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Events at the Grapes of Taste

UPS shipping is now available at the Shop.

The new 2010 Virginia Winery Guides were delivered today.  They are basically the same map from last year but the number has grown to “almost 160 wineries.”  The front cover has a refreshing picture of a winery in the Spring.  This is a definite change from the weather we’ve been having!

February 28th is fast approaching and what you may wonder is so important about that date.  For one, it’s the deadline for making reservations for the March 13th Wine for Words fundraiser I am planning for the Library’s new Dawn Branch. 

Yes, the tickets are $50 per person, but where else can you have your own private tasting of Virginia wines, meet a local author that writes mysteries that take place in Virginia wineries; eat a scrumptious dinner of beef, chicken or salmon and then listen to Ellen Crosby, the local author, talk about her writing experiences? 

We’re also having a Silent Auction with lots of really neat items and services that have been donated.  And did I mention that it is tax-deductible?  You can pay when you come on March 13th but we need to know by the 28th how many are coming and what they would like to eat.  You can call me here at the shop (448-8008) or the Library (633-5455) and make your reservations.

The second important event is the London, Paris and D-Day Normandy Trip ~ October 6 through October 15, 2010 Locking in the trip by February 28th guarantees the price won’t change, but it also means that the more people that sign up, the lower the price might go.  Payments can be made in installments over the course of the next six months. 

This is a special European tour designed by our friend and long time tour group leader, Lee Harris.  It includes all the famous sights of London and Paris plus a visit to the D-Day beaches and museums of Normandy.  For more information, a detailed itinerary and pricing information, contact Lee at wleeharris@aol.com or call 540-786-8162.

~ Tastings ~

tasting wine 

Being a winner in the Cellar Awards has given us a lot of exposure and we will be participating in the Spring 2010 Virginia Wine Week: “Love By the Glass” March 22 – 28. I have already picked out the three new wineries I’d like to invite for the special tastings we’ll have that Sunday the 22nd, Thursday, Friday and Saturday the 25th, 26th and 27th.  Stay tuned for who will be here when!  Now……for this weekend….

Ladies’ Night ~ Friday, March 5th ~ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Suzanne from Stone Mountain will be in the shop tasting:

  • Pinot Grigio
  • Viognier
  • Chardonnay
  • Bacon Hallow Revenuers’ Select
  • Cabernet Franc Reserve
  • Petit Verdot
  • Maquillage

Saturday, March 6th ~ 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. ~ Michelle Ditzler from Freeman Beverage will be back with us tasting:

  • William Hill Central Coast Chardonnay (California)
  • Hogue Late Harvest Riesling (Washington state)
  • Sauvion Rose D’Anjou (France)
  • Tamas Estate Double Decker Red (California)
  • William Hill Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon (California)

Beers

We expect a new stock of Cheeses tomorrow ~ Tillamook X-Sharp White, Tillamook Sharp Colored, Purple Haze, a new Goat Cheese, Rising Sun Mediterranean Torta, and Stilton w/Cranberry.  We’re also expecting Dry Salami w/pepper as well as a new Dry Salami w/herbs.

Community Events

    • Wine for Words ~ Saturday, March 13, 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. ~ We have reduced the price of the tickets to $35 per person.  Where else can you taste the wines from six Virginia wineries, meet a local author, and support the Caroline Library’s Dawn Branch.  Check it out at www.dawnproject.org   Thanks also to the customers who have donated items to the Silent Auction.  We truly appreciate everyone’s support.  (By the way, we raised over $1000 at the Spaghetti Dinner last Saturday!)
    • Gentlemen’s Club of Caroline Dance ~ Saturday, March 6 ~ 8:00 p.m. to Midnight at Bowling Green Town Hall.  Music by Blue Tip Rhythm Review @$20.00 per person.  There will be no tickets sold at the door.  The Club is raising money to assist local area families with heating/oil bills.
    • Chamber of Commerce Adult Easter Egg Hunt ~ Saturday, April 3rd at Mr. B’s. Stay tuned for more information next week.
    • Ladysmith Day ~ Saturday, May 22nd
    • Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament ~ May 28th
    • 3rd Annual Festival of Feet Memorial Race ~ Saturday, May 1, Bowling Green ~ 5K and 10 K Races in memory of First Sergeant Mark Haygood Virginia State Police (1964 – 2008)  5K is $10.00 per person or $25.00 per family and the 10K is $20.00 per person.  Proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society and Virginia State Police Association’s Emergency Relief Fund.    

    If you have a community event you would like to promote, send me an email and we’ll help to promote it.

Award

The National Civic League recognized Caroline County as a 2009 All-America City

Ladysmith VA. (June 21, 2009) – Citizens of Caroline County had a lot to celebrate as the county was named one of the top ten winners in 2009 of the prestigious All-America City award. Ladysmith Village is located within Caroline County.

The 60-year old awards program recognizes neighborhoods, villages, towns, cities, counties and metro regions for outstanding civic accomplishments. To win, communities have to demonstrate their ability to address serious challenges with innovative, grassroots strategies that promote civic engagement and cooperation between the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Caroline County placed in the top 17 finalists in 2008 for All-America City and was the only Virginia locality represented both years. For more information about the All-America City Award winners visit the National Civic League online at www.ncl.org

If you have a community event you would like to promote, send me an email and we’ll help to promote it.

Grapes of Taste Wine Shop ~ Kay & Wayne Brooks, Owners
18196 Jefferson Davis Highway ~ Ladysmith, Virginia ~ Phone: 804.448.8008
 © 2007 Grapes of Taste ~ All Rights Reserved