Crystal Palate

We are exploring the Shenandoah Valley AVA on this edition of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. Central and Northern Virginia often get the lion’s share of attention when it comes to Virginia wine, but the Shenandoah Valley is also showing great promise for the fruit of the vine. In fact, the Shenandoah Valley AVA is home ... Read more... The post Episode 39: Lee Hartman, Bluestone Vineyard appeared first on Crystal Palate.

We are going back to the beginning of Virginia viticulture to explore the history and legacy of Thomas Jefferson and Phillip Mazzei.  My guests this week are Attila Woodward, the co-owner of Jefferson Vineyards and Chris Ritzcovan, the winemaker at Jefferson. The Woodward family has been at the helm of Jefferson Vineyards for three generations. Attila ... Read more... The post Episode 38: Jefferson Vineyards appeared first on Crystal Palate.

We are exploring Casanel Vineyards & Winery in Loudon County, Virginia on this week’s edition of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. It’s a family owned and operated vineyard & winery in the heart of Leesburg in the Middleburg AVA.The winery opened for business in 2008 and specializes in small lot hand crafted wines. Casanel winemaker Katie ... Read more... The post Episode 37: Katie DeSouza, Casanel Vineyards appeared first on Crystal Palate.

The Monticello Wine Trail Festival has become the premiere spring wine event in Central Virginia. The festival features three fun-filled days of exploring the very best wine and food the region has to offer. From exclusive tours with the winemaker to a sparkling brunch and a grand tasting event, this festival offers something for everyone. Stephen Barnard, the ... Read more... The post Episode 36: Monticello Wine Trail Festival Preview appeared first on Crystal Palate.

We are taking the show on the road this week for a visit to Saudé Creek Vineyards in Lenexa, Virginia.   Saudi Creek is a member of Virginia’s Colonial Wine Trail which is also home to Williamsburg Winery, New Kent Winery and James River Cellars. The Colonial Wine Trail runs along the I-64 corridor east of Richmond. ... Read more... The post Episode 35: Jason Knight, Saudé Creek Vineyards appeared first on Crystal Palate.

Veritas Vineyards & Winery is a popular spot in the heart of Central Virginia wine country. The first vines were planted in 1999. Over the past two decades, the Hodson family has created a thriving businss and a cozy getaway for visitors near and far. Veritas has a beautiful rustic tasting room complete with cozy ... Read more... The post Episode 34: Patricia Hodson, The Retreat at Veritas appeared first on Crystal Palate.

On this edition of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country, we are headed to the Colonial Virginia Wine Trail for an interview with Joe Dombroski at New Kent Winery in New Kent, Virginia.  If you are not familiar with New Kent, it’s one of the few vineyard properties southeast of Richmond. The Dombroski family purchased the property in ... Read more... The post Episode 33: Joe Dombroski, New Kent Winery appeared first on Crystal Palate.

Cathy Hughye, author and co-founder of Enolytics is my guest on Crystal Palate’s Wine Country this week. I caught up with Cathy at the 2017 U.S. Bev X in Washington D.C., Cathy was a featured speaker at this year’s conference hosting a discussion entitled, What Big Data Can Do For You. On the show, Cathy discusses the power ... Read more... The post Episode 32: Cathy Hughye, Enolytics appeared first on Crystal Palate.

Andrew Hodson, owner of Veritas Vineyards & Winery in Afton, Virginia joins me in studio for this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. Andrew & Patricia Hodson opened the doors to Veritas nearly 20 years ago. The operation is truly a family affair with each one of their children playing a vital role in the ... Read more... The post Episode 31: Andrew Hodson, Veritas Vineyards & Winery appeared first on Crystal Palate.

Our special guest today is Jay Youmans. Jay is a Master of Wine, Certified Wine Educator, Advanced Sommelier, owner of the Capital Wine School in Washington, D.C., and the judging director for the Virginia Governor’s Cup. The Virginia Governor’s Cup, now in its 35th year, is considered one of the most rigid wine competitions in the ... Read more... The post Episode 30: Jay Youmans MW, Virginia Governor’s Cup appeared first on Crystal Palate.

On this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country, I am talking with Nicole Abiouness of Abiouness Wines. Nicole is a Virginia native turned California winemaker who is getting quite a reputation for her Pinot Noir. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to learn more about this elegant and ... Read more... The post Episode 29: Nicole Abiouness, Abiouness Wines appeared first on Crystal Palate.

Brad Hansen, the winemaker and GM from Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery is joining me in studio this week. Prince Michel is located off Route 29 in Leon just south of Culpepper and they have been a mainstay on the Virginia wine scene since the early 80’s. Brad is an esteemed winemaker compiling more than ... Read more... The post Episode 28: Brad Hansen, Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery appeared first on Crystal Palate.

We are taking the show on the road to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) in Richmond this week to celebrate the legacy and cotributions of Dr. Daniel Norton and The Real American Grape.  This episode is all about the Norton grape and how many in Virginia are trying to preserve its rich history. While ... Read more... The post Episode 27: Norton, The Real American Grape appeared first on Crystal Palate.

Stephanie Wright, with Lovingston Winery stops by the studio for this episode of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. The winery is located in Lovingston, Virginia. It’s a lovely 45 minute scenic drive south of Charlottesville. Stephanie discussed her family’s wine growing adventures in Georgia before they settled in Virginia wine country. We are also talking about ... Read more... The post Episode 26: Stephanie Wright, Lovingston Winery appeared first on Crystal Palate.

We are talking #winestudio on this edition of Crystal Palate’s Wine Country. My guest this week is Tina Morey, a pastry chef turned sommelier who is changing the way people think about and consume wine. #Winestudio is a twitter-based beverage education program that engages industry professionals, winemakers, bloggers and wine lovers from around the world. ... Read more... The post Episode 25: #winestudio appeared first on Crystal Palate.