Two weeks ago, I tuned in to America's Test Kitchen's relatively new radio show on NPR and had two of my wine assumptions busted wide open.
White wine should be served warmer than I thought (serve it a nice 50 to 55 degrees, the temperature of tap water). And red wine should be served colder than room temperature. A nice 62 degrees is about right, and (don't raise an eyebrow) feel free to put your bottle in an ice bucket to get it there.
There always seems to be more to tell in the story of the grape, or maybe I still have a lot to learn. In Virginia, we have quite a story to tell, and we're devoting this month's issue to it. As our state has become the fifth-largest producer of wine in the country, we wanted you to meet some of the local experts, winemakers and restaurateurs who will help you pick and pair with the best of them.
Also in this issue, we introduce you to our first group of RVA Statement Makers, 12 Richmonders with inventive personal style. They range from relative newcomers to those who have established businesses that promote fashions from around the world. We will recognize them on Tuesday, Oct. 23, at the Virginia Center for Architecture. Our special guest, hosted by Schwarzschild Jewelers, will be Isaac Levy of Yvel, a jewelry designer who works with such stars as Rihanna and fashion icon Carolina Herrera. Levy will talk about the school for jewelry and art that he established in Jerusalem specifically for Ethiopian immigrants.
On Friday, Oct. 12, in addition to looking forward to spending the weekend at the Richmond Folk Festival, we will gather at E.A. Holsten's for our Richmond Cooks showdown. We've teamed up with Richmond-based C.F. Sauer on our first recipe contest, and four home cooks will battle that evening for their spot on the menu at either Pasture or Lemaire. Look for the recipes in the November issue.
After Oct. 8, the Richmond Symphony Designer House will shut its doors for another two years, so if you haven't ventured out to Pinifer Park in Midlothian, buy a ticket at the door and see the work of 22 designers inside and out. For hours and information, visit rsol.org.
Finally, Dale Chihuly at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts arrives Oct. 20. Staffer Harry Kollatz Jr. interviewed Chihuly and shot video at his studio in Seattle, Wash. To see it, visit richmag.com/chihuly.
