Take in the beauty of the rolling vineyards, framed in by the distinct fences surrounding the Bull Run Winery, that which is located in Fairfax County, Virginia, 20 minutes outside of Washington, D.C. The Winery is adjacent to the Manassas National Battlefield Park, where you can walk through American history as you learn about the backstory on the vineyard. Who doesn't dream of strolling through a plantation of grape-bearing vines, grown for the sole purpose of winemaking?
There are over 300 vineyards in the State of Virginia which happens to be in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region of the US. Surprisingly, even to me, Virginia is the first recorded in our country's history to grow grapes for the wine industry. Upon arriving in Jamestown settlement. English colonists found wild grapevines growing profusely, so in 1608, they made wine with native scuppernong grapes.
The American Civil War made this area famous, or more likely infamous. It is steeped in history, having the First and Second Battles of Manassas on its soil. There were other places that have had Cilvil War battles such as Gettysburg, Fredericksburg and Appomattox to name a few, and I have even taken you to some. The entire state of Virginia has the dubious distinction of having the most battles fought during the Civil War. And, yes! This is #MarketFriday! So glad you could come!
Say hello to Jean! She is our tour guide in the Grape to Glass tour. She takes us from the growing vine and through the whole process of planting, growing, harvesting and finally crushing the grapes. We will see the different stages of how things work at the vineyard. You will be given a engraved glass to take with you so you can do a tasting of the different wines.
First off, Jean is going to show us how to do a wine tasting. No lie! I can see we look totally inexperienced. Before we leave, we will be looking a step up towards a wine connoisseur, even if our actual knowledge is not quite there. How much do you know about wine?
This is what they call a split-rail fence, log fence, zig zag fence, worm fence, or snake fence depending on where it built. It always confused me because they were always referred by different names. Now I know - and you do too. Can you see beyond the fences? There are grape vines, as far as you can see!
Today is #MarketFriday initiated by @dswigle (Denise, that's me!!) Join me as we share our markets across the globe. I always look forward to seeing what you send me! It is amazing to see the different markets and cultures of our friends here on Hive. Show me what you have this week!
I know this is off topic and not even close to a market, however, it is informational and I now I personally learned a little something. Did you know you could learn all about building fences in four minutes? Now, I am pretty sure @papa-pepper, a mighty fine prepper, could show them a thing or two. @justinparke could possibly be in need for one of these, but, his are more likely to be built better. Which leaves me a @buckaroobaby, one never knows if they have more animals than fence. Blink once and the livestock multiply. Here you go, Tracey! This fence is for you!
I freely admit that I am impressed. I think I want to build a fence for something. Tell the truth, don't you?
Everything about this place make for a beautiful, historical setting. Rustic charm and elegant all in the same breath. The surrounding landscape feels natural, just like nature planted it.
Established in 2012 as a scenic working farm vineyard, The Winery at Bull Run lies on 225 acres adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park and next door to an equestrian farm. The winery itself was built to represent the two types of historic barns in Northern Virginia—a smaller 1800s-style barn and a larger 1920s-era dairy barn complete with a hayloft and hay lift cable and beam. Their passion for the history of the land led them to create the largest working farm in Fairfax County and to salvage the old stone foundation of the Hillwood Mansion, burned in a fire some 30 years ago—now a perfect altar and elevated stage for outdoor wedding ceremonies and events.
~The Winery at Bull Run: About Us
Part of the charm for me are things like this painting on the side of a barn at the Bull Run Winery, There is no end to the details here, this is one of the barns built, creating the largest working farm in Fairfax County.
The outdoor crush pad! If you are at all familiar with vineyards, this is a term you are familiar with. It is where the grapes meet their fate. Harvested or picked grapes are put in to be processed. Winemakers or days gone by did crush the grapes. They still use this dated term, perhaps more as a tribute to this time in the history of winemaking. Crushing time is coming soon. We are almost at harvest time!
Our tour guide, Jean picks some grapes and gives us a little bit of history on them. They are of a variety called Norton and the entire vineyard is planted in them. As a matter of fact, all of their vineyards have 100% Virginia grapes. This grape was originally cultivated in Richmond, Virginia in the early 1800s by Dr. Daniel Norton, who named it after himself. The Norton grape is America's oldest native grape. During Prohibition, all of America's vineyards suffered and died, only to be revived years later. I don't think Virginia had any left, but, in 1976, there was a resurgence and they started all over again, in the Charlottesville area.
The roses are beautiful! Everyone wants to know why they are planted at the end of the rows. Roses are planted here and in many vineyards because they make an excellent alarm system. They are an early warning system, so to speak. If something like aphids or fungus is present, it will get on the roses first and in time, the grapes. It is like a canary in a coal mine.
When oxen and horses were used in the field, having the roses deterred them from cutting the turns too sharp, no animal was fond of the thorns, so they were beautiful and useful. Still, they were a pretty sight, even if they did do a great side hustle.
The Hillwood Mansion ruins, circa 1800s. A fire in the 1990s burned down the mansion, and the foundation was salvaged, the stone ruins stabilized to create a wonderful outside space, keeping the historical feel to it. Many weddings have used this space to create their dreams.
The nose of the Norton immediately brings to mind thoughts of the winter holidays, with scents of pine, mulling spice, mace cooking spice, nutmeg, and cloves. The mid-palate features flavors of dark cherries, bramble fruit and dried berries, with a hint of minced meat pie on the back palate. The 2018 Norton is blended with 20% Merlot wine for a full mid-palate and medium-long finish. Please see website for most recent vintage.* This was the official description given from Bull Run Winery.
Shown below is the 2021 Estate Rosé. With fragrances of fresh strawberries, cream, and shortbread on the nose, this rosé exudes vibrancy. Bright cranberry, strawberry and red currant drive the palate. Crisp acidity and a full-mouth feel give this wine an enjoyable finish. This is also their official description of the taste. I admit, I love going to the wine tastings, where they teach you to taste, explain how to train your palate to taste. It is actually quite fun. I intend to learn how to do this well.
Fun fact:. In 1774, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Peyton Randolph and George Mason were among the thirty-seven original subscribers of American’s first wine company - The Virginia Wine Co. source
The view of the vineyard, courtesy of some great drone work and editing. Nice shots of the cush pad and the barrel room. Spoiler alert for part two,
Truth be told, all of the vineyards that I have gone to in Virginia trend towards artisanal wines and breathtaking landscape. It is written in the stars. It is a must, I believe. Landscaped creatively, it makes it a joy to wander around, enjoy the views, the wine and being educated in the fine art of wine tasting.
Walls of stone, roses and the beauty of the surrounding nature. It never gets old for me. Each tree that was planted, each flower that was blooming, the stone walls, fences... each seemed to have grown in a spot that was made for them.
I had so many pictures, it was hard to pick just a few. There is so much that I split it in two, so next week will give a more intimate look on the process and the inside of the winery. I hope you enjoyed walking about with me, I had a great time and as much wine as I drink, learned a lot of new things.
The Bull Run Winery
15950 Lee Highway
Centreville, Virginia 20120.
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And just like that, this post is done. I hope you had a good time and learned a little something new. As always, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit, and just remember, #MarketFriday loves you! Thank you for supporting the challenge! Have a fabulous day! Cheers!!
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The desriptions for the wine were given at the tour. While not my own words, I give credit to the always amazing tour guide, Jean!
