The Black Dog Blog

Chateau Morrisette's Vin Gris featured in Savor Virginia Magazine

Read Nisa Cochran's article on line at Savor Virginia Magazine.

Chateau Morrisette in Floyd, Va. is one of the oldest and largest wineries in the state, first opening in 1978 and attracting wine and food lovers ever since. The winery produces more than 75,000 cases of quality wine a year, distributes to nine states and overseas and offers an AAA Four Diamond restaurant with scenic views.

Chateau Morrisette’s Vin Gris is a beautiful summer wine made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Chambourcin. Vin Gris is made through a method known as saignée, which translates in French to “bleeding” as the red wine gets all of its color and most of its flavor from contact with the skins during fermentation. To concentrate flavor, aroma and color in their red wines, Chateau Morrisette increases the amount of skins in their tanks while “bleeding” off the rose-colored juice.

Vin Gris is best served chilled and pairs well with cheese-based dishes, with tasting notes of raspberry, peach and strawberries with a crisp and fruity finish. It’s an enjoyable wine ideal for sipping on during summer days. For a perfect pairing, try the Vin Gris with this Apple Butter, Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese Recipe:

Apple Butter, Bacon and Brie Grilled Cheese

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

2 thick slices artisan white bread

2 thin slices Brie cheese, rind cut off

2 slices bacon, cooked

1 tablespoon apple butter

Butter, as needed

Instructions

Cook bacon till crispy, and then set aside.

Butter one side of each slice of bread.

In a large pan, place one slice of bread, butter side down. Top with apple butter, brie cheese and cooked bacon. Then, top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.

Over medium heat, cook for about 2½ minutes on each side of the sandwich, until bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

Serve with a glass of Chateau Morrisette Vin Gris Dry Rosé.

Jun 23, 2017 at 8:54 AM Permalink

Washington, DC Commuters Discover Chateau Morrisette

The May/June issue of @Livemore magazine features an article about Chateau Morrisette and why DC and Northern Virginia commuters should visit us here in Southwestern Virginia.  To see the complete article, click here: READ CHATEAU MORRISETTE ARTICLE

Chateau Morrisette is located along the Crest of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains at milepost 171.5 of the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway.  Just an hour off I-81 (exit 114), Chateau Morrisette Winery is open daily for cellar tours, wine tastings and shopping.  Wine educators will entertain and educate you about the diverse selection of Chateau Morrisette wines, from dry varietals to sweet blends, along with four very popular fruit wines.  Tastings last about 20 minutes and cost $10 per adult. Cellar tours are offered at specific times throughout the day.

Guests visiting Wednesday through Sunday can enjoy locally sourced, contemporary Appalachian cuisine at the Chateau Morrisette Restaurant, located adjacent to the winery.  Ranked by Open Table as having one of the top 100 restaurant views in America, the Chateau Restaurant offers casual fine dining in a rustically elegant setting.  Terrace dining is available when weather permits, and during the cooler months, there are three wood-burning fireplaces for an even more romantic dining experience.  Executive Chef Mitchell Sheppard changes the menu seasonally to take advantage of the fresh produce grown on the estate and by a local network of farmers.  The current menu consists of grass fed beef, Virginia and North Carolina seafood, poultry, pork and dairy from nearby farms; each course comes with a suggested wine pairing.

Looking for special events and exciting adventures?  Chateau Morrisette is well known for its wine dinners, summer music festivals, outdoor recreation events, and more.  From June through October, there are free concerts every Sunday on the winery courtyard, with a featured jazz band every first Sunday.  Over Memorial Day Weekend, a limited number of guests will enjoy dinner with the winemaker, along with a special menu designed by Chef to showcase the very best Chateau

Morrisette wines.  In July, the Black Dog Summer Music Festival features Americana Music.  Beth McKee delivers fiery-sweet, deep southern grooves, and Austin soul ensemble Mingo Fishtrap heats up the dance field with horn-driven rhythm.  Beach Music comes to the mountains in August for the Black Dog Beach Music Festival.  Steve Owens and Summertime open the festival, with the Dancing Chicken Band at mid-day, and an afternoon performance from Carolina Beach Music legends the Entertainers.    In September, guests have an opportunity to work in the vineyard and make some wine for a half day, spend some time with plein aire painters, or have an early Oktoberfest with the Wine, Beer and Brats festival.  There is always a good time to be had at Chateau Morrisette.

When the summer humidity along the Potomac becomes oppressive, a visit to Chateau Morrisette and Floyd County, Virginia is just the ticket to beat the heat.  While in the area, don’t miss the world famous Friday night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store, or stop by and sample some moonshine at Five Mile Mountain Distillery, craft beer at Buffalo Mountain Brewing, cider at Foggy Ridge, or even meade at Black Snake Meadery, all located within minutes of Chateau Morrisette.  Hiking, rafting and other outdoor adventures are available nearby.  Lodging packages are available on the website and include mountain cabins, quaint bed and breakfast inns, hotels, and cottages.  For more information, visit www.thedogs.com.

Jun 6, 2017 at 12:08 PM Permalink

Sunday Sounds Returns to the Winery Courtyard!

The first Sunday Sounds of 2017 drew a lovely, lively crowd, with guitarist Lew Woodall's jazz ensemble bringing in our live music season season in smooth style. Join us every Sunday June through October, from 1p - 4p on the winery courtyard - admission is free! We recommend bringing seating in case the dance tent is full.

Daytime Blue Ridge previewed the Sunday Sounds season with Chico and the Willies. Check out the full Sunday Sounds performer calendar and savor every drop of the weekend with us!

Jun 5, 2017 at 8:11 AM Permalink

Spring Refresher

As spring heats up, come cool down with us! Chateau Morrisette is located above 3400 feet of elevation on the crest of the Blue Ridge. Often ten degrees cooler than surrounding low lying areas like Roanoke, Christiansburg, or the Greensboro Triad, and with a lovely mountain breeze, our courtyard makes a perfect highland retreat to enjoy a bottle of wine with friends!

 

A post shared by Chateau Morrisette Winery (@ourdogblue) on May 15, 2017 at 11:32am PDT

May 16, 2017 at 9:31 AM Permalink

Spring Open House and Wine Sale

Jason Crolley, Chateau Morrisette's Lab Lead (that's chemistry lab, not tail-wagging lab), shared tasting notes on fresh vintage white wines with Daytime Blue Ridge's Brittany Flowers. Join our Spring Open House April 29-30, with complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine tastings, live music each day, and the grand finale of our Spring Wine Sale, running April 14-30, offering 20% off all bottles and 30% off all cases.

Apr 20, 2017 at 1:20 PM Permalink

Spring Summer Events Press Release Goes out over PR Newswire

Chateau Morrisette Winery Announces Spring and Summer 2017 Events

Floyd, V.A., April 4, 2017 – Located along Virginia’s scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Chateau Morrisette Winery announces fresh seasonal events, including Discovery Lunches, dog-friendly baseball in partnership with the Salem Red Sox and yoga at the winery. Annual favorites, such as the Spring Open House, Winemaker’s Dinner, Sunday Sounds and the highly-anticipated Americana and beach music festivals round out the offering.

What’s New at Chateau Morrisette Winery

Updog Yoga at the Vineyard, April 22, 2017, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Enjoy yoga with a twist! Updog Wellness and Fitness’ Natalie Johnson leads an all level yoga flow practice with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. Simply meet at the winery. For those 21 and over, a refreshing glass of wine awaits after the session.

Salem Red Sox: Bark in the Park, April 27, June 3 and 14, July 13 and August 12, 2017

As presenting sponsor of Bark in the Park, Chateau Morrisette invites animal lovers to pet-friendly baseball games in Salem, VA. One hundred percent of each pet’s $5 admission is donated to local shelters and SPCAs. In the park’s premium hospitality and picnic areas, enjoy select Chateau Morrisette wines at all home games this season.

Discovery Lunches, May 4, June 1 and July 6, 2017, noon – 2 p.m.

Discover the sumptuous flavors of world cuisine with Discovery Lunches in collaboration with Away to Go travel and featuring presentations from Uniworld River Cruises, SeaDreams Travel and others. Prix fixe mutli-course meals have menus inspired by Africa, Eastern Europe and more. Reservations and pre-payment are required.

Highly-Anticipated Spring and Summer Events

Annual Spring Open House and Wine Sale, April 29 – 30, 2017, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

New this year, enjoy courtesy tractor tours of the vineyard during spring open

house weekend. Visitors will be treated to complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine tastings, live music and 20 percent off bottles and 30 percent off cases of wine.

-more-

Page 2/Chateau Morrisette Winery

Annual Winemaker’s Dinner, May 28, 2017, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The winery’s annual Winemaker’s Dinner at The Restaurant at Chateau Morrisette is hosted by special guest, Winemaker and Enologist Brian Smyth, who will discuss wine pairings and new wines in development. The event includes a delicious prix fixe, multi-course meal with hand-selected wine pairings. Reservations are required.

Sunday Sounds Music Series, June 4, 2017, through October 29, 2017, noon – 4 p.m.

Enjoy award-winning wines, breathtaking views and free eclectic Sunday Sounds music in the courtyard. Jazz music from Lew Woodall, Highlands Jazz and others is featured every first Sunday. Ragtop, Zuzu Welsh Band, Virginia Blue and others round out the diverse lineup.

Crooked Road Homecoming: Whitetop Mountain, June 11, 2017, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

During this special free Sunday Sounds concert in the winery courtyard, Chateau Morrisette Winery joins the Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming by hosting the Whitetop Mountain Band, the internationally-known ambassadors of Appalachian string music.

The Black Dog Americana Music Festival, July 8, 2017, noon to 5 p.m.

Enjoy Beth McKee’s stirring New Orleans rhythm and blues and the riveting brass sounds of Austin soul ensemble Mingo Fishtrap at the Nancy Morrisette Festival Field. During the event, purchase wine or beer, food, art and crafts. Purchase advance discounted tickets online or at regular price at the gate. Admission includes all day wine tastings and entertainment; parking is free.

The Black Dog Beach Music Festival, August 12, 2017, noon to 5 p.m.

Featuring The Entertainers with performances from Steve Owens and Summertime and the Dancing Chicken Band, the annual beach music festival is held at the Nancy Morrisette Festival Field. This Blue Ridge Mountain favorite features wine, beer and food for sale and arts and craft vendors. Purchase advance discounted tickets online or for regular price at the gate.

About Chateau Morrisette

Chateau Morrisette is a picturesque day trip from Roanoke, Charlottesville, Blacksburg, Christiansburg or the Piedmont Triad or a great weekend away from Washington, D.C., Richmond, Hampton Roads, Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte, Knoxville or Charleston, W.V. Wine tastings start at $10 per person. For more information, visit www.thedogs.com, call (540) 593-2865 or follow us on Facebook. 

####

View it on the wire at (http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chateau-morrisette-winery-announces-spring-and-summer-2017-events-300433734.html

Apr 4, 2017 at 6:16 AM Permalink

Easter Lunch April 16, 2017

To satisfy the many families expected to visit Chateau Morrisette this Easter, the culinary team is offering a special three course Easter Lunch served 11am - 4pm. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged. The cost is $45 per person before beverages, tax, and gratuity. For those with an appetite for lighter fare, the chef will offer two à la carte items and a dessert option. See the menu and reserve!

Apr 3, 2017 at 12:59 PM Permalink

Sous Chef's Spring Dream

Executive Sous Chef Ricky Caviness shared his inspiration for part of our Spring Chef's Dinner, coming up March 25, with Daytime Blue Ridge's Natalie Faunce.

Mar 16, 2017 at 1:51 PM Permalink

Chateau Morrisette Offers a Spring Chef's Dinner

On Saturday, March 25, 2017, Chateau Morrisette Restaurant features the talents of Sous Chef, Ricky Caviness at our Spring Chef's Dinner.  The dinner features a set menu of five courses, each paired with a different Chateau Morrisette wine.  The evening begins at 5:30 with a light reception.  Seating will be promptly at 6:00 PM.  Our Sous Chef has planned every detail of the evening's meal, procurring foods from local farms and working with Chateau Morrisette's gardener to ensure estate grown winter micro greens will also be available.  The menu is as follows:

• Smoked fois gras paté, rye croustade, fresh homestead buttermilk cheese, wine gelée, garden lettuces
  Paired with 2016 Vin Gris
• Heritage pork and dried fruit conserve roulade, brussel sprout confetti, Carolina gold rice fritter, estate vinegar gastrique
  Paired with 2014 Chambourcin
• Pecan smoked Sunburst Farms trout, farro verde with plumped golden raisins, guanciale braised Tuscan kale
  Paired with 2014 Chardonnay Reserve
• Whiskey-aged ribeye, sweet potatoes anna, butter braised asparagus, heritage mushroom jus with crispy cippolini
  Paired with 2013 Petit Verdot
• Dark Chocolate Soufflé Tart, ancho marshmallow, brown sugar sticky pecans and sweet potato butter, frozen tangerine parfait, roasted white chocolate, pimenton, vanilla bean and cinnamon sugar churro chip
  Paired with 2012 Heritage

The cost of the meal is $95.00 per person and includes food, wine pairings, taxes and gratuity.  Other wines may be purchased at menu prices.  The dinner lasts approximately 2.5 hours.  Each course is introduced by the Chef.  Seating is limited to 56 guests.  There are no refunds for unused tickets.

Tickets for the evening meal may be purchased in advance on the website www.thedogs.com or by clicking this link - 2017 Spring Chef's Dinner Tickets.

 

Mar 6, 2017 at 12:47 PM Permalink

Mulled Wine Recipe

March 3 is Mulled Wine Day! If you're making a trip to the Tasting Room, we offer a convenient bagged mulling spice blend, but it's easy enough to prepare your own mulling spice at home: 

Combine the cider, wine, honey, cinnamon sticks, zest, juice, cloves and star anise in a large saucepan, bring to a boil and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Pour into mugs, add an orange peel to each and serve.

Celebrate our last chilly days in good health and great spirits!

Feb 24, 2017 at 9:07 AM Permalink