Spring Watch April 13, 2010 - More Redbuds

The weather turned cool and drizzly today. Cloudy, damp weather accentuates the colors of the forest, so the redbuds demanded more pictures be taken. Again, all of these were taken in Fort Valley, once called a "gem within a gem" because of its location within Shenandoah Valley.

"The Fort" as it's known is easily accessible by following Rt. 675 east from very near the vineyard. The Fort is a mountain valley surrounded by Massanutten Mountain and the George Washington National Forest. Mountain Laurel and native Azaleas are abundant in the forest too, but bloom later. We'll take pictures when they begin to show. To repeat the previous post, the Fort is a living, breathing Impressionist painting.

Spring Watch April 12, 2010

The Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are blooming in a most magnificent display of color. Most often seen growing wild along roadsides and fence rows, in spring they blossom with splashes and sprays of magenta that would make Monet proud. An Impressionist masterpiece awaits around every turn down a country road. The two photos above are from the nearby Fort Valley in late afternoon as the sun drops behind a mountain ridge.

Spring Watch April 8, 2010

With several very warm days approaching 90° the pace of spring is dizzying. Trees blossom and shower windborne flower petals in the space of a couple days. Leaves appear almost overnight. The mountain is covered by a thickening blanket of green.

Photo shows a crabapple tree on the front lawn. Behind it are large white oaks with leaves not yet full, and behind them the green pastures of the sheep farm next door. Most of the vines are budding out now; perilously early as they are susceptible to frost injury.

Cabernet Franc 2007 Released

The 2007 Cabernet Franc is now available. 281 cases were bottled on January 21, 2010. It is showing good color with an aroma of blueberries and a hint of American oak. The photo shows it paired with Goot Essa Mountain Valley Sharp Cheddar Cheese. The idea to pair the Cab Franc with this cheese must have been divinely inspired as we have rarely tasted two things that go together so well.

Spring Watch March 24, 2010

We've begun a watch for spring to alert people to the progress of the season as it awakens across the vineyard and region. The most visible sign so far is the grass becoming noticeably green, with flocks of robins very frequent. Sap is flowing from cuts where vines have been pruned. The National Forest is showing extra color, the result of bud swell in several different tree species. Will be sure to photograph the Redbud (Cercis canadensis) when they show good color in the forest, but it still a little early.

Spring Watch March 15, 2010

Although a few more days must be endured 'til the arrival of spring, there are some early signs. Pictured are the spring lambs on the farm next door to the winery. Many people stop at the entrance to the vineyard to take pictures of them. (We wish more of these people would continue onto the winery, but I guess we can't match baby lambs for cuteness.)

Wine and Cheese Weekends in March

Rumor has it winter relinquishes its cold grip and spring renews hope for warmth in the world. Supposedly, this happens sometime in March. The prospect of warmer weather intrigues us, and we encourage everyone to make spring a reality. For our part we offer wine and cheese pairings every weekend in the month of March. Wine & Cheese Weekends is our springtime ritual to get our customers to stretch their legs and get the blood moving again.

For $8 each customer gets a souvenir glass to taste the full variety of Shenandoah Vineyards wine, and pair these with gourmet dips and cheeses. Our sales staff will help guide you to make pairings that are memorable and delicious. Please join us in developing warm weather habits for the coming season. Of course in addition to our Wine & Cheese Weekends feature we continue to provide free tours and tasting as always.

Let It Snow

Snow is just what the vineyard needs this time of year. A slowly melting cover of heavy snow seeps deep into the soil, replenishing moisture reserves for the next growing season.

Customers need not fret. The vineyard crew is usually on top of things, and will quickly plow snow from the driveway and parking lot allowing customers access to the winery when winter shows its teeth. So, if you're in the mood for some hot mulled wine and a snowball fight, give us a visit; we have the wine and we have the snow to make the best of the winter season. And, have a Merry Christmas!

Holiday Gifts at Shenandoah Vineyards

In addition to wines that pair wonderfully with your holiday meals, we offer wine-related gift items. We are open every day through the holiday season, except Christmas and New Year's. Here are some pictures showing a few of the things available in our gift shop...

Easy to hold and handsome, our gift boxes carry wine bottles and glasses. No assembly required but you will need to pull the cork.

Behind the old grape press is a display of locally produced Virginia honey. Stuck to the refrigerator filled with gourmet snacks are decorative magnets (we have lots of designs and sizes including ones specific to our winery). Illuminated in the background is our Christmas tree.

As you can see from the pictures, our gift shop is rather fully stocked. It would be hard not to find something interesting or practical, or delicious and refreshing. During the holiday season we have additional treats and enticements for the holiday shopper. Mulled wine is a cold weather favorite. Let us ladle out a sample for you, warm and spicy.

Floyd Polk Rememberance - 1923-2009

Floyd Polk passed away on Thursday, December 3, 2009. From the employees at Shenandoah Vineyards who knew and worked with Floyd, we miss him. As much as the vines and trellis posts stately standing in the vineyard, Floyd could be seen working between them, among them. He was part of the landscape. After his retirement, and especially now after his passing, there is an unfilled space in the vineyard; vines tilt reverently toward where he once stood. Floyd was the embodiment of a proud, tireless work ethic. We will not forget his figure in the landscape, and the vineyard he once tended still bears sweet fruit.