Richard Leahy Wins Prestigious Award

Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association presents 2023 Berchenal Award to Richard Leahy

From November 10th Eastern Winery Expo Event Manager and Author Beyond Jefferson’s VinesA member of the Circle of Wine Writers, Richard Leahy has been a prominent presence on the Eastern wine scene for nearly four decades. The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association has named Mr. Leahy his 2023 Berchenal His Award Winner.

A recognized expert in Eastern wines, Richard was tasked with compiling the Mid-Atlantic and Southern components for a groundbreaking wine. The Oxford Companion of North American Wines (2000). He has also been named Regional Editor for Kevin Zraly’s. American wine guide. his own Beyond Jefferson’s Vines: The Evolution of Virginia’s Fine WinesThe encyclopedia of Virginia’s wineries is now in its third edition.

Based in Charlottesville, the heart of Virginia’s wine region, Richard travels frequently to explore both established and emerging wine regions in America. His extensive contacts in the industry allowed him to perfectly fulfill his role as manager of his winery events his expo Eastern. He was one of its founders. Next year’s conference, which takes place in Pennsylvania in March, will be attended by celebrities such as Lucy Morton, Tom Payett and Joyce Rigby of Boxwood Vineyards.

The Birchenall Award is given to members of the wine media who have provided insight into the wines of the East Coast wine industry.The late Michael Birchenall founded a trade publication Food service monthly In 2002, the restaurant scene took off in the Mid-Atlantic region. “The local wine industry is growing at the same time, and Birchenall’s publications have helped foster a sense of community between different parts of the food and wine industry,” says Dave McIntyre. Washington Post.

Past winners of this award include Virginia Wine Writer Nancy Bauer, creator of the Virginia Wine in My Pocket app. Prominent wine thug Len Thompson of The Cork Report always reads the current battle with wine enthusiasts as interesting. And he’s Paul Vigna of PA Media Group, which includes PennLive.com and The Patriot-News.

Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association promotes American wines produced in all Atlantic states, plus 17 Eastern states: West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. The trade organization was founded in 1973 as the Vinifera Winegrowers Association and was renamed in 2008 to reflect its expanded regional focus.

ASWA’s mission is to raise awareness of the fine wines of the Atlantic coast through trade and consumer education. Members will work with national, state and local wine organizations to identify opportunities to highlight the wines and winemakers that work here.