Eastwood Farm and Winery - The New Kid on the Block

Much like the fabled Groundhog of Lore, aka "Punxsutawney Phil", I have finally emerged from my long winter slumber.  After months of actively avoiding the glacial cold, bitter winds, and surging covid cases, I am venturing back out on the Monticello Wine trail.  My first stop is to the New Kid on the Block, and the closest to Downtown Charlottesville, Eastwood Farm and Winery. I did not get to meet the owner Athena Eastwood, but I was able to connect with the Outdoor Tasting Manager, Diana Nelson.  It was much different from my previous interviews with owners and founders of the other establishments that I have visited, but in a completely amazing way that I didn't realize until after our conversation.  

When sitting down with an owner of a winery or brewery, they are talking about their creation - their child - to me - an utter and complete stranger.  As someone with a 7-year-old son, I can certainly say that I could not imagine telling some random person what a terror he can be at times.  Do not get me wrong.  I love my son more than anything in the world and he is not a bad kid or unruly, far from it actually.  My wife and I have worked very hard to teach him about right and wrong, to say please and thank you, and, in general, to not be a jerk, but he does have his moments where I wonder about his prospects of actually making it to adulthood without severe bodily injury, either to himself or us.  I would not expect a parent to tell me all of the bad stuff about their kid, only to sing their praises.  So, getting to sit down with an employee and hear their view of the winery was unexpected and refreshing.  After listening to Diana about Athena Eastwood and the Farm itself, I can tell you that they are raising that kid right.

And so, without further gilding the lily and with no more ado, I give you the first Ramble of 2021!

Okay.  I lied.  Just a touch more ado.  Shout out to Paul Bettany as Geoffrey Chaucer before he was Vision.  His performance is how I like to imagine Chaucer was in my head.  Now that that is out of the way...on to the Ramble!

Follow The Blue Boar!

When arriving at Eastwood Farm and Winery, you will notice their sign shows a Blue Boar clenching a branch within its jaws.  Stylistically, it feels very old world European, and, for lack of a better phrase, it looks good, at least to me.  However, I felt that there was more going on with this imagery than just artistic design.  

I knew that the Boar has long been a symbol of hospitality but I decided to do a little further digging into this symbol.  Historically, boar meat was the feast of choice for honored guests.  Boars are notoriously fearless.  They challenge all who challenge them, man and beast alike.  Because they were so difficult to hunt, serving it to guests was a way to show respect and generosity to your visitors.  Plus, it is mighty tasty.  

Then there was that branch.  Being at a winery, you would be forgiven for thinking that this bough is merely just a grape vine at first glance.  Looking closely though, you can see that this is not any old vine, or a vine at all, but that it is an oak branch.  Based upon the leaf on the branch, I believe a white oak branch, which is an incredibly significant image in itself.  The oak tree is a symbol of strength, independence, and courage throughout many civilizations.  In North American culture, they represent peace and calmness.  To the Celts, the white oak epitomized both hospitality and bravery.  It serves as a constant reminder that humans have the ability to overcome any obstacle in their path, while having the capacity to be kind to others - whether be they friend or foe, stranger or neighbor.

These symbols, the Boar and the Oak, intertwined at the gates of Eastwood, subconsciously prepare you for your visit.  Diana was extremely welcoming, giving up her free time to meet me during off hours not once, but twice, so that we could complete the interview.  The feel of the newly constructed Barn tasting room, with its gorgeous copper bar and wooden beams, was warm and inviting.  The stage at the rear of the building normally reserved for musical talent had a plethora of crafts laid out for any kids that join their parents on a visit.

She also told me about the challenging terrain that Athena had to overcome in order to get Eastwood up and running.  They had an enormous amount of landscaping to do in order to create the terraces that lead up to the Outdoor Tasting Room.  It is a large property, almost 80 acres in size, but it is at the base of Carter's Mountain.  The effort that was expending in order to transform this property is amazing.  Work that continues even to this day.  And, they are still hard at it.  Crews are working to finish up the Veranda, a covered patio section next to the barn for guests.  They are still working on the stairway leading up to the Mountaintop.  Throughout my visit, I saw little pockets of activity through the woods and up the hill.  What they were working on, I'm not sure, but they were hard at it.  After all, there are challenges to overcome, and guests to welcome.

We'll return to the Boar and the Oak a little bit later, but I do want to talk a little bit about Eastwood's fearless leader, Athena, first.

The Goddess and The Sprite

Athena Eastwood is the founder of Eastwood Farm and Winery, and, to hear Diana talk about her, she very well may be the favorite daughter of Zeus reincarnated.  In my previous interviews with winery owners, I was surprised to learn that neither one was a planned endeavor.  I asked my host if Eastwood Farm was an intentional undertaking or a happy accident like the others.  She told me emphatically that it was most certainly planned.  There was a reverence in her tone as she described it to me.  Diana was looking slightly away as she spoke, almost as if her employer was standing just over my shoulder.  I even had to look back once or twice to see if she was actually there.  Athena decided to create a winery and made it happen.  She made it happen in spite of all of the challenges that come with starting any business from scratch.  She made it happen even though she had never been in the wine or winery business before.  She made it happen regardless of the fact that there are almost 40 other wineries in the area, with more coming every year.     She made it happen even with the terrain of Carter's Mountain itself railing against her.  Athena made it happen.  You could feel that this was a strong woman whom Diana was speaking of - a woman that she held in high regard.  A literal Goddess brought to life.

With as much respect and admiration Diana showed for her leader, she showed an equal amount of adoration and tenderness for The Sprite of Eastwood Farm.  This would be Josephine, the golden-haired granddaughter of Athena Eastwood, who has an infectious ebullience about her that can be felt whenever she is on property.  When Diana spoke about Josephine running around the Barn, or climbing to the Mountain Top, or creating crafts while others are working, you could see the smile light up her face even behind the mask she was wearing.  It was obvious that this little girl provided the childlike energy needed to perfectly balance the strength of the leader of Eastwood Farm.  Unfortunately, I did not get to meet this little pixie for myself, but I thought that if I closed my eyes I would see her weaving in and out of the tables that surrounded us, her blond hair trailing behind like a dancer's ribbon. 

Strong women are the rule rather than the exception at Eastwood Farm and Winery.  Just take a look at their website and you will see that the Eastwood Team is almost entirely female.  It all starts with their leader, Athena.  Having just finished Women's History Month, it seems appropriate to be highlighting this woman owned, women led, four generation family business here at Ramble.  However, that is more good luck than any sort of superior planning on my part.

Terraforma and Tall Tails

As I stated earlier, there were challenges to overcome from the very beginning in order for Eastwood to become a reality.  One of the hardest hills to climb was a mountain.  Specifically, Carter's Mountain.  Eastwood sits at the base of Carter's Mountain and the incline is steep.  In order to be able to grow anything at the site terraces were installed to prevent erosion and allow water to be distributed to the plants.  This was a massive undertaking, but the end result offers spectacular views from the Mountaintop where the Outdoor Tasting Room is located.  I was able to see all the way to Afton Mountain from there, which is rare being so close to Downtown Charlottesville.  There are almost two miles of hiking trails to enjoy, both short loops and long, and they offer outdoor yoga classes at the Outlook.  

Sadly, the soil onsite does not allow for vines to be grown, they are on the wrong side of Carter's Mountain for that.  But, as with all challenges, other opportunities can be found.  While the soil isn't appropriate for grapes, it is great for the apples that the mountain is famous for, as well as their green oddly shaped cousins, the pear.  They are planted on the Terraces that lead up to the Mountaintop and were blooming while on my visit.  It was calming and artistic, a lifelike Bobb Ross painting, as I stood amongst them, my eyes closed, a gentle breeze bringing the scent of spring to my nose, and the sun warming my face.  I could have stood there for hours that day and been perfectly happy not to encounter another soul.

Alas, I did have to return to work.  But, not before sampling some of their wines.

I returned to the Barn and Diana asked if I would like to have a tasting.  I normally do not do wine tastings on my visits, or much at all really, but I made a sort of New Year's resolution to try more wine this year, so I happily accepted her offer.  I did ask that she go extremely light on the pour.  It was early in the day and I needed to return to my office.  I noticed as she prepared the flight that it did not appear as though she heard my request.  I was going to have to muster all of my limited will power to not drink all that was poured in each Eastwood glass, as I abhor wasting good alcohol.  I am happy to report that I was successful in that endeavor and made it out of there safely.  

She brought the wine over to one of the couches and provided me with a list of the varieties, along with instructions for the proper order to taste.  Before sampling, as I was taking a few notes on the wines, I asked Diana how she got to be the Outdoor Tasting Manager.  Had she worked at other wineries?  Was she in the hospitality business before?  She told me she worked in retail before coming to Eastwood and that she was an Art Major.  I kept the conversation going, asking if those experiences helped with what she is doing now.  She made an off-hand comment that kind of stuck with me that I wanted to share.  She said that her Art backgrounded helped tremendously because it really applied to wine.  A hundred people can look at the same painting and each one can see something different.  You can't tell someone what they should see or feel when looking at Art.  The same applies to wine.  You can't tell someone that this is a good wine and that is a bad wine.  It's extremely subjective and varies between each person.  You just have to get out there, taste different wines, and you will like what you like.

I tried to keep this little bit of advice in mind as I started my tasting.  In the past, I have always been much fonder of red wines than white wines.  I enjoy cooking and use the reds frequently.  I tend to like things with a bit of spice, and those are usually more my speed.  I expected to like the red wine offerings.  And I did.  The Meritage and Tall Tails Merlot were both excellent, but I was - not shocked - okay, maybe a little shocked - that my absolute favorite was the Tall Tails White Blend.  It is made from the apples and pears that they grow onsite, and I thought it was fantastic.  The 2019 Vintage just won a Silver Medal at the Governor's cup and I can see why.  Diana also let me know that they will be making it in to a cider soon, but I would recommend getting out there to get a sample of the wine version before they do so.  I'll be trying the cider when it comes out, but I also bought a bottle of the wine to have at home.  Maybe I'll share with the Missus.  Maybe I won't.  

That is not the only one of their wines to receive accolades at the latest Governor's Cup.  Their Meritage, Chardonnay, and Merlot all took home hardware, as well as their Raspberry Rosé.  The Rosé, like the White Blend, took home a Silver Medal and is made from fruit grown on property.  Diana informed me that Josephine is especially helpful on those few days that the whole staff trek off to pick the raspberries from along the hiking trails to make this vintage.  Plans are in the works to add blueberry bushes as well.  Close to Downtown yet surrounded by nature.  Eastwood has the best of both worlds.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Eastwood Farm and Winery.  It is a beautiful site to spend the day drinking wine, relaxing on the Terraces, hiking through nature, or having a dream wedding on the Mountaintop.  It is so calm and serene; you would never know of all of the hard work that went in to making Eastwood a reality without a little hunting to learn the story.  

All of this leads back to the Boar and the Oak.  Starting a business, any business, is not easy.  Starting a winery, on the side of a mountain, without the right soil to grow grapes, with dozens of competitors in the area, during a pandemic is hard.  But, the Eastwood Team, like the Boar, like the Oak, and like their Leader, have persevered.  They have fought against obstacles that would cower lesser mortals and have triumphed.  They have gained strength through their battles.  They have done all of this with a welcoming smile on their face and an open heart for all of us strangers.

The Boar and The Oak, Strength and Hospitality, The Goddess and The Sprite - They all meet at Eastwood Farm and Winery in perfect harmony.

Random Row Brewing - Sharing the Love (of Craft Beer)

I have veered off the winery trail for my latest Ramble, and what a wonderful wander it was.  If you have read some of my earlier posts, you will have heard me state that I am more of a whiskey and beer guy.  It is not that I do not enjoy or drink wine, because I do, but good beer is one of life’s little pleasures and I thoroughly relish tasting well done brews.  Well, for this post I grabbed the wheel and piloted my way back into the comfort zone of craft beer.  I reached out to, and was granted audience with, the grand poohbah of Random Row Brewing Company, Mr. Kevin McElroy.  He is the Head Brewer, Co-Founder, resident Liverpool F.C. fanatic, and all around pretty awesome guy living my, and a lot of other guy’s, dream.  I invite you to join me on a stroll down the Random Row.

 

A Cardiac What?

A Cardiac Perfusionist.  That was what Kevin told me his occupation was at the UVA Health System prior to starting the Random Row Brewing Company.  For those who don’t know (like me) a Cardiac Perfusionist is responsible for “operating extracorporeal circulation equipment during open-heart surgery,” according to the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science.  So, my newest bartender is the guy making sure patients stay alive during surgeries by running the machines that keep blood and other much needed bodily functions flowing while doctors wield sharp objects around our comatose forms.  You may notice my use of the word “is” and it was intentional.  Because, while Kevin is plenty busy operating a brewery and tending the bar he is still working part-time as a Cardiac Perfusionist at UVA because he loves doing it so much. 

It is this passion that I believe is leading Kevin and Random Row to become one of the premier breweries in Charlottesville in such a short time.  They only opened the Tap Room in September of 2016, yet they have grown an impressive following in that span.  It seems that Kevin has a passion for quite a few things – his family, caring for others, giving back to the community, charity, football (soccer, not American football) and, of course, beer. But, I am getting a bit ahead of myself.  Let’s take a small step back and take a look at the events that lead to the birth of Random Row.

 

Birth of a Brewer

Kevin and his wife moved to Charlottesville around 10 years ago.  They had been attending school in Philadelphia prior to the move, but an opportunity at UVA Health brought them to the area.  Not long after the move, Kevin started dabbling in the hobby of homebrewing.  Charlottesville has a large and diverse community of homebrewers, and Kevin found himself becoming more immersed in the pastime.  Check out Fifth Season on Preston Avenue if you want to get a good start yourself.  They are a great resource for anyone who wants to begin brewing and you will find plenty of like-minded souls around, just as Kevin did.  It was not long after he started experimenting with recipes that he discovered that his next-door neighbor was also brewing his own beer.  Then, an anesthesiologist at UVA hospital mentioned he was interested in homebrewing as well.  This colleague would go on to become one of Kevin’s business partners at Random Row.  These connections helped grow his knowledge of brewing as well as his passion.

He moved on to all-grain brewing in place of malt extract brewing.  Using all-grain brewing allows for greater creative control over the final product in color, aroma, flavor, and all the other good things that we love about beer.  Coming from a science background, this transition was comfortable for Kevin.  He remarked during our conversation that the equipment used for brewing is not all that different from the equipment he uses to sustain life.  Kevin’s very first original recipe that he brewed was his attempt at recreating Dogfish Head’s 60 Minute IPA.  I can tell you from experience that trying to match a recipe, whether it is for a beer, a cake, or any other dish, without having said recipe is darn near impossible.  The end result is going to definitely be different from the original, and, more often than not, probably disappointing.  While Kevin’s 60 Minute IPA might not have been spot on, all agreed that it was far from disappointing.  The brewer was born.

 

The Kids Are Alright

It was a brisk December morning that Kevin had set aside for his latest homebrew, but this new batch would have to wait.  His first child, a daughter, decided that she was no longer willing to wait for her scheduled arrival date.  Off to the hospital they rushed, the grains and equipment lay forgotten (as they should be on such an auspicious occasion) and young Keagan was born. 

This day in December became a fateful day for Kevin.  Not only was Kevin’s first child born that 29^th of December, and we know how having a child can change one’s life dramatically, but the beer that he intended to brew that day was destined for bigger and better things as well.  After coming home from the hospital, sandwiched between the constant feedings, diaper changes, and much needed, but far too infrequent, naps, Kevin finally found time to return to that abandoned brew. 

It was an Imperial Stout and the end product was quite impressive.  So impressive, in fact, that Kevin decided to enter it in to the Dominion Cup, a competition for homebrewers in Virginia.  Out of 500 entries, Kevin’s Imperial Stout won the Gold Medal in its category and second place for Best of Show.  A Silver and a Gold Medal the first time out?  Not too shabby Kevin.  And, the name of that beer?  Keagan.

That is where it all started.  That was the moment when Kevin fully realized that this could become more than a hobby that he loved.  It could become a business that he loved.  Kevin reached out to the friend of a friend to get help with starting his own brewery.  Together, they formulated a business plan and pitched it to 20 other friends to raise capital for the venture, of course providing the prospective investors with samples of the product.  It worked.  Within a week, Random Row Brewing was funded and ready to kick-off.  What started with “Keagan” has grown along with Kevin’s family.  There are now “Jameson” and “Cal,” both sons and brews.  The Jameson is the Keagan Imperial Stout that has been aged in bourbon barrels.  The Cal is also the Keagan aged in barrels, but infused with Vanilla Beans, and it is nothing less than delicious.  Unfortunately.  I did not get to try the Keagan or the Jameson as they were out at the time of my visit, and the Cal ran out on my pour.  I am greatly looking forward to December 29^th when the Keagan gets released again in honor of her birthday.

Note to Self:  Serve alcohol at any future sales meeting

GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAALLLLLL

Huh?  Goooooooaaaaaaaaallllll?  Did I really go there?  Yes, but with good reason.  I will get to football in just a moment, but I used this here to highlight the fact that Random Row is a bit different from most other breweries or taphouses.  The first difference that you will notice is that there is no separation between the two.  The brewery and the taphouse are one in the same and there is no wall dividing them.  You can enjoy a pint while watching the brewer preparing a batch of grains for the next run.  I am a fan of homebrewing myself and I think it is fascinating to be able to see the process while enjoying the product.  And, if you have any questions about what you are seeing behind the scenes, they are more than happy to take the time to educate you about that delicious beer you are sipping.

Another difference you will see is something that you can’t see.  It is their conviction that a strong community helps all businesses.  They believe in “Local,” not just as an axiom that sounds good, but as a core belief and value of how they should operate.  Buying from local vendors, supporting other local businesses, and helping others whenever they can is rooted in their core.  To date, this small craft brewery has donated almost $50,000 to local non-profits.  And, its not just the Charlottesville community that is benefiting from their beliefs.  They do good all over.  Kevin was telling me that Random Row has been involved in the Black is Beautiful Effort.  It is a beer collaboration started by Weather Souls Brewing Company in Texas.  Weathered Souls is providing the recipe all breweries who would like to participate.  They just ask that you donate 100% of the proceeds from all sales of Black is Beautiful to help organizations that fight the injustices that people of color face daily.  To find out more go to blackisbeautiful.beer and see how you as a brewer or a beer drinker can help.

Lastly, there is the Liverpool Football Club.  Not many bars in Charlottesville are self-proclaimed football fanatics, none that I know of, but Random Row differentiates itself here as well.  I know when I say football you don’t think of soccer or American football, and you probably think I should just say soccer.  Well, I’m of the mind that football came first, American football stole the name, and only one of those two use feet 98% of the time.  So, while I normally do use the Americanized name, I’m going to attempt to do justice to the sport, and Random Row, by calling it football.  But, I digress.  The point is that Kevin is a huge Liverpool Football Club fan, and it shows.  You can see the red, green, and gold, and they are everywhere.  Kevin stated to me that they are open for every – EVERY – Liverpool match, even those at 7 AM here, and he is usually the one behind the bar.  Do not worry though.  All hooligans are welcome, not just Liverpool fans.

 

Visit The Row

Now, dear readers, we come to my favorite part.  This is where I get to tell you how, when, where, and what about Random Row.  First things first, they are located at 608 Preston Avenue in Charlottesville, right next to the Reid Super Market and Moxie Hair Salon.  It may not look like it, but there is plenty of parking there.  You can find them online at randomrow.com as well as on Facebook and Instagram @randomrowbrewing, and on Twitter @randomrowbeer.  They are open 7 days a Week, but it varies so check online to see the times as well as their specials – like the the Monday Run Club $2 beers.  Members get the discount for running 5k loop around Downtown Charlottesville.  I do not run unless being chase, so I’ll be paying full price.  Maybe even a bit more to ensure that I won’t have to.

Right now, they have 11 beers on tap, but they rotate and change it up quite a bit.  Like I said, I kicked the Cal keg on my visit and another one won’t come through for months.  Kevin’s favorite is currently the Mosaic Pale Ale, which won a Gold Medal at the Virginia Brewers Cup and a Bronze at the Great American Beer Festival.  I brought home their Red Ale which was quite tasty.  Point being, there is a little something for everyone.

On site, they have some snack food, soft pretzels, and pizzas from Mona Lisa, but it’s a bit of a limited selection.  They do have food trucks that come through, mostly on Fridays right now, but that should last through Christmas.  Good news is that you are in Charlottesville and can probably get food delivered from many local restaurants.  There is a good amount of outside seating, some of it covered, and propane heaters sprinkled around for those looking to get a beer and enjoy the beautiful weather we have been having. 

I’ve come to the end of my notes, and my last Red Ale.  I do hope you all enjoyed this post as much as I did visiting with Kevin and the Team at Random Row.  You will probably enjoy a visit of your own more though.

Until next time, Ramble Virginia!

King Family Vineyards - Polo and The Stranger

 

My latest venture on the Monticello Wine Trail brought me to King Family Vineyards.  I recently sat down for a quick chat with James King of said Family on an uncharacteristically gorgeous fall day and suffered a distinct sense of déjà vu.  It is the first week of November, I can see the Blue Ridge Mountains rising over the field in the distance, Virginia’s fall firework spectacular is running its final performance, and I find myself regretting my decision to wear pants instead of shorts because it is almost 80 degrees outside while I listen to the story of a winery that did not set out to be one.  You see, for first timers here at Ramble Virginia, this is not my first time this fall that I have been able to take in all of the colors of the season, listening to the story of an unintended winery, while lamenting my trousers.  So, without further ado, let’s learn a little bit about King Family Vineyards at Roseland Farm.

Chukkas Are a Thing

There is a pretty good chance that you’ve never heard the word chukka.  I had not come across the term until I started writing this post.  Chukkas are the polo equivalent of quarters in football or innings in baseball, they are how polo matches are broken up.  Depending upon the skill level of the players participating, each match is divided into at least four, but no more than eight, of these seven-minute long periods.  There is also an overtime period of some type at the end of each chukka that can last up to 30 seconds.  I think.  I’m pretty sure some of what I just wrote about polo is correct.  I know that it is played on horseback for sure…probably…maybe.

Look.  I have only done a very small bit of research into this equestrian sport called polo, mostly to figure out what a chukka was since I heard the word bandied about by my host James King, and I admit to knowing basically nothing.  Not just about polo, but I know nothing about so many things.  But, I digress.  I do know that what little I have learned about this lesser-known sport has definitely peaked my interest.

Now, if you are not familiar with King Family Vineyard, and if you’re still reading this, you may very well be wondering why I am talking about chukkas in a blog post about a vineyard.  Well, the simple reason is that without polo, there would be no King Family Vineyard.   

It Was Always About Polo

Prior to coming to Virginia, David and Eileen King were living in Texas with their three boys Carrington, Stuart, and James.  As their sons grew, the King’s decided that they did not want to raise their family in a big metropolis.  They wanted to raise their family in a more rural setting, not Houston where they lived, and settled on returning to Virginia.  Other than leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, David King had one other essential feature that he was seeking in his new home.  David was an avid fan and player of polo.  He yearned for the family’s homestead to be able to house a proper polo field, meaning that it would need a lot of flat area that could be opened up to play his favorite game.

In 1995, the family found their new home at Roseland Farm.  Crozet was definitely a rural community in the mid-90’s (still pretty much is) and it is plenty far from the larger urban areas of Richmond or Northern Virginia.  There are spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from anywhere on the property.  And, of course, there was ample room for David’s dream, the polo field.  The King’s were in Crozet and Roseland Farm was born.

The Stranger

So, it is 1995 and the King Family owned a large farm in Crozet, but what to do with the property?  A vineyard certainly wasn’t on their minds, at least not yet.  No.  Roseland Farm started off as a proper farm.  They grew corn and alfalfa, raised livestock, and had a nursery on property.  A grand scheme it was not, but a working farm it was.  That was, until 1997 when the region experienced a severe drought in just the King’s second year.  Things were not looking good for Roseland Farm, but luck was on their side.

One evening following that rough drought, as the family was preparing for their evening meal, they heard a knock upon their door.  When David opened it, he found a young man at the entrance whom he had never met before.  This stranger, named Tom Vanderberg, had been traveling in the area near the farm and decided to call upon the family to make them an odd, if not crazy, offer.  You see, this visitor was a recent graduate of Virginia Tech in the little known field of viticulture.  After explaining just what viticulture meant, he informed the King’s that he was on his own search for a little piece of perfect property, just as they had been some two years prior.  Apparently, he told the family, the land that they had purchased with dreams of a working farm and polo field, also had outstanding soil and conditions for growing grapes.  His proposal was a lease of land.  He wished to pay them for the ability to grow 10 acres of grapes on Roseland Farm. 

With the recent drought and tough conditions this added revenue would certainly be of help to the family.  The family was intrigued, but, after careful consideration, they decided against allowing this strange young man lease their property.  It was not that they did not think that it was a good idea to grow grapes at the farm, but that they thought it was quite a good idea – maybe so good that they should do it themselves.  Late that very year, in 1998, King Family Vineyards was established and the family was in business.

Keeping Their Balance

Very quickly, the vineyard was off and running.  They started small(ish).  Chris Hill, a well-known and respected horticulturist, was brought in to see to the growing of the grapes and still consults to this day.  Coincidentally, Chris is an alumnus of Virginia Tech, the same school the stranger had recently graduated from.  Initially, the family was going to grow the grapes and sell them to other wineries in the area, as quite a few smaller farms did and still do.  But that plan fell to the wayside when they only decided to sell about half of the harvest from 2000 and bring the other half up to their friends at Afton Mountain Vineyards to produce the wine.  Celebrated winemaker Michael Shaps was hired that first year and King Family produced 480 cases in 2000.  Then, over a thousand cases in 2001.  Michael Shaps was followed by their current wine maker, Matthieu Finot in 2007, but the winery kept on growing.  By 2013, they were producing over 7,500 cases a year.  Not bad for a crazy idea from a random stranger.

King Family wines have won numerous awards over the years, but the one thing that James and I spoke about impressed me much more than medals or cups.  James said that the trait that he most admires about the wines that his family produce is that they strike a balance with nature.  You need two simple things in order to make great wine – amazing fruit and a skilled winemaker.  But, James believes in a third ingredient which is balance.  The grapes will tell the winemaker what it wants to be.  The winemaker only has to have the skill to listen and the wherewithal to allow the wine to be what it should be.  He believes this is why King Family wines are so well received.

There is also a core belief by the family to keep balance with the land.  Agritourism is a huge buzzword nowadays, but it is an exceptional thing when done right and the Kings do it impressively right.  I could feel the passion and conviction that James had when speaking about balance in the wine, in the business, and in nature that was only matched when he spoke about his father and polo.

Polo and More

Now that you’ve heard a bit about the story of King Family Vineyard’s history, let’s get to the really fun part.  What’s going on now!

King Family is located at 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932.  You can call them at 434-823-7800, email them at info@kingfamilyvineyards.com, and find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube by searching King Family Vineyards. 

The tasting room is open 7 days a week, from 10:00 AM until 5:30 PM.  You can get tastings up until 5:00 PM, but for that last half hour you can only buy bottles and finish up what you have already brought.  You will have to be safe when you visit though, especially now.  So bring a mask and make sure you have a designated driver.  The busiest times are between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM on Saturdays.

Roseland Farm is really big so there is no worry about finding space outside on those nice days.  There are some under cover areas, with more to come, and there is little limitation on the size of groups that they can accommodate and reservations aren’t strictly needed, but, as always, a bit of common sense goes a long way.  If you have a group of 30 friends and family you want to visit with, make a call or email them to ensure they can give you the experience you, and they, want you to have.

There is no onsite dining, but there are snacks in their little shop to buy and food trucks visit quite frequently.  James’ current favorite is Dumplin’ by local celebrity chef Laura Fonner, you know, winner of Guy’s Grocery Games.

The polo season has ended for the year, but will start back up again on Sundays in the spring.  Keep an eye out because this is probably one of the most awesome freebies you will ever get.  That’s right.  Going out to King Family, enjoying beautiful views, and watching one of the oldest sports in the world on a Sunday afternoon in the Virginia countryside is absolutely free.  They even have a polo club, host traveling teams, and offer lessons.  I’m not sure if I mentioned it earlier, but the King Family really enjoys polo.  Of course, if playing the sport isn’t your speed, they have another equestrian activity for you via Indian Summer Tours.

The wine is the real show here on most days, so you should also try and take advantage of one of the unique tours that they offer.  There are “self-guided” tasting tours that come with a QR code for you to view videos on your phone to go with each wine, guided vineyard and winery tours every Saturday and Sunday at 1 PM and 3 PM, specialty tastings in the Library, and reserve tastings featuring older vintages than what is currently being poured.  James’ current favorites are the Vu Vre and Petit Verdot.  The man knows his wine.  I would listen to him.

There is a little something for everyone at King Family Vineyard, but I want to leave you with a simple piece of advice from James King.  He told me wine is fun.  It is made to be enjoyed and shared.  Take some time with your loved ones, family and friends, and enjoy a glass of wine together.  It will do wonders for your soul.

Valley Road Vineyards - Great People, Great Wines, Great Views

One of the many great things that Central Virginia has to offer visitors is a wide selection of local vineyards.  At last count, there were 35 wineries within a 30-mile radius of Charlottesville.  We take guests on countless wine tours every year, and are often asked to help plan their day.  One of the newest wineries on the scene is Valley Road Vineyards, and they are making quite the name for themselves in short order.  With the feedback we were receiving from our guests, I wanted to take the opportunity to get out on the Monticello Wine Trail myself and see what all the fuss was about.  We had been recommending Valley Road for a number of months, but I had not been there in person yet.  Well, I had the pleasure of meeting with two of the founders of Valley Road, Stan and Barbara Joynes, the other day, and I can definitely see what everyone is talking about.  First, a little history about the new kid on the block.

A Meandering Valley Road

Valley Road Vineyards began almost by accident.  Stan and Barbara Joynes lived in Richmond with their four children and built a vacation home near Wintergreen in 2008.  They would visit when they could, and spend their free time visiting wineries in the area.  They were not afficianados by any stretch, but they enjoyed tasting wine, and, most importantly, they enjoyed talking with people.  As their children got older, they were able to visit more and build relationships with people at the vineyards.  Eventually, the children started going off to school, with two attending Stan's alma matter the University of Virginia, and they decided to move to the area full time.  

Through these relationships they built in the area among vintners, they realized that more grape production was needed to keep up with the demand.  Stan began searching for a farm to grow vines, the idea being to sell off the grapes to local wineries, not to make their own wines.  But, while there were numerous farms available, most were just too big with too little space for growing grapes.  It just didn't make any sense to buy a huge 100 acre farm if only a fraction of the land was suitable for vines.

That's where an accident and Stan's natural penchant for building relationships comes in.  He had visited not just wineries along 151, but also small farms in the area.  One being the owner of AM Fog Farm, a local farm famous for its oyster, shitake, and maitake mushrooms frequently used in local area restaurants as well as its big red barn visible from Route 151.  During one of his visits there, she mentioned that she had decided to sell the property and move the farm operation.   Stan, Barbara, and the other founders of Valley Road had found the little bit of land they needed to plant their vineyard.

The AM Fog Farm property was only about 15 acres, but the land was a perfect for what they wanted.  It was so perfect, in fact, that this land had been coveted for years by local grape growers. It needed a little bit of reconfiguration, but everything was there, not only for a vineyard but for a winery as well.  It also had something that not every winery has, and that is the old business mantra "location, location, location."  It is located just 1.1 miles down Rt. 151 and at the start of the Beverage Trail.  It just made sense to grow grapes and make wine there.

The decision was made to build a winery on the site.  Since none of the founders had any experience in the wine industry, they let their previous experience in business take over.  They hired great talent.  Well respected vineyard manager and grower Grayson Poats was brought on to run the growing operations.  When cooking, the quality of ingredients matters most.  The same applies to making wine, you need good grapes to make good wine.  The first vines were planted in March/April of 2016 and Valley Road was off and running.

But, growing good grapes is only half the battle.  You still have to know how to make good wine.  This is where Stan's relationship building prowess shined once again.  Through his many visits in the area, he had established a friendship with the owners of King Family Vineyards.  With their permission, Stan engaged with KFV's winemaker, Mathieu Finot, to make wines for Valley Road on a contract basis as well.  Finot is one of the top winemakers in Virginia and had recently won the Virginia Cup with his 2014 Meritage from King Family.  Talent acquired.

After a lot of work, the tasting room was opened in August of 2016.  The wine was pouring and people were taking notice - quickly.  In 2017, Valley Road's 2014 Petit Verdot was selected for the Governor's Case.  The next year, they one a gold medal in the Virginia Governor's Cup for their 2015 Viognier.  They added three more silver medals from the Governor's Cup in 2019 for their 2014 and 2015 Meritage as well as the ultra popular Torn Curtain, a red wine blend.  This year, they joining many of the other wineries in holding weddings onsite.  Ceremonies and receptions take place in the iconic red barn that can be easily seen from Rt. 151.    

Valley Road Vineyards is most definitely on the map.

My Experience

Let me preface this next part by saying I am not a journalist.  I have never really written anything before.  I have absolutely no experience and have no idea what I'm doing.  I'm just a guy with a limo company who had an idea to visit some of the places that we take our customers.  I wanted to get the word out about these great companies.  When I contacted Valley Road Vineyards, all of that didn't seem to make a difference.  They were as nice as they could be about my request and said to come on out.  We'd love to have you.  

On the day that I met with Stan and Barbara Joynes at their little slice of wine country heaven, I was startkly reminded that this year has been a bit different than most I can recall.  It was mid-October, the fall colors on the leaves were breathtaking, and it was close to 80 degrees outside.  It was a Tuesday and we had seen our busiest weekend since March.  The weather that past weekend had been nothing short of spectacular.  It was summer in October and it felt like everyone took the opportunity to break their pandemic fatigue by getting outside to do something, anything, fun.  A winery is a great place to relax, especially one with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the kaleidoscope of autum foliage in full swing.

We sat under at a table under an umbrella in their outdoor tasting area and introduced ourselves.  I told them I wanted to ask a few questions and take some pictures, with the idea that it would be turned into a quick spotlight video for Facebook.  Then, Stan started telling me the story of Valley Road and I got to experience his gift first hand.  I've stated before that Stan has an uncanny ability to build relationships with people, and I can see why.  When Stan talks, you're interested.  Maybe it is carryover from his previous career as a lawyer, but while he was describing the history of the vineyard I found myself more intrigued than I thought I would be.  Don't get me wrong.  I do enjoy wine from time to time, but I'm not really a wine guy.  Whiskey and beer are more my speed, but Stan had my attention from the start.  He just has a gift for making connections with people and it has permeated into the vineyard.  Valley Road has a gift of making you feel at home, just like Stan.

Visiting Valley Road

After Stan narrated the story of the vineyard, with Barbara adding in some details, I finally remembered that I had a list of questions to ask.  This is probably the part that you readers will be most interested in - what to know when you visit Valley Road Vineyards.  

First things first, they take safety very seriously and take a lot of precautions to ensure the health and well being of their staff and guests.  You will be required to wear a mask when you visit, tables are spaced out for social distancing, and outside seating is plentiful.  During my visit, they had an outdoor bar set up by the Library and a tent had been erected for guests to sit under.  There is a relaxing tasting room onsite (seen above), but, it being a gorgeous Tuesday afternoon and only a few customers around, it was not in use.  A pole barn is being built next to the Tasting Room where the tent is currently to allow for customers to continue visiting during the upcoming months when the weather will take a turn for the worse.  They will also be utilizing the Barn for tastings now that wedding season is coming to a close, meaning even more space for guests to be able to enjoy wine and relax.

Even with all of their own safety precautions, and the current operating restrictions for all businesses, Valley Road is one of the few wineries that can still accommodate larger groups.  It is definitely recommended that you call or email them first to make a reservation.  Stan and Barbara have said that if you only have 2 or 3 people coming to visit, reservations are not really necessary.  With all of the space on property, they have not had any issues being able to squeeze in smaller groups.  A tip that my hosts shared was to bring blankets or chairs with you.  If it is super busy in the tasting areas, you can always get some wine and find a spot on property to set up.

Valley Road does not have a restaurant onsite, but they do have a menu of some snacks for your visit.  They also have food trucks that frequently visit on Saturdays, so be sure to check their calendar to see when your favorite is coming.  They also have local musicians that perform on property, which is another reason to keep up to date with their calendar and events.  

I asked Stan and Barbara to tell me what their favorite restaurants, breweries, bands, food trucks, and restaurants were, but I could only coerce them to divulge their favorite wine.  For Barbara, it is hands down the Joie Sparking Rose.  She did not even skip a beat when I asked the question.  For Stan, he had to think a bit more about it.  His answer was a wine that you cannot get anymore because it is sold out, but that his current favorite is the Savignon Blanc, which is definitely available. 

Valley Road is open from Noon until 5:30 PM every day.  They are located at 9264 Crizers Shop Road, Afton, VA, 22920.  This is just a mile south of Rt. 250 down 151, on the right hand side.  You can't miss the big red Barn on property.  You can always call them at 540-456-6350 or email them from their website valleyroadwines.com (also where you can find the calendar).  They also have some great content on their social media pages.  You can find and follow Valley Road at:

facebook.com/valleyroadwines

twitter.com/valleyroadwines

instagram.com/valleyroadwines

pinterest.com/valleyroadwines

Until next time, Ramble Virginia!

 

What's Ramble?

Hello to each and everyone who has stumbled across this incredibly random blog!  I do not know how you found it, but I assume it was due to falling down a vast rabbit hole that has lead you here.  Whatever path has brought you to our blog, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading and hope that you find the content here enjoyable  My name is Anton and I am one of the owners of Ambassador Limousine in Charlottesville, VA.  

A Ramble is defined as "a walk for pleasure, typically without a definite route," or to "talk or write at length in a confused or inconsequential way."  Both definitions seemed appropriate when deciding upon the name.  We frequently take passengers on a journey just for the journey's sake, and I most definitely tend to talk and write at length.  

With all of that in mind, I am pleased welcome you to the very first Ramble!  As a Limousine Company, we are frequently asked about our favorite places to go, things to do, and sights to see in Virginia.  Here we will be writing about some of the best of everything that Virginia has to offer.  Though we are based in Charlottesville, there are not many places in Virginia that we haven't been to and we are excited to share our experiences with you.  

As we start on this journey, we would love feedback from our readers.  Let us know where we should visit next, or, if you're game, send us a write up of your own and we will post it here.  Also, since I have never written a blog of any type at all, I would love to hear from you what I'm doing wrong, and, if it actually happens, what I did right.  

That's all for now.  Till next time, get out there an explore for yourselves.  You never know what you'll stumble across when you...

Ramble Virginia!