EATS, DRINKS + CELEBRATE | Find out the top red wine varietal, just in time for the Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival PLUS our Kalimotxo wine cocktail recipe

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The 15th Annual Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival returns to the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7.

Spend a spring weekend at Town Point Park sampling a variety of more than 200 wines from Virginia’s premier wineries. 

Named one of the top food and drink festivals in the country by Business Insider, the event, hosted by Norfolk Festevents, is one of the region’s most anticipated wine festivals. 

Here more than 25 of Virginia’s top wineries pour their best vintages against the beautiful Elizabeth River.

Enjoy gourmet foods, specialty merchants, live music, and more. 

All wines presented during the festival are available for purchase by the bottle or case throughout each day.

More: www.Festevents.org

Planning to the 15th Annual Spring Town Point Virginia Wine Festival ? Here’s some of the top red wine grapes to look at. This is according to the 2021 Commercial Grape Report by Virginia Wine, listed according to total acres with at least 100 acres planted:

1. Cabernet Franc

2. Petit Verdot

3. Merlot

4. Cabernet Sauvignon

Other varietals to look for:

Barbera

Chambourcin

Malbec

Nebbiolo

Norton

Pinot Noir

Syrah/Shiraz

Tannat

RECIPE

Got that bottle of vino home and want to make a special drink to share with family and friends? Try my Kalimotxo (sometimes spelled Calimocho) wine cocktail. This Spanish-inspired drink showcases a dry red wine, such as Chambourcin, Malbec, Merlot, or Syrah/Shiraz, with, surprisingly, Coca-Cola. 

For the authentic flavor, use Coke, not another cola, and use the real thing (pun intended) and not a diet or zero version. It’s fun riff on classic Coca-Cola cocktails like Cuba Libre (rum, Coke, and lime), Long Island Iced Tea (a bucketload of liquors with a splash of Coca-Cola), or the simple Jack (Daniels) and Coke or Rum and Coke. 

Here’s how to make it:

Fill a wine glass halfway full with red wine and top with cold Coca-Cola. If the Coke is chilled enough, we don’t add ice, but, optionally, throw in a few cubes. Garnish with a lemon wedge, or, as we also like, a skewer of luxury-brand maraschino cherries.

Makes 1 cocktail