Virginia - Events for Albemarle

Virginia Festival of the Book: Charlottesville Mar 21-25

Enjoy five days (March 21-25, 2007) of readings and panel discussions with authors from many genres-fiction, current affairs, history, mystery, science, science, fiction, poetry, children's literature in various venues in beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia. Events are free, except for two luncheons and a reception, which require tickets.

Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Tasting: Barboursville Mar 24-25

A vertical tasting of the last seven vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon. Including the recently bottled 2003 vintage. Special pricing on all Cabernet Sauvignon. NOT a library tasting � each available for purchase.

Starting a Vineyard at Monticello: Charlottesville Mar 24

Participants will discuss the basic principles of grape growing, such as variety and site selection, trellis systems, and soil preparation. Garden Shop. $10; registration required.

Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Tasting: Barboursville Mar 31-Apr 1.

Jefferson's Country Quilt Show X: Charlottesville Mar 31-Apr 1.

Jefferson's Country Quilt Show X - by Charlottesville Area Quilters Guild. East Rivanna Vol. Fire Dept., Route 250 East at Glenmore. March 31, 10 am to 5 pm, April 1, 12 noon to 5 pm. Over 100 pieces on display, silent auction, merchant's mall, special exhibits, raffle quilt, viewer's choice awards. Challenge quilts to be donated to local needy children. Contact: Joanne Cuoghi 434-263-7750.

Pruning and Propagating Historic Roses at Monticello: Charlottesville Mar 31

This workshop is devoted to the practical care of old roses and the ways to start your own cuttings, graftings, and seeds. Bring your hand pruners and a pair of gloves. Tufton Farm. $10; registration required.

Spring Open House at First Colony Winery: Charlottesville Apr 7

Celebrate spring among the vines. Enjoy new releases, barrel samples, vineyard walks and see the wines awaken from the winter, light hors d' oeuvres.

Spring Wildflower Walks at Monticello: Charlottesville Apr 7-21

These three-hour hikes through the woodlands of Monticello to the Rivanna River are perennial favorites of hikers and native plant enthusiasts alike. Garden Shop. $10; registration required.

Commemoration of the 264th Anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's Birth: Charlottesville Apr 13

This outdoor ceremony at Jefferson's gravesite will include remarks by Gerald L. Baliles, former governor and attorney general of Virginia and current director of the Miller Center for Public Affairs at the University of Virginia; music by the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps; and wreath laying by representatives of local, state, and national institutions. Cemetery. Free.

Thomas Jefferson's Birthday Celebration: Charlottesville Apr 14-15

Jefferson Vineyards celebrates our namesake's birthday with the release of our 2006 white wines, including Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay Reserve and Viognier. Select red wines will also be tasted, an all will be paired with a springtime tasting menu from Chef Tammy Knock.

Painting and Sketching in the Garden at Monticello: Charlottesville Apr 14

Participants will learn how to portray the botanical details of spring flowering bulbs with simple line drawing and basic water color techniques. All materials will be provided. Garden Shop. $10; registration required.

St. Vincent Ferrer Feast Day: Crozet Apr 14-15

Charlottesville Gem, Mineral and Jewlery Show - Spring and Fall Shows: Charlottesville Apr 20-21

April 20-22 & November 9-11, 2007 Charlottesville Gem, Mineral & Jewlery Show - Spring & Fall Shows Friday & Saturday = 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday = 11 a.m.-5p.m. (540) 384-6047. Repairs and custom work while you wait. Mineral & fossil dealers. National Guard Armory - 1640 Avon Street Ext. - Charlottesville, VA

Mystery Wine Tasting: Barboursville Apr 21-22

We will have 4 flights of wine. One of our wines will be in each flight. We will give you a list of all wines tasted, but not in the correct order. Try to guess where each wine comes from.

Lynn Richmond Memorial Lecture: Renewing America's Food Traditions: Charlottesville Apr 21

Gary Nabhan, author and director of the Center for Sustainable Environments, will discuss regional food and what it means for the future of America. Jefferson Library. $5.

Charlottesville Gem, Mineral and Jewlery Show - Spring and Fall Shows: Charlottesville Apr 22

Wintergreen Performing Arts at the Foxfield Races: Charlottesville Apr 28

Oakencroft Bud Break Celebration: Charlottesville May 5

Oakencroft Bud Break Celebration - Spring is arriving in Charlottesville. The vineyard is starting to come alive after a long cold winter. Visit Oakencroft Winery, the closest winery to Charlottesville and The University of Virginia and enjoy tours, tastings, walks to the vineyard, picnic by the lake, light fare and LIVE MUSIC.

Oakencroft Winery Spring Fling: Charlottesville May 28

Oakencroft Winery welcomes summer with wine tastings from their award winning selection of great Virginia wines. Tours, walk to the vineyard, light fare and live music. Bring a picnic, bring a chair, relax and enjoy a day of fun surrounded by the beautiful countryside of Charlottesville. Closest winery to Charlottesville and The University of Virginia.

Pig Roast at First Colony Winery - 5th Annual: Charlottesville Jun 16

Experience an authenic Pig Roast in the heart of Virginia wine country. Enjoy tractor driven hayrides through the vineyard, live music, wine tasting and tours. Come early to "mop the hog".

Pink Ribbon Polo Classic at King Family Vineyards: Crozet Jun 16

Bring the family and enjoy an afternoon of polo! 100% of ticket sales benefit breast cancer research! Call for ticket information.

Monticello Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony: Charlottesville Jul 4

The 43nd annual July 4 event on the West Lawn of Monticello will include remarks by a noted speaker, patriotic music by the Charlottesville Municipal Band, and the taking of the oath of U.S. citizenship by people from countries around the world. Free; admission required for house tours.

Red, White and Listen to The Blues: Charlottesville Jul 4

Tastings of our award winning wines, tours of the winery, light fare, live music. Closest winery to Charlottesville and The University of Virginia. Bring a picnic, bring a chair, relax and enjoy.

Red, Whites, and the Blue Ridge: Crozet Jul 4

Bring the family to King Family Vineyards' third annual "Reds, Whites and the Blue Ridge" in Crozet, VA. Pack your chairs and a picnic and enjoy live Bluegrass music by "Willow Branch." Admission is $5/person. Children under the age of 10 are admitted free of charge.

Wine and Glass Comparative Tasting - 8th Annual: Barboursville Jul 14-15

Taste our wine with 4 different wine glasses to compare the differences in aromas and flavor in each glass. See for yourself what a difference a proper wine glass can make.

Fete de la Bastille Dinner at Jefferson Vineyards: Charlottesville Jul 14

Jefferson Vineyards opens the winery doors for an unparalled evening of food and wine, with a formal five-course meal prepared by one of the region's top chefs. Seven wines will be paired to compliment the cuisine. This rare opportunity comes just once a year and allows a select few to enjoy an intimate dinner with the owners and staff of one of the East Coast's premier small wineries.

Oakencroft Tomato/Salsa Fest: Charlottesville Jul 28

Tastings of Oakencroft award winning wines. Tours of the winery, walk to the vineyards and enjoy the beautiful views. Closest winery to Charlottesville and The University of Virginia. Light fare and live music. Bring a picnic, bring a chair, relax and enjoy the beautiful Charlottesvile countryside.

Cabernet Sauvignon Vertical Tasting: Barboursville Aug 4-5

Bluegrass Festival at First Colony Winery: Charlottesville Aug 4

Spend a day in the country that will never forget. Live Bluegrass by Hound Dog Hill Boys, authentic Southern cuisine, and award winning wine. Reservations required.

Peach Ice Cream Days at Chiles Peach Orchard: Crozet Aug 4-5

Peach Ice Cream Days at Chiles Peach Orchard One weekend only! Enjoy an old-fashioned treat - fresh homemade peach ice cream!! Come pick your own peaches, or choose from freshly picked varieties - white peaches and nectarines too! Cool off with some delicious peach ice cream. Come early - this is always a sell-out! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (434) 823-1583. E-mail: . Website: .

Music, Music, Music Oakencroft Harvest Music Festival: Charlottesville Sep 2-3

Music, Music, Music! Oakencroft Harvest Music Festival. The grapes are ripening, harvest is starting and Oakencroft is celebrating. Closest winery to Charlottesville and The University of Virginia. Featuring tastings of our award winning wines, tours, light fare, music. Bring a chair or blanket and spend the day.

Harvestfest at First Colony Winery: Charlottesville Sep 8

Have you ever dreamed of being in the "I Love Lucy grape stomping skit"? Come to First Colony Winery to stomp on grapes, watch winemaking in action, taste wine, enjoy the beauty of the "weingarten" and eat traditional German food.

Jefferson Vineyards Harvest Feast: Charlottesville Sep 29

Jefferson Vineyards celebrates our 26th harvest with a gourmet pig roast, fresh farm vegetables and salads, reserve wine tasting, a walking tour of the vineyard & winery and the fantastic folk music of Albemarle County's own Ms. Terri Allard. Spend the afternoon relaxing with family and friends and enjoying the first cool breezes of Fall.

Fall Foliage Celebration: Charlottesville Oct 6-7

Oakencroft Winery is the closest winery to Charlottesville and The University of Virginia. October is a lovely time of year to visit with the color scheme of fall all around. Oakencroft's Fall Foliage Celebration is a wonderful time to taste great wines and enjoy the beautiful countryside of Charlottesville.

Apple Harvest Festival at Carter Mountain Orchard: Charlottesville Oct 6-7

Art in the Vineyard Festival: Crozet Oct 13-14

Charlottesville Gem, Mineral and Jewlery Show - Spring and Fall Shows: Charlottesville Nov 9-10

Blessing of the Hounds Service at Grace Episcopal Church: Keswick Nov 22

Thanksgiving Open House at Burnley Vineyards: Barboursville Nov 23-25

Tasting new releases including Cabernet Sauvignon and Hot Mulled Wine (Spicy Rivanna). Items to nibble will be available Free Admission.

Holiday/Christmas Open House: Barboursville Dec 1-2

Tasting new releases including Riesling and Hot Mulled Wine (Spicy Rivanna). Items to nibble will be available Free Admission.

Oakencroft Holiday Open House: Charlottesville Dec 8-9

The holiday season is approaching and Oakencroft wines make a great holiday gift. We offer the opportunity to avoid the crowds and sample some of Virginia's best wines while doing your shopping. Snacks will be available and we will offer special holiday discounts. Oakencroft is the closest winery to Charlottesville and The University of Virginia.