The Near Side
Regional Events for Now or Later

Sunday, November 27, 2005

GRAPE TIDINGS:

In Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, skip the cheese and instead pair your wine with Christmas ornaments.

During the Blue Ridge WineWay Deck the Halls Celebration, which runs until Dec. 24 , oenophiles (and/or Santaphiles) can drive the 80-mile loop and pick up a hanging trinket at each of the 12 winery stops.

The vineyards, which start a half-hour from D.C. at Pearmund Cellars and stretch an hour out to Rappahannock Cellars, also offer tours, tastings and grape-fueled holiday cheer.

Wineries open daily, typically from 11 am. to 5 p.m. Tastings range from free to $5; ornaments cost $3 to $10.

Call 540-622-2505 or log onto http://www.blueridgewineway.com for more details.

-- Andrea Sachs