The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival

Ages to Perfection

By Pam Prather

                Yes, Virginia, there is a magical place.  It’s the Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival, where you can stroll under sunny skies, enjoy sweeping views of Smith Mountain Lake with its surrounding mountains as a backdrop, and sample delicious wines along the way.

                This is the 16th year of the event and it promises to be the best yet. The celebration of wine, food, music and crafts will be held on Saturday and Sunday, September 25th and 26th at Bernard’s Resort and Conference Center from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine.

                Wine novices and aficionados agree, there is no better place to enjoy favorites or to be adventurous and taste something new than at a wine festival.  The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is a premier example, as it has become one of the most successful showcases for the fast growing wine industry of Virginia.  Last year’s event drew more than 4,000 visitors, and a record-breaking crowd is expected at the 2004 Festival.

                This year, 17 wineries will be represented from all corners of the state, each having a tented area to display and serve everything from their finest to their most affordable wines.  Vintners are passionate about wine and love talking about it, so questions are welcome and discussions are enjoyed.

                The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is known for its friendly, relaxed atmosphere and hospitality.  You can easily find yourself stopping to chat with a wine maker about his latest chardonnay.

                Those participating this year are Hickory Hill Vineyards, Peaks of Otter Winery, Tomahawk Mill Winery, Barboursville Vineyards, Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery, Chateau Morrisette, Cooper Vineyards, First Colony Winery, Horton Cellars Winery, Lake Anna Winery, Loudon Valley Vineyards, Rebec Vineyards, Rockbridge Vineyards, Stonewall Vineyards, Valhalla Vineyards, Villa Appalaccia Winery, Williamsburg Winery Ltd, and Wintergreen Winery.

                Do you enjoy food with wine?  There are many delectable offerings at the Festival, from gourmet to simple fare.

                The Festival is also a wonderful opportunity to browse and purchase handmade goods presented by several area crafters and artisans.

                As you explore all the event has to offer, live music will entertain and, perhaps, detour you down memory lane. Sights and Sounds Studios will present two popular bands known throughout the area, The Kings and Domino.  Their music will be a perfect complement to good wine, good food and fun!

                Mike Ryan, the 2004 Wine Festival Chairman, said, “This event is such a wonderful opportunity to appreciate some of the finer things in life and to experience the beauty of Smith Mountain Lake.”

                The Festival is one of the signature events of the year that supports the efforts of the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce/Partnership, and business sponsorships are an integral part of its success. 

                Vicki Gardner, Executive Director of the Chamber said, “We are very enthusiastic about this year’s Wine Festival and eager to invite the public to experience it.  The event grows better each year. The Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival is indeed a ‘grape weekend’ for all who attend.”

                Advance discount tickets can be obtained by calling the Smith Mountain Lake Chamber of Commerce/Partnership at 800-676-8203 or visiting the web site at www.visitsmithmountainlake.com. A souvenir wine glass will be given to each attendee to commemorate the day.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Westlake Signs & Graphics

GOLD SPONSORS

Aztec Rentals

B99.9 WZBB-FM Radio

Bank of America

Dabareiner & Associates

Fallon’s Restaurant

Mariners Landing

Member One Credit Union

SILVER SPONSORS

Access National Bank

Bridgewater Marina

Leisure Publishing

Paul Monroe/Webster Marine

RE/MAX Lakefront Realty

The Sportsman Restaurant

Turner’s Building Supply

Waterfront Properties

BRONZE SPONSORS

Bedford Bulletin

Brenda’s Pack N Ship

Deborah Beran - RE/MAX Lakefront Realty

Eades & Lower Inc.

Fox Hollow Antiques

Hot Tub Heaven

Mango’s Bar & Grill

Morton Buildings Inc.

Phil Hager Insurance Agency

Raymond James Financial Services

See The Lake Realtors, Inc.

Southern State Electric

Shoprite IGA

The Little Gallery

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

Westlake Turf & Irrigation

Whitehouse Restaurant

Westlake Waterfront Inn