Winemaker Michael Shaps of Michael Shaps Wineworks (www.michaelshapswines.com) has partnered with longtime friend and chef Vincent Derquenne of Bizou Restaurant (www.bizoudowntown.com) to create a Pop Up on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer at Wineworks Extended (1585 Avon Street Ext). Guests are invited to dine al fresco under a tent and enjoy Michael’s wine with casual fare of Bizou Restaurant. Staff will follow strict cleaning and social distancing guidelines to ensure the safety of guests and staff. Dinner guests receive 20% off an order of 3 bottles or more—at retail, not restaurant prices!—and can take home bottles not consumed on site. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Email marketing@virginiawineworks.com or text Ivy at (434) 981-5809 with your name, phone, number in party, and requested time.
Michael and Vincent’s friendship began 25 years ago when Vincent brought his French parents to Jefferson Vineyards where Michael was the winemaker. Michael spotted the French family and started speaking to them in their native tongue. The two quickly became friends. “We both like food and wine—this is what the whole thing is about. We are two serious people who get together and relax and have fun” says Vincent. When Vincent and partner Tim Burgess won the prestigious James Beard award in 1997 they invited Michael to join them and present his wine in New York. Twenty five years later the two continue to work together, the Pop Up being the latest project.
Michael Shaps Wineworks is known as one of Virginia’s premier wine producers and is the state’s largest contract winemaking operation, producing wine for over fifteen clients. Michael also owns a winery in Burgundy, France (www.maisonshaps.com) and imports these wines to the United States, where they are sold throughout Virginia and in the two tasting rooms at Michael Shaps Wineworks.