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| · May 15, 2003 · |
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· Keswick Hall AT MONTICELLO Celebrates The Grape Virginia's Luscious Vintages to Star in Weekend PackageCHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - In this land that Thomas Jefferson cultivated so lovingly, an amazing array of fine wines are now being produced at a quality high enough and quantities sufficient enough to entice wine lovers to consider new allegiances to the Mid-Atlantic vineyards. To best showcase the Virginia states burgeoning wine culture, and the bountiful beauty of the Charlottesville area, Keswick Hall has bottled it all in a two night Virginia Wine Escape Package. The package combines exquisite accommodations at the 48-room Keswick Hall, wine tasting, a guided vineyard tour including meeting with the wine-masters and Vineyard owners, a gourmet picnic set amidst the vines, extravagant dinners and evenings sitting on the piazza overlooking the private fairways of the estate while the palate muses over one of the neighbor's star vintages. This special Virginia Wine experience begins on arrival when guests receive a tour of the Hall and temporary membership to Keswick Club so they can indulge in golf, tennis, or spa offerings of the private club during their stay. Registration is completed in-suite while enjoying a complimentary bottle of Barboursville sparkling wine and a selection of hors d'ouevres. Dinner on the first evening will be enjoyed at the Club or at the Hall, in Keswick's quietly elegant dining room. There will be a wine-tasting selection of carefully chosen local wines to be paired with various foods. The next morning is greeted with a Virginia Country Breakfast (in-room or in the dining room), followed by a morning tour of the Award Winning Barboursville Winery. At noon, enjoy lunch at the well-loved Palladio Restaurant, or a gourmet picnic set amidst the vineyards and historic ruins. Sumptuous afternoon tea will commence back at Keswick or take in one of the other highly regarded Vineyards. At 6 p.m. join Sommelier Richard Hewitt for a casual wine class followed by a blind tasting. Guests will then enjoy a five-course menu at the Hall, prepared by Executive Chef Bruce MacLeod to celebrate the nuances of the grapes and the bounty of the region. The second day of the wine escape starts with breakfast and a free morning enjoying the offerings of Keswick Club or simply wandering the 600 acre estate at leisure before being bid adieu with a special memento of their Barboursville and Keswick Hall wine experience. Guests partaking in the Virginia Wine Escape will automatically be given a late check-out (availability permitting). Packages are available year round and start at $890 (includes two nights luxury accommodation (double occupancy), breakfasts, afternoon teas, one night's dinner (food only) at the Hall, welcome gifts and wine tasting for two people. Price does not include tax and gratuity. For oenophiles wanting to participate in the much anticipated 2003 Virginia wine harvest in the fall, Keswick Hall invites you to explore this exciting time of the year when the sun-ripened grapes begin their metamorphosis into a rich, multi-hued libation. Visit during Harvest season and book the Virginia Wine Experience package or let our luxury travel managers build a custom itinerary that includes some of the exciting harvest events. More than 25 vineyards are in the Monticello (Central Virginia) wine region, from the award winning Barboursville Vineyards to the newly opened Kluge Estate. Wine lovers can savor numerous varietals while enjoying a variety of events that combine wine tastings with grape stomping, local music, arts, food tastings, hot air balloon festivals and the breathtaking fall foliage. For a full list of events visit www.virginiawines.org. Rates during the fall harvest season start at $345 per night. A prime example of Italianate architecture, the golden hued Keswick Hall at Monticello is set amid an Eden-like setting of both formal and informal gardens on Keswick Estate. With 600-acres of lush Virginia countryside, the 48-room Keswick Hall and Keswick Club feature a private 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course, three pools, six tennis courts, a fitness center complete with spa, and a fine dining and club house restaurant. Originally built as a private home in 1912, Keswick Hall provides a country estate experience, with cozy public spaces, plush furnishings, and wood burning fireplaces throughout. Individually decorated guestrooms feature collections of French and English antiques, with butler style service as an accompaniment. The dining room at Keswick Hall, under the direction of Chef Bruce MacLeod provides one of the finest dining experiences in the area along with an extensive wine list. Additional amenities include a private helipad and hot air balloon expeditions of the estate and area vineyards. Accolades for Keswick Hall include Conde Nast Traveler's "Gold List - The World's Best Places to Stay", Travel + Leisure's "Top Hotel Reader's Choice Awards," and Andrew Harper's "Top 20 US Resort Hideaways". For more information visit www.keswick.com or 1-800-274-5391. Virginia Wine Facts
Media Contact: Audra Poole 407-599-9935 cr8poole@cfl.rr.com |
| Produced by Judi Janofsky, Rich Steck and the Golf Press Association |