Monday, May 16, 2011

The Story of Capitol Vineyards

In April we visited the newly opened Capitol Vineyards for the WineCompass blog. In the historical tasting room we met a film student, Aaron Mullins, who was filming a documentary on the infant winery. We were impressed with his finished product and asked Mr. Mullins if we could share the video with our network and ask a few questions.

1) How did you come up with the idea to film Capitol Vineyards - I'm a film student at Boston University, Georgetown campus. Our very first project assignment was a short doc, subject of our choosing. My grandfather was a farmer, so I've always been fascinated with vineyards...not to mention I enjoy a good red! After reaching out to a hand full of VA wineries, I got in touch with Capitol Vineyards. The story of their property, plus their personal story really peeked my interest.

2) What were the major challenges to creating this video - For this project, weather, time and technology. I had a class deadline and was working around the vineyard owners busy schedule. The days we chose were sunny, but very windy. It's a beautiful property so wanted a lot of exterior shots. Some of the video is beautiful, but with the wind, the audio was a bear to mix. Also ran into a few issues transferring the footage. All in all, for the very first project, I'm happy with it. Learned a lot.

3) Before filming, what was your general experience with wine - I would say I'm a general consumer. I've visited Napa a few times and have been into the VA wine country many times over the years. I'm not a expert by any means, but know enough to be dangerous.

4) What did you learn most about the Virginia wine industry - It's growing! And for good reason. The wine is great, and the people are dedicated.

5) What do you want the audience to get out of watching the video - There's a story behind every bottle. It's not just the beautiful landscape and the tasty wine, but the fascinating history and people involved with every vineyard.

Aaron Mullins is a producer, writer and director. He is currently a film student at the Boston University Center for Digital Imaging Arts working in the digital film program. In addition to various student film projects, Aaron is producing, writing and directing a documentary based on the first Wesleyan Church in the American South, due in July 2011. His early career was in government and politics, working on Capitol Hill and various political campaigns, including web and TV ads.


Wednesday, May 4, 2011

American Craft Beer Week: May 16th - 22nd

Here's a little support to our brethren on the craft beer side of the house. Farm wineries, craft breweries, and micro distillers may differ in the final product; but this quote applies to all three:

"America's craft brewers are artisans that, rather than working in paint, photography, or some of those mediums, they're working in beer." Tim Myers, Strange Brewing


Monday, May 2, 2011

What's Your Favorite Virginia Wine? - Great Grapes Wine Festival: Reston 2011

Plenty of Virginia wine lovers showed up for the Great Grapes Wine Festival - Reston, held April 30th and May 1st at the Reston Town Center. Twenty two Virginia wineries poured at the event, with white wines flowing prominently on this sunny Saturday: Viognier, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Traminette, and Vidal Blanc. Here is what a few of these wine lovers have to say:




Belle Mount Vineyards

Chateau Morrisette

Cooper Vineyards

Davis Valley Winery and Vineyard

Democracy Vineyards

Fabbioli Cellars

First Colony Winery

Horton Vineyards

James River Cellars

Lake Anna Winery

Loudoun Valley Vineyards

Mattaponi Winery

Montdomaine

Philip Carter Winery of Virginia

Potomac Point Winery

Prince Michel Winery

Rebec Vineyards

Rosemont Vineyards and Winery

Stone Mountain Vineyards

Unicorn Winery

Williamsburg Winery

Willowcroft Farm Vineyards

Sip Your Way Through the Civil War Sesquicentennial

New wine trails are being created all through the Commonwealth, but one you may have missed is situated right here in Northern Virginia. The General's Wine and History Trail combines wonderful wines, Civil War history, and beautiful country - all just outside of Washington D.C. The trail includes a passport which not only describes each winery, but also historical events that occurred in the vicinity. Ever visited the historical towns of Bluemont, Sperryville, Washington, Hume, Berryville, Waterford, Aldie, or Upperville? Ever heard of the Battle of Balls Bluff? The Battle of Cool Spring? The Battle of Front Royal? The Battle of Thoroughfare Gap? Visit the General's Wine and History Trail and you will. Combine this information with the Civil War Traveler and you have all the information you need to relax and tour wineries and history.

Bluemont Vineyard
www.bluemontvineyard.com
18755 Foggy Bottom Rd
Bluemont, VA 20135
540 554 8439

Sunset Hills Vineyard
www.sunsethillsvineyard.com
38295 Fremont Overlook Lane
Purcellville, VA 20132
540 882 4560

Gadino Cellars
www.gadinocellars.com
92 Schoolhouse Road
Washington, Virginia 22747
540 987 9292

Swedenburg Estate Vineyard
www.swedenburgwines.com
23595 Winery Lane
Middleburg, VA 20117
540 687 5219

Lost Creek Vineyard & Winery
www.lostcreekwinery.com
43277 Spinks Ferry Rd
Leesburg, VA 20176
703 443 9836

Three Fox Vineyards
www.threefoxvineyards.com
10100 Three Fox Lane
Delaplane, VA 20144
540 364 6073

Philip Carter Winery
www.pcwinery.com
4366 Stillhouse Road
Hume, Virginia 22639
540 364 1203

Veramar Vineyard
www.veramar.com
905 Quarry Rd
Berryville, VA 22611
540 955 5510

Fox Meadow Winery
www.foxmeadowwinery.com
3310 Freezeland Road
Linden, VA 22642
540 636 6777

Winery at La Grange
www.wineryatlagrange.com
4970 Antioch Road
Haymarket, VA 20169
703 753 9360