May 2011 ISSUE – Music and wine have proven to be a perfect combination in the summer months, and there are now opportunities every weekend to mix the two, ranging from festivals with multiple bands to more intimate tasting room events. Here are a few of our favorites, check the festival guide for even more:
Linganore Winecellars in Mt. Airy, MD, will host three music-focused festivals this summer, featuring several distinct musical genres. Surf bands New Romance and the Beach Bumz will headline Beach Party Wine Fest in June, playing tunes from artists such as the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffet. In July, the hazy air will be punctuated with reggae from two acts: Strykers Posse Band and the Image Band. The annual event has become so popular that Linganore will add a second Reggae weekend this October. And to close out the summer, the winery will host a duo of Latin and big band acts as part of its Cool Beats’n the Summer Heat weekend. All three festivals will feature artisans, food vendors, tastings and tours.
Frederick County neighbor Elk Run will celebrate Maryland Wine Week with its Song Writers Showcase on June 4 and 5. Local songwriters will gather at the vineyard and play original works, and seven new releases will be available for tasting, including the state’s only grower-produced Gewrztraminer and 2010 Red Door, a light blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Pinot noir, Petit Verdot and a touch of Zinfandel. Elk Run will also be pouring fresh sangria and its popular dessert wine Sweet Katherine. Tickets go on sale this month.
Oldies fans are encouraged to pack their saddle shoes and poodle skirts to visit Ingleside Vineyards in Virginia’s Northern Neck for a nighttime Rock ‘n’ unWINEd event on June 25. Pack your own meal or purchase dinner on site to go with samples from the 18 varieties of wine made with estate-grown grapes. VA Governors Cup medalists Petit Verdot 2006 and Virginia Gold 2007 will both be released this year and available for purchase during the event.
Tarara’s annual Toast to the Tunes Summer Concert Series fires up in June with the Freddy Long Band. Rock and cover bands as well as jazz, country and blues acts are booked to play by Shadow Lake each Saturday through Oct. 1. Tickets are $15 and visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and picnics to enjoy supper and sips under the stars in Loudoun County.
As a vineyard with deep musical roots — owners Stephen and Shannon Mackey started their careers in professional audio and emerging media technologies and have an active studio above the tasting room — it’s only natural that Virginia’s Notaviva would host its own unique music and wine festival each June. The evening event explores how auditory stimuli can impact tasters’ perception of various wines. A series of blind tastings are paired with music clips. Participants rate the music and the information is cataloged online and discussed over hors d’oeuvres, desserts and what else – more wine. Admission is $40 and reservations are required.
Race and Taste
The Inaugural Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon
Two of the best things to do in Loudoun County, VA – drinking wine and running – will come together on June 4. The inaugural Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon will lead nearly 2,500 runners 13.1 miles along a course spotted with rolling hills and stretches of canopied roads from Breaux Vineyards to Doukenie Winery.
“This is the fastest we have ever sold out a race,” said Matt Dockstader, president of Destination Races. “The only way that people can get in now will be to check our Facebook page to see if anyone wants to give up their spot.”
Dockstader says the Virginia race marks another first for the company, which also manages four similar events in California and Oregon wine regions: it will both begin and end at a vineyard. He cited early cooperation from the two dozen wineries in the region as instrumental to its success.
Though the race field is full, there are many events being held in conjunction with the event for spectators and participants alike. There will be a lifestyle expo and wine tasting at Lansdowne Resort and a pre-race dinner at Bluemont Vineyard on June 3, a wine and music festival during the race at Doukenie Winery and a concert for finishers and spectators that evening at Tarara.
Wine Country Half Marathon: To be held June 4, For more information and a schedule, go to www.run4virginiawine.com/
Elk Run Vineyards: 15113 Liberty Rd, Mt. Airy, MD; 410-775-2513; elkrun.com
Ingleside Vineyards: 5872 Leedstown Rd, Oak Grove, VA; 804-224-8687; inglesidevineyards.com
Linganore Winecellars: 13601 Glissans Mill Rd, Mt. Airy, MD; 301-831-5889; www.LinganoreWines.com
Notaviva Vineyards: 13274 Sagle Rd, Purcellville, VA; 540-668-6756; www.notavivavineyards.com
Tarara Winery: 13648 Tarara Ln., Leesburg, VA; 703-771-7100; www.tarara.com
