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112 M AY/J U N E 2 017 U N TAC K E D FEED ROOM GOLD CUP AT SALAMANDER RESORT Middleburg, Va. Like a show horse pampered to the nines and stuffed silly with treats, sometimes we all deserve a little luxury. Salamander Resort's Gold Cup wine bar is the perfect place to indulge in an equestrian setting. In addition to sumptuous accommodations for the two-legged variety, Salamander Resort offers myriad options for discovering the Virginia countryside on horseback. Head out on a trail ride on one of the resort's horses or bring your own, as overnight boarding is available. "Gold Cup is the perfect place to relax after a day of riding," said Ashli Kimenker, Salamander's director of marketing. "We offer a comfortable, casual and personalized experience paired with a menu that pulls ingredients, for both food and beverage, from our culinary garden, which you pass on your ride." Virginia is enjoying a growing reputation as a producer of quality wines, and Gold Cup is an ideal venue for experiencing and educating oneself about wines produced in the region. In addition to complimentary tastings every Sunday from 2-4 p.m., Gold Cup features a different local winery each month and hosts a wine dinner pairing executive chef Ryan Arensdorf 's fine cuisine with that winery's offerings. Pair a Virginia wine flight delivered in a horseshoe carrier with a daily cheese and charcuterie board or, if you've really worked up an appetite, spring for a hearty PHOTOS COURTESY OF SALAMANDER RESORT entree like shrimp and grits (Byrd Mill grits, Tasso ham, pan gravy, charred scallion and tomato) or skirt steak frites (10 oz. certified Angus Beef, Asian marinade and Yukon Gold french fries). Just don't focus so much on your food that you forget to check out the views! "Our windows overlook the Grand Lawn with surrounding trails, so guests can see the daily trail rides going out," Kimenker said. Top drink pick: Between Gold Cup's hand-picked selection of fine wines, Virginia craft beers and creative cocktails, it's hard to know which direction to turn. Because the equestrian life is so sweet, we're going to go out on a limb and recommend the Chocolate- Caramel Martini, a decadent libation made with Stoli Vanilla Vodka and Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Butterscotch Schnapps and Bailey's Irish Cream. Cheers! Learn more: salamanderresort.com/ dining/wine-bar-and-billiard-room