6 minute read
Exploring Virginia Wines
The iconic image of a cowboy and his horse silhouetted against a setting sun, his head heavy from a long day on the range, has been used to represent so many products and thoughts over the decades that it might be worn out. I think the image still says a lot but maybe it needs painting with a broader brush. Nothing says it has to be male, or white, or that it’s even a horse. The cowboy works until the job is done, the animals are safe, and the tools are put away. The cowboy does the job that needs to be done in whatever weather and at whatever time of day or night in order to protect the herd. It is a higher level of commitment, and you can change the word cowboy to farmer, or firefighter, or sailor, or soldier, or lineman, or teacher, or parent, or any other job that demands that extra push. The challenges could be physical, emotional, mental, or even conflictbased.
The term “Cowboy Up” refers to taking on the job that nobody likes to do because it needs to be done. It is an important concept for any entrepreneur to understand and execute. The small business owner learns early on that if more of the challenging jobs can be done in house, they will need to rely less and less on outside contractors. They also learn that if you have staff, relying on them all the time isn’t the answer: I have to be willing and able to do anything and everything I expect my crew to do. I have worked with a number of winemakers over the years who have set the example and shown how to get the job done. I love to empower
real people. earth friendly. fabulous wines.
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my team, and to praise them when they “Cowboy Up” to do the hard part or finish the job well. I also recognize that I can’t force them into it, that it’s a drive that comes from inside. I can only train them and set the example.
During the stress of harvest time, it can be difficult to find the energy to hit the cellar floor for your 12th straight day that you already know will last 14 hours or longer. Some days you really have to dig deep. If the grapes are not picked and processed in the right way and at the right time, the quality is diminished. The simple fact is that these few days in September and October set the stage for those wines and their entire lifespan, from my crush pad to your glass. Everything depends on making quality decisions and taking the right action at the right time. You find the internal drive and energy source to “Cowboy Up” to get the next round of grapes
processed and moving forward toward being quality wines.
In a bigger picture, there are a lot of people with more important jobs than growing grapes and making wine. Hopefully the new recruits to those positions are learning in their early days how to “Cowboy Up” during their challenging times in order to hold the line, keep their end up, raise the bar, and take pride in whatever job they do. Every job has a need for this mindset and every person will hopefully hit that growth point along the way. Overcoming the obstacles gives you more tools to succeed next time. We old guys may take smaller bites and slower steps, but we stay in the game and help coach the younger folks through their challenges. We still have a little something in the tank.
Enough reflection—I need to get back to riding with my grapes.
Casanel Vineyards harvest
GRAPEVINE |
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down over the spring, you can expect many locations pulling out all the stops to celebrate the end of the winegrowing season and beginning of winemaking. Bring on the fall-themed events!
Perhaps the biggest outdoor event of the season is fall foliage, which goes full blast in mid-October. For especially great views, visit Stone Mountain Vineyards outside Charlottesville. The ride up the mountain can seem scary, but you’ll be rewarded by an amazing panoramic view of the Blue Ridge from their deck. Also check out the views at the Little Washington Winery and DuCard Vineyards, both on the edges of Shenandoah
National Park.
If festivals are more you’re thing – you’re in luck! Several wineries have events this month, including Veramar Vineyard’s Rock The Grapes, DuCard’s Annual Harvest party, and Potomac Point’s “Sipping under the stars” movie nights. Trust me; these places really are smiling at you underneath those masks.
If you want to get your hands dirty, help out with a harvest. Vineyards try to let their fruit hang as long as possible before the rains set in, and are always happy to exchange labor for a free wine lunch.
Do an Online Event
Not everyone is ready to Walsh Family Wine Tasting episode dedicated to a ‘break the bubble’. Fortunately, different Keswick Virginia oenophiles can still wine. The chats aren’t just an participate in an assortment online tasting; it’s a Q&A on of online-only events. what makes that grape varietal
Sarah and Nate Walsh special in Virginia, plus stories of Walsh Family Wine about the vintage. It’s extraare amazing online hosts adorable that he’s babysitting because they are so darn concurrent to holding his charismatic. Their bi-weekly Facebook live chat. DRINKWELL events run the Wineries aren’t the only gamut from mini-tastings local places with online of different Walsh vintages tasting events. Neal Wavra of to team-ups with places like Field & Main Restaurant in Virginia’s Early Mountain Marshall hosts weekly blind Vineyards and Chateau Musar tastings for a virtual audience, in Lebanon. utilizing wines from not
Another winemaker that’s only Virginia but around the been killing it with online world. It’s fascinating to watch events is Stephen Barnard of as he examines a wine’s sight, Keswick Vineyards. He hosts smell and sensation, using weekly “Tasting Tuesdays” these clues to pinpoint where on Facebook, with each new it’s from and what grapes it’s
Pollak Vineyards
made with. Watching the audience throw out their own ideas makes the event especially interesting. Pick up a (wrapped) bottle or three the next time you visit Virginia wine country.
Before you go out just remember – whatever winery you visit, be kind. Businesses everywhere have just endured the hardest professional and personal challenge they’ve likely ever faced. They’re excited to see you, but they are operating a very different business than they had several months ago. But support local businesses, and get the most out of Virginia Wine Month.
OCTOBER IS VIRGINIA WINE MONTH
There’s something magical about October in Virginia Wine country. A hint of a chill enlivens the air, the foliage bursts with brilliant color, and glasses everywhere are raised to celebrate the harvest.
Find your celebration at:
