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Wine
Our aim at the South African Food & Wine Festival is to introduce wine lovers to the exceptional character and quality of South African wines. From the icons of South Africa such as Meerlust Rubicon, to lesser known gems like Firefinch Sauvignon Blanc, our selection represents the depth and breadth of South African wines and provides visitors a unique opportunity to sample and purchase wines not readily available in stores.
The wines for the festival are hand-picked by the Grayhaven family. While we choose a few fantastic “everyday wines” we know have a broad appeal, wine-lovers are sure to notice that the sustainability, creativity, and ‘true to terrior” philosophy of Grayhaven as well as our collective passion for quality and uniqueness shine through in the wines we select for you to taste.
So, which wines will we be pouring this year? We’re not telling! We’ll bring back a few old favorites and introduce a new line-up of stellar vintages. Rest assured, there will be Pinotage, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay - all prominent varieties in South Africa.
As always, visitors will also have the opportunity to taste Grayhaven’s wines - including a special release of a Pinotage/Petit Verdot blend we’ve been saving just for the occasion.
Adult Wine Taster Admission tickets include a souvenir festival wine glass to keep and tastings of South African & Grayhaven wines plus tastings of the special festival Sangrias (Lychee and Mango among them.) Visitors may also purchase wines by-the-glass and open bottles to enjoy at the festival. All adult (21 and over) ticket holders (including designated drivers) may purchase wines by the bottle to take home. Discounts are available for case purchases - mix & match cases receive the discount too.
Will the wines be available after the festival? Yes & no... Grayhaven will continue to sell any remaining stock of South African wines (if any) in the tasting room after the festival. Additionally, customers may place 1/2 case and full case orders of South African wine from Grayhaven throughout the year. Grayhaven wines are available year round from the tasting room, at many local wine festivals and Farmers Markets and can be shipped to adults 21 and over in the state of Virginia. Grayhaven wines are not available in stores or restaurants at this time and we do not ship out-of-state..
If you adore something you taste at the festival, please buy it at the festival. Not only does it support our effort to introduce you to South African wines but you just might not be able to find it afterwards.
Wine Tasting Info & Etiquette:
How much wine will I get with my ticket? You will get a sample ‘tasting’ of each of the wines and sangrias served in the wine tent. All wines will be available for purchase by the glass, by the open bottle or by the closed bottle/case to take home.
Our wine tasting crew is trained to pour you a small tasting, there should be enough in your glass to smell and taste the sample of wine. There are a lot of wines to try, the sample should be less than 1/2 ounce each.
If you are not sure about something, you may ask to re-taste a wine. There are always a handful of people, and you know who you are, who like to taste their way through the day without purchasing a glass or bottle of wine. We’re not sure what to say about this other than ‘please don’t’ and don’t be surprised if our staff stops serving you at some point. Wines by the glass are reasonably priced and are in most cases less than what you would pay for the same wine at a restaurant.
My husband does not drink wine, is it ok to bring beer if he keeps it in a brown paper bag? No. Sorry, we have been battling to get beer here for the event for many years. Not only is it cost prohibitive to bring in SA beer but it cannot be done under the winery’s ABC license. Check back - beer might still be a possibility for this year. Bringing outside alcohol of any kind, concealed or otherwise, is a serious violation of our ABC license. Plain clothes ABC agents regularly inspect wine festivals and have every right to inspect coolers, etc.. If you are spotted by an agent, you, along with us, will end up with a large fine and a day in court. If you don’t drink wine, please support our vendors and try out the wonderful iced teas, sodas and water.
My son is 18, can he taste wine with me since I’m his parent? Nooooo. This can be confusing because of VA laws. We confess we know very little about the 18 year old w/ Parent law but we know this for sure - that law does not apply to public property and does not apply to any property, such as Grayhaven, which holds an ABC license. The intent of that particular law is to remove the possibility of a parent going to jail for giving their 18, 19, or 20 year old a sip of wine at home on private property. So, please don’t give your underage child even a sip of your wine at the festival. Regardless of the State’s laws, Grayhaven strictly prohibits the consumption of it’s wine by minors - anywhere, anytime, even at your house. Our staff will not sell you wine if they believe you will make it available to a minor off-site.
We care about your safety!
We encourage all of our guests to arrange for a designated driver. Designated drivers who are 21 and older can still purchase closed bottles of wine to take home - they’ll just have to take your word for it when it comes to which wine to buy. Please remember that when it’s hot outside, two glasses of wine might hit you like four. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, grab some good eats and get up and walk around from time to time. Our staff is more concerned about your safety than selling you another bottle of wine, they will not serve or sell wine to anyone who appears to have had too much to drink.
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