April 2011 Enewsletter

Winter's chill is a memory. No longer covered with snow, our Southland is blanketed with flowers-those we lovingly plant and the glorious wild blossoms that color the landscape.      Gardens are sprouting and soon tomatoes and cucumbers will rise up alongside squash, corn and peppers. Our vineyards from Virginia down to North Florida are growing grapes that will be harvested in late summer, headed for  the process we call winemaking, a ritual practiced for 6,000 years. Wine will grace our tables to be enjoyed along with grilled delights. Wines Down South is committed to sharing stories about exciting dining and perfectly paired wine.       Friends and family will be coming over to laugh and celebrate, feasting on the bounty from our gardens, local markets and vineyards. Good things never really change.      This year begins the four-year observation the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. It is a commemorative and our Doc Lawrence's features for Wines Down South-some of the most original and interesting regarding the Sesquicentennial-promote the real potential for new tourism. Doc's April schedule includes an interview with Mort Kunstler, the most famous Civil War artist on the planet. The interview was at the wonderful Booth Museum in Cartersville, Georgia. Next, Doc writes about his evening at Stone Mountain Park, with acclaimed author, PBS regular and University of Virginia Civil War historian Dr. Gary W. Gallagher.      No journalist has ever traveled and written about the path of the Civil War from Chattanooga to Atlanta and on to Savannah. Known as The March to the Sea. Doc's original, on- site stories will showcase museums, battlefields, lodging, parks, fishing, family recreation, dining and of course wine. The tourism treasures for Georgia along this historic and hallowed trail are staggering. Read about this exclusively in Wines Down South.      Note that we are offering another unique feature: great Southern dishes paired by editor Doc Lawrence with wines of the world. It's a fun addition, a reader benefit you will find very useful.      April brings us Easter and Passover. Wines Down South honors our readers, friends and tourism partners in observing our precious religious traditions, giving thanks for our way of life that honors freedom of worship.  Sincerely, Wines Down South Doc Lawrence - Sheila Brewington - Val Kruse - Guy Mckenzie  Stephen Cannon - Anne O'Keefe - Jordan Bloomingdale Doc's  Dinner Pairings FRIED CATFISH WITH HUSHPUPPIES Fresh catfish only.  It's plentiful down south, very healthy and affordable. Use  Paula Dean's incredibly delicious recipe WINES Fried catfish will have a natural but subtle sweetness as will the Hush Puppies. Dry white wines with some good acid are the best fit. Be adventurous: An Albarino from Spain, a dry Riesling from New York State or Washington State or JSanders Bourgogne Blanc, available exclusively at Sherlock's in Atlanta.            Bon Appetite, Y'all Want to see what else Doc has planned? Visit WDS for an elaborate array!

SPRING FESTIVALS AND EVENTS IN ATHENS, GEORGIA

Athens, Georgia (April 4, 2011) - Springtime in Athens means new energy after the long, cold winter. Along with spring blooms, the Athens live music scene fires up again with concerts and festivals spilling out onto the streets. Visitors celebrate the scenic views via tours and outdoor events. In addition, Athens boasts local and national athletic competitions, an intriguing comic convention and a new celebration of Athens fashion. There are activities and attractions for everyone looking for unique and memorable springtime fun.

  

Learn more about exciting world cultures at UGA's 13th Annual International Street Festival April 9. Dozens of UGA international organizations and groups from the Athens community bring their cultures to life in the heart of downtown from noon - 5:00 p.m. Live performances, informative and interactive displays, as well as children's activities showcase the many cultures of Athens. Visit www.uga.edu/isl to learn about the event and the international student organizations represented. 

  

Three much-anticipated spring plant sales at UGA have collaborated for Plantapalooza by offering all sales on Saturday, April 9. Gardeners are expected to travel to Athens from throughout the state to attend plant sales held by the State Botanical Garden, the UGA Horticulture Club and The Trial Gardens at UGA. A wide array of garden plants will be available at each location, combined with horticulturists, volunteers and Master Gardeners to help with plant selections.  More details are available at www.ugatrialgardens.com.