Middleburg Life | September 2020

Volume 37 Issue 9 | September 2020 | middleburglife.com

MIDDLEBURG

LI F E Country Living & Sweater Weather + Foraging for Medicinal Plants & Inside Va. Wine Month & How Foxhunts Save the Land We Love

POSTAL CUSTOMER PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE ECRWSS PAID FREDERICKSBURG, VA PERMIT NO. 75 EDOM

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S I M P LY B E T T E R .

FLEETWOOD FARM | DELAPLANE

LEGACY FARM | THE PLAINS

$21,700,000 | Fleetwood Farm showcases the rolling hills and majestic mountain views that Virginia's Hunt Country is known for. Comprised of 26 parcels totaling 2,477 acres of mature farmland, this massive plot sits a mere 60 miles west of Washington DC. 4 rental homes, historic stone mill, surrounded by creeks, streams, and ponds.

$6,000,000 | 450 acres in Orange County Hunt's most prized territory. Build your dream estate amidst rolling, park-like fields, stone walls, a lazy little creek (Cromwells Run) and framed by unmatched mountain views. Conservation easement and fox-hunting easement.

Peter Pejacsevich 540.270.3835

Scott Buzzelli 540.454.1399

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$950,000 | Rare opportunity to build your ideal home in a super private setting in southern Clarke Co. 87 acres, partially wooded, open farmland, beautifully maintained. Small farm building exists on property (2017) w/ bathroom, good well & septic field for 3 BD, could be expanded. Spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In the heart of Blue Ridge Hunt Country. In Clarke County Conservation Easement.

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M I D D L E B U R G R E A L E S TAT E . C O M MIDDLEBURG: 540.687.6321 | PURCELLVILLE: 540.338.7770 | LEESBURG: 703.777.1170 | ASHBURN: 703.436.0077 CORPORATE: 10 E WASHINGTON ST, MIDDELBURG, VA 20117 | 540.687.6321 | LICENSED IN VA + WV

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Middleburg, VA 540-687-4646

Charlottesville, VA 434-245-2211

Annapolis, MD 410-990-1700

Greenbrier, WV 304-956-5151 SEPTEMBER 2020

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MIDDLEBURG

LI F E SEPT. 2020 middleburglife.com

PUBLISHER: Greenhill Media LLC EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Gray | editor@middleburglife.com COPY EDITOR: Chelsea Rose Moore ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Christian Bentley | christian@middleburglife.com ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVES Rebekah Greenhill | info@middleburglife.com Vicky Mashaw | vmashaw@middleburglife.com Jennifer Richards | jennifer@middleburglife.com Andrea Ryder | andrea@middleburglife.com ACCOUNTS ADMINISTRATOR: Joanne Maisano DIGITAL SALES & MARKETING SPECIALIST: Laura Luck DIGITAL CONTENT CREATOR: Laticia Headings DESIGNER: Elisa Hernandez PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Nicky Marshok ON THE COVER This month’s September cover photo was chosen by our readers in a vote through our Middleburg Life Facebook page. Voters chose between the posed shot on the cover with the rooster, and a candid shot with the kids and a gray pony. To read about this local momma, Laura Gargagliano Bartee, see pages 14-16.

Photos by Jennifer Gray.

ON THIS PAGE Santi Llavallol, named most valuable player of the Point to Point team, races down the field with Agustin Arellano on team Woodrow during the Piper Cup 12-goal final on Aug. 21 at Beverly Equestrian. Point to Point won 12-6 against Woodrow.

Photo by Joanne Maisano.

CONTRIBUTORS Heidi Baumstark, Chelsea Moore, Richard Hooper, Kaitlin Hill, Joanne Maisano, Laticia Headings, Patrick Mulrooney, Shayda Windle, and Kailey Cheng ADVERTISE IN MIDDLEBURG LIFE Greenhill Media, LLC P.O. Box 328 | Middleburg VA 20118-0328 540.687.5950 | info@middleburglife.com All editorial matter is fully protected and may not be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. All unsolicited manuscripts and photos must be accompanied by return postage; the publisher assumes no responsibility. Middleburg Life reserves the right to reject any advertising. Distributed in Aldie, Alexandria, Ashburn, Boyce, Delaplane, Dulles, Front Royal, Gainesville, Haymarket, Leesburg, Manassas, Marshall, Middleburg, Millwood, Paris, Purcellville, The Plains, Rectortown, Reston, Tysons, Upperville, Warrenton, Washington, D.C., and Winchester.

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MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR

Andre Fox on the Good Ole Days

Remembering the Music Scene of Magpie’s and Mosby’s Tavern Written by Kailey Cheng | Photos by Joanne Maisano

O

ne morning in 1994, Middleburg native Andre Fox started his day as an engineer fixing metros from front to back. By the end of the day, he’d become a musician for the rest of his life.

Fox was on his way to work, sitting in the middle of I-495 traffic, when he realized he’d be able to reach more people with his music than by turning a wrench. So, he quit his job of 10 years and drove home.

“Music reaches so many people’s souls,” Fox said. “It reaches down deep inside you, it can evoke emotions, it can take you back to a different place in time in your life.”

The same day, Fox rode down to a pawn shop in Warrenton to sell a shotgun. A fender guitar hanging on the wall caught his eye. He bought it for $50, returned home, turned on the radio, began to play, and effortlessly fell back in love with the music.

He knew that Bryan Fox and Gary Smallwood, members from his first band, Galaxy, played at Magpie’s Café — now the Red Horse Tavern — every Thursday night, and so Fox began playing two or three songs on their breaks. Soon, he was invited to play his own gig at Magpie’s.

“From there, it just exploded,” he said.

Fox is the face of the Andre Fox Band, and his fellow bandmates are “all [his] friends.”

Essentially, the members of his band are “whoever is available.” The Andre Fox Band has been playing acoustic soul music in and around Middleburg for years. Fox said the genre includes anything from Prince, to Michael Jackson, to Ed Sheeran.

“Who knows what’s gonna come out of my guitar when I start playing?” he said, laughing. “You never know.”

Due to COVID-19, Fox has taken a break — his first in 26 years — but once it’s safe to perform at local venues once more, he’s more Neighbor | Page 4 Andre Fox.

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Fox said that back in his day, there’d be at least five live music venues in Middleburg every weekend. He remembers jazz at Back Street Café and acoustic at the Night Fox. He remembers playing at Mosby’s Tavern, where hundreds of people from miles away would come to hear the Andre Fox Band play.

Neighbor | From page 3 than ready to take the stage, guitar in hand.

And naturally, music has always been a part of his life.

Born and raised in Middleburg, Fox said he grew up around horses, music, and good people. His family also knew the Kennedys and worked at the family’s farm in Upperville. To this day, Fox has Kennedy artifacts in his home. He went to Banneker Elementary, a segregated school, until 1968 when students became integrated into Middleburg Elementary.

“All the kids told me, ‘Did you know next year we have to go to that white school?’” Fox said. “And I said, ‘No. It’s a brick school.’ And they was like, ‘No, it’s where the white kids go.’ And I suddenly realized that all the students in my school were Black. I didn’t know we were separated like that.”

But Fox said integration was a smooth transition. The kids grew up together, played together, and even made music together. At home, he was raised by a “singing family,” where every member sang and played. He said his grand uncle Fred Fox and the Middleburg Harmonizers served as a major musical influence on his life. Essentially, Fox grew up surrounded by song.

After graduating Fauquier High School in 1978, Fox joined the Navy. He was on the USS Conyngham DDG-17 and shot the big guns.

He said he counts himself lucky because he never had to pull the trigger on anyone. After leaving the Navy, Fox wore many hats, some of which included working at Lanier Business Products and at Capitol Hill in “almost every government agency that you can think of.”

Eventually, Fox came back home to work on his farm. He wanted to get his money to-

gether and figure out what he wanted to do.

He watched the paper every day and got the job at the Metro fixing trains. But once he chose music, he entered one of the most vibrant music scenes in the state: the live local venues of Middleburg, Virginia.

Fox said that back in his day, there’d be at least five live music venues in Middleburg every weekend. He remembers jazz at Back Street Café and acoustic at the Night Fox. He remembers playing at Mosby’s Tavern, where hundreds of people from miles away would come to hear the Andre Fox Band play.

“I would be on the mic and the party was jumpin’ and everybody’s grooving, right?”

Fox said. “I had to sing; I would get on the mic and I’d go, ‘What’s the word?’ And everybody would holler, ‘Middleburg!’”

If Fox asked an audience, “What’s the word?” today, people would still shout, “Middleburg!” He thanks the vivaciousness of the music community in the “old days,” and although it can never be recaptured, he’s glad to see that a number of establishments around Middleburg still support live music.

Fox said his band isn’t just a band; it’s a “big family of musicians,” and that playing together feels like kicking a field goal or a touchdown every night. He also favors playing at local venues over big cities. Throughout his career, he’s played in cities such as D.C., Miami, and Chicago, but always finds that he prefers the local scene. Fox believes in the potential of talented and up-and-coming musicians in the Middleburg area.

When asked what his favorite venue is, he simply says, “the next one.”

“If you take [performing] as seriously as I do, it feels like the most important job in the world, whether there’s 10 people in the

Andre Fox with his dog Peace.

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audience or 10,000 people in the audience,” Fox said. “I would like to apply that work ethic not just to the stage, but to whether you’re on your computer, whether you’re on a lawn mower, whether you’re driving a bus, or fixing a car. At that moment, it’s the most important job in the world.”

Through his extensive and fruitful career as a musician, Fox said he’s probably written a new song in his head every day. His inspiration for creating music begins when he wakes up in the morning, and from there, he finds inspiration everywhere — whether that be from the people he meets or from a bird flying by.

Fox believes he came out of the womb singing. And at 60 years old, he doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon. For him, musicians just “keep doing it,” and one can never truly retire as a musician.

“You cannot change being a musician if you are a musician,” Fox said. “Once you say, ‘I’m a musician,’ you’re a musician for life. That’s it. There’s nothing we can do about it. I was even born with a musician’s name, ‘Andre Fox.’ What does that sound like?

A musician.” ML

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Inside Virginia Wine Month Q&A WITH LOCAL VINEYARD OWNERS: CELEBRATING WINE MONTH SAFELY Written by Kaitlin Hill

V

irginia Wine Month is in sight. Local vineyard owners share how they are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and what guests can anticipate this October.

Nate Walsh co-owns Walsh Family Vineyards with his wife, Sarah. Walsh Family Vineyards is located in Purcellville and is part of the Snickers Gap Wine Cluster, which also includes Bluemont Vineyard and Bogati Winery. The winery opened in 2014.

As the owner of Linden Vineyards in Linden, Virginia, Jim Law bought the farm in 1983 and planted his first vineyard in 1985.

He is considered a pioneer of Virginia Wine.

Linden is part of the Fauquier County Wine Trail, which also includes Three Fox Vineyards and Naked Mountain Winery.

Lisa Petty co-owns Cana Vineyards with her husband, Bryce, and friends Tom and Michelle Grant. Located just outside of Middleburg’s Main Street, they are part of the Mosby Wine Cluster, which also includes Chrysalis Vineyards and Greenhill Winery and Vineyards. They opened in 2018.

For those who haven’t had the chance to visit yet, how would you describe your winery or vineyard?

Walsh: For people interested in visiting the tasting room, we offer a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. We take the wine very seriously,

but we want the tasting room to be inviting and fun and relaxing.

Law: We are very quiet and very wine focused. And “quiet” is probably the most important word. We are restrictive on the number of people who can come, and we are by reservation only … We don’t do events. It’s just about coming and tasting, and because of that, the focus is totally on the wine.

Petty: We are a casual, family-owned winery and welcome children and pets. We have a unique setting just outside downtown Middleburg with a gorgeous view of the Bull Run and Blue Ridge mountains. Within the first year of taking on ownership of Cana, we built a modern-rustic outdoor timber-frame pavilion named the Sunset Pavilion. It’s the perfect space for tastings, lounging, and private events, and can be used year-round. We also have a lot of green space for guests to spread out around our 43-acre property and encourage picnics.

Is there anything unique about your approach to winemaking or the wines you offer?

Walsh: Walsh Family Wine is a farming operation. We farm 50 acres of wine grapes at a number of different sites in Loudoun County. Our goal is to produce vineyard-designated wines … that hopefully over time will help

Top: Barrels at Greenhill Winery, photo by Tyler Cadenas. Bottom: Nate Walsh, photo courtesy of Walsh Family Wines.

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express the individual vineyard sites themselves. So, our farming and also our winemaking are focused on that goal.

Law: We grow all our own grapes and we make all of our own wine. We are very small and very focused … Our loyal customers know us for what we call our single vineyard bottlings. We have three different vineyards, and each has its own personality. We bottle them separately, in the case of the Chardonnays and the reds. It can be same year, same wine making technique, but different vineyard sites, and people love to Vineyard | Page 7

Vineyard | From page 6 compare the difference.

Petty: Melanie, our winemaker, has been with us since 2015. In 2017, she was the first Virginia winemaker to be named Woman Winemaker of the Year at the Women’s International Wine Competition. Melanie strives to produce acid-driven wines with elegance and finesse. She is a dedicated rosé lover who’s on a mission to show the world the beauty of an intentional and focused rosé.

Melanie’s 2019 rosé of merlot and a 2019 rosé of cabernet sauvignon both won gold medals at the Drink Pink Vino International Rosé Wine Competition this year. We are lucky to have such a talented winemaker.

Has COVID-19 impacted your business?

What precautions are you taking to keep your guests and employees safe?

Walsh: Currently, we are open by reservation only. This allows us to limit the total number of people on our property in order to keep everyone safe and comfortable. We are following all of the current guidelines for sanitation and social distancing, and we will continue to adjust to what is needed in order for everyone to stay safe and healthy. We are taking everyone’s health very seriously.

Law: Production-wise, no. We are still doing exactly the same thing we always do in the vineyard. But, the biggest change is we have limited the [number] of visitors we’ve had, limited them even more. My first concern is the safety of both staff and customers.

So that’s why we’re now by reservation only.

And, most of the reservations are a maximum of two people. We have everybody totally sep-

arated, and nothing inside; it’s all outside.

Petty: When the pandemic hit, we had to do a 180 on our business operations. During the initial stages of the pandemic, while our tasting room was closed, we offered home deliveries, curbside pickup, and shipping. We also conducted a handful of virtual tastings and partnered with Old Ox, Dee Owens of RE/MAX Gateway, and musician Nathaniel Davis to bring mobile block parties to local neighborhoods. Since we have opened back up, we have been following all CDC, state, and local guidelines very strictly to keep our guests and employees safe. We have social distancing rules at the bars, all seating is spaced more than 6 feet apart, restroom occupancy is limited, and guests are required to wear masks when they are not seated at their table. Our wine is being served out of disposable glasses and serve ware and all of our lite fare food offerings are pre-packaged to limit touch-points. Our staff is also monitored for any COVID-19 symptoms prior to starting their shifts and they are required to do self-temperature checks.

What would you say to a customer who is unsure if visiting is safe?

Walsh: Give us a call — we’d be happy to explain the precautions we are taking, and what your experience will be like, to see if it is something you are comfortable with.

Law: We take the state mandates and go a lot further than that. I want to make sure they are safe here and that they keep coming back. I want them to know that they can trust us … On our website, we have a whole page

Left: Jim Law, photo by Kaitlin Hill. Right: Lisa Petty, photo by Kaitlin Hill.

Vineyard | Page 8

Snickers Gap Cluster: The Snickers Gap Cluster is the smallest of Virginia’s Wine Clusters, named for a wind gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to Walsh Family Vineyards, it includes Otium Cellars, Bluemont Vineyards, Bogati Winery, and Stonehouse Meadery.

The Mosby Cluster: The Mosby Cluster is set along Route 50 and passes through the towns of Aldie and Middleburg. In addition to Cana Vineyards and Winery, it includes 50 West Vineyards, Boxwood Estate Winery, Chrysalis Vineyards, Greenhill Winery and Vineyards, Fleetwood Farm Winery, and Quattro Goombas Winery.

Fauquier Wine Trail: The Fauquier Wine Trail runs through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and includes 26 wineries and vineyards from Middleburg to Summerduck.

In addition to Linden Vineyards, you’ll find Boxwood Winery, Barrel Oak Winery, Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery, Three Fox Vineyards, RdV Vineyards, Delaplane Cellars, Slater Run Vineyards, Arterra Wines, Naked Mountain Winery and Vineyards, Fox Meadow Vineyards and Winery, Mediterranean Cellars, Pearmund Cellars, Vint Hill Craft Winery, Aspen Dale Winery, Chateau O’Brien at Northpoint Winery, Philip Carter Winery, Winding Road Cellars, Miracle Valley Vineyard, Cobbler Mountain Cellars, Desert Rose Ranch and Winery, Granite Heights Winery, Molon Lave Vineyards, Morais Vineyards and Winery, Grey Horse Vineyards, and Rogers Ford Farm Winery along the Fauquier Wine Trail. ML

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Vineyard | From page 7 devoted to exactly what we do to keep people safe.

Petty: Making the decision to visit any public place during this time is a personal one, and if you feel safer at home, we are continuing our no-contact curbside pickup and shipping discounts. For those who are looking to get some fresh air and sunshine and socialize while being mindful of the current circumstances, we want them to know that we are taking all reasonable precautions to keep our guests and staff safe. Common touch-points, bars, and seating are regularly sanitized. Cana took the “Loudoun Is Ready Pledge” and is dedicated to providing a safe and fun atmosphere for all.

What can customers anticipate for Virginia Wine Month in October?

Walsh: We host a tasting series called DRINKWELL Virtual Tastings on Fridays at 5 p.m. on Facebook Live. These tastings feature wines and winemakers from around the world, and for Virginia Wine Month, we’re

looking forward to chatting with some of our colleagues in Virginia and trying their wines on the DRINKWELL series.

Law: The one nice thing about October, especially in early October, is we’re very busy with the harvest and the crush. And that is something people can observe. They can’t actually be on the floor, but we have decks where you can watch what’s going on.

Petty: We are still working out the details for Virginia Wine Month, but we are looking forward to celebrating with our friends and Cana family throughout the month. Our 2nd Annual Harvest Party is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. We will need to make some changes due to the current situation, but plan for food and craft vendors, s’mores by the fire pits, amazing wine, and maybe even a beer option. We are also planning to hold a wine dinner with Market Salamander on Saturday, Oct. 24. Of course, we can’t let October go by without doing something fun for Halloween, so keep an eye on our social media channels to see what we have in store. ML

Linden Vineyards, photo by Carol Rogers.

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How Fox Hunting Saves the Land We Love Learn how conservation groups, landowners, and fox hunts work together in Northern Virginia

Written by Heidi Baumstark Photos by Joanne Maisano

F

ox hunting isn’t just for hunters and hounds.

Anyone who relishes the Virginia countryside for all its rugged beauty can give thanks for the local fox hunter and landowners.

Sure, those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt will experience the land up-close and personal through this time-honored tradition of hounds and horses chasing a fox. But, there are plenty of others who are not part of the equestrian community who revel in the glorious sights when traversing the countryside, stumbling upon historic houses, barns, ancient stone walls, and other bits of beauty along the way. It’s through a vibrant fox hunting community that land has a better chance of remaining preserved, because tens of thousands of acres in the Virginia countryside would be lost if it wasn’t for this special equestrian community.

So, what exactly is fox hunting? It’s where the horse, rider, and hound track a scent through varied terrain and wilderness.

Centuries ago in England, foxes were considered nuisances because they killed small livestock and chickens, so farmers would hunt them down with hounds. What started as a necessity quickly became a sport by the rich and noble. These English noblemen added rules, regulations, and proper attire, established their own terminology, and created the hunt known

today. With riders dressed in their “pinques” (or “pinks,” referring to scarlet woolen jackets to minimize blood stains), it was a sport that didn’t end well for a fox cornered by hounds. And our nation’s founder, George Washington, was a fan of the sport, keeping his pack of hounds at his Mount Vernon kennels.

But now, it’s all about the chase.

Before harm is done to the fox, hounds are called off, and the fox goes underground, which usually ends the hunt. After all, the objective isn’t to kill — it’s to chase for another day, so the sport can continue.

“We’re not interested in having fewer foxes,” added Tad Zimmerman, joint master of fox hounds (Jt-MFH) at Piedmont Fox Hounds in Upperville, which was formed in 1840 and is known as the oldest fox hunt in the nation. Today, official colors and attire are still worn to maintain order in the field, and out of respect for upholding the beautiful imagery seen on the hunt field.

Fox hunting season runs from November through March for the formal season, but “cubbing” (hunting fox cubs and training young hounds to hunt) starts in October, when riders are dressed in “ratcatchers” informal wear. Regular hunts can last from one to several hours and can consist of between 20 and 30 couples (40-60 hounds), which are specifically bred for hunting.

Regarding the number of hunters, some hunts have 15-25 galLand | Page 11

Top: Tad Zimmerman, Jt-MFH of Piedmont Fox Hounds, with huntsman Jordan Hicks. Bottom: Open land that should be preserved.

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Land | From page 10 loping over terrain, others can have 150, but the average is 50-80 riders. There’s a huntsman, professional whipper-in, and maybe a few other whips who control the hounds.

Masters (MFH) lead the hunt and the field master leads the second flight or third field.

After the hunt, the camaraderie continues with a breakfast or other type of tailgate. Just what’s needed after a long ride.

Some local hunts include Blue Ridge Hunt, Loudoun Fairfax Hunt, Loudoun Hunt, Middleburg Hunt, Old Dominion Hounds, Orange County Hounds, Piedmont Fox Hounds, Rappahannock Hunt, Snickersville Hounds, Thornton Hill Hounds, and Warrenton Hunt. Unfortunately, Casanova Hunt, established in 1909, recently closed in June 2020 after its long 111-year legacy.

Many hunts started in the early 1900s when wealthy New Yorkers sought warmer climates further south. An exception is Piedmont Fox Hounds (originally called Piedmont Hunt), established in 1840 by Loudoun native Richard Henry Dulany of Welbourne, an estate dating to 1775. (Dulany also founded the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, the nation’s oldest horse show first held in June 1853.)

Formed in 1907, Middleburg-based Masters of Foxhounds Association (MFHA) of North America serves as the governing body of organized foxhunting in the U.S. and Canada with a mission of promoting and preserving the sport and maintaining proper standards of conduct. These codes of conduct emphasize good horsemanship, camaraderie, and an appreciation of the outdoors in this seek-and-chase sport involving horse, rider, and hound.

All of this requires land — and lots of it.

Landowners who allow their property to be used during hunts are invaluable. Because “without you, we could not be,” is the sentiment of fox hunters toward generous landowners. Some of the land is owned by fellow hunters, but land is also owned by other farmers and homeowners. It’s the duty of every fox hunter to ensure this permission isn’t abused and that the interests of the landowner are protected and respected. Since fox hunting is a rural sport, its existence brings advantages to local farmers and landowners. Aside from the tradition and the character it brings, a fox hunting community is an equine community, thereby supporting local farms with an on-

going market for their grain, hay, straw, and livestock. And, of course, local tourism and restaurants profit from meals and entertainment before and after meets.

MFHA is a significant promotor of land conservation. Every year, it bestows a conservation award to a deserving landowner for protecting their land. Many hunt enthusiasts and landowners have placed their property in conservation easements, which are voluntary land preservation agreements between a landowner and a land conservation organization, designed to protect the agricultural resources, open spaces, forests, or habitat that exists on the property. The landowner maintains ownership of their land. What changes is that the land is protected forever from development. And, Virginia has some of the most forward-thinking tax benefit policies when it comes to placing land in easements.

There are environmental benefits, too. The public viewshed delivers intangible value — with so many tangible and intangible pluses, it’s hard to find a Virginian who doesn’t benefit from land conservation.

Some of those conservation organizations include Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) in Richmond, Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) in Warrenton, and Land Trust of Virginia (LTV) in Middleburg.

VOF was created in 1966 by the Virginia General Assembly and is governed by a board of trustees appointed by the office of the governor to “promote the preservation of open space lands and to encourage private gifts of money, securities, land or other property to preserve the natural, scenic, historic, openspace and recreational areas of the Commonwealth,” according to its website. VOF protects more than 850,000 acres of open space in 110 Virginia localities.

Founded in 1972, PEC’s mission is to promote and protect the Virginia Piedmont’s rural economy, natural resources, history, and beauty. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, PEC works with citizens in a nine-county region (plus the City of Charlottesville) to conserve land, strengthen rural economies, protect historic resources, and improve people’s access to nature. Through conservation easements, PEC has helped landowners permanently protect over 420,000 acres, ensuring that the Virginia Piedmont is always symbolized by its open spaces, healthy environment, and

“I started fox hunting with Fairfax Hunt in the 1970s when Ashburn was just farmland. I never dreamed that developers would want this soggy hard-to-perk ground.

This was my first wake-up call to how important open space was to the sport of fox hunting.”

— Burgevin

Land | Page 12

Top: Steffanie Burgevin. Bottom: OCH hounds heading out.

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Land | From page 11 cultural resources.

LTV is a local, trusted conservation organization that partners with private landowners who wish to protect and preserve their working farmland or natural lands for the benefit of the community, using conservation easements that protect open space, farms, forests, rivers, streams, battlefields, vistas, and historic sites in perpetuity. LTV’s first easement was donated in 1998 in the northwestern section of Loudoun near historic Taylorstown. Now in 18 Virginia counties, LTV holds 198 easements totaling 22,670 acres, according to August 2020 figures. Loudoun leads with 106 easements consisting of 9,316 acres. Fauquier follows with 43 easements, totaling 5,023 acres.

Steffanie Burgevin is a member and landowner of the Blue Ridge Hunt (BRH), formed in 1888 in Clarke County, where she owns a farm she placed an easement on in 2016.

BRH uses her farm for hound and horse exercise, as well as hunt meets. She’s also been on LTV’s board for 14 years.

“They can’t get rid of me,” she said, joking.

“I started fox hunting with Fairfax Hunt in the 1970s when Ashburn was just farmland.

I never dreamed that developers would want this soggy hard-to-perk ground. This was my first wake-up call to how important open space was to the sport of fox hunting. Fairfax Hunt moved west to the area around Philomont and Purcellville. Again, developers followed us. The nascent land conservation efforts caught my attention in the early 2000s.”

Organized foxhunting in Northern Vir-

ginia only exists because landowners saw the future and put their farms in easement.

“Look at Dr. Joe Rogers in Hamilton, or Dot Smithwick in Middleburg, or Paul Mellon in Upperville, and many, many others,” Burgevin said. “With these large landowners, others followed. This conservation not only preserves open space, but provides home for wildlife, land for crops and grazing, filters water, and helps cool the temperature. I would urge readers to support the local land trust by contributions, volunteering, and attending educational webinars.”

“Anyone who feels safe is a fool,” Jeffrey Blue said, regarding the surety of land. He is a Jt-MFH of Middleburg Hunt that was established in 1906. “You have to always stay on top of it. Yes, you need open space for fox hunting, but some of the land is not even hunted on, but still creates open space for everyone’s enjoyment. We’re passionate about the beauty of Virginia and its rural landscapes. And, the state makes it attractive because of tax benefits for landowners to place property under easements, keeping land forever protected.”

Every year, the Middleburg Hunt is on full display with hounds and horses parading up and down Washington Street at the town’s annual Christmas in Middleburg celebration held the first Saturday in December.

Tad Zimmerman is going on his 19th season as Jt-MFH of Piedmont Fox Hounds (PFH).

“For 180 years [1840-2020], we’ve been able to go on our neighbors’ land,” Zimmerman said. “The leadership in land conservation is primarily fox hunters. Actually, the founders of PEC were fox hunters. Fox hunt-

ing was the driving passion for these people and still is today.”

Zimmerman and his other joint masters graze cattle and actively farm their own lands.

They encourage others to maintain productive use of the land in order to preserve it.

Since most of their subscribers are landowners, they know their neighbors and have a mutual respect to take care of the land.

At their Upperville property, PFH built a new kennel in 2015 for its 175th anniversary. Its 90-acre property is under conservation easement, and corn and soybeans are grown so it’s actively farmed.

“It’s important to keep the land in productive use,” Zimmerman said. PFH also offers internships in their stable and encourages fox hunting among the youth, so future generations will follow hounds across the open country.

“If there’s one thing I want to get across, it’s how very grateful fox hunters are to landowners; we are acutely aware of their generosity,” Zimmerman said. “Without them, we couldn’t do this. I think everyone who lives here appreciates that and understands the role fox hunting plays in the community.

We’re lucky.”

Clearly, fox hunting thrives on interwoven relationships relying on healthy, vibrant connections between hunters, horses, foxhounds, landowners, and the public. Without them, every-day thrill seekers — in search of a good road trip — can enjoy their own type of hunt. ML To learn more about MFHA and various local hunts, visit mfha.com.

Left: Jt-MFH Jeff Blue of Middleburg Hunt presenting an award at the MH Puppy Show at Huntland. Right: Jt-MFH Tad Zimmerman, Shelby Bonnie, and Gregg Ryan of PFH leads the first field.

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From scenic vistas to small town vibes, reconnect with what you love this summer on a road trip to beautiful, historic Winchester, Virginia.

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Country Living & Sweater Weather With the “Joanna Gaines” of Hunt Country Story and photos by Jennifer Gray

L

aura Gargagliano Bartee is the real-life equestrian-version of Joanna Gaines. She lives the kind of life many only fantasize about, and few ever build, but her life is actually far less glamourous than one may think — there’s a lot more sweat, determination, and patience involved. As a working mom of two and an equestrian competing in local horse shows, she runs an architectural business and continues to build upon the family homestead with her husband. It leaves little time for much else, but if you asked her, she’d tell you she wouldn’t trade it for the world.

For September’s fall fashion photoshoot, we headed to Bartee’s farm in Warrenton, Virginia, and styled her in comfortable yet trendy clothing that would fit her active country lifestyle. All of Bartee’s clothing can be found at Zest clothing and co. located on East Washington Street in Middleburg. The children are wearing the latest fall styles from H&M online. Hair was styled by Victoria Haley and makeup is by Haley Royston both based out of Ash Salon.

We caught up with Bartee to learn more about her and what her lifestyle in the countryside involves.

Did you always dream of owning a property like this?

I grew up on a small horse farmette in Fauquier County and spent my days caring for horses and riding. I always assumed that I would have a similar sized farm as an adult. This farm was something

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Can you tell me about your plans for the farm and where it’s heading in the future?

that really came along at just the right time. My parents were ready to get away from daily horse care and were starting to talk about selling their farm. My husband and I happened to drive by this property one day and we just fell in love with it for many reasons. It was close enough to town (6 miles), had the country club across the street (my husband likes to golf), [and] all of the buildings had so much character, but were in desperate need of renovating. The only problem was that it had a lot more acreage than we ever thought we could handle … so we started scheming.

SEPTEMBER 2020

I always say that this farm is a “labor of love.” As a residential and equestrian facility architect, this farm is where I really have cut my teeth. I’ve designed and helped build everything here, and have learned so much in the process. I wouldn’t be the architect that I am today without the knowledge that I’ve gained in developing my own farm. In six years, we have completely gutted and renovated the 1920s farmhouse, renovated the cattle barn and converted it to a four-stall horse barn, [and] designed a home for my parents and two neighbors whose parcels of land we divided off the original farm lot(s). [We] fenced the whole property for horses and cattle, did a solar powered watering system, renovated an old corn crib/ livestock outbuilding into a tack room, tore down the original garage and chicken coop and built a new garage, did a mudroom, sunroom, bedroom addition, built a run-in shed, and built a sand riding ring.

We’ve acted as our own general contractor for most of the work and have had help from some wonderful contractors along the way. The next project we are dreaming about is making a party pavilion at our pond where we typically meet the neighbors for bonfires and drinks. One day, we hope to build a larger house on the back acreage of our property to capitalize on the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Country | Page 15

Country | From page 14

I show my homebred horse Ris K (Chance) at A shows, mostly in the Virginia region. I meet up with my trainer’s farm (Tudane Farm, We are growing things that we commonly which operates out of Rutledge Farm) at larguse. [There are] 10 different herbs, cucumer shows like HITS Culpeper, Warrenton, ber[s], zucchini, strawberries, sunflowers, Lexington, etc. Maddie mostly competes at peppers, Swiss chard, collard greens, and, of the local shows with her pony Jackpot in precourse, tomatoes. We try to feed most of the short stirrup. My son, Ryder, sometimes joins spoils from the garden to the chickens. Somein too and does leadline. Maddie and I both times they help themhave started doing trail selves. rides with the Warrenton Hunt and are hoping to hunt with them one What kinds of animals day. Since moving to the do you have? property, we have startOn the farm we have ed a Sunday family trail cows [that] belong to riding tradition. My parour neighbor and help ents, who live next door, us keep the land in agritake turns coming with culture-use for tax purus on their horse Salvaposes. Chickens started dor. Sometimes both of as a COVID homeschool — Bartee the kids will ride tandem project. We get eggs on Jackpot. from our three hens and What are you growing in your garden?

“I wouldn’t be the architect that I am today without the knowledge that I’ve gained in developing my own farm.”

get chased by our rooster. We have [horses], a thoroughbred, warmblood, quarter horse, warmblood cross, and a Welsh pony. Two of our horses my family has owned since I was in high school, so they are retired here on our farm.

What do you do with your horses?

My daughter, Maddie, and I take weekly lessons, [and] our trainer comes to our farm.

Do the children help with the animals and farm work?

My husband and I do a lot of work on the farm ourselves. The kids spend a lot of time outdoors. We hope that seeing how hard their parents work will rub off on them one day.

Ryder is my little compassionate animal lover.

He has a way with the chickens and can catch Country | Page 16

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Country | From page 15 and hold them under his arm for long periods of time. Both of the kids will occasionally help me muck stalls, feed the horses, and collect eggs. This summer their “job” has been filling the horse’s water buckets each morning.

What kind of clothing do you look for most often to support your lifestyle?

My outlook on fashion has certainly changed since owning my own farm. I tend to spend more money on farm improvements than clothing these days. I’ve found that in my professional life, I need to have a casual creative vibe with my clothing as I am meeting with clients often in their homes and it’s more of a relaxed atmosphere. I look for clothing that can go from the barn to a casual meeting very easily. Most days, after riding my horse in the morning, I change into a nice sweater or shirt and often keep my riding pants on for the day. ML Laura Gargagliano Bartee is the principal architect of LLB Design, which specializes in residential architecture and equestrian properties and is located in Warrenton. More information can be found on her website llbdesign.org.

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Women Giving Back A SAFE SPACE DURING CRISIS

Story and photos by Laticia Headings

W

omen Giving Back’s mission is to support women and children in crisis by providing quality clothing at no cost. It’s something the nonprofit’s four staff members and over 4,500 volunteers take very seriously. Established in 2007, the organization was founded by three women who started collecting clothing to fill a need in the community.

Since then, the Sterling-based nonprofit has grown as the demand for social services has increased. WGB serves the greater Washington D.C. area and works with over 200 referral partners, various agencies that help women in need such as shelters, housing programs, government agencies, domestic violence programs, medical facilities, and faithbased organizations.

Case managers and social workers send their eligible clients and residents to WGB through a confidential, secured online registration system. Once a client is approved, they are able to attend a scheduled “store day”

during the month and shop for up to 50 articles of clothing, five pairs of shoes, one coat, one purse, three pieces of jewelry or accessories, and two bras, free of charge. Mothers are also able to shop for children’s clothing while their kids are entertained and given a snack.

To accommodate the donated inventory of new or lightly worn clothing, WGB has a 13,000-square foot warehouse that includes a clothing boutique, cheerful childcare area, fashionable dressing rooms, and plenty of storage. The space may sound like an average department store, but to women who find themselves facing tough challenges and uncertainty, it can be a much-needed lifeline.

“When I walked through the door … I had my daughter on one hip and a bag on the other,” Jennifer Haas, a former client who fled a dangerous domestic abuse and sexual assault situation three years ago, says. “I was greeted with open arms and smiles. All the women were more than willing to help, and it left a lasting effect on me.”

Executive Director Nicole Morris.

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Haas is now an active volunteer and ambassador for WGB, speaking out about domestic abuse.

“Everything that is put into place is really with the client’s dignity in mind, from the time she walks in that front door, to the way she is greeted, to the clothing on the racks,” Executive Director Nicole Morris says. “We just want them to have a really good, uplifting experience.”

While WGB does accommodate single fathers by appointment only, it primarily serves women fleeing domestic abuse situations who have left everything behind, women coming out of incarceration and re-entering the work force, pregnant women, and victims of sex trafficking.

“Many people are shocked about what’s happening,” Morris says. “They don’t realize that Northern Virginia has become a hub for sex trafficking.”

Victims are often afraid to come forward Giving | Page 19

Giving | From page 18 because of a language barrier, fear of their abusers, or embarrassment.

In an effort to support victims seeking help, the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Initiative (NOVA-HTI) partnered with WGB to do one-on-one shopping sessions.

“The clothing piece helps incentivize them, and the space allows for women to let their guards down and feel comfortable enough to tell their stories,” Morris says. “Establishing trust is an important part of providing them safety and assistance.”

For clients who have scheduling conflicts or lack of transportation, there is a Bags-toGo program. Tailored bags of needed clothing are picked up by case managers or social workers and delivered to clients, often at domestic violence shelters.

“Domestic violence does not discriminate,” Morris says. “It can happen to any of us.”

Nationwide, more than 20,000 calls are placed to domestic abuse hotlines, and one in four women experience physical violence by their partner. For those who leave or escape, it’s usually only with the clothes on their back.

In addition to Bagsto-Go, WGB has a Snack Pack program that supplies kids with two days of nutritional breakfasts and snacks given to moms when they shop. It also has a back-to-school program that supplies nearly 500 kids with clothing and a backpack of school supplies, a Halloween program that outfits over 300 children in costumes, a prom dress program that provides dresses to homeless or low-income students, and a “Holiday Gifts for Kids” program that distributes toys to hundreds of disadvantaged children during the holidays.

“The Santa’s workshop event is a popular event that empowers the women and is popular among volunteers, who dress like elves,” Morris says. “We have about 100 people helping that day and Santa is here.”

Morris has worked in homeless services for 18 years. The holiday store has over 4,000

toys and bikes from which to choose, all at no cost.

When the pandemic hit, WGB anticipated a need and temporarily pivoted from clothing to food distribution to serve the Latinx population in particular. The boutique closed in March and was reconfigured to accommodate supplies. For 16 weeks, a drive through pantry provided basic toiletries, feminine products, and over 100,000 pounds of food to people in need with help from agency partners.

“We would sometimes have 300 people waiting as early as 5 a.m.,” Morris says.

To raise money, WGB relies on individual donations and its annual fundraisers, including a Women’s Empowerment Luncheon that raises roughly $100,000 every March. Due to COVID-19, its Cinco de Mayo event was canceled, but the yearly TopGolf fundraiser will take place on Oct. 14.

Volunteers play a huge role in creating a safe, relaxing space, so clients can forget their troubles. In 2019, over 25,000 volunteer hours were clocked by organizing donated items, working events, and helping style clients when they shop.

“It’s really about the interaction and building the clients up,” Morris says. “We have women try on clothes and come out and do a catwalk to model. It’s a really fun environment.”

Since getting back on her feet, Haas has become a role model for women who give back.

“It means a lot to me to … help others and it gives me a new meaning in life,” she says. “Just because you go through an experience like that, it’s not an end-all to your life.

You are able to pull through and regain your strength and dignity.” ML

“Many people are shocked about what’s happening,” Morris says. “They don’t realize that Northern Virginia has become a hub for sex trafficking.”

For more information, visit womengivingback. org. WGB accepts new and lightly used clothes.

It is currently in need of new socks and underwear for women and children, gently-worn bras, and new toiletries.

Top: Manolo Blahnik shoes. “The women get really excited about the name brands,” says Morris. Middle: Ambassador/former client Jennifer Haas. Bottom: Dressing room.

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SAGEVIEW $4,850,000 1388 Crenshaw Road, Upperville, VA | 5 acres Jonathan Taylor +1 202 276 3344

ELWAY HALL $10,500,000 8394 Elway Lane, Warrenton, VA | 300 acres Will Thomas +1 202 607 0364 Mark Lowham +1 703 966 6949

WARDMAN TOWER $2,695,000 Wardman Tower-Residence 3C, Washington, DC Christopher Ritzert +1 202 256 9241 Christie-Anne Weiss +1 202 256 0105

CHILLY BLEAK FARM $3,750,000 Chilly Bleak Lane, Marshall, VA | 153 acres Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

MIDDLEBURG $3,900,000 | Development Opportunity 115 Washington Street, Middleburg, VA Bundles Murdock +1 540 454 3499 Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680

STEPHENS CITY $2,675,000 Vaucluse Spring, Stephens City, VA 7 houses/cabins, 44+ acres Carole Taylor +1 703 577 4680

WARRENTON $975,000 Springs Road, Warrenton, VA | 10 acres Laura Farrell +1 540 395 1680 Barrington Hall +1 540 454 6601

RIDGELEA $3,800,000 8362 Holtzclaw Road, Warrenton, VA | 184 acres Will Thomas +1 202 607 0364

SUNNYSIDE FARM $2,500,000 9092 John Mosby Highway, Upperville, VA | 100 acres Gloria Rose Ott +1 540 454 4394

McLEAN $3,695,000 6470 Kedleston Court, McLean, VA Cynthia Steele Vance +1 703 408 1810

PALAZZO DELLA FELICITA $13,750,000 3301 Fessenden Street NW, Washington, DC Will Thomas +1 202 607 0364 Mark Lowham +1 703 966 6949

WESLEY HEIGHTS $4,800,000 2700 Foxhall Road NW, Washington, DC Michael Rankin +1 202 271 3344 John Vardas +1 301 807 1119

The Plains Brokerage 6474 Main Street, The Plains, VA | +1 540 212 9993 | ttrsir.com B R O K E R AG ES : G EO R G E TOW N , D C • D OW N TOW N , D C •

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SALAMANDER RESORT AND SPA’S

NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF BILL WELCH EMBRACES CREATIVE GUEST EXPERIENCES Story by Kaitlin Hill

I

n June, Culinary Institute of America graduate and fine dining veteran Bill Welch joined the Salamander Resort and Spa hospitality team. The freshly appointed executive chef offers his five-star dining background, opportunities for culinary collaboration, and new ideas for guest experiences as the team continues to pursue the shared goal of upholding Salamander’s well-deserved reputation for excellence.

Welch started his culinary journey as a dishwasher at age 13. After high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and an associate’s degree in culinary arts from the Culinary Institute of America.

He refined his skills up and down the East Coast with posts at five-star resorts in Massachusetts and Georgia.

“I did my internship on Cape Cod at the Wequassett Resort, which is a five-star property,” he said. “I was there for about six years before I went down to Sea Island in Georgia as a sous chef at the five-star restaurant. I had the opportunity to move throughout that property over the last 10 years.”

At Sea Island, Welch would hold a number of positions, including executive chef of events and executive chef to The Cloister and The Lodge at Sea Island Golf Club.

“I had a ton of really cool experiences there,” Welch said. “I got to open restaurants, redesign restaurants, kind of run the gamut throughout that resort. It was a really great place for me to grow as a chef, as a person, and as a leader. I was able to make some mistakes and learn along the way. After being there for 10 years, I felt that I had done everything I could do.”

When Welch heard about the position at

Salamander, he was drawn in by the setting and the staff. “This area is gorgeous, and there is a great team of people here, so I made the decision to come up this way and start to explore the Mid-Atlantic region,” he said.

Now installed as executive chef, Welch is still exploring, both the area and new dining formats for his guests.

“There are a ton of local producers and really great food in this area,” he said. “So, it’s really exciting to go out and meet people and taste things and get to experience all of that.”

On Tuesdays, his day off, he ventures out on his own. “Whether it’s a brewery, a winery, a butcher shop, a charcuterie place,” he said.

“I get to go out and explore the area and have some fun.”

Connection and Collaboration Salamander’s executive pastry chef Jason Reaves has known Welch for 16 years.

“We were at the CIA together and roommates for a short bit after externship,” Reaves said. “He came up and did a tour with me when the resort was being built, so he’s had the resort in his mind for the future.

“It’s amazing to have him join the team,” he added. “With that kind of connection, it will be a lot easier and better to collaborate between the two of us to offer some different experiences for our guests. I’m really excited for that and, so far, it’s been going great.”

Collaboration will extend to cocktails too, where Welch will team up with Salamander’s food and beverage manager, Walter Jinks.

“I’m excited to be the liaison between [Chef Welch] and my team, so I can train them to push out his ideas for the guests,” Jinks said. “I’m excited to be a part of this. It’s

Photo courtesy of Salamander Resort & Spa.

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something new.”

This summer, part of that “something new” was working together on COVID-19-necessitated adaptations. “We’re all wearing masks, and the team is doing an amazing job of holding themselves accountable for that,” Welch said. “And the amount of times we wash our hands, even though we were already doing that hundreds of times over the course of the day normally, now we are doing it even more.”

There have been major front-of-the-house changes too at Harriman’s and Gold Cup. General manager Reggie Cooper recalled, “When we reopened, we quickly saw demand for the outdoor dining spaces and terraces.

Walter, our manager of Gold Cup, worked really hard to create an outdoor terrace restaurant, which before was kind of a place you’d just enjoy a drink, and is now a fully operating restaurant, rain or shine.”

Luckily for guests, the team has no shortage of ideas — even for the cooler months to come — and the space to see them through.

“We’re fortunate we have lots of space, beyond restaurant rooms,” Cooper said. “We’ll go to a format where we’ll start to incorporate some of those other conference areas, change them to dining spaces and move people around to different parts of the building.”

Reaves explained that they don’t just want to move people into banquet spaces for meals but to create events around those areas. “For example, we’re working on a dinner-and-amovie concept,” he said. “The meal guests have with the movie will be based around the food that may be in the movie. We’re trying to build up that concept and come up with other ideas where we use those spaces in a way Experiences | Page 23

Experiences | From page 22 that is more interactive, more interesting, as opposed to just putting some tables in a room because we need the space.”

They’re also planning for events that connect customer to community. “With Bill’s creativity, we’re looking into diving deeper into the food of the region to try to create more curated chef events,” Cooper said. “Whether that’s in-suite where people can have a chef event in their own suite or small private gatherings in the Stallion Barn or the cooking studio, we are really looking to enhance [the] guest experience and make the chef ’s presence and visibility much larger.”

Chef events will be available in the 49 private residential homes that are planned for the property as well.

With a new executive chef at the helm and ever-changing options designed to accommodate dining during a global pandemic, a lot has changed at The Salamander Resort and Spa. However, the hospitality team’s goal has remained the same.

Resort manager Jose Carlos Curci said they are always evolving. “We are always looking for things that we can do better,” he said. “Even though the pandemic changed the game, we have the mentality to keep improving ourselves. Salamander has a great reputation, and we bring in our expertise and our background in luxury to keep adding to it.”

“We’re continuing to push to maintain everything at that five-star level,” Reaves said.

“Everything we do, everything new we come up with, it’s all five-star focused.”

Welch believes the balance between different aspects of the business all working together results in something special. “It’s our role to create experiences, and there are a million ways we can do that,” he said. “Whatever it is that we’re doing, we are finding creative ways to give guests new experiences.” ML Top: From left to right: Walter Jinks, Jason Reaves, Bill Welch, and Jose Carlos Curci. Salamander team photographed by Kaitlin Hill. Middle left: Photo courtesy of Salamander Resort and Spa. Middle right: Photo courtesy of Salamander Resort and Spa. Bottom: Chef Bill Welch in the garden. Photographed by Kaitlin Hill.

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John Coles 540-270- 0094 Rebecca Poston 540-771-7520 Specializing in Large Land Holdings D

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Heronwood

Upperville ~ GOLFERS–Private 18 hole golf course built to USGA standards. EQUESTRIANS–2 world class stables, 45 stalls, arena, 28 fenced paddocks. VIEWS–500 spectacular acres with Blue Ridge Mountain views.

UNRIVALED–Convenient to Dulles International Airport, Reagan National Airport and Washington, D.C. $19,500,000

Muster Lane

The Plains ~ 108 gorgeous acres, this stately and historic estate with its grand rooms is in prime Orange County Hunt territory, minutes to Middleburg. It also features a pool and pool house, 5 bay garage with office, 2 tenant houses, newly remodeled 11 stall center aisle stable with apt. & office, riding arena and exceptional ride-out to $6,950,000 wooded trails and open pastures.

Sweet Bay Farm

The Plains ~ Exquisite 127 Acre Estate features the custom designed residence built in 2004 with first floor master suite. To the right of the home, a relocated bank barn, ca.

1795 serves as a 2 bedroom guest house and pool house.

To the left of the home there is a 3 bedroom caretaker cottage with garage. Horse facilities include a 7 stall stable, board fenced paddocks and fields. 2 ponds. Orange $6,800,000 County Hunt Territory.

Our hearts go out to al

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Chilly Bleak

Marshall ~ This 152 acre horse farm features beautiful open gently rolling pastures and fields in prime Orange County Hunt Territory. The historic fieldstone home dates to 1820 with later additions creating a 5 BR / 5 BA home with stone terrace and pool. Two Stables - 15 stalls and 6 stalls, Kraft Walker, 8 paddocks, 6 fields, 3 cottages. The home is perfectly sited for privacy with easy access to I-66 and Rt. 50. VOF Easement. Shared listing with Sotheby’s. $3,750,000

Holly Hill

Middleburg ~ A gracious and elegant stone manor conveniently located on 37 private acres just 2 miles from Middleburg. Historic property has been meticulously renovated in the French Antebellum style with luxury finishes and tasteful upgrades throughout. Four bedrooms, 4 ½ bathrooms. Formal dining room, large garden/family room with stone floor, Ballroom, Chef ’s kitchen, library, 6 fireplaces.

Charming guest house, pool, 2 barns. Large exercise/art studio. Dressage arena and grass jumping arena. Beautiful gardens, ponds and views. OCH hunt territory. $3,299,000

During this difficult time in our country Th remain open and we continue to show pr Being familiar with working remote we will continue to provide the highest This rural life has neve

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Spring Hill

Moreland Farm

Delaplane/Marshall ~ Spectacular Views! Approx. 250 acres available in 2 parcels. The primary parcel of 142 acres features the 3 BR/3 BA stone home, 2 tenant homes, barn and 5 bay machine shed for $1,600,000. The secondary parcel of 107 acres offers a 2 BR tenant home and potential to build a primary dwelling for $826,000. The 2 parcels may be purchased separately or together $2,426,000

Spring Hill Farm’s 20 acres offers a charming setting for its main residence, accessory dwelling and it’s office/gathering house, with stone walls, gardens, pastures, pond and pool.

Below the guesthouse is a four stall stable with it’s own parking area and driveway. The original 1870 log cabin was expanded several times creating a very welcoming home featuring a first floor master suite, vaulted ceiling kitchen and family room each with large picture windows. This farm and its prime location, halfway between Middleburg and The Plains, provides the perfect way to social distance while being able to keep family and friends close. $2,250,000

Hill Crest

Delaplane ~ This beautiful 153 acre parcel is located in prime Virginia Hunt and Wine Country in the Piedmont Hunt Territory. Surrounded by magnificent views, this gently rolling land offers over half of the property cleared and the remaining in forestry. This property is protected by an Easement with Fauquier County, which allows the purchaser to purchase 78 Acres in lieu of the entire 153 Acre Parcel, please call the listing agent for details. Convenient to Upperville, Middleburg and Marshall, this location also offers easy access to I66. $1,990,170

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com

m i d d l e b u r gAlll Pages ife.com • SEPTEMBER 2020 2408-26_ML_JohnColes-DT.indd

John Coles 540-270- 0094 Rebecca Poston 540-771-7520 Specializing in Large Land Holdings W

NE

White Oak Level

Deerfield Farm

Upperville ~ Gracious Hunt Country Estate with 181 acres and impeccably restored brick manor house, ca. 1844, perennial gardens and orchard, guest house with theatre, guest/pool house, pool, 2 tenant houses, 5 bay garage, workshop, 2 ponds, high elevation with fenced fields and $4,500,000 paddocks.

Front Royal ~ Beautiful land-Great location and Incredible mountain views!!! Close to the Clarke County/Warren County Line this property features large open fields beautifully maintained in an area of large estates. Fenced paddocks with run-in sheds provide a home to 70+ horses.

Residences include the historic 3 bedroom/2 bath stone residence which dates from 1792 and a 2 bedroom tenant house. This property offers a great location, convenient to Interstate 66, Interstate 81, Route 50 and within 15 minutes $4,589,000 of the Winchester Regional Airport.

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ll who’ve been adversely global pandemic.

homas & Talbot Real Estate’s virtual doors roperties with social distancing in mind. ely, given the nature of our business, t service and support in Hunt Country. er been more desirable.

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Tuleyries & Westfield Farm

Boyce ~ The Tuleyries, (168 Acres) Exquisite Federal Style Mansion, c. 1833 features grand rooms, high ceilings, 5 en suite BRs, extensively renovated in 1990 and beautifully maintained. $3,000,000 The adjacent Westfield Farm includes 237 acres in 2 parcels with a one level residence, tenant house and stables. $2,000,000 The Tuleyries and Westfield Farm may be purchased together or separately. Conveniently located 10 Minutes to Winchester Regional Airport.

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Stone Haven

Woodville ~ Nestled on 158 acres in pristine Rappahannock County, Stonehaven offers a picturesque and tranquil retreat.

Sited at the end of the private drive is the historic Stone residence, c.1791 with additional stone cottage for guests or office and tucked into the woods, beyond the home, is a charming and beautifully restored 2 bedroom log cabin.

Gardens, lawn, barns, paddocks and tremendous ride out potential provide an outdoor haven. $1,695,000

Windsor Farm

Upperville ~ With its 115 acres Windsor Farm is an extraordinary horse property specializing in the training of Grand Prix horses. The elegant Manor House dates to the 1700’s and has been expanded through the years to create the current gracious home with formal gardens and expansive views.

In addition to the main home, the estate includes 3 tenant houses, and 3 apartments. $4,500,000

Mountville

Middleburg ~ 145+ Acres of land in sought after location on Mountville Rd. near Foxcroft School. Several home sites with wonderful views and vistas yet extremely private, half wooded and half pasture with over 2,000’ of Goose Creek frontage. Minutes from Middleburg with easy access to Dulles International Airport & Washington DC. Middleburg Hunt Territory. $2,465,250

R T DE RAC N U NT CO

Zulla Road

The Plains ~ Bordered by large estates, this charming country home features 5 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths.

Wonderful gourmet kitchen with DCS-Professional Propane Stove and breakfast bar which opens into the spacious family room. Often requested, this home features a spacious main level bedroom and second level master suite. A divided lower level provides a bedroom on one side and game room on the other. This 7.2 acre parcel also has a 4 stall barn, 2 fenced paddocks and tremendous ride out potential in Orange County Hounds hunt territory. $995,000

Delaplane Grade

This 49 acre parcel features beautiful rolling land in prime Delaplane wine and horse country in the Piedmont Hunt Territory. Fronting on Delaplane Grade Road and identified as Lot 2, it offers a 70’ private access and utility easement to Lot 1, which sets east of this parcel. Lot 2 has a portion of the property subject to building restrictions; however, the remainder of the land sits high with Blue Ridge Mountain views providing gorgeous home site potential. $875,000

Offers subject to errors, omissions, change of price or withdrawal without notice. Information contained herein is deemed reliable, but is not so warranted nor is it otherwise guaranteed.

2 South Madison Street | PO Box 500 | Middleburg, VA 20118 | Office: 540-687-6500 | Fax: 540-687-8899 | thomasandtalbot.com

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THE LOST ART OF FORAGING: HEALING WITH MEDICINAL PLANTS Written by Chelsea Moore Photos by Jennifer Gray

“We’re all in this super-fast paced world [and] we don’t take the time to stop and wait on something.

It’s rewarding. It forces you to take that moment.”

— Lund

I

had always thought it was a weed. It’s usually mowed down, plucked from the ground, and tossed away. But this spring, I realized purple dead nettle, proliferating in fields, backyards, and on roadsides, was an herb with medicinal properties. As part of the mint family, it grows during the spring’s peak allergy season. It can be made into loose leaf teas, vodka tinctures, and beeswax salves, providing relief for seasonal allergies and aches and pains. Purple dead nettle had always been there; I just hadn’t known to look for it.

The more I’ve studied foraging, the more I’ve realized these plants are all around us, beckoning the curious forager to take what is needed. At the same time, I’ve noticed a trend on Instagram: mothers sharing their foraging expeditions and taking their children along to help them search for medicinal plants to make into teas and tinctures at home.

Courtney Lund is one of those people. She Foraging | Page 29

Left: Kitchen apothecary. Right: Lund harvesting yarrow in the field with her daughters.

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Foraging | From page 28 and her husband Michael live on half an acre in Orlean, Virginia, with the goal of making their land as self-sustainable as possible. They have fruit trees, blackberry bushes, a blueberry patch, a large garden, chickens, and bees.

They can and pickle the food grown on their land, planning what they want to grow each year, so it can be preserved for the winter.

Lund is a stay-at-home mom after retiring as a government contractor to be with her kids, a 5-year-old son, a 4-year-old daughter, and a 2-year-old daughter, and her life has never been fuller. They also have six dogs, four of their own and two fosters.

Their house is surrounded by a cow farm and a 25-acre plot of land, which is the perfect place for Lund to forage. Although she’s always loved being outdoors, she began her foraging journey in April, spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. She took online herbal courses, studied reference books, and began stepping outside in search of herbs. While she hasn’t used herbs to heal specific health issues, she uses them for overall immune support.

“With COVID and with everything taking a step back, it made me want to be more reliant on what we have outside our doors, as far as food and medicine,” Lund said. “I wanted to dive in. With everything in life, we are going through cycles. This generation is going the more natural route and becoming more resourceful with what’s right outside our door. It’s a lost art that sadly we have gone so far away from that we need to start coming back.”

She takes it one plant at a time. She studies each plant thoroughly, learning its ins and outs. What can she use it for? How is it used?

Once she feels comfortable with it, she moves on to the next plant. Her favorite reference book is “The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies” by herbalist Dr. Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis.

“Once I did something once, I felt completely confident going out on my own and going from there,” she said. “Especially in the learning stage, take one plant to bring home to study and do your own research on it. And you’ll be able to better identify poisonous plants and look-alikes that you don’t want to be foraging from. It becomes a lot a less scary when you do that. Before you do anything with [the plant], harvest it, cross reference it with all of your books.”

While many books encourage foragers to

A Beginner’s Guide to Harvesting Fall Herbs lay herbs flat to dry, Lund prefers the traditional method of drying and hanging them.

She’s converted a corner of her kitchen into a tiny apothecary with hanging lavender, echinacea, bee balm, and dandelion leaves.

“It’s so calming,” she said.

She’s made teas, including dandelion root tea and yarrow tea. Dandelion root tea aids digestion and increases good bacteria in the gut. It has an earthy taste, almost like dirt.

While it would not suit everyone’s taste, the earthiness is comforting to her.

With yarrow, she uses the leaves to aid with first aid, and the flowers to make a tea promoting healthy monthly cycles for women. She’s made a cold brew tea with red clover, added purple dead nettle in smoothies, and is working on medicinal tinctures.

“I enjoy the whole process of it, the sitting and waiting, the downtime it forces you to take,” she said. “We are all in this super-fast paced world, [and] we don’t take the time to stop and wait on something. It’s rewarding. It forces you to take that moment.”

She’s brought her children along on her herbal journey, teaching them the names of plants and how to make them into teas. Her oldest can now identify plants himself, and all Foraging | Page 30

Chicory root is harvested in autumn.

As part of the aster and daisy family, it’s currently blooming everywhere in this region. Its purple flowers make it easy to identify when in bloom. The roots may be eaten raw or cooked, and the flowers and leaves can also be used medicinally.

“Only harvest plants that have not been exposed to car fumes,” Lund said. “Listen [to] the soil around the base and pull out as much of the tap root as possible.”

Chicory roots and seeds are known to help remove intestinal worms and parasites. Chicory is also antibacterial, antifungal, and hepatoprotective, and helps fight inflammation, reduces stress, and even relieves constipation.

Chicory root makes a wonderful substitute for coffee. To make chicory coffee, clean the chicory roots and cut them into small pieces. Put them on a cookie sheet and roast in a slow oven or over an open fire. Once they’re fully roasted and dried out, use a food processor or blender to grind them into a powder. Store the powder in a cool, dry place in a jar or container. Brew just like you would make coffee. ML

Lund making bee balm tea.

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Foraging | From page 29 of her children love to help her dry herbs and prepare them for teas. Lund enjoys watching their minds work as they ask questions about the herbs and learn the benefits of each one.

While the art of foraging for herbs may have skipped a few generations, Lund is bringing it back by passing on her knowledge and passion to the next generation.

“A lot of this is stuff we all have seen thousands of times over and never really knew what it was,” she said. “I love that aspect of it, and [love] gaining the knowledge of these plants and what they do. An example is wild asparagus. It is everywhere you look along the side of the road. I get so excited every time I see it now. With everything you learn, you [start to] see it everywhere.”

Lund’s herbal journey has only just begun. Each year, she’ll be adding more pieces to her journey toward holistic health and sustainable living. ML Lund and her daughter making bee balm tea.

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23318 Foxcroft Road Middleburg, VA 20117 Phone: 703.300.6043

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Fresh‌from our farm to your family!

Let Blackwater Beef be your source for local Black Angus beef.

Specialty boxes, quarters and halves available.

Shop with us Saturday mornings at the Middleburg Community Farmers Market located behind the National Sporting Library & Museum.

Visit blackwaterbeef.com and order today!

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SEPTEMBER 2020

2020 Loudoun County General Election Information

VOTE! 2020 Loudoun 2020 Loudoun County General County General

Election Day Is Tuesday, November 2020 Loudoun County General3

Election Information Election Information 202Election 0OnLthe ouBallot dInformation ou n C o u n t y G e n e r a l EleLoudoun ction Inform ation 2020 County This Year: 2020 Loudoun County General • Presidential Electors Election Information • Member, U.S. Senate General 2020 Loudoun County • Member, U.S. House of Representatives Election Information Election Day Is Tuesday, November 3 BY VOTE VOTE

BY MAIL MAIL

VOTE!

VOTE! VOTE! doun County General

VOTE!Informatio VOTE! Election

VOTE!

• Virginia Constitutional Amendments Election Day Is Tuesday, November 3 Stay safe and and vote vote at at home! home! All All registered registered voters voters in in Virginia Virginia On the BallotStay Thissafe Year: • Loudoun County Bond Referenda are are now now eligible eligible to to vote vote by by mail, mail, no no excuse excuse required. required.

Election Day Is Tuesday, November 3 Request your ballot today at vote.elections.virginia.gov • Presidential Electors On the Ballot This Year: • Leesburg Mayor and Town Council Request your ballot today at vote.elections.virginia.gov • Hillsboro Mayor and Town the Ballot This Year: Council • Member, U.S. Senate VOTE EARLY IN-PERSON •On Presidential Electors Election Day Is Tuesday, November 3 House of Representatives VOTE EARLY IN-PERSON Member, U.S. • Member, U.S.Electors Senate • Round Hill Town Council (Special• Election) • Presidential • Virginia Constitutional EarlyAmendments In-person voting, no excuse required, will be available

ion Information Are You Election Ready?

VOTE BY MAIL

Early In-person voting, no excuse required, will be available Member, U.S. Senate • Member, •U.S. House ofThis Representatives On the Ballot Year: • Loudoun County Bond Referenda at at the the following following locations, locations, dates dates and and times: times: Member, Constitutional U.S. House of Representatives •• Virginia Amendments • Presidential Electors • Leesburg Mayor and Town Council Virginia Constitutional Amendments • •Loudoun County Bond Referenda • Member, U.S. Senate Office Elections, Leesburg, VA • Hillsboro Mayor and Townof Council Office of Elections, Leesburg, VA All registered v • Loudoun County Bond Referenda Stay safe and vote at home!

• Leesburg Mayor and Town Council • Member, U.S. House of Representatives • Round Hill Town Council (Special Election) ollow These Three Steps for Speedy Voting: • Leesburg Mayor and Town Council Beginning Friday, September 18: • Virginia Mayor Constitutional Amendments • Hillsboro and Town Council are now Beginning Friday,eligible Septemberto 18: vote by mail, no excu • Hillsboro Mayor and Town Council • Loudoun County Bond Referenda Round Hill (Special Election) •• Monday through Friday –– 8:30 to Areand You Election Ready?

• Round HillTown Town Council Council (Special Check•Your Registration.

Be sure yourElection) name address Monday through Fridayballot 8:30 a.m. a.m. to 55 p.m. p.m.

Request your today at vote.elections

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Visit vote.elections.virginia.gov Saturday, October 17 17 through through Saturday, Saturday, October October 31: 31: • Hillsboro Mayor andFollow Town Council These Three Steps for Speedy Voting: Are You Election Ready?

Are You Election Ready? to register,• Round checkHillstatus and make changes.

Town Council (Special Election) • Saturdays – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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• Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Decide how you to vote! This can Arewant You Election Ready? areyear up toyou date.

Visitvote vote.elections.virginia.gov •• Tuesday, Tuesday, Thursday Thursday –– 8:30 8:30 a.m. a.m. to to 88 p.m. p.m.

Early In-person voting, no excuse required, w to register, check status and make changes.

Check Your Registration.

Be sure your name and address by mail, in-person early, or on Election Day at your Check These Your Registration.

Be your name and address the Ballot This Year: Follow Three Steps for sure Speedy Voting: Ridgetop Office Building, Sterling, VA are up to date.

Visit vote.elections.virginia.gov Ridgetop Office Building, Sterling, VA & & Dulles Dulles assigned polling place. aretoup to date.

Visitstatus vote.elections.virginia.gov at the following locations, dates and Decide how you want to vote!

This year you can vote register, check and make changes.

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CheckElectors Your Registration.

Be sure your name and address Presidential by mail, in-person early, orSouth on Election DayCenter, at your South Riding, VA: Be Prepared. outvote.elections.virginia.gov are uphow toCheck date.

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This year you can vote to register, check status and make changes. by mail, in-person early, or on Election Day at your loudoun.gov/novemberelection to make sure you knowOffice Elections, Leesburg, VA assigned polling place.

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Check out our website of at •• Saturdays – byyou’ll mail,of in-person early,you’re or on Election Day at your Saturdays – 99 a.m. a.m. to to 55 p.m. p.m. need when to vote.

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Carver Senior Center, loudoun.gov/novemberelection to make you know Be Prepared. Check out our Important website at sureDates for This Year’s Election: Carver Senior Center, Purcellville, Purcellville, VA: VA: what you’ll need when you’re ready to vote. loudoun.gov/novemberelection to make sure you know Start applying for mail ballots: NOW Important Dates for This Year’s Saturdays what you’ll need when you’re ready toElection: vote.for mail ballots: Saturdays ONLY: Start applying NOW ONLY: Early voting in-person begins at ··Office of Elections: October 17, October 24, Early votingElection: in-person beginsOctober at Office Elections: 17,of October 24, October October 31 31 –– 99 a.m. a.m. to to 55 p.m. p.m. · Start applying for mail for ballots: NOW Important Dates This Year’s Friday, September 18 during normal business hours Important Dates for This Year’s Election: Friday, September 18 during normal business hours · Early voting in-person begins at Office of Elections: NEEDED! Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 5 p.m. Tuesday,ELECTION · Voter Registration Deadline: October 13 at OFFICERS 5 p.m.

ELECTION OFFICERS NEEDED! · Start applying for mail ballots: NOW Friday, September 18 during normal business hours13 at · Start applying for mail ballots: NOW Check or update your info at vote.elections.virginia.gov · Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 13 at 5 p.m. · Early voting in-person begins at Office of Elections: Check or update info begins at vote.elections.virginia.gov · Early votingyour in-person at Office of Elections: our of than Check or update your info at normal vote.elections.virginia.gov · Early voting at satellite votingJoin centers begins: Saturday, Join our team team of more more than 1,000 1,000 dedicated dedicated citizens citizens who who Friday, September 18 during business hours Friday,atSeptember 18voting during normal business hours Early voting satellite centers begins: Saturday, serve at the polls on Election Day. To sign up online: Visit serve at the polls on Election Day. To sign up online: Visit · Early voting at satellite voting centers begins: Saturday, October 17 – 13 see for dates and times. · Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 13atatback p.m. · Voter Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 55p.m. vote4loudoun.com/pollaccess and click the “Create New October 17 – see back for dates and times. vote4loudoun.com/pollaccess and click the “Create New October 17 – see back for dates and times. · Last Day to Request a Ballot Account” Be Mailed to You: Friday, button Check or update your info atvote.elections.virginia.gov vote.elections.virginia.gov Check or update your info at Account” button · LasttoDay to Request a BallotBe Be Mailed to to You: Friday, Last Day Request a Ballot Mailed Friday, October 23You: at 5 p.m. · Early voting at satellite votingcenters centers begins: Saturday, · Early voting atatsatellite voting begins: Saturday, October 23 5 p.m.

Programs for High Students October 23 17 at –517see p.m. · and Last Day to vote early in-person: Saturday, October 31.

Programs for High School School Students October – see back for datesand times.

October back for dates times. · Last Day to vote early in-person: Saturday, October 31. · Last Day to Request a Ballot Be Mailed to You: Friday, Last· Last DayDay to vote early ain-person: Saturday, October to Request Ballot Be Mailed to You: Friday, 31.

Students Students ages ages 16 16 and and 17 17 can can provide provide valuable valuable assistance assistance October 23 at 5 p.m. loudoun.gov/novemberelection to the teams working at a voting precinct by serving as October 23 at 5 p.m. to the teams working at a voting precinct by serving as loudoun.gov/novemberelection · Last Day to vote early in-person: Saturday, 31. Shop forElection YourOctober One-Stop Election Information Pages.

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Learn more loudoun.gov/novemberelection Your One-Stop Shop for Election Information as well as applicable credit. Learn more at at loudoun.gov/electionpage loudoun.gov/novemberelection loudoun.gov/electionpage Your One-Stop Shop for Election Information

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Saturday, October 17 through Saturday, Oc • Saturdays – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday – 10 a.m. to 6 • Tuesday, Thursday – Noon to 8 p.m.

33 Carver Senior Center, Purcellville, V SEPTEMBER 2020

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ADVENTURES IN SELF-DISCOVERY:

TWO BOOKS YOUR CHILDREN MUST READ THIS FALL Written by Shayda Windle

E

ven if school is taking place in your living room this fall, your child should still have access to the best children’s literature possible. After all, studies have shown that children who read about topics they enjoy are more prone to be excited about their learning experiences. Sounds like a win to us — as long as you have the right books at your fingertips.

Local children’s book author, Elizabeth Reinhart, grew up in the rolling hills of West Virginia. When it was time for college, she moved to New Mexico to study paleopathology. After school, she moved back to the D.C. area to work as an analyst where she says she “spent years of plowing through responsibilities, work, and long-distance commuting,” before the idea of writing a children’s book was even a thought.

Reinhart’s journey to become a children’s book writer is a personal one. It wasn’t until the tragic passing of her parents that she “had an epiphany and was finally forced to look up.”

“Time suddenly started to feel like it was running short and all I had to show for myself was that I was ‘a hard worker,’” Reinhart says.

“I knew this was not what my parents wanted for me.”

With that, she began writing, and she says her series of children’s books about “Little Fox” is a love letter to her parents. She completed and publish her first book, “The Fox Who Chased the Sky,” this year, and start-

ed her own publishing company, Dreaming Pine Press, LLC, where her book and other merchandise are available for purchase at emreinhart.com.

“The Fox Who Chased the Sky” tells the story of Little Fox, who is longing to explore the world outside his den. Constantly told “no” by his siblings when he asks them to join his adventures, he decides to follow the sun on his own. As the day progresses, Little Fox gains more confidence in himself and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

“For me, the fun of the story is that the meaning can be interpreted in multiple ways,” Reinhart says.

“I tend to use a lot of symbolism, and I hope that adults take away something from the stories that is a bit outside of the literal interpretation that a child may understand. These books became a way for me to hold on to the life lessons my parents taught me. Writing gave me a way to remember all the things they wished for me in life. They are messages of kindness and patience, of courage and confidence, of comfort and friendship.”

When I met Reinhart, I was surprised at the similarities we shared. Just last year, I was given the opportunity to illustrate my first children’s book with Janice Wilson, an author from the west coast. The book I helped create, “Eliana, Where Do Thoughts Come From?”, carries a similar theme to Reinhart’s

“The Fox Who Chased the Sky” tells the story of Little Fox, who is longing to explore the world outside his den.

Adventures | Page 35

Top: “The Fox Who Chased the Sky.” Photo by Laura Luck. Middle: Elizabeth Reinhart, author of “The Fox Who Chased the Sky.” Photo by Laura Luck. Bottom: Photo from the book “Eliana, Where Do Thoughts Come From?”

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“I wanted to give Eliana a gift that would last her a lifetime, so I decided to write her a story that would teach her how to always keep her magic alive.” – Wilson Adventures | From page 34 Little Fox series, as they are both journeys of self-discovery, growth, and curiosity.

Wilson’s inspiration for her book, “Eliana, Where Do Thoughts Come From?” came shortly after the birth of her first grandchild, Eliana, the “miracle of God’s answered prayer.”

“I wanted to give Eliana a gift that would last her a lifetime, so I decided to write her a story that would teach her how to always keep her magic alive,” Wilson says.

In 2018, while at home with a kindergartener and a newborn baby, I found myself surrounded with more children’s books than I could count. I started to pick up a pen and paint, posting my artwork on social media.

My designs were dreamy, whimsical illustrations inspired by my new life as a stay at home momma of two little ones in very different stages of childhood.

When Wilson found my work, she told me about the book she had written and asked if I would illustrate it. I jumped at the opportunity as it was special to me for many reasons.

I was pregnant at the same time as Eliana’s mother, a friend of mine, and we gave birth to our girls just days apart.

After reading the manuscript, I felt a deep connection to the story, stirred by my love for Eliana and the message we both wanted to convey to the world about mindfulness and the power of positive thinking.

Eliana is a curious mermaid who constantly wonders where thoughts come from.

The book is written in a rhythmic style with stanzas and a joyful tone that’s a delight to read, both for children and adults. When Eli-

ana asks where thoughts come from for the final time, she concludes, “Now I know, wherever I go, my thoughts will always come from me. I get to pick what they will be. I find the ones that feel happy and free.”

The process of creating “Eliana, Where Do Thoughts Come From?” started with a storyboard in pencil and evolved into the full-colored 42-page book, now available for purchase on Amazon. For those looking for additional educational resources this fall, the story is available on YouTube for children to enjoy. “[Creating this book] was truly a miraculous adventure,” Wilson says. “It was such a joy to collaborate with Shayda, who brought the colors, characters, and story to life in a mesmerizing and uniquely playful vision.

Her love for art, children, and magic is unparalleled in children’s literature. I believe every child should feel the powerful thrill and magic of this story and artistic imagery while learning the secret we all want the answer to: ‘Where do thoughts come from?’”

As an illustrator and writer myself, it has been amazing to watch these stories reach people in very different ways. While the Little Fox and Eliana come from different walks of life, both are curious, adventure-seeking creatures who learn to make choices on their own. Whether it’s finding the goodness in Eliana’s heart, or following the brave Little Fox in his quest for adventure, these books will be loved by curious children and their parents for generations to come. ML Follow Elizabeth Reinhart on Instagram @author_emreinhart. To see her art and creative projects on Instagram, follow her @shaydawindle.

Top right: Janice Wilson, author of “Eliana, Where Do Thoughts Come From?” Middle and bottom: Photo from the book “Eliana, Where Do Thoughts Come From?” Bottom left: Shayda Windle and her family.

Shayda Windle is a local artist living in Purcellville, Virginia, and covers the art scene for Middleburg Life. In addition to her work as a freelance writer and illustrator, she’s a small-business owner and offers marketing campaign planning and execution services to clients all over the country. Photo by Rachel Lehman.

SEPTEMBER 2020

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35

Oak Oak Spring Spring

An Exploration of Landscape and History

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The Oak Oak Spring Spring landscape is full of hidden history - in the trees, the rocks, The rocks, the the stone stone walls, and and the the arrangement of forest and field. On this one-day program walls, program we we will will explore the countryside of Oak Spring and Rokeby and learn to see the landscape explore the countryside of Oak Spring and Rokeby and learn to see the landscape through aa lens lens of of history, history, and and of of contemporary contemporary ecology through ecology and and the the ways ways the the one one leads leads to to the other. We’ll start with tree identification and build up from there – keeping our the other. We’ll start with tree identification and build up from there – keeping our distance from each other – but getting up close with the landscape. distance from each other – but getting up close with the landscape.

This one-day program is ideal for anyone wanting to read more deeply into the local

This one-day is ideal forinanyone to read more deeply local landscape.

Noprogram prior experience ecologywanting is required.

However, we willinto be the walking landscape. prior ecology is required.

However, we willhilly be walking the land allNoday andexperience expect to in cover 4 miles over uneven and gently terrain.

Participants prepared to be all over day (9:00 am and to 4:30 pm)hilly with terrain. proper the land all should day andarrive expect to cover 4 out miles uneven gently footwear, water, etc.arrive Lunch will be to provided.

Participants should prepared be out all day (9:00 am to 4:30 pm) with proper footwear, water, etc. Lunch will be provided.

Space is limited to 10 people per session. The entire program will be outside and strict socially-distance protocols will be observed.

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Space is limited to 10 people per session. The entire program will be outside and strict socially-distance protocols be observed.

Program Feewill - $75 per person including a sack lunch.

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Gracious Georgian Manor home, 11,000 sf, built in 1930 | Updated and suitable for large scale entertaining | 7 BR, 7 1/2 BA, 7 FP | High ceilings, formal gardens & private setting | Belmont style stable w/30 stalls and 2 apartments | 4 BR guest house/entertainment complex, 4-car garage w/office | 4 restored tenant houses, skeet range, pool & tennis court | 241 acres recorded in 3 parcels | Land mostly open & rolling with bold mountain views, numerous ponds and vineyard

Prime Fauquier County location minutes from Middleburg | Unbelievable finishes throughout | Antique floors and mantels, vaulted ceilings | 6 BR, 5 full BA, 2 half BA | 6 FP, gourmet kitchen | Improvements include office/studio, stone cottage with office, spa, guest house, pool and lighted tennis court | Landscaped grounds with stream, waterfalls, boxwood and special plantings | 61 acres

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French Country home, with renovations in 1999 $9,950,000 $8,750,000 & 2017 | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 halfPaul BA, 5 FP, hardwood Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 MacMahon 703.609.1905 floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop stetting overlooking pond, lake & mountains | Improvements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | Kitchen allowance to be provided | 79.89 acres

$3,900,000 Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 MacMahon 540.454.1930 helen SPRING GLADE CREST HILL MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

French Country home, recent renovations | 4 BR, 5 full & 2 half BA, 5 FP, hardwood floors, flagstone terrace | Beautiful drive to hilltop setting overlooking lake & mountains | Improvements include pool, 2-car garage, 2 BR guest house & apartment | Lovely boxwood gardens | 79.89 acres

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Experience unparalleled privacy on this exceptional Fauquier property along the Rappahannock River | 203 immaculately maintained acres w/ approximately 1 mile river frontage | 1 acre stocked pond | Elegant stone & clapboard house | 5 BR, 4 full & 3 half baths, gourmet kitchen, spacious great room | Gunnite pool w/stunning views of Blue Ridge Mountains | Old Dominion Hunt | 5 stall Jim-Fletcher built barn | Residence set back 1/2 mile from road | VOF easement.

$3,600,000 Alix Coolidge 703.609.1724

296 acres of farmland off the Atoka Road | Working farm in crops and hay and improved with multiple large farm buildings and 3 cottages | Beautiful building site for a main house if desired | Conservation easement allows for 1 division and permits construction of an indoor area and additional equestrian and farm buildings | Mix of open land, creeks, pond, woods, pasture, crops and rolling topography

181 acres | Brick manor house c. 1844 | 4 bedrooms, lovely kitchen, multiple porches, pine floors, 7 fireplaces, original mantels, large windows, detailed millwork | c. 1810 log cabin/pool house, guest house with theater, 2 tenant houses, 5-bay garage and workshop |Sizable pond |Additional 40 acres with equestrian facility available

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Stunning new stone home on 13 acres | Fine materials & thoughtful design built by Promotory Construction | Gorgeous wood floors, high ceilings, beautiful kitchen & family room | French doors from almost every room open to large terrace overlooking large pond & views of the Blue Ridge Mountains | First floor master suite has vaulted beamed ceilings & a luxurious dressing room

$3,200,000 Helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

Original portion of house built in 1790 in Preston City, CT | House was dismantled and rebuilt at current site | Detail of work is museum quality | Log wing moved to site from Western Virginia circa 1830 | 4 BR, 4 full BA, 2 half BA, 9 FP & detached 2-car garage | Historic stone bank barn and log shed moved from Leesburg, VA | Private, minutes from town | Frontage on Goose Creek | 37.65 acres

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A remarkable property located within a private TROUGH HILL HEIRLONG FARM enclave just minutes from townMARKHAM, | Stone and stucco MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA VIRGINIA manorlocation house main level master | 7potential Prime Middleburg | c 1830with farmhouse 235 acres comprised ofsuite 6 tax parcels, expanded over the years |5 BR, 5 full BA tax credits | Mostly wooded | Stone cabin additional | 5 stone FPcirca| 1850 Beautiful gardens, & 2 half BA, 9 FP, originalBR floors | House has | Barn, large pond and private | First been gutted, some interior workwater done | Grand stone cabana, time available sincehouse the 1950’s. & terraces, salt pool, carriage entertainment complex includes greenhouse, studio, $1,450,000 stable paddocks party room & with guest suite2| Old barn complex, | Lovely finishes throughout Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 outbuildings on 103.54 rolling acres | Mountain views, & sweeping lawn to private trails to Goose Creek | stone walls and 2 ponds.

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helen MacMahon 540.454.1930

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17 acres of rolling pasture land in the village TWIN CREEK FARM 4 CHINN LANE of Rectortown | Convenient toMIDDLEBURG, both Routes 50 ALDIE, VIRGINIA VIRGINIA &country 66 living | Newly renovated Private Quiet on 33 acres with great proximity | Impressive and setting elegant home | with Main level master suite to the conveniences of nearby shopping, restaurants, opens to large blue stone terrace & private garden magnificent | 4finishes bedrooms, schools & hospital | Rare find to mountain get this acreage and views | Gorgeous throughout the home | Stunning have FIOS - work from home the 2 fireplaces living room opens to the dining room & a wall 4 full bath, 1 while halfenjoying bath, | Heated privacy of your own farm | Rolling acreage, stable, of windows and french doors | 2 wood burning pool spa | 2been bedroom guest | and updated kitchen fencing & bold creek& | 5 BR home has well fireplaces, new house roof, new siding maintained | Southern exposure with great light & and baths, lots of storage | Absolutely turn key | 2 car Large shed & 2-car garage lovely views | Main floor master suite & 2-car garage garage and greenhouse

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Paul MacMahon 703.609.1905 helenSM E Pac T EM M Bahon E R 2 0 2540.454.1930 0 • middleburglife.com

37

THEN & THERE

The National Sporting Library & Museum Reopens and Hosts the 10th Annual Polo Classic Story and photos by Richard Hooper

T

he circuitous paths of research for writing articles under the heading of “Then & There” begin with the resources of the “here and now.” Private collections, internet archives, and public institutions, such as the National Sporting Library & Museum here in Middleburg, are doors into the history of who we were and what we have done. While the course of human activity has not always been civilized, collecting and cataloging this record is highly so.

Recently, the coronavirus closed the doors to these public institutions worldwide. I was scheduled to fly to London this March to research a book I am writing focused on the history of early dog shows. I was reluctantly forced to cancel my flight a few days prior to its scheduled departure. Shortly thereafter, the British Library, the Kennel Club, and several other museums I had planned to vis-

it announced they were temporarily closing.

Visits to the New York Public Library and the library located within the American Kennel Club and Museum of the Dog were also, of necessity, postponed. Doors to history were being closed and locked, forcing me to become more diligent in finding and accessing online resources. Amazing as it is, the internet does not, however, access everything housed in these and other valuable institutions.

Fortunately, these doors have begun to reopen, including those of the National Sporting Library & Museum. I don’t know when I will make my way to London (or New York, for that matter), but I quickly made my way back to the NSLM, a much valued, regular resource. It felt like a personal renaissance when I walked through its familiar doors.

The NSLM is a local and national treasure, the library housing a wealth of information in its books and archival materials. The museum always has works from its permanent

Polo action - a watercolor by Paul Brown in the NSLM collection. Photo by Richard Hooper.

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collection on display. Among the special exhibitions it has held are The Horse in Ancient Greek Art, Side-by-Side with Gun and Dog, and A Brief History of Black Horsemen in Racing. There have been two exhibitions relating to side-saddle. When the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was remodeling the gallery that displays the Paul Mellon sporting art collection, the works became a traveling exhibition, with its first stop being the NSLM. The next venue was the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature in Paris. There have been exhibitions of the art of Edward Troye, Sir Alfred Munnings, Reuben Ward Binks, and others.

There have also been two exemplary exhibitions devoted to the works of Paul Brown, illustrator, printmaker, and painter of horse racing, fox hunting, steeplechasing, and other equestrian themes. The NSLM has a magnificent collection of his art and books, the major portion donated by his daughter, Nancy Classic | Page 39

Classic | From page 38 Searles. Brown’s work is included in the upcoming exhibition Thrill of the ’Chace: Steeplechase in Art, opening on Sept. 9.

Polo was another important subject for Paul Brown, as it is to the NSLM. The annual Polo Classic serves as its only fundraiser. This year, the 10th anniversary, it is being held on Sept. 13 at Great Meadows in The Plains, with two top tier matches and the parade of the Orange County Hounds. Due to COVID-19, safety arrangements have been carefully and creatively thought out to provide distancing between tailgating groups of six people each.

Ticket sales were scheduled to end on Aug. 24 (tickets will not be sold at the gate this year).

Details are available online at nationalsporting.org/nslm/event_details/973/.

Even with the doors open, there are restrictions at the NSLM. The library is open by appointment from Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is open with allocated time slots at 11 a.m. for members, and at 2 p.m. for general admission. Arrangements can be made online at nslm.org.

Masks must be worn, and social distancing maintained. Public restrooms are closed.

It is a most welcome and wonderful reopening. ML Over the Brush Fence - an oil on canvas by Paul Brown in the NSLM collection. It will be included in the upcoming exhibition Thrill of the ’Chace: Steeplechasing in Art. Middle: A polo watercolor by Paul Brown in the NSLM collection. Photo by Richard Hooper. Bottom: A drypoint engraving by Paul Brown in the NSLM collection.

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you are invited ...

RIDE TO THRIVE

POLO CLASsIC Co-Chaired byWill Thomas & Sherrie Beckstead

SEPTEMBER 26, 2020

Great Meadow One of the most highly anticipated fall fundraisers featuring the glamour and excitement of fast paced arena polo.

The afternoon benefits NorthernVirginia Theraputic Riding Program LIMITED VIP AND RESERVED BOX SEATING AVAILABLE Following CDC COVID-19 Guidance

www.nvtrp.org/polo-classic A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2020 SPONSORS:

MEBS GLOBAL

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SEPTEMBER 2020

MIDDLEBURG

S I M P LY B E T T E R .

REAL ESTATE

2020 Transactions YTD

2020 Sales Volume YTD

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE: 113

MIDDLEBURG REAL ESTATE: $69,292,686

WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES: 60

WASHINGTON FINE PROPERTIES: $63,283,570

THOMAS & TALBOT: 40

THOMAS & TALBOT: $53,165,000

SHERIDAN-MACMAHON: 25

SHERIDAN-MACMAHON: $37,652,900

HUNT COUNTRY SOTHEBY’S: 14

HUNT COUNTRY SOTHEBY’S: $11,519,000

LONG & FOSTER: 12

LONG & FOSTER: $7,381,100

MCENEARNEY ASSOCIATES: 4

MCENEARNEY ASSOCIATES: $3,554,000

Middleburg Real Estate has been proudly serving our Hunt Country community since 1939. Visit our site middleburgrealestate.com to see how the leading real estate firm in Middleburg is doing things differently - even now - so that you can have a better, simpler real estate experience. *Statistics taken from BrightMLS 8/20/2020. Transaction totals based on Middleburg office locations only.

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Autumn Native Plants to Extend the Season Written by Patrick Mulrooney

B

ack in April, we discussed some of the best early season native plants to grow around your garden that were visually stunning while also providing a habitat for wildlife. This article serves as a companion piece to the spring native plant article and will focus on those that come out to play in late summer.

One group of plants that easily goes unnoticed for most of the year is the asters. A large group containing over 600 species, the asters are vital for pollinators due to their late season production of nectar and pollen. As gardening plants, they offer a wall of color in white, pink, purples, and the often hard-tofind blue. They also come in a range of sizes, from compact to over 6 feet tall.

The New England aster, in its native form, is a little tall for most gardeners at 3-6 feet tall.

The “purple dome” cultivar grows to 18 inches tall and begins flowering in June. Aster’s “wood pink” (Symphyotrichum dumosum) stays around the same height. For those who can devote a lot of space to this plant, check out “Fanny’s,” (Symphyotrichum oblongifoli-

um), which is 3-4-feet tall and wide.

Research from the University of Delaware reports that asters are the wildflowers that support the most species of butterflies and moths. One of the reasons for their importance is because they offer nectar and pollen to insects near the end of the growing season, when pollinator resources are limited. A healthy stand of these flowers is many times the only thing that helps a bee colony supply itself with enough honey to survive one of our strange winters, when bees wake up to a balmy February but find no flowers in bloom.

Equally confusing to the bees is when the temperature plummets back down below freezing during the night. Honey is crucial for their survival during these ever-increasing temperature fluctuations. The aster benefits extend past the growing season and into winter, as its seeds feed birds and mammals, while other insects find shelter in the stems and stalks of the plant.

An oft-forgotten member of this family is the goldenrod, another crucial native perennial for late summer pollinators. The flow-

Goldenrod photo by Bill Kuhndeer.

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er resembles a panicle or corymb, but upon closer inspection, one can see it is made up of the classic daisy-shaped flower heads for which asters are known.

While there is variability among the over 100 species of goldenrod, most have a long bloom period. The common type in this area is Solidago rugosa, which can start blooming in late July and persist throughout September. Because of this, many beekeepers in the northeast depend on goldenrod as a late season food source for their colonies, reporting as much as 50-80 pounds of honey per colony. The sugar concentration in the nectar has been reported at 33%, placing it above many other native perennials. For those who do not have the garden space for the imposing native goldenrod, which grows between 3-6 feet, let me point you toward some more compact cultivars. “Little lemon,” “golden baby,” and “golden fleece” all stay shorter than 24 inches.

As previously mentioned, the aster family is vast. There are several others worth mentioning for those who would like to help the Native | Page 43

Native | From page 42 butterflies during their fall southern migration route. Hardy ageratum or mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum) is a blue flower that resembles the annual ageratum and will bloom throughout September and October. Blue is a rare color this time of year and makes a nice contrast against yellow, such as sneezeweed (Helenium autumnale). A good candidate for use in the back row is the 4-6foot tall spotted Joe Pye weed (Eutrochium maculatum), which is a mighty producer of nectar, judging by the profusion of large swallowtail butterflies that seem to always be huddles around the flowers.

For late summer, asters are the best. They fill an enormous ecological role as butterflies rely on this group of plants during their fall migration and bees rely on them to supply their winter stores of honey. For gardeners, they are tolerant of clay soils, resistant to deer, and a valuable tool when it comes to extending color throughout the season. Just keep in mind that what is a year-long color display to us, is a year-long feast for pollinators. ML Aster sp. photo by Ioana Ionel.

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43

Thrill of the

’ Chace

Steeplechase in Art

Sept. 9, 2020 - Mar. 21, 2021

Join us for Virtual

Coffee with theCurator

October 3 • 10-11:30am

Frederic Sackrider Remington (American, 1861–1909), Steeplechase at Cedarhurst, c. 1885, oil on panel, 18 ½ x 24 ½ inches, National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame

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SEPTEMBER 2020

Trinity Episcopal Church Welcomes You!

2020

Due to COVID-19 our buildings are closed but Trinity Episcopal Church Trinity Episcopal Episcopal Church C we still invite youTrinity toTrinity outdoor services. Church Trinity Episcopal Church Episcopal Trinity Episcopal Church Welcomes You! Welcomes You! Welcomes You!

Welcomes You! Welcomes Morning Worship Welcomes You! You!

9:00am in the Bishop’s TrinityGarden Episcopal Church

Due to COVID-19 areour closed but Dueour to buildings COVID-19 buildings are

Due to COVID-19 our buildingsYou! are closed but Welcomes we still invite you to outdoor services.

Due to COVID-19 buildings are closed but toVirginia.

COVID-19 our buildings are closed but s Upperville, Dueour toDue COVID-19 our buildings are closed butoutdoor we still invite you to we still invite you to outdoor services. weinvite still Morning invite you toWorship outdoor services. we still invite you to outdoor services. we still youmask, to outdoor services.

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Morning Worsh Morning Worship 9:00am in the Bishop’s Garden Morning Worship Morning Worship Morning and pleaseWorship jointous!

Due COVID-19 our buildings areBishop’s closed but 9:00am in the Virginia.

9:00am inUpperville, the Bishop’s Garden 9:00am in the Bishop’s Garden we still invite you to outdoor services.

9:00am in the Bishop’s Garden

Bring a chair, wear your mask, Call (540)in592-3343 for reservations.

Upperville, Virginia.

9:00am the Bishop’s Garden Upperville, Virginia.

Morning Worship Upperville, Virginia. and please join us!

Upperville, Virginia.

@vaunitedpolo #virginiaunitedpolo

Bringyour a chair, wear your m Visit us at trinityupperville.org Bring a chair, wear mask, Call (540) 592-3343 for reservations.

Upperville, Virginia.

Bring a chair, wear your mask, 9:00am in the Bishop’s Garden Bring a chair, wear your mask, joinand us! please join us!

Visitand us atplease trinityupperville.org Rector: The Reverend Jonathan Adams and please joinVirginia. us!

Upperville, please join us!

Bring a chair, wearand your mask, Call (540) 592-3343 Rector: The Reverend Jonathan Adams for reserv

Call (540) 592-3343 for reservations.

Bring afor chair, wear your mask, Call (540) 592-3343 for reservations.

Call (540) 592-3343 reservations.

Visit us at trinityupperville and please join Visit us! us at trinityupperville.org and please join us!

Visit us at trinityupperville.org Visit us at trinityupperville.org Rector:Jonathan The Reverend The Reverend AdamsJonathan Call (540) 592-3343Rector: for reservations.

Call (540) 592-3343 for reservations.

Rector: The Reverend Jonathan Rector: The Reverend Jonathan AdamsAdams Visit us at trinityupperville.org Visit us at trinityupperville.org

Rector: The Reverend Jonathan Adams

Rector: The Reverend Jonathan Adams

SEPTEMBER 2020

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Great Meadow International The Mars Great Meadow International (MARSGMI) was held on Aug. 20-23, 2020 at Great Meadows in The Plains, Virginia. The competition featured many of North America’s best eventing combinations. The organizing committee developed protocols to ensure the safety of everyone involved with the event, following all local, national, USEA, and FEI requirements related to the COVID-19 health crisis.

Horse & Country TV provided On Demand coverage of all three phases of the CCI4*-S and the show jumping and cross country of the CCI3*-L, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S and Preliminary Horse Trials. Watch the event now On Demand in Horse & Country TV’s video library here: horseandcountry.tv/en-us/. ML

Photos by Joanne Maisano Top row: Left: Benjamin Noonan on Keep Kitty. Third in CCI3L show jumping.

Middle: Lynn Symansky 1st place for 3 CCI-S show jumping.

Right: Sharon White 1st place 3 CCI-L dressage.

Middle row: Left: Kimmy Cecere on Bishop de Selah 2nd in 3CCI show jumping.

Middle: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp on Deniro Z wins the CC4 cross country.

Right: Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp 3rd in 4 CCI show jumping.

Bottom row: Left: Kim Severson 2nd in show jumping 4 CCI out on XC course.

Middle: Phillip Dutton show jumping.

Right: Riders walking the course.

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middleburglife.com

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SEPTEMBER 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

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middleburglife.com

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23595 WINERY LANE MIDDLEBURG, VA 20117 GREENHILLVINEYARDS.COM

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OPEN DAILY: 12PM TO 6PM, MON TO THU; 12PM TO 7PM, FRI TO SUN

TASTINGS

WINE CLUBS

HORSE LOVERS

Pair your tastings with a selection of hand crafted cheeses & charcuterie.

From barrel to bottle, our passion for wine is evident in every single glass.

Book a carriage ride or miniature horses for your next celebration.

middleburglife.com

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SEPTEMBER 2020