Virginia Wine at The Tribute to the Wounded Warrior

If you have to pick one fundraiser to attend this year, then choose the Beethovenfound Memorial Day Tribute to Wounded Warriors held this May 27th 2012 at the Great Meadow Event Center (5089 Old Tavern Rd, The Plains VA). This event will be the largest event ever staged in this country for Wounded Warriors. Members of the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, and National Symphony and other professional symphony musicians will come together to create a 200 member orchestra with a 500 strong chorus conducted by Maestro Ulysses James. More than 6 Major bands will perform on a specially constructed stage surrounded by risers for the chorus and 2 Jumbotrons will show the action and carry messages from our sponsors, patrons, and performers. There will also be an air show, polo show, classic car show and a Childrens area with moonbounces, rock climbing, pony rides and more!  Plus there will be cigars (CigarVolante), beer and Virginia wine courtesy of Mattaponi Winery, Horton Vineyards, Unicorn Winery, Miracle Valley Vineyard and Winery, Lost Creek Winery, Goose Creek Farms and Winery, & Potomac Point Winery. The cost is $45 per person (children Under 12 are admitted free!). 


Here is an interview with H. David Meyers and General Bugsy Forsythe for Memorial Day Tribute to Wounded Warriors

 

Miracle Valley Vineyard

Today we traveled out to the beautiful rolling hills of Virginia horse country to visit another of the state's newest wineries: Miracle Valley Vineyard and Winery. The winery and vineyard are located on a former cattle pasture and the tasting room is situated in a hundred and twenty five year old restored farm house. Its always enjoyable driving through country roads in Fauquier County and driving to Miracle Valley is no exception - even though it is located only a few miles from Route 66. The Cunningham family have created a warm environment by providing both a front patio and back deck - which overlooks the catfish stocked pond. Plus, the grounds and farm house were still decorated for Halloween which provided an additional cosy atmosphere. To learn about the inspiration for Miracle Valley Vineyard, you can read this excellent article at the Fauquier Times-Democrat.

Miracle Valley produces wines from traditional vinifera grapes and their red wines are classic Bordeaux. The 2005 Cabernet Franc is medium bodied - very fruit forward and a smooth finish. This wine joins the crowded competition among quality Virginia Cabernet Franc. The 2006 Merlot is full bodied with a strong berry flavor and a long spicy finish. This was our favorite red, but the wine maker's favorite is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is aged 11 months in American oak that produces a strong fruity bouquet and a very spicy finish.

Miracle Valley currently offers three Chardonnay wines. The 2006 Chardonnay is fermented and aged in stainless steel, which produces a fresh crisp wine with nice acidity and citrus flavors. There are two 2006 Reserve Chardonnay wines, one fermented and aged in Hungarian oak and the other fermented in stainless steel, then aged in American oak. The later is spicier and more complex - which made it our favorite of their chardonnay. The final white wine is their Sweet Michelle - but don't let the name fool you. This is more of a semi-dry wine at 2% residual sugar and made from one of our favorite grapes: Rkatsiteli. It has the familiar spicy flavor and a somewhat dry finish. For those looking for something different, this is it.

This next Sunday on November 11th, Miracle Valley is hosting a children's fishing tournament from 1:00-3:00. We will have to wait until the Spring for our next visit - perhaps when their Viognier will be ready for sale.