It's Greek to the Wine Dogs

Mediterranean Cellars

Warrenton, VA

The Wine Dogs decided to venture south, destination Mediterranean Cellars, Virginia’s own taste of Greece.

Passing between two white columns, Munchkin and Pomeroy entered the winery and were warmly greeted by Katie Papadopoulos, who started the winery with her husband, Louis, 18 years ago.

The five-year-old tasting room has the charm of a shop in the Greek countryside, with clean white walls and rich wood shelves filled with all kinds of goodies. Munchkin’s mouth was watering.

On one wall hangs a picture of Lucia Papadopoulos, Louis’s mother. Katie told us Louis is a third-generation goldsmith but has been making wine all his life, his first vintage in 1961 in his native Greece.

Against another is a portrait honoring Apollo, the house canine who followed from the gold shop. The Wine Dogs were sad to learn he passed away last year.

What started as a hobby for Louis has become a full-time vocation. He produces 13 wines, all made from grapes grown in Meediterranean's own vineyards.

Munchkin and Pomeroy found a perch by the tasting bar, and sampled the offerings – six whites, six reds, and one rose’. All of the wines were gentle and understated. Munchkin liked the honey tones and light, flirty taste of the 2005 Sweet Lucia. Pomeroy was attracted to the strong nose of the 2004 Chambourcin Special Reserve.

The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of two Virginia cabs featured in London as part of the Jamestown 400th Anniversary celebration. Two years in oak produced with legs a model would envy (and Munchkin certainly does), and a long finish that reaches in and spreads through you.

Also notable is the Rechina, Mediterranean’s version of the wine that has graced Athenian dinner tables since the 13th century B.C. One can just imagine it complimenting grilled lamb and olives with its earthy scent of pine resin and spicy finish.

Selecting a bottle of the 2004 Romance, a light blend of Chambourcin and Merlot, the Wine Dogs retired to the arbor. Under a trellis dripping with grapes, surrounded by fountains and grecian urns, they enjoyed an afternoon repast of wine and bread and cheese. The map may say Virginia, but the feel is classic Greek.

Wine Dogs Toast New Arrival

Munchkin and Pomeroy extend a warm welcome to Cortoman, the new Wine Dog at the Phillip Carter Winery of Virginia. We're expecting big things from him... he is, after all an American Mastiff. Can't wait to hear how Fairfax is adapting to her new brother.

Going to the Dogs in Alexandria

Doggone it! We're not making it out to the mountains, but Munchkin and Pomeroy aren't wining because there's so much going on here at home in Alexandria.

Kick off the weekend early with Doggie Happy Hour at the Hotel Monaco from 5 to 8 pm this Thursday (and every Tuesday &Thursday through October). Director of Pet Relations "Charlie," a very handsome Bichon, ensures all Wine Dogs have a great time.

It's also 2nd Thursday Art Night in Alexandria. Art gallaries and businesses throughout Old Town will stay open and participate with free events. There's a special 9-11 candlelight vigil at the Torpedo Factory dock at 8:30 PM.

The theme this week is "Art Is Everywhere," and more so than ever with with the Alexandria Festival of the Arts in town. Grab your leash and hit the street (King St., that is). Traffic on Saturday and Sunday is blocked from Washington Street down to the River so hundreds of artists from across the country can display their talents. A "must do" on Munchkin's annual calendar, and she always runs into so many puppy patron pals along the way. Wine Dogs will appreciates the sidewalk cafes set up by many of Old Town's finest restaurants along the way, and especially the considerately places water bowls outside many shops.

On Saturday, our friends at the FernStreet Gourmet are teaming up with A la Lucia at 315 Madison Street for a salon-style wine tasting featuring the 06 "BIG DOGS" FROM BURGUNDY. Thre's a $35 charge, $10 of which goes to the D.C. Multiple Sclerosis Society.

And finally, there's the Olde Towne Dogge Walke on Sunday, September 14. The mile-and-a-half walk kicks off from Munchkin's alma mater, the Olde Towne School for Dogs at 9 a.m. Proceeds will go to the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria for the care of abandoned and homeless animals in the community.