In Theatres June 21st : SOMM

SOMM1“Should set the bar for all films about wine that follow.” – L. Pierce Carson, Napa Valley Register

A first of its kind documentary is hitting theatres and iTunes on Friday, June 21st.   SOMM, a film directed by Jason Wise explores the journey of four dedicated, driven and wine obsessed male friends as they prepare for the grueling exam that qualifies only a select few for the distinction and prestige of becoming a Master Sommelier.

“I cried when my parents died, I cried when my children were born.  The only other time outside of that that I cried was when I passed this exam.”

Think you know a lot about wine?  This documentary will challenge your wine wisdom and question your own knowledge of all things wine.  Since its inception nearly 40 years ago, only 170 people in the world have successfully reached the Master level.

Watch the movie trailer here.

SOMM_Dustin1-1SOMM_DLynn_Proctor-1SOMMSOMM_Italy



photos taken from iTunes Movie Trailer Image Gallery

Topics: Events, In the News, Upcoming Events | Tagged | Leave a comment

GeoBarns – At it Again!

Just under three years ago, the Proprietors of Pippin Hill, Lynn Easton & Dean Andrews entered into a collaboration with George Abetti, the founder of GeoBarns LLC to assist with the design and construct their vision for a Virginia Farm Winery.  The concept was a vineyard and winery Tasting Room restaurant and event venue, drawing on the elements of an authentic Virginia thoroughbred horse barn.  Their collaboration with George on the post and beam construction details, cupolas, custom framing and flow of the space, the hard work and dedication of GeoBarns resulted in what Pippin Hill has become, —  and far exceeding their expectations.

Specializing in the elegant and artistic building of quality barn structures,  GeoBarns LLC was founded by George as a custom building company that utilizes a winning combination of design and execution.  He employs a unique architectural engineering style including basic post and beam design with historically based diagonal framing. Carefully customizing each barn style to meet his clients needs, George’s past clients will testify that he does an absolutely extraordinary job.

And now, George is at it again.  His more recent project was designing a barn for the ACS Silo Vodka Distillery - another great success.  Its “flagship product,” Silo, is a premium vodka made from locally grown vermont grain.

Congratulations from the Pippin Hill team to George and his team, for another project well done!

Photo of Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards – January 2011 – 4 months before opening!

January 2011 - 4 months before opening!

Photos of George’s Latest Project at the Silo Vodka Distillery 

photos taken from GeoBarns LLC Website

Topics: Our History | Tagged | Leave a comment

Chef’s Corner – Let Us Eat More Pippin Hill Lettuce!

When we say we employ a Farm-to-Table approach in our kitchen, we mean it. As a proud participant of Virginia’s Agricultural Tourism Initiative,  we rely on Virginia farmers for seasonal, local produce, but we also head to our own front yard for naturally grown fresh lettuce.

Picnic with us this weekend and check out the ever expanding, bountiful garden here at Pippin Hill! Our newly revamped Spring Menu offers a variety of dishes incorporating our lettuces picked right here on site.  Order the pea tendril salad and crunch into a crisp, refreshing bite of lettuce from our very own garden!  With local strawberries, Caromont Farm’s Chévre, toasted Marcona Almonds & Viognier vinaigrette – this salad is sure to satisfy!  Consider pairing this salad with our newly released summer bubbly, the Sparkling Blanc de Blanc. This delicate and infinitely satisfying wine will add a light fruity finish to an already simple yet elegant salad.

Chef’s Favorite?  Chef Amalia loves creating the perfect summer salad with a bright raspberry, shaved pecorino cheese and a dash of cracked black pepper and sea salt.  Try yours today!

IMG_1015 IMG_1009Andrea Hubbell

Topics: Catering, Charlottesville VA Wine, Chefs Corner, On the Hill, Our Food | Leave a comment

This Sunday: Book Signing with Richard Leahy!

We invite you to Pippin Hill this Sunday, June 9th for a book signing with Richard Leahy, author of Beyond Jefferson’s Vines, from 1-3 PM in the Tasting Room!  Take advantage of this rare opportunity and purchase your signed copy this upcoming Sunday.

Richard G. Leahy has written on Virginia wine since 1986. Now, with his forthcoming title Beyond Jefferson’s Vines, (Sterling Epicure/May 1, 2012) Leahy, regional editor for the Oxford Companion to the Wines of North America, has written the essential book on Virginia wine, covering its history, interviews with the state’s top wine industry members and members of state government, with updates on the latest industry developments.

BeyondJeffersonsVines210

“While Pippin Hill is more elegant, it is just as relaxed and unpretentious.” 

Richard Leahy’s new book delves into the history of Jefferson’s quest to develop the American wine industry and simultaneously explores the current landscape of Virginia vineyards and wineries. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards features prominently in the beginning of the book where Richard offers a rich and descriptive overview of the vision of its owners, as well as the “worthwhile on-site experiences” offered.   He states that for owners Dean & Lynn Andrews, creating memories at their Vineyard is a top priority.  In the closing notes of the chapter, Richard quotes Dean stating, “It’s about creating memories.  We want to be part of their fond memories of wineries in Virginia.”

 

Richard Leahy and Beyond Jefferson’s Vines in the News:

Click here to view Richard Leahy in a TV interview with The Bookman’s Corner.

“Leahy has an encyclopedic knowledge of winemaking along the East Coast, and he uses it to add perspective… it is an engaging discussion of a wine community that is beginning to achieve its potential, by an ardent and knowledgeable champion.”  –Dave McIntyre, The Washington Post, 12/5/12

”There hasn’t been such an informative, in-depth, and interesting discussion of Virginian wine since Thomas Jefferson first planted vines at his beloved Monticello. A great read and practical guide for oenophiles looking to learn more about some of the wonderful wines made on America’s East Coast.” — Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, The World Wine Guys, Entertaining and Lifestyle Editors,Wine Enthusiast magazine

“Richard Leahy masterfully captures the past, present and future of a wine region that has grown dramatically in recent years. Pour yourself a glass of a favorite Virginia wine and follow Leahy as he tastes his way through Virginia wine country. Wine aficionados at all levels who want to know more about this emerging wine region will find Beyond Jefferson’s Vines to be indispensable.” – Warren Richard,www.VirginiaWineTime.com

Topics: Charlottesville VA Wine, Events, In the News, On the Hill, Upcoming Events | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment