Hey! It’s me again. Tell me something, when was the last time you’ve been out with your partner, no kids, no pets, just the two of you? Can’t quite recall the exact date, can you? That’s fine; tell me this then, when was the last time you and some friends got together and did something fun, relaxing or maybe extravagant? By your hesitation, I would say you are long overdue for a bit of an “outing.” So call up Grammy and/or Papa and make arrangements for them to come over or to drop off the kids. If that’s not an option, book a babysitter for the day; it will be well worth it. Grab that special person or a few friends; it’s time to have a “grown folk” good time at the Shenandoah Valley Wine & Jazz Festival.
Premier Wine Tasting Destination
Nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains, Allegheny Mountains and James River is the picturesque and historic Shenandoah Valley; the wine mecca of eastern United States. With approximately 32 inches of rainfall per year and its moderate temperatures, the valley has the ultimate climate conditions for producing wines bursting with flavors and captivating aromas. One taste or scent and you’ll have to remind yourself you are still in Virginia and not it Italy. Each vineyard offers a different appeal, whether it is the simple farm charm, the view of the never ending mountains or the polished Tuscan style homes, I’m sure you’ll find something to suit your fancy. Both you and your companion(s) will appreciate the authenticity of the valley.
Music and Wine
There are no two things I like pairing together better than music and alcohol, with the addition of good company of course. If you are like me, I am certain you will enjoy the propulsive rhythms accompanied by intricate improvisation and solos that we call Jazz, as you tour the vineyards along the wine trail and sip on a variety of delightful tasting wines. Some locations will have beer available, so if you would like to take a break and “kick back” a nice cold one, you do have that option. In between wine tastings, you’ll need to fuel up. No problem, there are many restaurants located throughout the Shenandoah Valley; you can choose an intimate setting or a more casual one for you and your companions. There will be live performances at selected locations; 2:30 – 4pm, The Liz Barnes Trio; 4:30 – 6pm, J3 with Lisa Miller; and 6:30 – 8pm, The Robert Jospe Trio. With good music and some of the best wines on the east coast, it is next to impossible to not have a great time.
Participating Wineries
Here is list of a few of the wineries that will be participating in the wine tasting; plan your day well and visit as many as possible. Wine trail from north to south; Veramar Vineyard, Berryville, Clark County; Cedar Creek Winery, Cedar Creek, Shenandoah County; Shenandoah Vineyards, Edinburg, Shenandoah County; Wolf Gap Vineyard, Edinburg, Shenandoah County; Wisteria Farm & Vineyard, Stanley, Luray/Page County; CrossKeys Vineyards, Mt. Crawford, Rockingham County; Rockbridge Vineyard, Raphine, Rockbridge County; and Blue Ridge Vineyard, Eagle Rock, Botetourt County.
Date and Time
The 5th annual Shenandoah Valley Wine and Jazz Festival will be held on June 29, 2013. The event will run from 2pm to 8pm. There is an admission fee of $25, tickets may be purchased in advance at the low cost of $16 at participating wineries. Ticket cost covers wine sampling, souvenir wine glass and entry to the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton; a living memory of the people who came from the Old World to rebuild their lives in the Shenandoah Valley. The wine tasting and jazz festival is one of the most anticipated events in Virginia. Vineyards put out their “top shelf stuff” and people from all over the U.S. and various parts of the world come out to see what the buzz is about. This year will even be bigger and better than previous years.
Save the date, get your significant other or friends together and make the Shenandoah Valley wine and jazz festival an experience you’ll never forget. After taking care of the home, work and other business, a bit of wine a jazz is just what the doctor ordered.
For a comprehensive list of the wineries on this wine trail visit:
http://www.shenandoahvalleywinetrail.com/
For more information on the Shenandoah Valley Wine & Jazz Festival click on the following links:
http://www.visitstaunton.com/events.htm
http://www.visitshenandoah.org/Things-To-Do/Shenandoah-Valley-Wine-Trail.aspx
http://www.frontiermuseum.org/?ai1ec_event=shenandoah-wine-jazz-festival&instance_id=43
Guest Post by Tayeka