Episode 17: Jennifer Knowles, Plume Restaurant, DC

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 4: Erin Scala, DWS, Fleurie Restaurant

Erin Scala, DWSErin Scala, wine director for Fleurie Restaurant and Petit Pois Bistro joins me in studio this week to discuss a very special accolade from Wine Spectator magazine. Her award-winning wine list is not only arranged by region, but Erin also highlights the types of soil on the menu. So cool! Plus, we’re talking about some of Erin’s must try old-world and Virginia wine pairings with some of Chef Brian’s incredible culinary delights.  Check out Erin’s wine musings on her blog and be sure to visit her at Fleurie or Petit Pois!

Photo Courtesy: Eze Amos