REAPING RAPPAHANNOCK
From juicy apples and grapes to colorful pumpkins and winter squash, October is a busy harvest month in Rappahannock County. Seen here, a picker climbs a ladder at Jenkins Orchards in Woodville to reach for one last ripened apple that could wind up in a homemade pie. At Waterpenny Farm in Sperryville bountiful organic squash, eggplant, sweet peppers and more fill the farm stand. And high above Rappahannock Cellars in Huntly an aerial camera captures autumn’s grape harvest, which this year will be crushed into 16,000 cases of wine and specialty vodka.
As Rappahannock County’s vineyard harvests near the end, allow the celebrations to begin.
Events in Rappahannock include the first ever Grape Stomp at Narmada Winery, this Saturday, Oct. 13. Up to 100 participants may take off their shoes and stomp away on Chambourcin grapes for an unforgettable experience.
This will be followed by a festival on Saturday, Oct. 27, with a bonfire and fireworks that begin at dusk, and Chinese lanterns for all attendees to let go in a beautiful display. In ancient India, the Festival of Lights, or Diwali, marked the end of the agrarian year. Narmada keeps the harvest tradition alive in Amissville. Diwali has come to symbolize our “inner light,” the idea that we can all radiate peace and joy and have a positive impact. Narmada offers food if pre-ordered (www. narmadawinery.com).
Gray Ghost Vineyards will celebrate the harvest with the release of their 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon the weekend of Oct. 20 and 21. Festivities include music by harpist Tess Miller, locally sourced gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a full wine tasting in the underground barrel room.
Named “Best of Category” at the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, the 2015 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is only opened at the release party. Enjoy the intense fullbodied red, which has become Gray Ghost's flagship wine, in a signature 22k gold embossed glass that’s yours to keep. Reservations recommended (540-937-4869).
Before & After in Sperryville may not have a vineyard but they sure do have Virginia wines. They are also celebrating with Salted Caramel Apple Lattes, Apple Cider, Brown Butter Apple Muffins, and Apple and Gorgonzola salads — plus they are pouring local wines all month long.
As Virginia Wine suggests, pick a weekend and plot the perfect itinerary or follow wherever the road takes you to explore our state’s shifting landscape and storied soil. Check out a harvest event at a winery or restaurant, as suggested above, or else try a delicious local wine from a retailer. Better yet, host your own harvest party!
Enjoy these and more activities on the Rappahannock County Artisan Trail. Check the calendar at www.rappahannockcountyartisantrail. com.