbell County’s newest winery, extended to two evenings this year, will offer activities and fun for people of all ages.  Situated on 32 beautiful rolling acres, Devault Family Vineyards will provide travelers with a selection of live music from a Beatles Tribute Band and Out of Spite, as well as a Haunted Woods and a variety of other family-friendly happenings. For more information, call 434-993-0561.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.  Visit www.Virginia.org for more trip ideas or call 1-800-VISITVA for a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.  Stay connected at www.facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/VisitVirginia. 

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