The first two weekends of October have a certain aura about them. On the one hand, it signals fall is upon us, winter is right around the corner and the days are growing shorter. On the other hand, it is full of opportunity: typically fine weather and one last gasp of calm before the hectic pace of the holidays takes hold.
The first couple weeks of this month also sit at another crossroads. Area wine events are kicking into high gear just as Oktoberfest is winding down.
October happens to be Virginia Wine Month, according to the Virginia Tourism Corp. Events this weekend include the Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at Mount Vernon, Art, Wine and All that Jazz in Lorton, the Fredericskburg Area Wine Festival and the Ninth Annual Norton Wine and Bluegrass Festival at Chrysalis Vineyards in Middleburg.
Friday and Saturday evening at the Mount Vernon event have sold out, but tickets still remain for Sunday. Officials with Mount Vernon estimate 1,500 people will attend each night.
“This is one of our most popular events of the year,” said Melissa Wood, media relations manager for Mount Vernon. “Who can pass up having a glass of wine with George and Martha Washington?”
The Chrysalis event is a celebration of Virginia’s Norton grape, and all things American as well.
“We are the leader in this industry in the restoration of Norton,” said Hump Astorga, director of hospitality and culinary operations for Chrysalis Vineyards. Astorga added that he expects more than 3,000 people to attend this year’s event.
Next weekend (Oct. 10-11) features the Alexandria Virginia Food and Wine Festival, and many Virginia wineries are celebrating Wine Month with events throughout October. These include a movie night Oct. 16 at the Winery at La Grange, and Chateau O’Brien is offering an opportunity to win a week at a beach house.
Beer drinkers shouldn’t feel left out, as two excellent Oktoberfests remain. The first is this weekend with the Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest in Shirlington, hosted by the Capitol City Brewing Co. There will be about 40 different brewers, as well as food and live entertainment. The event is free, and a wrist band gets you 10 beer tickets for $25. Reston is also hosts an Oktoberfest Oct. 9-10.
“We’ve been lucky enough to expand the [Mid-Atlantic Oktoberfest] festival with the expansion of Shirlington,” said Mike McCarthy, director of brewing operations for Capitol City. “It’s grown and grown.
“It’s kind of a last run for a safe bet with the weather,” McCarthy added.
