Great Party, By George!

 
On May 15, 16 , and 17, 2009, Rappahannock Cellars participated in the thirteenth annual Spring Wine Festival & Sunset Tour at historic Mount Vernon.

The festival is considered one of the most prestigious wine events in Virginia. The number of participating wineries is limited to seventeen fortunate few who are selected by lottery.

Gordon Murchie, President, Virginia Vinifera Wine Growers Association, and the driving force behind the unique event says, “The festival has grown each year and every event sells out.”  This was evident by the 1,500 wine lovers who sipped and picnicked on the historic lawn of Mount Vernon each evening. Blankets and reserved tables dotted the sweeping lawn with its panoramic view of the Potomac River below. The weather cooperated all three days. And while Sunday was cool, no rain disrupted the 4,500 total attendees over the three-day event from enjoying a memorable experience. Time and again I heard comments such as, “I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I’ve been coming here for years.”

During Saturday evening, I was fortunate to sit down and spend some time with George and Martha Washinton.  They enjoyed a bottle of Rappahannock Cellars wine as they greeted guests, regaling them with stories of the early—and mostly unsuccessful—days of wine grape growing in the Old Dominion. “While I tried for many years to make quality wine, I did not succeed.  But, I knew it could be done. I feel vindicated by the success we see here tonight,” George told the crowd.

Each evening, candlelit tours of the mansion were conducted, with the former First President and his wife greeting each visitor personally.

The festival is held twice a year in May and October. The next gala will be held October 2,3, and 4. If you had not enjoyed this most unique wine experience, I recommend you save a date and purchase tickets soon. One thing is certain; it will be sold out.