Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival

f three days. The Monticello Wine Trail Festival is a partnership between the Jeffersonian Wine Grape Growers Society, nTelos Wireless Pavilion and the Jefferson Theater. In addition to our presenting sponsor, Mercedes-Benz of Charlottesville other key sponsors and event partners include Bank of the James and Keller & George jewelers. The Monticello Wine Trail is a not-for-profit organization that exists to promote and encourage cooperation among the various award-winning Central Virginia wineries, which have helped the state’s ranking as the 5th largest wine producer in the nation. The festival has grown into a 3-day event with various wine-focused programming.

“The Monticello Wine Trail Festival is a great recognition of Central Virginia wines, and we look forward to another year of celebrating all they have to offer within the local community and the region as a whole,” says Monticello Wine Trail President Jake Busching. The festival’s Monticello Cup Awards keynote speaker will be Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntyre, named by Meininger’s Wine Business International and Worth magazine as one of the most influential U.S. He continues to write for Dave McIntyre’s WineLine and is co-founder of Drink Local Wine, an organization and website that highlights writing about wines from “The Other 47” states. Among other publications, McIntyre has written for Wine Enthusiast and Sommelier Journal, and has been honored by The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association with its two highest awards for his contribution to wine appreciation. The Monticello Wine Trail Festival will feature more than 25 participating regional wineries and vineyards, including*:

· Afton Mountain Vineyards
· Barboursville Vineyards
· Blenheim Vineyards
· Burnley Vineyards
· Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery
· Chestnut Oak Vineyard
· Delfosse Vineyards & Winery
· Democracy Vineyards
· Early Mountain Vineyards
· First Colony Winery
· Flying Fox Vineyards
· Gabriele Rausse Winery
· Glass House Winery
· Grace Estate Winery
· Jefferson Vineyards
· Keswick Vineyards
· Kilaurwen Vineyards
· King Family Vineyards
· Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery
· Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
· Reynard Florence Vineyard
· Stinson Vineyards
· Stone Mountain Vineyards
· Trump Winery
· Veritas Vineyard &Winery

Special VIP packages include parking, Limited Edition VIP laminate, early access to the festival VIP area, exclusive heavy hors d'oeuvres provided by C&O Restaurant, opportunity to sample select wines not available to general public and a chance to mingle with wine-makers. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged, as there will be designated areas for picnicking. Please visit our website for more information, event updates and to purchase tickets: monticellowinetrailfestival.com

Proceeds benefit Jeffersonian Wine Grape Grower's Society. Special thanks to our sponsors: Brown Mercedes-Benz – NewsRadio 1070

*Vineyards subject to change.