News for June 2007

"Wine is wont to show the mind of man."

-- Theognis, 6th century B.C. Greek poet

Our Tastings and Wine Dinners [more]

LFCC & NVCC: Economics of Managing a Winery, $59 June 2, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Our Barrel Room (Links Show Classes at Other Wineries) Reservations: 540-868-7021		Summer in Provence Winemaker's Dinner, $89, menu June 2nd, 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Our Barrel Room Reservations: 540-347-3475 or Email

Honor All Fathers and Grandfathers June 17th, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Our Tasting Room Reservations (10+ Guests): 540-347-3475 or Email		3rd Manassas Wine and Jazz Festival, $20 (21 & Over) June 17th, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Harris Pavilion, Manassas, VA Questions: 703-361-9800

Independence Day, Donation to Rachel Carson Council July 4th, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Our Tasting Room & Vineyard Reservations (10+ Guests): 540-347-3475 or Email		Every Dog Has Its Day, Donations to SPCA July 14th & 15th, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Our Tasting Room & Vineyard Reservations (10+ Guests): 540-347-3475 or Email

4th Anniversary of Pearmund Cellars Winery Grand Opening June 30th through July 8th, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Our Tasting Room & Vineyard Reservations (10+ Guests): 540-347-3475 or Email

Our Products

Pearmund Cellars has been working hard to unveil a well-kept secret: Virginia wines can stand up to wines from California, France, Italy, and other esteemed wine-growing regions! Our latest efforts have included submitting our best wines to international wine competitions. Recently, our 2005 Ameritage Reserve won a gold medal at the Finger Lakes Competition, and our 2005 Petit Verdot won a silver medal at the Dallas Wine Competition. Come to the winery to taste our 2006 vintages and judge for yourself.

Luckily, it is not a secret that families can have a great time with their favorite wine-lover at Pearmund Cellars. There are many tables and chairs available for adults to relax and savor our fine wines while their children play nearby. This month, we have highlighted a few great ways to enjoy the start of summer:

Fathers and Grandfathers Honored at Pearmund Cellars Vineyard Winery

Fathers and Grandfathers Honored at Pearmund Cellars Vineyard Winery

Summer in Provence Winemaker's Dinner: On Saturday, June 2nd, escape to the pleasures of Provence with a gourmet menu that celebrates the beginning of summer. Bring your loved ones to enjoy fabulous wine, imaginative cuisine, and a romantic atmosphere. There are only six places left so call today!

Honor Fathers and Grandfathers: On Father's Day, June 17th, bring your dad and granddad to the winery for a day of casual fun and relaxation. They will receive a special gift from Pearmund Cellars. You can play whiffle ball, frisbee, and other outdoor activities, or just relax with your picnic and favorite bottle of wine.

Relax and Enjoy Summer at Pearmund Cellars

Relax and Enjoy Summer at Pearmund Cellars

Winery Anniversary: From June 30th through July 8th, join us as we celebrate the 4^th anniversary of our grand opening. Taste our classic wines and receive a free commemorative glass while they last.

Independence Day: On July 4th, help us honor our nation's 231^st birthday. Take a tasting tour; enjoy our barbecued chicken, hotdogs, burgers, and corn on the cob; then relax while watching the children enjoy sparklers and lawn games. Tasting and barbeque fees will be exchanged for donations to our nation's oldest ecological foundation: the Rachel Carson Council.

Redmund's Reserve at Pearmund Cellars Vineyard Winery

Every Dog Has Its Day: Redmund wants to make sure that all wine dogs are coming to bask in the sun, frolic between the vines, and chase frisbees on July 14th and 15th. Their owners and friends can come taste his new wine, Redmund's Reserve Red, which honors a wine dog's love of life. However, they must be well mannered, play nicely with others, and clean up after themselves. Redmund will greet everyone, pose for pictures with his favorite artist, Linda Hendrickson, and ask for donations to the SPCA.

Our Process

Mobile Bottling Line at Pearmund Cellars

In the Vineyard: On April 17th, a week later than usual, we had bud break, the event that signals the start of the growing season. Since then new shoots and leaves have been growing rapidly. On May 28th, our blooms started opening, making our vineyard look more and more beautiful every day. Pretty soon, tiny grapes will appear. Come see these changes after your tasting!

In the Winery: On June 28th, we will be bottling Redmund's Reserve Red. Stop by the winery if you would like to watch our mobile bottling team in action. Of course, if you get too close, they may draft you to assist them.

Our People

Because he is retiring, John Brining would like to sell his interest in Pearmund Cellars. The current value of his share is $35,000. If you would like to learn more about this investment, please contact John via winery1222@comcast.net.

Our winemaker, Chris Pearmund, along with his wife, Lisa, and barrel owner Bob Moe, recently returned from pouring our wines at the Virginia Wine Experience in London. Happily, this international tasting changed the minds of some skeptics and educated others who had never tasted Virginia wines. The Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Washington Post interviewed several wine experts who attended including Hugh Johnson and Steven Spurrier.

In fact, Steven Spurier sent the following personal note to Chris soon after the event:

“The Virginia tasting was a real eye-opener for all of us. I had been on a visit (replacing Michael Broadbent, who couldn't make it) about 15 years back and the wines were interesting but quirky to say the least. Now they are mainstream in quality, but refreshingly not mainstream in alcohol. I think all the tasters agreed that Viognier was the real star, then for me Bordeaux blends and then Chardonnay, with a very good Cabernet Franc. Hugh Johnson was as surprised as I was, and we can't wait to go and see it for ourselves. The tasting was arranged by varietals, but the tasting book was arranged alphabetically by wineries, so the only way I can give you a breakdown (quickly for me) is to go through the list and give you my best marked wines out of 20. (For me 17 is a very good mark and 16.5 already very positive indeed.) Included in the preferred wines are:

Petit Verdot 2005 Pearmund Cellars - 16.

Chardonnay 2005 Winery at La Grange - 17.

Viognier 2005 Winery at La Grange - 17.5.

Possibly due to the pleasant surprises in the glass and also to the charm of the people who had made it to London, my marks might be a tad generous, were the wines to be thrown into an international competition, but one thing is clear: they were very good to drink.

Do let me know if you come over to London, and I will let you know if I get to Virginia!
Best wishes, Steven Spurrier MW”

Our Partners & Retailers

Partner: Lord Fairfax Community College and Northern Virginia Community College offer viticulture classes to winery customers and staff. On June 2nd, Chris Pearmund will teach basic economics for “boutique” wineries, including cost structures (capital expense, startup, and operating), revenue sources and pricing, plus a general understanding of the financial returns and profit structures of a small winery.

Wine Store: Don't be fooled by their website which shows only flowers; the Flower Gallery of Manassas, Virginia sells fine wine, gourmet food, unique gifts, chic clothing, garden supplies, etc. They are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by prompt, friendly service. You will be amazing at how many presents you can find for friends who are hard to surprise. It's a fun place to shop for Pearmund Cellars wines!

Pearmund Cellars Wines Tasted at Café Torino

Pearmund Cellars Wines Tasted at Café Torino

Restaurant: Located in Warrenton, Virginia, Café Torino offers the best of both worlds. In the afternoon on Monday through Saturday, it is the best place to have a quick, yet delicious, bistro-style lunch of homemade soups, Italian deli sandwiches, fresh pasta, or meat dishes. In the evenings on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, it offers unpretentious fine dining with candlelight and tablecloths. And, don't forget to order Pearmund Cellars wines and leave room for homemade desserts! No Dirty Dishes rates it four stars from both male and female reviewers.

VA Winery Partner: Fairlea Farm Bed and Breakfast

Inn: Surrounded by spectacular views of Blue Ridge mountains, pastures, and gardens, Fairlea Farm Bed and Breakfast is situated on a working sheep and cattle farm within two blocks of antique shops, art galleries, and the world-famous five-star restaurant. Guests can enjoy Pearmund Cellars wines in beautifully-appointed guest rooms, on the garden terrace, or in the secluded gazebo. Experience warm hospitality, homemade breakfasts, afternoon tea, and a relaxing visit at this six-bedroom fieldstone manor house in wine country.

Our Industry

Vote for Pearmund Cellars as Your Favorite Virginia Winery

Rappahannock Cellars, Gray Ghost Vineyards, and Corcoran Vineyards are catching up to our early lead in the People’s Choice Poll, but we found out that wine lovers can choose daily until August 15th. Please cast your vote again so that Pearmund Cellars can hang their “really big plaque” in our tasting room and prove the loyalty of our customers.

Also, don't forget to use this form to order your Virginia: First in Wine license plate before July 1st.

We appreciate your business and your feedback. What topics would you like to see covered in future newsletters?
Please send your comments to info@pearmundcellars.com, and please forward this newsletter to other wine aficionados.
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