WINE SEMINARS SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED FOR THIS YEAR’S VIRGINIA WINE FESTIVAL

The longest running Wine Festival on the east coast, set for September 19th and 20th, is making its new home at the Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center

Now in its 34th year, the Virginia Wine Festival is sponsored by the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association (formerly the Vinifera Wine Growers Association) and is a grand Commonwealth tradition with a long history of commitment to adult consumer education, as well as pleasurable aspects of viticulture and wine-making. Hosting over fifty Virginia wineries, the Virginia Wine Festival offers the opportunity to see Virginia in a day, with wineries and winemakers offering tastings of their finest vintages, as well as insight into and explanation of the processes involved in fine winemaking. In addition to this up close and personal interaction with the wineries, a featured Seminar Tent will offer hourly presentations on a variety of wine-related subjects, from learning the basics of wine buying and serving with David McIntyre of the Washington Post, to the relationship between wine and health, and the history of wine in Virginia with other noted industry speakers.

Under new management this year by Across-the-Way Productions, The Virginia Wine Festival, which over its 34 year history has outgrown a number of Northern Virginia area venues, will take place at Bull Run Regional Park Special Events Center in Centreville, Virginia. Centrally located and easily accessible, this lovely venue sports a natural amphitheatre where spectators can enjoy high caliber main stage musical attractions. This year's featured artist is Lisa Simone, daughter of musical icon Nina Simone. A multi-talented artist and highly-praised live performer, Simone offers a highly diverse and exciting repertoire of pop, soul, jazz, rock and funk. Other performers include Cherry Blossom String Quartet, originally founded by four music students from George Washington University, as well as DJ Williams Projekt, Robert Jospe Sextet, and Beleza Brasil.

Attendees to the event, which runs from 11am to 6pm Saturday, September 19th and Sunday, September 20th, will receive a free commemorative wine glass and complementary wine tastings throughout the day from 50 of our region’s finest wineries and most renowned viticulturists. Over one hundred fine art, retail and food vendors compliment this event, which offers an exquisite outdoor boutique shopping experience. Art displays range from handcrafted jewelry and pottery, to patio furniture, hats, textiles, and oak barrels. Not for adults only, the Family Area offers musical entertainment for children, along with magic, marionettes, and kids’ activities.

Festival goers not wishing to drive may ride in style: the Washington Wine Academy will offer ‘No Worries Shuttle’ transportation from the nearby Vienna Metro, via Reston Limousine.

Moreover, patrons are invited to EXPERIENCE wine like never before, by attending one of the many informative Wine Seminars throughout the weekend. FoodService Monthly editor, Michael Birchenall , and leading chefs from the region will show through tasting and cooking demonstrations that drinking Virginia wines and eating local can be exciting, healthy and tasty. Attendees will be invited to the stage to participate in food and wine demonstrations. Whether you're a newbie or an oenophile, you're sure to pick up a tip at one of the interactive and informative seminars. Better yet, choose one of the festival’s two VIP options: Private Food and Wine Tasting ticket is an upgrade to the general admission ticket that allows for a private, shaded Tasting Tent setting, where patrons can partake of gourmet foods and wine pairing, all while enjoying a special performance by the Cherry Blossom String Quartet and Vine to Vine Ballet. Or come in style with an all-inclusive full VIP Ticket, which entitles you to onstage seating and two fully catered meals, in addition to full tasting tent privileges.

However you come, you'll be glad you did. The Virginia Wine Fest is one of a kind experience. Tickets for the festival are available on the website, www.virginiawinefest.com and at local beverage outlets. For more information contact Across-the-Way Productions at (540)745-3378.