>Wine and Words

>This is a litblog, right? So what’s that about wine?

For me, wine and literature are inextricably linked. Not that I drink wine when I write–maybe I should, come to think of it, but I still can’t bring myself to pop the cork at 7am–but I do often have a glass while I read.

Which is all by way of an excuse for reporting that this afternoon I made an enjoyable visit to two Virginia wineries. This was one of two Spring events the Northwestern University Club of Virginia (of which I am in my third and last year as President) is hosting. After the violent storms that moved through the area last night, today we had rain and a sky filled with big, melodramatic clouds. So my drive over the mountain to Crozet (near Charlottesville) was a little gloomy, despite the blooming redbuds and dogwoods. We met first at King Family Vineyards, a smallish winery that produces 3500 cases a year (although they’re expanding). We had a picnic lunch on the patio overlooking the polo grounds, and then had an excellent tour and explanation of the winemaking process, from which I learned a few things I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t know before (which is why I’m not disclosing them here). We then tasted 6 wines, some of which were really excellent. The one that wasn’t, the Meritage, was simply to young to appreciate. Then we drove about 8 miles, through fabulous, hilly, horse country, to White Hall Vineyards, which is a largery winery in an equally stunning setting. At White Hall, the winemaker hosted our tasting and I have to say I lost track of how many wines we tried.

And now its time to start the evening reading . . .

About the author

I am the author of three novels--THE LAST BIRD OF PARADISE, OLIVER'S TRAVELS, and THE SHAMAN OF TURTLE VALLEY--and three story collections--IN AN UNCHARTED COUNTRY, HOUSE OF THE ANCIENTS AND OTHER STORIES, and WHAT THE ZHANG BOYS KNOW, winner of the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Fiction. I am also the co-founder and former editor of Prime Number Magazine and the editor of the award-winning anthology series EVERYWHERE STORIES: SHORT FICTION FROM A SMALL PLANET.

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