LIFESTYLES
A Wine for Every Occasion
Sonya Farrell, CSW – Communications Coordinator
Excerpt from the Brambleton Community Association July Newsletter

Summertime means there’s always a reason to celebrate. Whether enjoying a perfectly chilled bottle of Sancerre on the deck at home with friends is more your speed, or you prefer to spend the afternoon with 500 new friends tasting whatever is poured for you, there really is a wine for every occasion and every person. With that said, LoCo wineries have a ton to offer this July at both ends of the spectrum. Here’s a few:

Follow the Grape Series: Pruning & Canopy Management at Sunset Hills Vineyards – July 8, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Join in for a behind the scenes experience and “follow the grape” from planting through harvesting. This season, get hands-on experience as they prune the vines. Visit www.sunsethillsvineyard.com for more information.

• 12th Annual Key West Fest at Breaux Vineyards – July 8. Stop by for wine tastings, craft vendors, live reggae music, and island inspired food. $16/advance ticket sales, $20/person at the door. Visit www. breauxvineyards.com for more information.
• Cellar Tour: Blending Workshop at Hillsborough Vineyards – July 9, 1:00 PM.  Join winemaker, Kerem Baki as he hosts a blending workshop of the 2016 red wines.  $25/person. Visit www.hillsborough-wine.com for more information.
• 1st Annual Crab Feast at Tarara Winery featuring Old Ox Brewery – July 15, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM. $75/person includes all-you-can-eat crabs, wine, beer, and ticket to that night’s summer concert. Visit www. tarara.com for more info.
• Campfire Saturday & Twilight Jazz – July 15, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM – Pull up to the firepits and watch the fireflies appear for a special evening of jazz and wine. Visit www.868estatevineyards.com for information.
• Bistro Night Featuring Pete Lapp at Doukenie Winery – July 21, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Dinner and a show! Stop by for live acoustic music with your favorite glass of wine. Visit https://www.doukeniewinery.com for more information.
• Pinot Noir SOMMinar – July 23, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM. This fun and informative tasting will feature 9+ wines and select food pairings. $70/person, reservations required. Visit www.stonetowerwinery.com or more information.
• Vineyard Oyster Riot at Boxwood Estate Winery – July 23, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Menu includes grilled and raw oysters, dessert, and wine pairings. $85/person. Visit https://stores.boxwoodwinery.com/vine-yard-oyster-riot for more information and to purchase tickets.

Of course, you can always just go to taste wine at a winery. After all, that’s why they’re there. But before visiting any winery, ALWAYS call or check their website to see what they’re all about and what restrictions they may have. Some are all about the wine and don’t hold events or allow food. Some don’t allow groups larger than four (yes, four!), while some are more event-focused and cater to large groups. Some can’t (or won’t) accommodate buses or limos. Each winery is different, and they want you to enjoy yourself, so please do your due diligence so that you know what to expect when you arrive.

But once you do arrive at your ideal venue, try some new wines, pick your favorite, share with your favorite friends, and make your occasion special. Cheers!