Vineyard VINE
Why We Knead Wine...and Pizza
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By Peter Leonard-Morgan
e all need wine. That’s what Jared Slipp and Allie Nault decided when they conceived the idea of Knead Wine in Middleburg. This inventive play on words came about as a result of the couple’s passion for wine, as sommeliers, together with a great appreciation of haute cuisine. They realized that the historic, destination village would welcome a true gourmet pizza store and also a specialist wine merchant, owned and operated by highly trained Out front at Knead Wine professionals. Slipp is one of a handful of members of the Court of Master Sommeliers. In fact, only four people can lay claim to this title in Virginia. Furthermore, he trained at both the Culinary Institute of America and the Italian Culinary Institute (Hmmm, could this have something to do with the pizza concept?). He also honed his skills as a top chef at some of the finest restaurants around the world, ultimately bringing his expertise to Middleburg just last year. Before joining forces with Allie at Knead Wine, he spent six years as wine director at arguably one of Virginia’s finest wineries, RdV Vineyards in Delaplane. Knead Wine took over an adorable space on West Washington Street, perfectly suited for its dream. Slipp and Photos by Peter Leonard-Morgan Allie Nault and Jared Slipp at Knead Wine. Nault invested significantly in top-end ovens to bake pizzas made from the finest ingredients. At the same time, they reworked the store to display some of the finest wines from around the world, with an art gallery decor. Their wine selections are not limited to just high-priced vintages. Slipp’s expertise has ensured that they’ve been able to select many excellent wines at every day, affordable prices, ensuring that patrons are able to pick up a cordon bleu pizza, paired with a great wine. Slipp is not the only wine expert in the house. Nault was the sommelier at the world famous Inn at Little Washington (Va.), a Michelin three star restaurant, advising a discerning clientele as to the best wines to accompany some of the world’s foremost culinary masterpieces. The two now bring their combined skills to Middleburg and have already developed a loyal and strong customer base. One of the most challenging goals in pizza creation is to cook a gluten free crust that is as good as a regular one. At Knead Wine, they somehow have achieved this objective. It’s remarkable! Their ‘standard’ menu consists of pizzas with names created to celebrate some of the greatest names in rock music. Among others, they include The Gibbons, after Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, The Page, named for Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin and of course The Clapton, no explanation needed. During the current COVID pandemic, many restaurants have not been able to accommodate in-store dining. Knead Wine was developed from the outset as a carry-out only operation, and therefore has a very user friendly online ordering system. Pizzas are ready in about 20 minutes, they recommend arriving early so as to be able to peruse the wine racks and select a bottle to perfectly accompany your extraordinary food. A sweet new addition to Knead Wine’s offerings now includes Jarad’s Famous Swiss Chocolate and Virginia Peanut cookies, delicious enormous creations that provide the perfect dessert. Knead Wine is open on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Call 540-687-5150 or kneadwine.com.
Boulder Crest is a non-profit organization, located in the foothills of the Blueridge mountains in Bluemont, VA, focused on providing transformative programs that ensure combat veterans and first responders can be as productive at home as they were on the field. Boulder crest is committed to their well-being and providing a path to thrive after struggling with PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Provides programs for active military, combat veterans, first responders, and their families. Built to serve our service members and their families with 5-star service. Established Posttraumatic Growth based curriculum and training to thrive after trauma.
Let’s Do More In Our Community LEARN MORE AT
www.bouldercrest.org
Country ZEST & Style | Winter 2021
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