THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 20, 1996 TAG: 9610200043
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY STEVE STONE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 44 lines
It's a celebration of taste.
While thousands gathered nearby for an exuberant Republican rally, thousands more laid back in Town Point Park on Saturday, preferring to let fine wines rather than political rhetoric pass their lips.
``Invite Mr. Dole over for some good Virginia wine,'' suggested Chris Maddox of Norfolk, noting that the presidential nominee was appearing at Nauticus later in the day. ``A few glasses of this will make him chill out.''
The air was sweet with the smell of Virginia vintages from 25 of the Old Dominion's wineries as the 9th annual Town Point Virginia Wine Festival opened.
Within hours, hundreds of cases had been emptied. But don't fret.
``We're not going to run out of wine,'' promised Robin Evans, the festival's spokeswoman. The event continues today, marking the first time it's been held over two days. ``It's been so enormously popular,'' she explained.
Those partaking of the event can enjoy a variety of foods ranging from crepes to bread pudding in addition to wines such as Chesapeake Claret and Colonial Red.
Many showed up with picnic baskets in tow, bulging with everything from loaves of bread and assortments of cheese to chicken and chocolates - whatever served to accompany a favored vintage.
Some had reserved tables in a cafe-like setting in the middle of the park. Others simply threw down blankets and quilts along the park's walkways.
Russ Goodwin, 27, of Hampton had only some bread sticks to complement his tasting. ``We're here for the wine,'' he said. ``We don't want anything to cloud our pallets.''
Sharon Wade, 56, of Portsmouth sported earrings of purple grapes for the event.
``We bought 10 bottles last year for Christmas, and it was all gone by Thanksgiving,'' she said. This year's purchase? ``We're buying 25.''
Marie Riddick, 48, of Suffolk sat nearby, her glass almost emptied of the wine she was sampling. ``I've bought four bottles. Two as gifts, one for Christmas, and one for tomorrow!'' MEMO: The festival continues today from noon to 5 p.m. Tasting tickets
are $20 at the gate; general admission is $5. by CNB