Attendees at Sterling Women’s monthly networking luncheon on Wednesday were among the first to hear winemaker Lori Corcoran’s news about her new nanobrewery, scheduled to open in June.

The  founder of Corcoran Vineyards in Waterford, Lori is expanding her business to become the commonwealth’s first winery/brewery. At the luncheon, she said that she’ll be offering six different varieties of beers including a Corky’s Pale Ale. Diners can get a preview of her brews at a special
beer dinner on May 19 at Magnolias at the Mill in Purcellville.

Beer tastings will take place at Corcoran Vineyards’ back barn, where fans can sample and purchase her brews by  glass, growler and kegs. Lori also previewed some of her new infused wines at the luncheon, where her  Raspberry Merlot and orange-infused Traminette were a big hit.

At next month’s Sterling Women luncheon, Laura Lee Williams will discuss how a graduate of Harvard’s business school started a business designing handbags that have been featured on “Desperate Housewives” and “Gossip Girl!

For more information or to reserve your seat at the April 14 Sterling Women luncheon, visit http://www.sterlingwomen.org/

Wine expert and sommelier Mary Watson DeLauder discusses how herbs used in cooking affect the flavor of wine with Corcoran Vineyards winemaker Lori Corcoran and Washington Post wine columnist Dave McIntyre in this October 2009 video on YouTube.

Award-winning winemaker Lori Corcoran  has got great news about exciting developments in her business — get the details during her presentation at the March 30 meeting of Sterling Women, a networking group founded by Reston Limousine CEO & President Kristina Bouweiri.

Lori started her winery business about 10 years ago, and today produces about 3,000 cases of premium wines. In addition to her winemaking business, Lori has served on numerous boards here in Loudoun County, including the Visit Loudoun Board, as well as acting as president of the Loudoun Winery Association.

The monthly meetings take place at the National Conference Center. They begin at 11 a.m. with an hour of networking, followed by lunch and the speaker, then more networking at 1 p.m.

To reserve your seat for the lunch meeting or for more info, visit Sterling Women at www.sterlingwomen.org.

Need another reason to attend? Find out from Carolyn Howell, vice president of Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park, a longtime supporter:

One example is Dinah Shuman, who was behind the wheel for a recent Public Wine Tour to Willowcroft Farm Vineyards and Corcoran Vineyards.

I just wanted to reiterate how much we appreciated our limo driver, Dinah Shuman, during our Public wine tour on Saturday.

There was a group of 14 of us, and we took the tour as part of a birthday celebration for a friend of ours. We were playing games on the bus, and asked her to play a music CD. Anything we asked her to do, she did without hestitation and a smile on her face. She never once complained to us about the noise level on the bus (at times we were very loud).

I honestly don’t think my friend’s birthday would have been as much fun if we didn’t have such a great limo driver. I’m sure this isn’t the first time she has been recognized, but I feel like you should know what a great employee you have.

Reston Limo is so lucky to have a person like Dinah to represent your company! I had such a great experience, I would not hesitate to take Reston Limo again! Thanks again!

Kudos to Dinah,
Anju Vij

Reston Limousine prides itself on its customer service; if you have been a recent guest of ours, please take some time to give us your feedback online on our Customer Satisfaction Survey. Thank you!

First stop on the Saturday, June 27, tour is Corcoran Vineyards, where owner and winemaker Lori Corcoran produces around 2,000 cases of award-winning wines each season.

The day of the tour is Corcoran Day at the Vineyard, when you’ll get to meet fellow Corcorans in sampling in a1750 restored log cabin just outside the village of Waterford. Among the wines available are the just released 2008 Viognier, dry white with flavors of peaches, cantaloupe and honeydew melons. And find out why the 2007 Chardonnay garnered the silver in the 2008 Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, just one of the latest awards Corcoran has collected over the years.

Next stop is Sunset Hills Vineyard, where owners Mike and Diane Canney oversee their 45-acre property located halfway between Purcellville and Waterford.

Tastings take place in a restored 130-year-old stone and oak barn, which features two-story wraparound decks that boast gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Among the new wines to sample is the 2008 Viognier, described as “wonderfully aromatic wine with aromas of pineapple,citrus and honey.” Also on the wine portfolio are the 2007 Reserve Chardonnay and 2007 Chardonnay – the winery’s best Chardonnay, they say!

To book your seat on the June 27 Public Wine Tour to Corcoran Vineyard and Sunset Hills Vineyard, please call 703-478-0500 Option 1. For more information on the tour, please visit our Public Wine Tours Page.