Summer Solstice Farm Dinner

                                                           Rain, rain go away come again…

Perhaps the old English nursery rhyme was on the minds of some of the one hundred and fifty guests during the reception at the Summer Solstice Farm Dinner held on Saturday, June 20. The event, a benefit for farmland preservation in Rappahannock County, Virginia, was threatened with rain, as a steady down pour fell throughout much of the day.

But, as if on a Hollywood cue, late in the afternoon the clouds parted, a gentle breeze picked up and an extraordinary evening began to unfold on the beautiful Cliff and Lucille Miller Mount Vernon Farm in Sperryville.  The unique elements of the evening evolved much like an artist working at his canvas: an historic farm house dating to 1827; a world-class chef and his sommelier in the field kitchen; a concert size tent placed in a mountain meadow high above the village of Sperryville, and the Blue Ridge Mountains framing the entire scene. In a word, wow.

In this milieu, locally raised produce, lamb, and wines were served to a group of loyal supporters celebrating the county’s farmers. A hammer dulcimer band played in the background as a four-course dinner was served following the reception hour. As the sun faded over the mountains and night fell, everyone knew they had experienced a unique dining experience.

Jean and I represented Rappahannock Cellars at the event. I introduced our wines, the ’08 Seyval Blanc, poured during the reception, and our ’07 Cabernet Franc, paired with the main course of Roasted Loin of Lamb with Daube of Braised Shoulder, New Potatoes and Young Onions.

Chef-Owner Cathal Armstrong and General Manger & Sommelier Todd Thrasher, from Restaurant Eve in Alexandria, created a repast not soon to be forgotten by the fortunate diners.

The dinner was organized by Gourmet Rappahanannock Food & Wine Consortium, the Rappahannock Office of Tourism, and the Rappahannock Non-Profit Center at Mount Vernon Farm.