Savor a vertical tasting of one of Valley Road Vineyard's finest red wines – Meritage.

CEO Stan Joynes and Vineyard Consultant Grayson Poats will describe grape sourcing, vineyard conditions, and the inspiration for several vintages of VRV's beloved Meritage wines. Sommelier Alyson Muff will delve into the history of Bordeaux blends, and guide you through an educational and entertaining tasting. Each vintage will be paired with a delectable tasting from Executive Chef Walter Slawski of The Catering Outfit, Charlottesville, designed to complement the particular wine.

This is a rare opportunity to taste a number of VRV’s medal-winning Bordeaux blends, four of which have been placed in our Library and are available only during this special event:

• 2020 Meritage (unreleased)

• 2019 Meritage (Currently served in our tasting room, "SIP")

• 2017 Meritage – Library (2021 and 2022 Virginia Governor’s Cup Silver Medal winner)

• 2016 Meritage – Library (2021 Virginia Governor’s Cup Silver Medal winner)

• 2015 Meritage – Library (2018 and 2019 Virginia Governor's Cup Silver Medal winner)

• 2014 Meritage – Library (2018 and 2019 Virginia Governor's Cup Silver Medal winner)

Featured Pairings by The Catering Outfit

• Edwards Surryano ham, fig mustard, Mahon, house spiced pasta cracker

• House cured duck Prosciutto, Comte Vagne, sour cherry jam, polenta crisp

• House lamb rillette, cornichon, onion jam, papadom

• Rare peppered filet of beef tenderloin, truffled artichoke & fennel tapenade, shaved Pecorino, wood grilled Marie Bette baguette

• Shaved house Biltong, local mixed mushroom pate, Sweet Grass Dairy “Greenhill” Camembert style cheese, pretzel chip

• The Catering Outfit signature vegan chocolate “pot de cream”, Valley Road Meritage poached pear gelee, Point Reyes Bay Blue Cheese & pistachio “truffle”