But Seriously Folks... James River Cellars in Glen Allen, Va., Winner of the 2005 Governor’s Cup award for most outstanding wine in Virginia, one might think all that acclaim would have gone to their heads. Quite the contrary, the Lazarchic & Batterson family has kept the sense of humor and friendly manor that, along with their award winning wines, has garnered a loyal following. James River continues to delight Palate with a line-up that ranges from the well structured, complex offering of their newly released Cabernet Sauvignon to the relaxed and whimsical semi-dry blend justly named Red Red – also a new release. James River shows off its flexibility by producing wines using French American hybrid grapes such as Chambourcin as well as hallowed Vitis vinifera such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their wines also range from bold and dry to light and semi-dry…and of course their Divino ice wine is the perfect for those with a bit of a sweet tooth. James River’s wines can be purchased at their tasting room in Glen Allen, VA, by calling the winery (804-550-7516) or by visiting their booth at one of Virginia’s premier wine festivals. Visit JRC Website

Chocolate wine? What’s not to love? Cooper Vineyards in Louisa Va., has known for ages one of life’s perfect pairings, Cooper Vineyards has brought red wine and chocolate together in a novel way with the release of Noche Chocolate. The release is an ice wine made from Norton Grapes infused with chocolate essence. First made popular in Germany, ice wine has also become widely produced in Canada and New York state. Cooper Vineyard’s Noche Chocolate makes an excellent celebration wine, after dinner drink or night-cap. Packaged in a beautiful, sleek bottle, this unique wine makes the perfect gift for special occasions. Noche Chocolate is available at Cooper’s Web site. Better yet, it’s a great excuse to jump in your car and visit their tasting room. While you’re there, check out Cooper’s other ice wine Vida and the entire line-up of Cooper’s award winning wines. Wines & Events are purchasable on-line at the web site. Look for Cooper Vineyards wines in local retail shops - for a list, visit the web site. Visit CV web site

The Bold & The Beautiful. Lake Anna Winery in Spotsylvania Va., is turning heads with their new logo, bold and striking new label design and their ‘Totally’ new wine releases. The debut of Totally White Wine & Totally Red Wine marks the unveiling of Lake Anna’s new look which embodies their sense of style, spirit of adventure and pension for risk-taking. Totally White Wine is a semi-dry blend of Chardonnay, Viognier and Seyval Blanc. Totally Red Wine is an off-dry blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Tannat, Touriga and Chambourcin. The intriguing blends prove these varieties can meld harmoniously while retaining their distinct contributions. Pick up a few bottles today, these wonderful wines in their bold and beautiful packaging make a memorable gift and will also look striking on your dinner table. Lake Anna’s wines can be purchased by visiting their tasting room or visiting their booth at one of Virginia’s premier wine festivals. Visit LA web site

What? No Chardonnay? Grayhaven Winery in Gum Spring, Va., has developed a reputation for working with varieties unfamiliar to many American wine drinkers. “We do a Chardonnay occasionally,” notes Grayhaven’s Max Peple-Abrams “but we figure California has that pretty well covered.” The owner-winemaker’s of Grayhaven love working with vinifera and hybrid varieties that have been overlooked by mass-production wineries in the US. Grayhaven has been growing grapes in the unique and complex territory of Central Virginia for nearly 30 years. Their 50 acre farm is home to varieties such as Pinotage, Frontenac, Marechal Foch, Touriga, Golden Muscat, Vidal Blanc, Seyval and Cayuga White. Grayhaven’s wines can be purchased at their tasting room in Gum Spring or by visiting their booth at one of the area’s wine festivals. (804) 556-3917 ~ 4675 East Grey Fox Circle ~ Gum Spring, VA 23065
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