So your calendar did not mesh for the first food and wine seasonal culinary event for Barboursville Vineyard. Time to pull out all the stops and see what you can arrange. The first program, matching Patrick O’Connell’s, chef extraordinaire from The Inn at Little Washington, cuisine with the beauty of spectacular pours from Barboursville provided a standing ovation from the 100 or so guests who had happily enjoyed a four-course pairing luncheon.

Now you need to look forward to the next big event that pairs Palladio’s executive chef Melissa Close with her mentor, chef Frank Stitt from Birmingham’s Bottega Restaurant.  If June does not work out for you, consider a late September program, the annual Italian Harvest Feast, with chef Cesare Lanfranconi of DC’s Spezie Restaurant. The other annual event which now spans two days of celebrations is the collaboration of chef Craig Hartman, of Keswick Halls’ Fossett’s Restaurant, and Melissa as they celebrate the annual Truffle Feast, November 13 and 14.

Yes, there are other opportunities (see complete event calendar) to indulge with the bounty from the vineyards and the foods from the master chefs. If time is precious, take a cooking class or schedule a dinner at Palladio: So many delicious choices. Judging by the enthusiasm from those in the Tasting Room and from the luncheon diners, the spectacular pairing of food and wine has found a true home in Orange, VA.