https://ballymenachamber.co.uk/?p=f817hn7q According to the calendar, spring has sprung; however, this past weekend challenged this wisdom. It was rainy and very cool with sweaters and umbrellas very much the fashion order of the day. However, Chrysalis Vineyards‘ Smooth Jazz Festival warmed things up a bit with music, food and wine. We attended this event and experienced newer releases, grilled fare, and hot jazz!

https://www.tomolpack.com/2025/03/11/va8yftwzsx As we darted through a steady rain to reach the tasting room from the parking lot, we could hear the Matthew Grason band and its urban jazz/rhythm and blues selections. We were greeted by Chef Hump Astorga who had remembered us from a previous visit with Jennifer McCloud. Hump invited us to visit the tasting table before indulging in lunch, and we took his advice. The outdoor tasting tables offered nine wines to sample including the newly released 2005 Chardonnay Reserve. Also on the list was the highly acclaimed 2005 Viognier as well as the popular 2006 Sarah’s Patio Red and the seductive 2003 Norton Locksley Reserve.

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https://hazenfoundation.org/vkb11fuk6 Of course, we like to award our gold stars to personal favorites. Warren’s gold star was given to the 2005 Viognier with its rich body, floral notes, and peachy flavors. Virginia’s wineries lead the pack with this varietal, and Chrysalis’ treatment is hard to beat. Don’t miss the Chardonnay Reserve if you prefer bolder whites done in the California style! Paul’s fave was the 2003 Norton Estate with its berry/cherry and dry fruit flavors. Barbeque season is around the corner, and the 2003 Norton Estate would pair quite nicely with anything on the barby! If in need of a patio quaffer, try the 2004 Mariposa or Sarah’s Patio White, the latter done in a Riesling style. If pizza is on the menu then Sarah’s Patio Red is a no-brainer.

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https://www.emilymunday.co.uk/1xa8rkv After we finished our tasting, we enjoyed roast beef sandwiches prepared from the grill, cheeses with baguette, and a glass of the 2003 Norton Estate. As we settled at a table for lunch, the Matthew Grason band transitioned to a jazz/funk improvisation that had Paul dancing in his seat! The rain continued, but we enjoyed our lunch with the 2003 Norton Estate. Of course, we will return to Chrysalis Vineyards, but we know that our readers will be visiting even sooner—be sure to tell Jennifer McCloud and the helpful staff at Chrysalis Vineyards that Virginia Wine Time sent you!

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