#4 Fresh Wine, Turkey Time (almost)
Hello
And welcome new readers!
Apologies for the brief hiatus as we worked to get our WINTER ISSUE sent to the printer. You may have seen memes, articles or national headlines about shipping delays this season, and the print world is no exception. Our winter issue was delayed a few weeks but will be here soon!
We’ll let you know as soon as the winter issue arrives and in the meantime, here’s what happening down in the valley:
Events & Openings:
Beaujolais Nouveau
Celebrations abound this time of year, and this week is no exception! 11/18 is Beaujolais Nouveau Day! What-the-what? This day is a time-honored tradition in France and is now celebrated throughout the U.S. and even here in Virginia. Always occurring on the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau Day marks the end of the harvest season with—what else— wine! Beaujolais Nouveau must be made with 100% Gamay grapes that undergo whole cluster fermentation (carbonic maceration). This process results in a light, fresh, fruit-forward red wine that is best served chilled and consumed quickly. It also happens to be a fantastic wine to pair with your Thanksgiving feast! Luckily, we have a fantastic winery right in our region producing some world class Beaujolais-style wine.
Ankida Ridge Vineyards, located in Amherst County, grows their own Gamay Noir grapes and this weekend will host a Gamay Nouveau celebration! Enjoy the spectacular views, a bottle of their delicious wine, and toast the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the holidays. *Reservations are strongly encouraged*
Chiswell Farm & Winery
Many of you may be familiar with Chiles Orchard in Crozet, VA. For over 100 years they have been growing grapes for some of our areas top wine producers. Last weekend, they opened the doors of their own winery, Chiswell Farm & Winery. Offering varietals such as Petit Manseg, Cabernet, and even a sparkling Chardonnay you can visit them year-round, Wednesday-Sunday from 11am-5:30pm.
Turkey Time
If you’re like me, you might make grand plans to buy your turkey well in advance and then somehow it is a week before the big meal. Panic may set in as you realize you are supposed to supply the bird —relatives are counting on you — and many local shops have completely sold out. Restoration Acres Farm in Bedford county still has birds! Turkeys that is. Fellow procrastinators can purchase a turkey here (and your relatives will be none the wiser).
What We’re Listening To
A podcast made its way to me this week and I can’t get enough of it. Off Menu, hosted by James Acaster and Ed Gamble is funny, delightful and is all about food. Acaster and Gamble invite guests to their magical restaurant and they order their favorite starters, mains and desserts and reminisce about dream meals, special ingredients and generally just have some fun.
What We’re Cooking
We had a cold snap this past weekend that coincided with harvesting the last of the leeks. Looking for an easy Sunday supper dish that would warm us up, I made an adaptation of Bon Appetit’s Upside Down Caramelized Leek Tart. This easy, one-dish recipe feels indulgent, yet light, packs a bit of a punch with the dijon mustard and paired with a soup or salad (as we did) makes a great addition to any meal (it’s also excellent as leftovers for breakfast!).
In Our Shopping Carts
No, it’s not vegetables, it’s a book! The Sweet Side of Sourdough, by Caroline Schiff will be available for purchase November 30th! Schiff is currently the Pastry Chef at recently reopened Gage & Tollner in NYC and has been whipping up desserts since she was a child (full disclosure, we did work together in another life, so I can vouch for her desserts!). This is the perfect gift for anyone that hopped on the sourdough wagon during lockdown and hasn’t looked back.
Poem of the WeeK
Thanks for reading! Until next time,
Eat Well,
Lisa