Volunteering at the Virginia Wine Showcase

This weekend, the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington Virginia is hosting the 7th Annual Virginia Wine Showcase, two days to explore Virginia Wine Country. There will be 200 wines poured by about 20 Virginia wineries. There are also several interesting seminars such as Wine 101, Cigar Pairing, VA vs the World, and Vino 50. I will be volunteering on Sunday for Annefield Vineyards, a winery from southwest Virginia producing classic wines such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and of course, Viognier. Stop by and say hello.

Reminder - Weekend Wine Festivals in D.C. Area

Just a reminder that this weekend brings two major wine festivals to the Washington D.C. metro area. At the Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center, over 100 domestic and international wineries will be pouring more than 600 wines during the Washington D.C. International Wine & Food Festival. Hours are from 2:00pm-6:00pm both days.

And out west, the Virginia Wine Showcase is being held at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly where 37 Virginia wineries will be pouring wine. Tickets are very reasonable $45 for a tasting; $20 for non-tasting; and children under 11 are free.

The Virginia Wine Showcase - Another Festival During Valentines Weekend

We were miffed that not many Virginia wineries were participating in the Washington D.C. Wine & Food Festival and think we've discovered a clue. During the same weekend of February 12th-13th; the Virginia Wine Showcase is being held at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly. Tickets are very reasonable $45 for a tasting; $20 for non-tasting; and children under 11 are free. Why not bring the kids and get a hotel room.

What to expect at the festival? There are currently 37 Virginia wineries planning to pour their wares - including a couple infants: Rosemont Vineyards and Winery and Annefield Vineyards. The wineries represent a large array of regional and grape variety that is making Virginia a popular wine region. There will also be plenty or wine and food seminars for foodies so you won't spend all your time at the tasting booths. And unlike the event in DC; all these seminars are included with the purchase of a ticket. Here's who's presenting:

• Richard Rosendale, Executive Chef, Greenbrier Resort
• Mamma Agata: Simple and Genuine Book Tour
• Warren Brown of CakeLove and Love Café
• Andrew Stover, Vino50 Selections
• Executive Chef John Emerson, Wegmans Food Markets Inc.
• Mary Schellhammer, Spice Rack Chocolates
• Brandon Walsh, Hosted Wine Tasting, LLC
• Chef Bernard Henry
• Dorit Paz, Sababa Market
• Chef Patrick Wilson, Culinary Institute of America
• Jeffrey Mitchell, Frenchman's Cellar
• James Ricciuti, Ricciuti's Restaurant
• Carl Henrickson, Farm Wineries Council
• Joe David, Author