BARKING NEWS:

Keswick 2021 Chardonnay and Barboursville Octagon make Wine Enthusiast's Top 100... Jump Mountain Borderland 2019 (Red Blend) wins Shenandoah Cup... Delfosse 2021 Screaming Hawk Meritage wins 2023 Governor's Cup... #VAWines capture 80 medals; 7 double golds @SF Int. Wine Competition... MV@MV - Muse Vineyards at Mount Vernon

Friday, October 31, 2014

More Howl-O-Wine Dog Happenings

October 31-November 2

Each week, the Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME weekend wine events in Virginia, and there's another SPOOKtacular weekend ahead.

Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com

October 31-November 1, Hall-o-WINE Weekend at Pearmund Cellars. Stop by for a SPELL; pick your poison, red or white; don't forget to dress up to give a fright! Halloween candy and wine pairing, additional $2. Cast your vote for the best employee costume. If you dare, attend in your scariest attire for a chance to win Chris' Witches Brew.

November 1 (Noon-8), HalloWine at Lazy Days Winery. Unique event with Byrd Cellars. Costume contests: Who will have the cutest kid costume, cutest couple, most original, best dressed, look likes (any famous people going to be there?). Live music all day. Party continues until the ghouls chase us out.

November 1, Halloween Bash at BOW. Decorate pumpkins, watch scary movies in the loft (3pm Kid-friendly Halloween Movie; 5pm Rocky Horror Picture Show; 7pm Braindead). Live music all weekend. WAAG Dog Adoption on Sunday. Complimentary wine tastings if you or your pet wear a costume!

November 1-2, SPOOKtacular Wine Weekend at Three Fox. Come out and "haunt" Three Fox. The forecast is a little spooky but sipping mulled wine in the enclosed, heated patios and the tasting room, you'll be nice and toasty warm. Wear a costume and get a 15% discount on wine and merchandise purchases!




Saturday, October 25, 2014

Howl-O-Ween Happenings for Wine Dogs

October 25-26 (HOWL-O-WEEN)
Each week, the Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME weekend wine events in Virginia. We've found plenty of Howl-O-Ween happenings to help scare up a good time in the vineyards.
Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com

October 25 (1-5pm), Spooktacular Halloween Party at Miracle Valley. “Monster-ously” fun activities include: Halloween Costume Contest, Pumpkin Decorating Contest; live music (Jerry Irwin); complimentary sweet treat (while they last), face painting; and ghoulish games of corn Hole, ring toss, cork toss, or see who can spin a hula hoop the longest.

October 25 (7pm-the witching hour), Ghosting Inn at Desert Rose. Desert Rose Winery along with Entree' Act present a Halloween mystery dinner ($45.00/person, plus tax). Guests are invited to come in costume with prizes awarded for the best, scariest - and perhaps worst so get your imagination working!! This is an interactive murder mystery with guests potentially being among the victims so join us if you dare.

October 26 (11am-5pm) Yappy Howl-O-Ween at Keswick Vineyard. Not to be missed annual pawty includes a Costume Contest Parade at 3pm and the best dressed furry friends will win prizes from phenomenal local businesses. Look for adoptables from Southwest Golden Retriever and including Animal Connection! Ecco and Pomeroy have their costumes picked out! What will you wear?

Friday, September 26, 2014

Bark, Wag & Wine (perhaps Norton?) and Yappy 10th Anniversary PWSPCA

September 26-28, 2014
Each week, the Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME weekend wine events in Virginia. Saturday, join Ecco and Pomeroy at Bark, Wag and Wine at Chrysalis; Sunday, head to The Winery at La Grange, where the Prince William SPCA is celebrating 10 pawsome years. 

Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com 


Saturday, 9/27 (11am - 3pm), Bark, Wag & Wine at Chrysalis Vineyard to benefit Operation Paws for Homes. Enjoy amazing live music by Rich Barry and Maddie LaRose, taste award-winning wines (including Jenny McLoud's famous Norton), shop with dog-loving vendors and start your holiday shopping with an incredible silent auction that has something for everyone! Oh yes, and a special appearance by the Virginia Wine Dogs (Ecco needs a new outfit). Pup Tip: A film about Jenny McLoud and  Norton  (The Most American Grape You've Almost Never Heard Of) was voted first in the 2014 Wine Spectator video contest.
Sunday, 9-28 (1-5pm), Prince William SPCA 10th Anniversary at The Winery at La Grange. The patio has been reserved exclusively for the celebration. Families, including kids and friendly dogs, are welcome! Swag bag with gifts, birthday cake, snacks, raffle tickets, discounted wine tastings and photo booth with complimentary family photos all afternoon! Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance. Click here to order.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Wine Dogs Unchained at 8 Chains North; Waggin' at BOW


September 20-21
 
Each week, the Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME weekend wine events in Virginia. This week the dogs are unchained at 8 Chains North and waggin' for wine at BOW.

Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com
 
Saturday, 9/20 (10:30am – 3pm), Wine, Walk & Wag at 8 Chains North. Check out the region's first off-leash winery dog area and support this annual fundraiser for the Humane Society of Loudoun County! Enjoy a scenic leisurely walk with your dog through the vines and around the grounds. Three designated walk times: 10:30 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm, but you can walk at your own pace at your own convenience. Enjoy a leisurely, un-timed walk that should last about 20-30 minutes so it’s good for dogs big and small. Local vendors, live music throughout the day, and multiple raffles.

Sunday, 9/21 (1-5), Wags-N-Wine at Barrel Oak Winery to benefit the benefit the Prince William Humane Society Warrior Buddies Program!  Your ticket includes a souvenir glass, T-shirt, silent auction and is redeemable for a full tasting on the day of the event. Bring your favorite puppy and meet this great group of folks and their furry friends. Over 135 silent auction items will help you get a jump on your Christmas shopping. Support a great local cause (purchase a ticket in advance ($35) or at fundraiser ($40).

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Black Dog Music and BBQ Festival Sets Feet Stomping and Tails Wagging

September 13-14, 2014

Each week, the Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME weekend wine events in Virginia. This week the action is at Chateau Morrisette with the  Black Dog Wine & BBQ Festival. Can't make it out to Floyd, there's music and harvest festivals this weekend throughout Virginia wine country.

Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com


September 13 (11am - 5pm), Black Dog Music and BBQ Festival at Chateau Morrisette. The field packs in music lovers, sun chairs, barefoot dancing and merriment. Well behaved pets on a leash are always welcome. 2014 Grammy nominees The Greencards are back by popular demand. They open for the award-winning and cutting-edge acoustic band, Mountain Heart. Admission includes music, winery tour, tasting and souvenir wine glass. Please bring your own seating. Pop up tents and canopies welcome. (Pomeroy wants to know when they're going to have a White Dog festival).

Barking News: Watch for Washington Post Sunday Travel Section on Virginia Wine

Friday, September 5, 2014

It's a Hot Time for Wine Dogs in Old Town (Alexandria and Warrenton)

Special Friday Edition
 
Ecco and Pomeroy are on vacation, but just had to alert all our #VAWine Dog fans to a couple of truly pawsome events tonite -- First Friday Dog Days in Warrenton and Wealth, Wags, and Wine in Alexandria. Whichever Old Town you choose, you're sure to have a hot time!
 
Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com
 
September 5 (4-6pm) , Wealth, Wags and Wine. Balducci's is pouring it on for the pups on their patio. Bring your furry friend with you for an afternoon of grilling, wine tasting and more. Campell Wealth Management and The Dog Eaze Inn featured. Giveaways, Music, Gourmet Dog Treats.
 
September 5, 6-9pm, Dog Days at 1st Fridays in Warrenton, sponsored by the Warrenton Kennel Club. Join rescue organizations, vendors and everything dog-related for this pet-friendly event for the whole family! Wine tasting featuring Barrel Oak Winery (BOW).

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Ecco in Gallery of Winners at Three Fox; Hot Dogging it at Veramar

Week of August 23, 2014

Each week, the Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME weekend wine events in Virginia. Saturday, Ecco will be featured in the Gallery of Winners at Three Fox; on Sunday, Veramar celebrates the Hot Dog Days of Summer.

Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com

Ecco, January Dog of the Month, will be honored at Three Fox of Saturday. This super dog-friendly winery was the first to be featured by the Virginia Wine Dogs. Read the original blog story here.
 August 23 (2-5pm), The Gallery of Winners! at Three Fox Vineyards. Come and enjoy a glass of Three Fox wine and meet all the Dog of the Month winners. Ecco, aka Miss January looks forward to greeting her fans! Michael Young, a dog artist will be on site. Annie Stokes, an indie-folk performer with hints of southern soul and Americana will perform from 2:30-4:30 pm. All American Catering will be selling pulled pork sandwiches and beef brisket! 

August 24 (Noon - 4pm), Hot Dog Days of Summer at Veramar. Pack up your pooch for "Dog Days!," a great day for wine and dog and hot-dog lovers alike. Spoil your dog with some great doggie treats while you treat yourself to some fantastic wine and hot dogs with all the fixings. Dogs and their owners will enjoy an afternoon at the vineyard. Dogs must be on a leash. Dog-gone good time for all! "Sip, sit and Stay!"



Friday, August 15, 2014

Pawty at Pearmund; Splash Days at Maggie Malick


Week of August 15, 2014

Each week, the Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME weekend wine events across Virginia. This weekend there's a pawty going on at Pearmund or head to Maggie Malick for  a cool dip.

Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com

Ecco in the Pearmund  Cellars vineyard with Tug and Chris and Susan 
August 15 (and all weekend), Tug's Birthday Pawty at Pearmund Cellars. Tug is the friendly Golden Retriever who is always on hand to greet visitors at Pearmund. Customers who bring their dogs with them will receive a special dog treat. Bring a gift item for FOHA (Friends of Homeless Animals) will receive a complimentary glass of wine. Gift items appreciated are dog and cat treats, leashes, Frontline, dog beds, cat toys, dog toys.

August 16, 17... Dog Days of Summer! at Maggie Malick Wine Caves. Did you miss Lab Fest?  Well the  pond is waiting and Maggie Malick is making a splash by inviting friendly pups to beat the heat with a cooling dip in the pond with Moxie and Abby. Enjoy a glass of wine while watching the fun!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Virginia Wine Dominates Atlantic Seaboard Competition

Results are in from the 10th annual Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, and Virginia dominated with 12 of 35 Best of Category honors, two of which went to Cooper Vineyards (Norton and Petit Verdot). Over 570 wines from 10 states were evaluated by judges from around the country. Virginia claimed 32 gold, 60 silver, and 62 bronze medals.

Paws up to Virginia's Best in Category Producers:

Cabernet Sauvignon
2012 Cabernet Sauvignon by Paradise Springs Winery
Chardonel
2013 Chardonel by James River Cellars
Chardonnay
2012 Chardonnay by The Winery at Bull Run
Fruit Wine
2013 Cherry by Morais Vineyards & Winery
Merlot
2012 Merlot by Fox Meadow Winery
Other Red Hybrid/NA Varietals
2012 Norton by Cooper Vineyards
Other Red Vinifera Varietals
2012 Pinotage by Horton Cellars Winery
Other White Vinifera Varietals
2013 Republic by Democracy Vineyards
Petit Verdot
2012 Petit Verdot by Cooper Vineyards
Sauvignon Blanc
2013 Sauvignon Blanc by Trump Winery
Syrah/Shiraz
NV Shiraz by Altillo Vineyards
Vidal Blanc
2013 Joy White by Cross Keys Vineyards
Virginia Wine Dog Munchkin with Cooper Vineyards' Lucy and
Jacque Hogue during a 2011 visit

Friday, July 25, 2014

Big Dogs Enjoy Virginia Wine Weekend

July 25-27, 2014

Each week, the Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME weekend wine events in Virginia. This weekend is one for the big guys, with Labs at Maggie Malick and German Shepard Rescue at Keswick.

Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com


July 26, 4th Annual Lab Fest at Maggie Malick Wine Caves (11am-6pm). Calling all Labrador Retrievers and other friendly dogs! Bring your pup for some doggie fun with Maggie Malick's own resident Lab rescue dogs, Moxie and Abby. Five percent of sales for the day will be donated to Lab Rescue! Enjoy the New Orleans jazz sounds "Crazy Rhythm while the dogs swim, play, and enjoy the spacious grounds! Ecco and Pomeroy give paws up  to this unique property with great wine and a fab hostess.

July 27, Yappy Hours at Keswick Vineyards. Keswick Vineyards is a big supporter of rescuing animals (they have 16 rescued dogs and cats of their own!), so Yappy Hours is a weekly event. Everyone is invited to come out with their own furry friends and local shelters bring adoptable pups in need of homes. This week features Southeast German Shepherd Rescue, which will receive a portion of the sales for each bottle opened to enjoy on site. Super friendly people and Stephen's wonderful wine make Keswick the go-to winery when the Virginia Wine Dogs are in the Charlottesville area.  

July 24-27, Grapehounds New York Wine Tour, hosted by Sir Jackson and Pompous Ass Winery on the north side of Senaca Lake. OK, it's in New York, but the Wine Dogs just love this group which calls itself a wine celebration of Greyhound adoption. Look for them to return to Virginia tour in the spring.
Ecco and Pomeroy met up with these GrapeHounds at
Lost Creek Winery during their May tour of Virginia.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Whine Dogs Bid Farewell to Vintage Ridge

Vintage Ridge Winery
Delaplane, Virginia

The Wine Dogs frequently bark out  exciting news of new wineries opening around Virginia. Today we report the sad news that Vintage Ridge Winery has been sold to private individuals and is permanently closing its tasting room doors.

Bill and Vicki Edmands planted their first vines in 2000. They opened their tasting room in 2007 and, by December, the buzz was growing about a new winery that made unique food pairings a part of every tasting. Munchkin showed up for a Virginia Wine Dog visit in 2008, and was escorted in by the Vintage Ridge pack for a most civilized tasting (read review here).

Munchkin declared the Vintage Ridge Petit Verdot top dog. On July 13, Pomeroy and Ecco dropped in to wish the Edmands good luck on the next chapter of their journey brought home a case to remember this unique wine experience. Parting thoughts from these great winemakers: "We are so appreciative of the support you've given us and your enthusiasm for wine. It's a little like raising puppies and seeing them go to good homes. Thank you."

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Virignia Wine Going to the Horses and Hounds This Weekend

Each week, the Virginia Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME wine events in for weekend. We've got a real treat coming up with the 10th annual Horse and Hound Festival.

Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com
 
July 12 (11am-6pm), Horse and Hound Wine Festival, Johnson's Orchard. One of Virginia's most unique wine festivals featuring fun and games for the entire family. Races for paws, hooves, and little feet. Swimming for the wine doggies. Sip wine from Hickory Hill Vineyards and Winery, Lake Anna Winery, North Mountain Vineyards, Peaks of Otter, Ramulose Ridge Vineyards, Rebec Winery, Tomahawk Mill Vineyard and Winery, and White Rock Vineyards and Winery. Proceeds benefit All American Mutt Rescue, Brook Hill Farm (Horse Retirement, Rescue, and Rehabilitation) and Commonwealth Search and Rescue 
 
 

Friday, July 4, 2014

Wine Dogs Fired Up about Pawsome Patriotic Wine Events

 

Each week, the Wine Dogs sniff out the most PAWSOME wine events for the weekend. Independence Day weekend brings music, celebrations, and hot dogs and wine dogs galore. A few that caught our eye:

July 4 (1-4pm), Reds, Whites and Bluegrass at Keswick Vineyards. A Wine Dog favorite (Munchkin had a blast in 2012. Grab the blankets and chairs and come for a picnic with blue grass music by Greenhouse, food by the Barbeque Exchange and Blue Ridge Pizza, plus red and white Virginia wines. No admission charge. Leashed pets welcome.

July 4 (3-8pm), Pre-Fireworks Party at Ducard Vineyards. Come celebrate Independence Day and enjoy music by Yankee Dixie, -- an original blend of folk, bluegrass, and Americana; food for sale, wine, and fun! Ducard will be open late and you can head straight over to Graves Mountain Lodge for their great fireworks display five minutes down the road. Family, friends, and pets welcome! No cover.

July 5 (2-5:30pm), Celebrate the 4th on the 5th at Gadino Cellars. Celebrate America's 238th Birthday with the music of Eddie Pickett! Bring the family (pets welcome). 

July 5 (3-10pm) and 6 (1-8pm), Watermelon Wine Festival at DeVault Family Vineyards. What's the Fourth without watermelon?  Fourth annual festival with wine, beer and watermelon sangria; live music, food and craft vendors, indoor pool, and games with prizes.  

July 6 (11am-6pm), National Kissing Day at 868 Estate Vineyards. Ecco (affectionately known as "Kissing Monster") couldn't resist this one). Celebrate by sharing a kiss with your special someone at 868! Live music too. Post your kissing photo to #Kissat868 between June 25 and July 6th to be entered into a drawing for a free wine tasting at 868 Estate. (Kisses pair particularly nicely with our Sangria!)

Got a lead? Send it to Ecco@VAWineDogs.com

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Tavern Days for the Wine Dogs

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery
Bluemont, Virginia 

Twin Oaks is truly a tavern for all seasons. Pomeroy first took Ecco to the Tavern in February for “Sweethearts Weekend,” and they snuggled up by the fireplace in the cozy tasting room to enjoy wine and live music.

A return visit in May allowed the Wine Dogs to relax on the lower of the three tiered decks that spill off of the tasting room, taking in stunning "top of the mountain" views of Winchester and the vineyard at budbreak.
The tasting room captures a true tavern feel, with high, beamed ceiling, exposed wood detailing and a square three-sided tasting bar to welcome guests – two and four-legged alike.
A picture of Hagrid, a beautiful, gentle St. Bernard and member of the Wine Club, hangs by the door. The fireplace mantle is crowded with statuettes of Twin Oak “regulars.”
Will the Wine Dogs earn a spot?
The Tavern is rapidly becoming a Wine Dog favorite. On each visit, Ecco and Pomeroy were made to feel at home by a committed crew that includes Fred,
Wine Captain Sue,









and winemaker, singer and gracious proprietress, Donna Evers.


Donna is an accidental vintner. The successful Washington realtor built a weekend escape in the mountains of the Northern Blue Ridge on the old Twin Oaks Tavern property – a place where Washingtonians of old would retreat for refreshments and cool breezes.

She restored the ravaged and fire-damaged inn as a charming home, but relaxing is not in her makeup. Donna returned from a 1999 trip to Europe obsessed with having a vineyard on her property. The consultants gave her mixed opinions, but whatever they said, she knew her answer would be “yes.” Viticulture is in her veins -- her relatives in Croatia built the Kolasic Family Vineyard, still an operating winery today. Carrying forward with the tradition, Donna’s daughter and grandchildren can be found working at the tavern.

Original plantings included Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, with recent additions of Zinfandel and Riesling - harkening back to Donna's Croatian roots. Donna plans to keep the winery small (1,000 cases) to preserve its boutique character. 
The wines are impressive. Last year, Twin Oaks Chardonnay was earned gold and a  92-point (exceptional) rating at the World Wine Championship. Ecco (a young pup whose taste still runs to sweeter wines) gave two paws up to Raspberry wine. Rose in color, it is considered a white and is crisply refreshing. Pomeroy enjoyed the Cabernet Sauvignon and the bold, jammy Norton.
But it was Twin Oaks signature Bordeaux-style blend that earned two paws up from both pups. The Raven Rocks Red (named for the street where Twin Oaks Tavern is located) is a combinations of Cabernet Franc and Merlot with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
 

Music is an integral part of the Twin Oaks Tavern experience, and Sunday is “open mike” time. Acoustic guitar player/vocalist Michael Stephenson wandered in the door during the Wine Dogs’ first visit and everyone was mesmerized by his music. A recently discovered talent (by Brian Roeder while playing a friend’s party at Barrel Oak Winery), Michael is now making the winery circuit. He has a great, gravelly voice and sings with true emotion. A special treat was his original “Won’t Somebody Turn the Lights Back On,” based on his war and post-war experiences in Somalia. “To write that song, I had to live it,” Michael explains. Watch for him!

And watch for Ecco and Pomeroy at Twin Oaks Tavern!

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