Episode 14: Annette Boyd, Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office

On this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country, Annette Boyd, the director for the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office joins me to discuss Virginia Wine Month!

The celebration of all things Virginia wine has been going strong every October since 1988. With more than 250 wineries to visit from the Eastern Shore to the Blue Ridge Mountains to Appalachia, there is literally something for everyone.  Annette is sharing some great events to take in across the Commonwealth throughout the month of October.  She also shares her love of wine and how she got into the wine business. Plus, we talk about the evolution of Virginia wine and what she hopes to see for the industry moving forward. Annette was recently named the Virginia Wine Person of Year for 2016 for her many contributions to the industry. She is ecnouraging everyone to share their Virginia wine experiences this month on social media by using #octvawinemonth. So whether you visit one of the many picturesque wineries, buy a bottle of Virginia vino from your local wine shop or enjoy a great dinner paired with Virginia wine at your favorite restaurant, share your photo on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

For a full list of Virginia wineries and events, please visit www.virginiawine.org.

 

Episode 13: Chris Pearmund, Pearmund Cellars

Chris Pearmund, owner of Pearmund Cellars, joins me on this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. Chris has been a fixture in the Virginia wine scene for nearly three decades.PearmundPetitVerdot

Pearmund is located in Broad Run, Virginia, about an hour drive southwest of Washington D.C.,  It is home to Meriwether Vineyard, the oldest operational vineyard in Virginia. In addition to Pearmund Cellars, Chris has opened more than a dozen wineries throughout the Commonwealth. He has served on many wine boards over the years and is one of the staunchest advocates for the Virginia wine industry. Chris is a self-acclaimed wine geek and wine educator. He has amassed a pretty impressive selection of wine books on practically every topic you can think of. You can visit the wine library on your next visit to Pearmund Cellars.  Pearmund Cellars has received many accolades over the years including Best Winery in Virginia and Best Tasting Room in Virginia.

On the show, Chris shares his journey in the wine industry, his passion for Virginia and his latest business venture, Effingham Manor Winery. Enjoy the show! Each Saturday, you can stream a new show live on WCHV at 8:30.

Visit Pearmund Cellars:

6190 Georgetown Rd.
Broad Run, VA 20137
540.347.3475

Tasting Room Hours:

The Pearmund Cellars tasting room is open daily from 10am-6pm. Pearmund offers the following five wine tasting experiences for you and your guests.

  1. Classic
  2. It’s a Party
  3. Progressive Wine Tour
  4. Barrel Tasting
  5. The Full Monty

Episode 10: Stephen Barnard, Keswick Vineyards

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!