The Shadow
Hot Springs, Va. (VR) – The Omni Homestead Resort, long recognized for its culinary traditions, is celebrating the best Virginia wines in its inaugural Epicurean Classic, presented by Wine & Country Life. Ten of the Commonwealth’s finest wineries will be highlighted during the November 11-12 weekend through a series of ticketed dining events and master’s classes.
“Virginia is a truly remarkable wine destination, and this weekend we honor the hundreds of winemakers who have built this industry and crafted some of the world’s finest wines,” said Mark Spadoni, managing director of The Omni Homestead.
The weekend begins with an exclusive tasting of the 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup Case. This year, more than 100 wineries submitted entries in the competition, which is one of the most stringent in the country. The highest ranking 12 red and white wines compose the Governor’s Cup case, and 50 guests will enjoy a sample of each wine along with Virginia cheeses and charcuterie.
Friday evening, Executive Chef Todd Owen of The Homestead, Executive Chef Tim Moore of Early Mountain Vineyards, Executive Chef Ian Rynecki of Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards and Executive Chef Andy Shipman of Veritas Vineyards and Winery will each prepare a course for a one-of-a-kind Virginia Chef’s Dinner. Winemakers and representatives from Afton Mountain Vineyards, Blenheim Vineyards, DuCard Vineyards, Early Mountain, Horton Vineyards, Michael Shaps Wineworks, Pippin Hill, Rockbridge Winery, Veritas, and Williamsburg Winery will each host a table, with their wines thoughtfully selected to accompany each course. Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to bid on an array of wine and travel packages in a silent auction to benefit Bath County’s Christmas Mother program.
Four master’s classes begin the second day of this oenophile’s dream weekend. Renowned wine experts Bruce Zoecklein and Todd Kliman will present the history of the Norton grape, also known as Virginia’s grape and lead guests through a tasting of the four finalists of The Homestead Norton Cup Challenge. In another session, Patrick Duffeler, Sr., founder of Williamsburg Winery, will offer an insider’s look at the art and science of 40 years of winemaking. Additional sessions will feature Chef Owen sharing his tips, tricks and his favorite recipes for creating memorable holiday menus and the resort’s pastry team demonstrating how to make decadent holiday desserts.
The weekend concludes with a grand Taste of Virginia on Saturday afternoon as some of Virginia’s top culinarians prepare tapas-style cuisine to accompany wine tastings from 10 of the state’s vineyards. From the plate to the glass, the flavors of Virginia will be shared and celebrated while the acoustic duo Scuffletown, regulars on the Virginia winery music scene, perform.
Fred Reno, well-known wine leader and host of the Fine Wine Confidential podcast added, “The caliber of participants, from the winemakers and chefs to the speakers and Norton Cup Challenge judges, is first class, and a rare opportunity for Virginia wine aficionados to experience in one weekend and The Homestead is the perfect setting.”
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit https://wineandcountrylife. com/the-homestead-epicurean- classic/.
