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Episode 25: #winestudio

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Tina Morey

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We are talking #winestudio on this edition of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. My guest this week is Tina Morey, a pastry chef turned sommelier who is changing the way people think about and consume wine.

#Winestudio is a twitter-based beverage education program that engages industry professionTina Morey #winestudio als, winemakers, bloggers and wine lovers from around the world. The interactive multi-week sessions explore the regions, cultures and cuisine and the role that all of these things play in creating a dynamic wine and food experience. It’s an opportunity to hear first-hand from winemakers and tastemakers.

On the show, Tina gives us a sneak peek at some of the exciting programs coming up in 2017 for #winestudio. We are also discussing the latest wine “trends” and the dangers behind falling into the trend trap. Remember what the movie Sideways did to Merlot sales? Listen below to hear our interview. Catch a new episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country every Saturday at 8:30am on Cville 107.5 & 1260 WCHV or stream nationwide by searching WCHV on the Tune In app.

Participate:

If you would like to participate in #winestudio, follow the hashtag #winestudio 9pm EST Tuesdays on Twitter and join the conversation.

 

Episode 24: Michael Shaps, Michael Shaps Wineworks

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Michael Shaps

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Michael Shaps

From Boston to Burgundy to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Michael Shaps shares his wine journey on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country.

Michael Shaps arrived on the Virginia wine scene in 1995 and was a driving force behind growing the brands of Jefferson and King Family. He established his own label in Virginia a decade ago and has received numerous awards and accolades over the years.

Shops now spends most of his time between the vines of Virginia and his winery in Burgundy, France.

He has the largest “contract winemaking operation in the Commonwealth, he consults on numerous wine projects and he’s also bringing fun value wines to consumers by embracing a change in how some of his products are packaged. From wine on tap and wine growlers to high-end Burgundies, Shaps has a little something for every palate and every budget.

Visit Michael Shaps Wineworks:

Michael Shaps Wineworks 
1781 Harris Creek Way            
Charlottesville, VA 22902
 P: 434-296-3438                        
H: M-Sun 11 am – 5 pm

Wineworks Extended  
1585 Avon Street Extended
Charlottesville, VA, 22902
P: 434-529-6848                  
H: W-Sun 1 pm – 7 pm                
M-Tue CLOSED

Episode 22: Jennifer Breaux, Breaux Vineyards

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Jennifer Breaux

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Jennifer Breaux, the VP of Sales & Hospitality and Director Education at Breaux Vineyards in Loudoun County is our special guest on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. 

Breaux Vineyards is celebrating 20 years of winemaking in Virginia. What started out as three “accidental” acres of vines on the family’s property in the mid 90’s has grown into one of the largest vineyards in Virginia with more than 100 acres under vine. On the show, Jennifer shares her family’s winemaking journey, some of her favorite holiday pairings and why she thinks the rustic and elegant Nebbiolo grape is thriving at Breaux Vineyards.

Visit Breaux Vineyards:

Breaux Vineyards,
36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln,
Purcellville, VA 20132
540-668-6299

Episode 21: Holiday Entertaining Guide

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The holiday season is in full swing and I have some fabulous holiday gift ideas for the wine lover in your life on today’s show. Plus, tis the season for entertaining, I will share some of my favorite host gifts, easy entertaining ideas for quick appetizers, recipes for delicious wine cocktails and perfect pairings on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country to help take the stress out of your holiday season.  I am sharing 3 of my go-to recipes for fabulous and festive appetizers and my top 3 sparkling wine cocktail recipes, plus a delicious recipe for holiday sangria!

Crystal Palate’s Wine Country airs every Saturday morning at 8:30 on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV.  You can stream the show live each week on WCHV.com in Virginia. You can also download the Tune In App  to stream the show from anywhere nationwide or catch up on all episodes here.

 

Episode 20: Thanksgiving Pairings

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Bill Curtis, Tastings of CharlottesvilleIt’s all about holiday wines and Thanksgiving pairings on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. For some great ideas, we invited Bill Curtis, the owner of Tastings of Charlottesville on the show. Curtis opened the doors to Tastings in 1990 and was one of the first people in the country to have a fully integrated restaurant, bar and wine shop under one roof.

Tastings has been a staple in downtown Charlottesville ever since it opened its doors 26 years ago. An eclectic blend of new and old world offerings are housed in the wine shop area of Tastings just waiting to be discovered by inquisitive palates.   Curtis tries every single wine before he buys to ensure a quality selection for his customers. Over the years, he has  garnered quite the reputation as a wine guru. Here are a few of the accolades Bill Curtis has received over the years.

“William C. Curtis is a leading authority on Virginia wines.” – New York Times 

“This dude knows his wine.” – Scott Jones, Southern Living

“If Thomas Jefferson were alive today, you would probably find him at Tastings of Charlottesville.” – Monticello.org

On the show this week, we are talking about classic and outside the box Thanksgiving pairings, the evolution of quality in Virginia wine, one of his favorite bottles of Virginia bubbly and perfect hostess gifts this holiday season. When you’re in Charlottesville, make sure to stop by and visit Tastings for an exceptional wine and food experience.

Tastings of Charlottesville

502 E. Market Street
434-293-3663

Crystal Palate’s Wine Country airs every Saturday morning at 8:30 on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV.  You can stream the show live each week on WCHV.com in the Charlottesville market. You can also  download the Tune In App or catch up on all episodes here.

Episode 19: Tim Gorman, Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery

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We are heading to Afton, Virginia for this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. Tim Gorman, winemaker and vineyard manager with Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery shares his family’s journey of winemaking in the Commonwealth. For the Gorman’s, Cardinal Point has always been a family affair.

While stationed abroad, Tim’s parents developed a deep respect and love for German Riesling. The family’s time in Europe served as the inspiration for the family vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The first vines were planted at Cardinal Point 30 years ago. What started out as a few acres in the mid 80’s has turned into a thriving business for the Gorman’s. Cardinal Point now has 15 acres of vinifera vines on the farm in Afton and a vibrant tasting room.

On the show, Tim shares his family’s winemaking journey, the risks and rewards of growing wine in Virginia and how spending time in Europe as a child was instrumental in his appreciation of great wine and great food.

Plus, we are opening up Tim’s award-winning 2014 Clay Hill Cabernet Franc. This vintage was part of the 2016 Virginia Governor’s Cup case.  Find out Tim’s favorite pairing with Cab Franc and some other great wines that deserve a place at your dinner table.

Visit Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery

9423 Batesville Road
Afton, Virginia 22920
540.456.8400

Tasting Room: Open  daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Tastings, $10 per person

Crystal Palate’s Wine Country airs every Saturday morning at 8:30 on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV.  You can stream the show live each week on WCHV.com in the Charlottesville market. You can also  download the Tune In App or catch up on all episodes here.

Episode 17: Jennifer Knowles, Plume Restaurant, DC

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Jennifer KnowlesAs we wrap up Virginia wine month, we are taking a jaunt to the nation’s capital to talk with Jennifer Knowles, a great advocate of Virginia wine. Jennifer is an advanced level sommelier and the wine director for The Jefferson Hotel in DC and Plume Restaurant.

Jennifer has extensive experience developing award-winning wine programs at some of the top restaurants in the country. Before arriving at Plume, Jennifer was the wine director at the Inn at Little Washington, one of the premiere dining establishments in Virginia, before landing at The Jefferson Hotel. Plume is the only Forbes 5 Star restaurant in Washington, D.C. On the show, Jennifer will share some of her favorite Virginia wines and perfect pairing ideas.  She will also discuss Plume Restaurant’s impressive Madeira program. In fact, it’s one of the most respected and diverse Madeira programs in the country.

To say that Jennifer is a passionate supporter of the Virginia wine industry, would be an understatement.  She has been a featured speaker at the Virginia Wine Summit, served on the judging panel for the Virginia Governors Cup Awards and is also involved with the Virginia Wine Council. Jennifer was recently named best Sommelier by the Int’l Academy of Gastronomy and received the 2013 Golden Goblet Award by the Association of Women Chefs & Restaurateurs.

Crystal Palate’s Wine Country airs every Saturday morning at 8:30 on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV.  You can stream the show live each week on WCHV.com in the Charlottesville market. You can also  download the Tune In App or catch up on all episodes here.

Photos courtesy of Plume, DC. 

Episode 15: History of Virginia Wine

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ankidatoastWhat started as a legal requirement nearly 400 years ago has turned into a booming business for Virginia. From the humble beginnings in Jamestown in the early 1600’s to Thomas Jefferson’s love affair and 30-year failed experiment with the fruit of the vine to the flourishing wine industry of the 21st century, we’ll span four centuries, through the winding roads, majestic landscapes and trials and triumphs of Virginia’s wine country on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. The program airs every Saturday morning at 8:30 on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV.  You can stream the show live each week on WCHV.com in the Charlottesville market or by downloading the Tune In App or catch up on past episodes here.

Episode 10: Stephen Barnard, Keswick Vineyards

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Stephen Barnard, Keswick VineyardsMy guest this week is Stephen Barnard, winemaker at Keswick Vineyards.  A native of South Africa, Stephen developed a love for the fruit of the vine while working as a tour guide at the oldest winery in South Africa. Stephen dropped by the WCHV studios to talk about the 2016 vintage, the winemaking philosophy at Keswick, his award-winning wine portfolio and the quality revolution of the Virginia wine industry. We are also sipping and discussing his yet-to-be released 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.  As Stephen says, “a conversation without wine is just gossip!” In addition to this stunning example of Cabernet Sauvignon, Keswick was awarded top billing in this year’s Virginia Governor’s Cup for Barnard’s 2014 Cabernet Franc Reserve.

You can catch a brand new show every Saturday morning on Cville 107.5 and 1260 WCHV. Enjoy the show. Cheers!

Episode 9: Claude Thibaut, Thibaut-Jannison

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Claude ThibautChampagne Master Claude Thibaut of Thibaut-Jannison dropped by the WCHV studios to talk about sparkling wine production in Virginia. Born and raised in the vineyards of Champagne, Claude shares his winemaking journey from France to California to Virginia. Often referred to as the king of sparkling wine in the Commonwealth, Claude discusses what it’s like to produce bubbly in Virginia. We also breakdown the complicated sweetness scale of sparkling wine, discuss non-vintage sparkling and perfect pairings with the Thibaut-Jannison Blanc de Chardonnay. Plus, Claude shares his first wine experience with us! Enjoy the show!

Episode 8: Diane Flynt, Foggy Ridge Cider

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Diane Flynt at Foggy Ridge CiderIt’s time to kick back, relax and enjoy our educational journey through Virginia’s beautiful wine & cider country. That’s right, we are adding cider to our tour today with a stop in Dugspur Virginia with Diane Flynt, owner of Foggy Ridge Cider. Dugpsur is nestled in the Blue Ridge Plateau – roughly a three hour drive southwest of Charlottesville. It’s in this orchard oasis that you will find Diane Flynt making world-class ciders more in the tradition of fine wine. She is a recipient of two James Beard nominations and was recently named as a revolutionary in the Virginia drinks business by Wine Enthusiast.

In addition to producing exceptional cider, Diane is also a member of the Virginia Wine Board. On the program, we are discussing the history and evolution of the cider industry. Plus, Diane reveals her secrets to making cider in the fine wine tradition. She will also share some of her favorite savory dishes that pair best with her cider offerings.

Visit Foggy Ridge

Foggy Ridge Cider’s tasting room is located at 1328 Pine View Road, Dugspur, VA and is open on the weekends from April-December. Why not make a weekend out of it? Foggy Ridge has a lovely cottage on property that’s available to rent through VRBO.com.

 

Episode 7: Matthieu Finot, King Family Vineyards

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Matthieu Finot, King Family VineyardsOn today’s show, we are talking terroir, orange wine and perfect pairings with international winemaker Matthieu Finot from King Family Vineyards in the heart of Virginia’s wine country.

Born in France, Finot has worked in some of the most esteemed wine regions including the Rhone Valley, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Provence. He also worked in Italy and South Africa before heading to Virginia. What was supposed to be a short stint in the Commonwealth has turned into more than a decade of winemaking in the Monticello AVA. Find out why a challenging vintage made him stay. Finot also dishes on a daily routine that he believes is the secret to a happy family. Plus, we’re sipping on some Viognier. Find out his secret ingredient that adds mouthwatering acidity to this wine. Enjoy the show!