The Event Grapevine: Jan. 2-4

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One of my favorite regional events, the Soups of the World, takes place this month at Woodhall Wine Cellars in Parkton, Md., just off I-83. Woodhall serves a month’s worth of soups prepared by Patricia Della Casual Fine Dining, the restaurant that’s next door. Some are old classics (like Cream of Crab and Gumbo), and others are new (say Tom Yum Gai from Thailand).

All are served with bread from Stone Mill Bakery and Woodhall wine pairing recommendations.

The event starts next weekend, Jan. 10 and 11, and continues through the month, from noon to 3 p.m. Those who attend are served a bowl of each of three different soups. And to honor their anti-recession kick, they are holding last year’s price of $15 per person. Reservations are requested at 410.357.8644 or responding to this newsletter.

The menu for the month includes the following:

Jan. 10-11
Soups of ITALY
Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Bisque
Italian Wedding Soup
Tortellini in Brodo

Jan. 17-18
Soups of FRANCE
Vichyssoise
Butternut Squash Soup
Bouillabaise

Jan. 24-25
Soups of the ORIENT
Miso Soup (Japan)
Wonton(China)
Tom Yum Gai (Thailand)

Jan. 31-Feb. 1
Soups of AMERICA
Cream of Crab
Gumbo
Manhattan Clam Chowder

Otherwise, here’s what’s happening this weekend and beyond.

PENNSYLVANIA WINERIES

Adams County Winery, Orrtanna: Wine appreciation class ($$), Saturday, Jan. 10, 6 to 10 p.m.; home wine-making ($$), Sunday, Jan. 11, 1 to 3 p.m., link to winery site

Chaddsford Winery, Chaddsford: Academy Awards of Pennsylvania Wines ($$), Harrisburg Hilton, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2:55 p.m., tickets through the Wine Society of Pennsylvania; Taste of the Brandywine benefit at Hilton Garden Inn ($$), Friday, Jan. 23, 6 to 10 p.m., members of the wine trail will showcase its newest releases along with hors d’oeuvres provided by the Hilton; Eric Miller wine and food pairing dinner at The Kitchen Shoppe in Carlisle ($$), Friday, Jan. 23, 6 to 9 p.m.; Wine and Chocolate Reserve Tastings ($$), every weekend in February, link to winery site

Clover Hill, Breinigsville: Beginning wine-tasting class ($$), Saturday, Jan. 17, 3 to 4:30 p.m., reservations required, link to winery site

Crossing Vineyards & Winery, Washington Crossing: How Sweet It Is: wine & chocolate pairing ($$), Sunday, 2 p.m.; food and wine pairing ($$), Sunday, Jan. 11, 5:30 p.m.; Wine Tasting for Singles ($$), Friday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m.; Insider’s Guide to Vintage 2008 ($$), five-course gourmet meal, Saturday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m.; Wine Tasting for Dummies ($$), Sunday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m.; link to winery site

Hauser Estate Winery, Biglerville: New winery open, Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; Candle Light Friday/Happy Hour, the last Friday of every month, 5 to 8 p.m.; satellite shop opened at 17 Lincoln Square, Gettysburg, link to winery site

Kreutz Creek Vineyards, West Grove: Music at West Chester tasting room, 44 E. Gay St., Fridays and Saturdays, 6 to 9 p.m., link to winery site

Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery, Wrightsville: Music every Saturday (2 to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (2 to 5 p.m.); will close Fridays at 5 p.m. at least through February, link to winery site

Naylor Wine Cellars, Stewartstown: Lovers Weekend Dinner White Wine Tasting ($$), Saturday, Feb. 14, 3 to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 to 5 p.m., link to winery site

Pinnacle Ridge Winery, Kutztown: Chocolate & Wine Weekend, weekend of Feb. 14-15, Berks County Wine Trail event, link to winery site

Tamanend Winery, Lancaster: New winery open, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m., classically styled premium wines in their bottled wine group, and premium sweeter styled wines in their Bag in Box group of wines, link to winery site

Twin Brook Winery, Gap: Tickets go on sale today for Valentine’s Concert in the Vineyard (44), Saturday Feb. 14; Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Weekend, Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 15, noon to 5 p.m., link to winery site

Va La Vineyards, Avondale: New holiday hours starting Dec. 1, weekdays, 12:01 to 5:27 p.m., Saturday and Sundays, 12:02 to 5:48 p.m., link to winery site

MARYLAND WINERIES

Basignani Winery, Sparks: Souper Saturday ($$), two soups and wine pairing, noon to 5 p.m. every Saturday in January, bring home a souvenir glass, link to winery site

Black Ankle Winery, Mt. Airy: Open for business, winner of Maryland Governor’s Cup in 2008; winter hours start Dec. 1, Saturday and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m., other times by appointment, link to winery site

Boordy Vineyards, Hydes: Chili Winter Days ($$), Jan. 17-18, 24-25 and 31, 1 to 5 p.m.; Fond of You Fondue ($$), Saturdays in February, 1 to 5 p.m., link to winery site

Frederick Cellars, Frederick: Frederick Gives Back, fund-raiser for county Humane Society, Saturday; Inaugural celebration, stop by to toast the new president, Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18, music at 7 p.m. on the 17th, and meet the new winemaker from 3 to 5 p.m. on the 18th link to winery site

Fridays Creek Winery, Owings: Wine & Chocolate Tasting United Way Fund-raiser ($$), Saturday, Jan. 24, link to winery site


Other MARYLAND winery events can be found at this link, VIRGINIA events at this link and New York events at this link

$$ – Admission charge

Marburg Winery's home retail store closes

When news came out about the lineup for the 2009 Uncork York tour, Marburg Estate Winery was missing from among the group that took part in it the past couple years.

Now I understand why. A note on the winery's Web site indicates that the retail store that had been open at the home of Andy and Joan Smith permanently closed yesterday. The store and home, with a Spring Grove mailing address, took a few lefts and right off the main road to find, but the time I was there to taste yielded a couple of wines I liked (admittedly, my palate really leans toward dry) and a spread of munchies and desserts to die for.

The note on the site indicates that private tasting will be available in the near future and that its stand at the Hanover Market will cotinue to be open on Saturdays from 6 a.m. to noon at 210 East Chestnut St. Wine orders also can be placed by calling 717.633.7760.