Hospice of the Rapidan Benefits from Local Artisanal Winery Winefest

On July 31 and August 1, the first annual Festa Rappahannock wine & food festival was held on the grounds of Rappahannock Cellars  in Huntly, VA.

The two-day event, attended by several hundred wine lovers, was a celebration of locally grown and produced wine. Grass fed beef & free range chicken on the grill complimented the wines, and live music was performed in a Civil War era barn providing added entertainment to the festive two-day celebration.

After an extraordinary long and hot summer, the event’s weather crystallized into a perfect summer weekend with low humidity, soft breezes and moderate temperatures.  If you tried to dial up a better combination for success, you’d have had to bribe a meteorologist.

The festival officially launched the “Artisanal Wineries of Rappahannock County”,  Virginia’s newest and most unique wine trail.  The group is a collection of five family run wineries who have joined together to offer a premium wine tasting experience rooted in small lot, handcrafted wines. All five of the participating wineries are located in Rappahannock County, just a short scenic drive from one another, and only an hour from the DC beltway. This is boutique and casual wine tasting at its best and provides a sharp contrast to the hustle and bustle of Northern Virginia.

The group’s wineries include the Jung Family of Chester Gap, the Gadino Family of Gadino Winery, The Patil Family of Narmada Winery, the Delmare Family of Rappahannock Cellars, and the East Family of Sharp Rock Vineyards.  These dedicated winemakers invite the public to experience their individual family’s hospitality, artisanal wines and uniquely intimate environments.  For more information visit: http://www.artwinerc.com/events/

The funfest was held in support of the Hospice of the Rapidan, a nonprofit community organization providing skilled medical care, social work, bereavement care, volunteer support, and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their families residing in Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, Orange, Rappahannock and surrounding central Virginia counties. Hospice of the Rapidan offers services to everyone who qualifies for hospice care regardless of their financial resources.

Plans for an even bigger and more entertaining Festa Rappahannock next year are underway.  Stay tuned.  The fun has just begun.