The End – June 3, 1983

 

By the way I am dressed, there’s no wonder I was a walking wedgie!

I spent my last day of school mowing the yard and getting the car loaded for the evenings celebration. The graduation ceremony was held indoors because of the early Virginia summer, it was hot and humid. Having to wear a shirt and tie along with the ceremonial gown was making a brother sweat. As the time approached, we were lined up on both sides of the hallway, I glanced down to see all of my classmates have smiles on their faces and out of a doorway came a group in similar outfits but in black. It almost look like a covenant of witches walking down the hall. The first face I saw was Mr. Hodson our Principle.
My Cousin, feeling his oats addresses Mr. Hodson as “J.D.” and proceeded to call all the teachers by their first name but one…Coach Proctor. To this day I refer to him as Coach or Mr. Proctor.

 

We were in and out in about 2 hours. As we exited the gymnasium and I began to hear the sounds of girls sobbing. Little did I know one those sobbing just so happened to my Cousin. Tears flowed and hugs were everywhere. As we met up with our families, we handed them our diplomas caps & gowns. I went and changed cloths and was told that if I was going to consume to stay at the field. I informed them that I would see them at sun up.

Hours after the event, my classmates were still hugging and tears still flowed. A few made plans to visit Ocean City, Md. the following week. I was scheduled to work at 8:00 Monday morning, so I maintained my composure and partied the night away.

A few of my classmates were only going to relax and enjoy their new freedom for just a short period. Uncle Sam called their number and they were heading off to basic training. Those who went to college, we would run into each other in town on the weekends and we would gather some where to talk.

Over time, some got married, some moved away, some stayed close, and some never left. But it so funny how we can go months even years and not see each other yet we live only 5 to 10 miles from each other. So much for the small town mentality.

When it was time for our 5 year reunion, I knew our class lacked funds to pull off renting a venue. Somehow, we were able to scrap enough together to rent the VFW in Strasburg and get crazy just like we did back in the day. The most important thing was…we still were a tight knit group and I can only hope in 25 years we are still that close.

Senior Trip

We lobbied for an overnight trip but the teachers thought that a day trip would be our best option. In reality, those poor teachers knew what kind of characters we were and the amount of trouble that would ensue. Kings Dominion promoted a Senior Day and that would be just fine. Schools from all over the DMV would take over the amusement park.
Now this wasn’t an “official” day but my class gave it an official title: Senior Skip Day.

I remember going to the school, parking my car and then waited for Horton to arrive. We hung out at a friends house and enjoyed some of the Sloe Gin he was known for serving when we got together. After a few drinks, we headed into town to see if anyone was going to need some assistance. What we found was complete debauchery. Some underclassmen decided to join a few of my classmates and party with them. I believe a teacher even visited and took some of the ladies back to school only to be shipped home to their partners.

There were a few who couldn’t function and I’m referring to my classmates. Cousin couldn’t even get on the bus. Another walked or stumbled to the back of the bus only to pass out once he sat down. The crew on my bus were feeling righteous and were rowdy the entire 4 hour trip to the park. G.R. was hilarious the entire trip down. He kept begging for Ellsworth to stop and let him use the bathroom. I believe he used an empty bottle to relieve himself and I even want to say that bottle got tossed out the window. Two of my classmates rekindled an on again/off again romance on that ride down and back.. I’ve always wondered…did they ever tell their boy friend and girl friend about their little rendezvous?

I remember lines were long for the roller coasters as well as any ride. A free concert by Molly Hatchet was taking place at 8p.m. A group of us stuck close and we saw some sights. The bathrooms were converted into areas to deal drugs. From pot to cocaine, I hadn’t seen any of that and I worked in a factory with folks who bragged about their drug use.

The coolest sight was watching these two guys shoot basketball and winning stuffed animals left and right. A tall lanky fella and one of the shortest guys I had ever seen. Both were sporting Dunbar High School varsity jackets. The were: Reggie Williams & Mugsy Bogues. I’m sure Reggie Lewis & David Wingate were close by. These guys were a part of the number 1 basketball team in America. It was awesome!

By this time, it was getting late most of my classmates were starting to wind down and it was time to head back to the valley. Our last field trip and it was most enjoyable. For some it was memorable to others it was just a bad hangover.

However, the days were counting down and our final day was closely approaching to an end. 

Grandfathered!

The Class of ’83 was a tight unit. We played together, laughed together but most importantly, we partied together. If someone didn’t have a party at their house, then it was in a field with a bonfire with the occasional dead animal in a pit. And when it was too cold for a field party, my post Cruising The Block, explains how we adapted to the winters in Strasburg, Va.
Keep in mind, we did a have a few that did not partake in the consumption of adult beverages. If they showed up at a party, they were always welcome and they had a good time. But you know, some of those who we thought didn’t drink – actually did. The majority of the guys in my class were rednecks/good ole boys but we had a few that were considered “nerds” or “brainiacs”. Those boys could throw back a drink or two with the best of them…I’ve seen them do it!

One of my oldest friends and classmates recently told me a story regarding his way of enjoying an adult beverage at the Depot Lounge located in the Hotel Strasburg as a senior.

Dave and I try to meet up when we can. Thanks to him, I was able to remember something about the Lounge. Back in the day, there was a juke box in the bar and it was loaded with Beatles & Rolling Stones tunes. But I don’t remember drinking in there. He talked about drinking and enjoying Gaymers Pub Cider, oh the things you learn after all these years.

Some of you are probably wondering how we were able to purchase beverages. Sure some used fake ID’s or got creative. One classmate had an older brother who looked his twin with the exception of glasses. He took his brothers old ID and an old pair of his glasses and he became his older brother. Or we just visited The Star Market, enough said.

The state began to mandate the laws for purchasing alcohol. At 18 we could sit in a bar and consume beer but couldn’t purchase from grocery stores. Liquor was 21 so the state made the necessary changes and beer fell into that category too. Once the law took affect, we were grandfathered in and the legal age for me to drink was 18. Of course this new rule didn’t deter my family in the least, we were a resourceful bunch.

West Virginia laws were 18 for everything and the state line was only 12 miles from Strasburg. There were many trips made to WV to get what was needed. Chewy’s van could drive itself across the mountain to get Jack Daniels or whatever our palate was craving. If I haven’t mentioned Chewy before, he was our class’ “Jeff Spicoli”. If you have never seen Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Netfix it this weekend.

Then of course there was our varsity club trip. Since I was the basketball announcer – they allowed me to go on these outings. This one was by far the sweetest of trips.

Oakley, one of my true country boy classmates and a down to earth soul. How he was able to pull this off what he did that day, I have no idea. We traveled to Landover Md. to the Capital Centre to see the Georgetown Hoyas play the Villanova Wildcats. This was the Ewing years and they were just a year away from the title. But then again, Villanova won the title two years later…beat the same Hoya team.

The coaches and teachers were on the opposite side of the stadium leaving us kids on our own, not a good move. Oakley made many trips to the beer vendor that day. I’m surprised they didn’t cut him off but he probably visited different vendors. My classmates…crafty & smart.

Once Spring arrived in the Shenandoah Valley in ’83 we became restless and anxious…the end was near.

Prom came and went and fun was had by all.

Our senior trip…oh the memories. Of course, there were a few who don’t remember the outing.

The Class with Class

I grew up in a small town in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. In my neighborhood there were kids at every house within a miles radius. We played until it got dark and when Momma hollered our names, we made sure we were home in the proper amount of time.

We all went to Toms Brook Elementary or as the locals call it “T.B.U.” [Toms Brook University], From 1st to 7th grade we graced the halls of that school. The funny thing is, the road I lived on was the counties imaginary line for where we were to attend high school. Those who lived on the north side of 655, like me, went to Strasburg High School in Strasburg. The south side, went to Central High School in Woodstock. Of course some choose to go to where they wanted. So it wasn’t set in stone.

Once we “graduated” from Middle School, my class was split down the middle. Half went to Central the other went to Strasburg.

One of the few things I remember from school (brain surgery has erased a lot of my childhood) was the first day of high school. My frail frame, all 4’ 11” and 80lbs walked down the hallway to my locker. Upper class men lined the row of lockers and I thought; “This isn’t so bad.”

I spoke too soon! 

Books knocked out of my hands and two goons on each side hoisted me on top of the lockers. I tried to get down but they advised me to stay put. Welcome to high school.

We’re gonna fast forward to my Senior year. I was still the skinny kid but I had grown to almost 6’ tall. I had a job with a local printer and was fortunate to be able to drive to and from school. No more buses.

As Seniors we were as cocky as the last class. But we were a unique bunch. Even though we had the obvious cliques, we all got along and if something or someone messed with us we United and our rednecks would show.

We have heard stories of how the educators at our school couldn’t wait until we graduated. How can a group of 18-year-olds be that bad?

There are many stories, here are a few…

My Classmates – The Series

I have a great group of friends.

But, I can’t really refer to them as friends. They are in fact family…The Class of ’83. 

In ’99, I only contacted one of my classmates. I was about to have brain surgery and the only one I was really close with at that time was Carter. He knew what I had endured my entire life, my seizure activity controlled my life and they were an embarrassment and I didn’t want to hear any pity from others. Maybe I was being selfish and just didn’t want anyone around, especially my ’83 family. Then again, this was about the time that I was in a bad place, I was married and I was not happy in my life. I was slowly killing myself with food. The amount of food I ingested in the early mornings after work was almost heart stopping. Then Dr. Edward Laws came into my life and changed me forever. 

It has been 17 years since I went under the knife and I have learned a thing of two during that time. Never get married. 

Always live your life like today is your last day.. If you ever had a grudge with an immediate family or a friend, resolve the issue and move on. Life is Too Short! Every Day IS A GOOD DAY!

When I reflect on my health issue, I believe that only one of my classmates ever witnessed me have a seizure. Nina had invited me to be her date to a wedding. The ironic thing is we were going to one of our classmates wedding…Jules. Now the day went well. I do not remember drinking anything. But the scary thing is that, I was driving and remember pulling over into a 7-11 parking lot because something wasn’t right. I have no recollection of the events that followed but I do remember seeing Nina’s face once I become aware of my surroundings. I was in the Emergency Room in Culpepper, Va.  

When the Dr’s and the state tightened the reigns on me, I had to rely on family and friends to take me to work and out to play. Horton, Robin-Ann, Cousin, Binebrink, Keller and a few other members of the family made sure I didn’t sit at home.  

Let’s fast forward to present time.

It wasn’t until our 30th reunion picnic that I discovered how close we really were. That little outing opened the door for many more down the road as a group or just a small gathering of a few individuals.

This series is about how we grew as kids and refused to grow up as adults.

No Buses, No Limos, No Groups…

A good friend was trying to give me some ideas a few months back to make some money during my unemployment. She came up with a stellar idea but it would require a lot of weekends and I would have to buy a large vehicle. Doing wine & beer tours in Northern Virginia.

I liked the idea but I would have to limit how many folks I could haul around. As I kicked this around in my head, I remembered that sign at an area vineyard and I knew I couldn’t go through with this.

“No Buses, No Limos, No Groups Larger Than Six!”

Large groups partying on decks at local vineyards isn’t uncommon but it is frown upon at certain facilities. I don’t have a problem with groups enjoying themselves but when they start getting to rambunctious hoopin’ and hollerin’ then I can understand an owner getting a little nervous.

Some winemakers encourage the practice of the party crowds. But a serious winemaker who makes quality wine doesn’t want their site turning into a happy hour vineyard.

We have had good times at many vineyards laughing and carrying on. But some of the old school vintners don’t see the the humor of those having a large time. The patrons are a liability on site and the last thing anyone wants is to be asked to leave the premises.

Then there are those who want to break all the rules. These are the ones who probably have had too much vino to begin with and pop a top on cold one in the vineyards parking lot. I’ve seen ‘em do it!

Some think that the glasses are included in the tasting and they add to their collections – some high dollar stemware. You might ask before you toss the glass in your wives pocketbook.

Then of course, you have those who would take anything they can get their grubby little paws on. A vase and dried flowers were reported missing at a vineyard in my next of the woods recently. Really, dried flowers?

I’m guessing most of those with the sticky fingers are the same ones who have been called down and were asked to keep the noise at a certain level. They also probably didn’t see the sign of the limit to 6 people. Rookies!

Now I understand why Jim Law started his Case Club and only limits his deck to those who are members. I’ve heard the stories of large crowds on his deck back in the day. You will not see that again. Good for him.

As for the buses & limos. When I visited the 164 last year, I only encountered 3 limos and they were all filled with drunk chicks. The 12 girls from Georgetown who were letting off steam after finals. Another group of girls who were just getting their drink on & getting bat crap crazy. And of course, there was the bachelorette party of 12 in the Charlottesville area. They were drunker than 10 monkeys at 11a.m. Really?

Not all groups are going to act the fool but the majority do and I can see why some ban the large vehicles.

Go and have a good time, just don’t act like it’s a frat party. Your college party days are over and the cheap kegs are empty. You have come to a vineyard to refine your palate and add a little class to your repertoire.

Now, I know some of you would say to me:

“Hey, you wear ripped jeans, a cowboy hat and old concert shirts to vineyard!”

Yeah, I do! But…

I’m a good ole country boy and can pull that look off, you can’t!

Cheers Y’all! The snow is coming so be sure you have all the essentials. Food, Water, Beer, Wine and more Wine!

The Vineyard List

The year in wine is now behind me.

Here is a list of all the wineries by month I visited. Some months were slow and others were quite busy.

But…oh what fun it was!

January

1. Rappahannock Cellars
2. Linden Vineyards
3. Fox Meadow Winery
4. Dry Mill Vineyards Winery
5. The Barns at Hamilton Station Vineyards
6. 8 Chains North Winery
7. Creeks Edge Winery
8. Glen Manor Vineyards
9. Greenhill Winery & Vineyards

 
February
10. The Winery at La Grange
11. Valerie Hill Vineyard & Winery
12. Molon Lave Vineyards
13. Grey Horse Vineyards
14. Quattro Goombas Winery
15. Carroll Vineyards
16. The Winery at Bull Run

 

 

 
March
17. Shenandoah Vineyards
18. North Mountain Vineyard & Winery
19. Arterra Wines
20. Naked Mountain Winery & Vineyards
21. Chateau O’brien at Northpoint
22. Winery at Kindred Pointe
23. Stone Tower Winery

 

April
24. Cana Vineyards & Winery of Middleburg
25. Chrysalis Vineyards
26. Barrel Oak Winery
27. Hillsborough Vineyards
28. Breaux Vineyards
29. 868 Estate Vineyards
30. North Gate Vineyard
31. Pearmund Cellars
32. Miracle Valley Vineyard
33. Aspen Dale Winery at The Barn
34. Blue Valley Vineyard & Winery
35. Three Fox Vineyards
36. Delaplane Cellars
37. Sunset Hills Vineyard
38. Doukenie Winery
39. Twin Oak Tavern Winery

May
40. Cobbler Mountain Cellars
41. Philip Carter Winery
42. Winding Road Cellars
43. Desert Rose Ranch & Winery
44. Fabbioli Cellars
45. Hidden Brook Winery
46. The Vineyard & Winery at Lost Creek
47. Tarara Winery
48. Hiddencroft Vineyards
49. Otium Cellars
50. Bluemont Vineyard
51. Veramar Vineyard
52. Wicked Oak Farms & Vineyard
53. Willowcroft Farm Vineyards
54. Materella Winery
55. Mediterranean Cellars

June
56. Prince Michel Vineyard
57. Old House Vineyards
58. Gray Ghost Vineyards
59. Cave Ridge Vineyard
60. Wolf Gap Vineyard & Winery
61. Cedar Creek Winery
62. Veritas Winery
63. Pollack Vineyards
64. Maggie Malick Wine Caves
65. Two Twisted Posts Winery
66. Notaviva Vineyards
67. Little Washington Winery
68. Gadino Cellars
69. Narmada Winery
70. Chester Gap Cellars
71. Corcoran Vineyards & Cider
72. Paradise Springs Winery

July
73. Afton Mountain Vineyards
74. Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery
75. Democracy Vineyards
76. Mountain Cove Vineyards
77. Lovingston Winery
78. Keswick Vineyards
79. Horton Vineyards
80. Barboursville Vineyards
81. Early Mountain Vineyards
82. Barren Ridge Vineyards
83. CrossKeys Vineyards
84. Bluestone Vineyard
85. Vint Hill Craft Winery
86. Boxwood Estate Winery
87. Ducard Vineyards

August

88. Sharp Rock Vineyards
89. Winery 32
90. Casanel Vineyards & Winery
91. Bogati Bodega
92. 612 Vineyard
93. Jefferson Vineyards
94. Blenheim Vineyards
95. Trump Winery
96. Gabriele Rousse Winery
97. King Family Vineyards
98. James Charles Winery
99. Potomac Point Winery
100. Ingleside Vineyards
101. Oak Crest Vineyard & Winery
102. Wisteria Farm & Vineyard

September
103. Michael Schaps Wineworks
104. First Colony Winery
105. Pungo Ridge Winery
106. Chatham Vineyards on Church Creek
107. Mermaid Winery
108. Gauthier Vineyard
109. Grace Estate Winery
110. Stinson Vineyards
111. White Hall Vineyards
112. Mountfair Vineyards
113. Glass House Winery
114. Moss Vineyards
115. Stone Mountain Vineyards
116. Rockbridge Vineyard
117. Fincastle Vineyard & Winery
118. Virginia Mountain Vineyards
119. Blue Ridge Vineyard
120. Ox Eye Vineyards
121. 50 West Vineyards
122. Zephaniah Farm Vineyard
123. Hunters Run Winery
124. Terra Nubelo Vineyards

October
125. Mattaponi Winery
126. Lake Anna Winery
127. Weston Farm Vineyard & Winery
128. Cooper Vineyards
129. Grayhaven Winery
130. Cardinal Point Vineyard & Winery
131. Flying Fox Vineyard
132. Delfosse Vineyard & Winery
133. Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery
134. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
135. Reynard Florence Vineyard
136. Honah Lee Vineyard
137. Kilaurwen Winery, LLC
138. Cardamon Family Vineyards
139. Crushed Cellars
140. Magnolia Vineyard & Winery
141. Granite Height Winery
142. Morais Vineyards and Winery
143. Rogers Ford Farm Winery
144. Hartwood Winery
145. Wilderness Run Vineyards
146. Chateau MerrillAnne

November
147. Rebec Vineyards
148. Lazy Days Winery
149. Thistle Gate Vineyard
150. Adventure Farm
151. Burnley Vineyards
152. Loudoun Valley Vineyards
153. Village Winery

 

December
154. New Kent Winery
155. Saúde Creek Vineyards
156. The Dog & Oyster Vineyard
157. Good Luck Cellars
158. Athena Vineyards & Winery
159. Vault Fields Vineyards
160. DeMello Vineyard Third Hill Winery
161. Sassafras Shade Vineyard
162. James River Cellars
163. Bodie Vineyards
164. RdV Vineyards

Now that the sun has set and 2015 is behind us, 2016 looks to be a good year. Most of the wine makers say that 2015 was a good year for fruit. Too bad it will have to be 2 years before we can taste these wines…I can wait, how about you?

 

And, 164 is…

End of The Trail…for 2015.

Throughout this year, I tried to finagle a way to visit this vineyard. I considered making it number 100, 150 but, it never worked out.

Tish and I decided to keep Christmas low-key and only do one big gift together. In the back of my mind, I had an idea and it didn’t take a lot to get her on board.

In early December, I made reservations for New Years Eve to taste wine. Yes, I said reservations to taste wine.

I was surprised they had openings for the time I wanted. When the confirmation email arrived, I was already getting excited about the visit to…RdV Vineyards.

I have toured this winery on two other occasions and it was during the summer months. A tour of the vines in a golf cart, then the facility and wine caves before sitting down to taste Rutger’s two Bordeaux red blends. I said then, that the wines were some of the best in the state. I can only hope for the same outcome on this visit.

We arrived at the vineyard and I was surprised by the crowded parking lot. This tasting wouldn’t be as intimate as my previous two visits. As we walk through the door, we are greeted with complimentary Champagne. I can’t think of a better way to get a tasting started!

As we waited for two more to arrive in our group, we walked around outside enjoying the warm December temperatures. The vines are in a dormant state this time of year. They look almost naked without their leaves or grapes.

After finishing our Champagne, it was time to tour the winery.

Jarad, would be our guide today. He is a Master Sommelier and had previously worked at CityZen in D.C.

There were about 10 in our group and we began the tour in the tank room.

Samples are sent to France over night to analyzed and RdV waits for instructions for the next stage.

And we are moving to the next area…

Tubes of rock are on display to show what kind of terrior the vines are planted on. Most of Virginia have limestone on the property. There are only a few that have Granite and RdV is one of them. The rocky soil is perfect from French varietals and all grapes grown in Virginia I believe.

The barrel room or cave. A narrow walkway lined with barrels of wine on both sides. These wines won’t be made available to the public for a few more years.

Keep on cruising…

Full bottles without labels are stored in the next room. As they the wines, they will label just enough to supply their need.

Adjacent to this room is a state of the art bottling system. Not many vineyards in the state have this device simply because of the price tag. A cool million I’m sure.

Our last stop is in the lab where they do their blending of the grapes to create the two wines.

Okay, I’m ready for a tasting!

We go back up into the main room and a table is set up with 3 oz. pours of the two wines that are available with a small plate of cheeses and meats.

’12 Lost Mountain, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. A magnificent bouquet of currants, rosemary, lavender and graphite on the nose. Soft, medium bodied wine with concentrated flavors of pomegranate, raspberry with a subtle touch of leather on the palate. Perfect tannins with a cherry notes on the finish. This wine will age well over the next few years. The perfect wine to pair with the big robust pasta dishes.

’12 Rendezvous, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Robust dark red fruits with a smoky bacon essence on the nose. Supple flavors of cranberries with some cherry notes and a touch of smoke on the palate. Just the right tannins with a hint of spiciness on the finish make this one of the best wines of the year for me.

I will say this again, this vineyard is still one of the states best.

My final total from 2015 is…164!

Now, I have set the goal for you to match or beat. Don’t be scared, it is doable.

Now, it is time to recap and do a year in review or the best of. This will take a while so give me a little time to go through my notes and compile my final results.

This has been a fun year even though I am still looking for work. But who knows, the next vineyard is right around the corner as well as my next employer. Just remember…

Every Day IS A GOOD DAY!

Cheers Y’all!

Next To Last Trip…

It was unseasonably warm for this time of year. Last week I was scrapping my windshield, this morning I was wiping sweat from my head. Mother Nature has a sick sense of humor.

I remember when I came down a few weeks ago to the Richmond area, I saw the sign for my first stop today. I just don’t remember which exit it was. Easy with the old jokes folks!

The ride down 95 wasn’t bad and I turned off and traveled through Ladysmith to Sassafras Shade Vineyard.

Tucked back in a wooded area with an inviting front porch, it was a shame I stopped here first.

Ten wines on the tasting list and these were my favorites:

Chardonnay, light golden in color. Supple melon flavors on the nose. Bold honeysuckle flavors on the palate with tart apricots on the finish. This wine and that porch, that’s all I need to say.

Caroline Red, a blend of Cabernet Franc & Chambourcin. Bouquet of rose buds filled my glass. A medium bodied wine with dark red fruit flavors. Soft tannins and a smoky finish.

A nice stop that I will visit again in the future.

Just a few miles away is my next stop, James River Cellars. Located off of Route 1 this vineyard has been making wine since 2001.

 

The tasting room is next to a driving range so park well enough away from stray balls flying over the net. Staff was extra friendly and here is what I enjoyed.

’14 Petit Manseng, notes of grassy and earthiness on the nose. Pear and honey flavors dominate the palate. A gorgeous finish of grapefruit make this a really nice deck/porch sipping wine.

’12 Meritage, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Bold aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg. earthy flavors on the front of the mouth that transcends to a smokiness on the back of the palate. Black raspberry, cherry flavors round out this wine with bold, crunchy tannins. A true steak, burger or venison wine.

My last stop of the day takes me down into the Powhatan area. The wine guides said they were open as did their website. After turning on the secondary road I found the entrance but it looked suspect. I gave them a call to confirm and the older gentleman told me to come on down and taste. Okay!

Bodie Vineyards reminds me of Berryhill Vineyards. Tasting room in the garage and super nice folks. Mr. Bodie came out and I figured this wouldn’t take too long but I ended up sitting and talking with him for and hour or so.

He was pouring two wines.

Michaud Blanc, made with Cayuga grapes. Earthy on the nose. Tropical fruit flavors on the palate. Semi-dry wine had a finish of graphite. A wine that would go well with seafood especially oysters.

Rochelle Rouge, a blend of Buffalo and Cabernet Franc.  A very light bodied wine with plum aromas on the nose. Strawberry and cherries on the palate with a finish of sweet currants. This would be the perfect Thanksgiving wine.

Mr. Bodie told me tales of college and advised me to go see an acupuncturist if I ever have back issues. As we chatted, he would pour another sample of his red.

This was quite entertaining.

With the these 3 marked off, this brings my total to 163 in 2015.

With only one week to go, I want to make the last vineyard to be a memorable one. The reservations are for New Years Eve. This redneck is excited to visit this place yet, I’m sad that my vineyard tour is coming to an end.

But with a new year come new opportunities and hopefully a new job. Maybe I can visit the last few vineyard next year to reach all of the them in less than two year.

To all of my readers, Happy New Year and Cheers!

One Vineyard & The Diesel

I picked up one the valley’s free newspapers, this publication usually has the latest openings and closings in the area.

As I go down the list, nothing stands out as breaking news. And then there it was…a new vineyard had opened in county. That will take care of this weeks visit.

Friday would be a good time to visit but I have a conflict.

In D.C. at the Verizon Center, The Green Turtle was doing a beer release party for Escutcheon Brewery’s John Riggins 4th & 1 Pilsner. With the release of the beer Riggo was going to be present for the unveiling.

Shorty contacted me about meeting him at the Turtle. So now, I have to plan accordingly but it can be done.

I traveled south to Quicksburg, to the newest winery, DeMello Vineyard, Third Hill Winery.  The tasting room is rustic with amazing views. The owners were extremely nice and so were the wines.

’14 Traminette, a soft lemon colored wine. Rose petals and honeysuckle on the nose. Crisp, refreshing lavender flavors on the palate. A sweet finish makes this wine a perfect pairing with goat cheese or a warm brie.

’12 Cabernet France, a rich red color. Sweet cherries on the nose. Earthy notes on the palate with a low tannin smoky finish. Perfect burger wine.

Shenandoah County now has 9 vineyards, 2 breweries and a cidery. We might catch up to Loudoun County some day.

I stopped by the house before heading into the city. Sent Shorty a text telling him about what time I was going to arrive. He was planning on being there about the same time. So we decided, the last one to arrive, buys the first round.

The drive to Vienna wasn’t bad, I hopped on the train and I had to rely on public transportation to get me there before Shorty.

It was going to be close and it was. He was literally 100 feet in front of me laughing and pointing. That Sucks!

We got caught up and decided to sample the 4th &1. This is a wonderful Pilsner with nice balance a flavor. And since it is made 20 miles from my house, I would be filling my growlers up with that goodness.

Riggo arrived. Shorty and I got our pics taken with the Super Bowl MVP and then we hit a few more stops before calling it a night.

My travels will take me back toward Richmond to visit a few stragglers then I will end the year in our area.

With the lone visit to the valley I have now visited 160 vineyards this year.