THE GRAPEVINE

In this Issue:

  • New Year's Update
  • Bottling Schedule
  • Chateau Morrisette's Sommelier
  • Upcoming Events
   
 

New Year's Update

Keeping Busy in 2013

   

Happy New Year from your friends at Chateau Morrisette! 2012 was an outstanding year here at the winery with great festivals, creative recipes, lots of company, and of course most excellent wines. Hopefully, you had a chance to visit us during the year.

Vegetable Garden

Now here it is, the dead of winter, and the staff is gearing up for an even better 2013. The ground has been tilled for next year's garden so you can enjoy only the freshest ingredients when dining with us. Chef Sterling is planning to grow a variety of vegetables and herbs to be used in all of his seasonal creations.

Of course, the vineyard has also been active all winter long. Steve Van Sutphin, our Farm Manager, has been working to get new stakes for all the vines and making sure that each plant has been protected with straw and mulch. Even in the winter, the vineyard is a tranquil place to gather your thoughts.

Winter Vineyard

So, while you are snuggled up by the fire with a great book and a bottle of Chateau Morrisette wine, give some thought to getting out and enjoying some time at the winery and vineyard. Why not make a reservation for our Elite Wine Tasting?

The Elite Tour and Tasting must be prebooked and it includes a sampling of ten wines with a glass for your collection plus a barrel or special reserve tasting depending on the time of the year. You will enjoy a selection of Cabot Cheeses, truffles from Jeremy, and a wine infused chocolate that features Chateau Morrisette wine. It's a bargain at only $30.00 per person.


 

New Year Means New Wines

Wines to Get Excited About

 

January 10

2011 Cab Franc
2011 Merlot

January 11

2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
2011 Petit Verdot

January 15, 16, 17

The Black Dog

January 18

Blackberry

February 18

Frosty Dog

February 26

Sweet Mountain Laurel

March 19

Red Mountain Laurel

Bottling dates are subject to change. It's always best to call ahead.

"Weather conditions in the spring of 2012 presented us with some challenges. But the quality of the grapes remained excellent at harvest. We expect an outstanding 2012 vintage."

- Rick Hall,
Chateau Morrisette Winemaker

Meet Will Mays

Chateau Morrisette's Sommelier

On most days, you'll find Will May behind the counter in the tasting room engaging customers and pouring wine. What you may not know unless you spend some time with him is that Will just completed the coursework to become a Certified Sommelier. He takes his final exam in April. Originally from Buckingham County, Virginia, Will graduated from William and Mary with a degree in chemistry. He's been working in the wine industry for five years and he's been with Chateau Morrisette for nearly two years. When asked how he became interested in wine, Will replies, "It represents many of the things that appeal to me: bio-chemistry, artistry, craftsmanship, social engagement, and even a bit of romance." Will enjoys helping customers learn about wine and admits that sometimes, his customers have something to teach him as well.

George Weldon, General Manager at Chateau Morrisette, said, "Our organization values education and we are very happy to support Will in his continued education and professional development." Will hopes to continue with his studies in the coming years to achieve the Advanced and Master Sommelier certifications. So, next time you visit the winery, be sure to look for Will and see how his studies are progressing!


Upcoming Events

Too Good to Miss


Thursday, February 14

VALENTINE'S DAY

Puppy Love Dinner

4pm-7pm (seatings)

Reservations required
$75/ couple

Includes Chef Sterling's own Taste of Love 4-Course Menu

First Course
Almond Crusted Avocado, Artisan Lettuce & Red Pepper Vinaigrette OR Baby Spinach, Pomegranate Seeds, Feta Cheese with Merlot Vinaigrette

Second Course
Lobster & Sweet Potato Galette OR Asparagus Bisque with Lobster Wontons

Third Course
Pistachio Crusted Beef Tenderloin & Pan Seared Scallops with Dark Cherry Glaze OR Crab Stuffed Flounder with Caper Lemon Butter

Fourth Course
Raisin Bread Pudding & Pear Flambe OR Chocolate Biscuit & Strawberry Napoleon.

 

Saturday, February 16

VALENTINE'S DAY WEEKEND

Wine and Chocolate

3:30PM -5:30PM Morrisette Room

Reservations and prepayment required. $35 per person

Join our hosts, Chateau Morrisette's sommelier, Will May, and Wilbur Chocolate's chocolatier, Dona Peters, for an expert presentation of five wines paired with Wilbur Chocolates.

The Tasting Room

offers a special wine tasting throughout the day for $10. Includes tasting of ten wines, a souvenir wine glass and Chef's Chocolate Truffles.

February 16 continued...

Winery Tours

Winery tours are scheduled for 11AM, 1PM, 3PM, and 5PM.

Chateau Morrisette Restaurant

Open from 11AM - 8PM for your dining pleasure.

For a complete list of upcoming events, visit our events calendar at www.thedogs.com.

(Events subject to change)


Book Your Winter Wonderland Getaway Today. Click here. Packages starting as low as $165 per couple.

Free Shipping

On orders over $150

Now when you order cases of Chateau Morrisette wines, we will ship to you for free. Your order must total $150 (after any eligible discounts are applied). We use Standard UPS Ground Shipping Only. Free shipping is available on purchases made at the winery or ordered by phone. Please call 540-593-2865 to place your order today. (A handling fee of $5 per case will be charged)..

(We will be able to offer you complimentary shipping on web orders too beginning in April).

The Grapevine is published by: Chateau Morrisette Winery 287 Winery Road SW Floyd, Virginia 24091

(540)593-2865
info@thedogs.com
www.thedogs.com