October is Virginia Wine month, and in honor of that, we revisit a winery that was highlighted last year—one that seems to have found just the right spot to not only grow grapes and make award-winning wines, but the right venue to focus on a passion. Virginia is a challenging area for growing vinifera grapes. This state brings bi-polar weather, with constant changes, pests, mold and mildew, and ever-changing terroir across the state. Some wineries have had to resort to adding events to recoup costs. It not only takes the right spot, but the right people, with the passion and determination to be successful in this industry.
On October 2nd, 2023 Rita Allan, Dori Weitz and our dinner companions (husbands) were invited to the Governor’s Mansion to celebrate the Commencement of the 35th Virginia Wine Month. Governor Glenn Youngkin stated, “Virginia wine month rightfully spurs a celebration of our Commonwealth's rich and diverse winemaking heritage. Virginians are raising our glasses to this exceptional industry, and the hard work of our dedicated winemakers. Together, we can continue to make Virginia a destination for wine enthusiasts, and a source of pride for all of us."
Honey and Hops Brew Works is definitely a family-run business that was started by three brothers—Ian, Isaac, and Adam Rushing. These are three of eight siblings who grew up in Alaska, with very creative parents and the mind set of being entrepreneurs, even as kids. Ian, the oldest, had a background in journalism and marketing, and had moved down to Virginia in an area just outside of DC, where he met his now wife. They had enjoyed the Front Royal area and decided to move farther away from DC. They found that it was a beautiful area and enjoyed that it was a tourist destination because of skyline drive.
The vinedressers have made all the preparations. All the vineyard pruning, spraying, cultivating, and green harvesting have been accomplished. The air is cooling, and ripening has slowed. Perhaps a slight pause to consider the most magical day of the year: harvest day!
The California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook is a fairly comprehensive, self-analyzing approach, for vineyards to measure their “level of sustainability and to learn about ways they can improve their practices.” To receive the full certification, wineries would have to submit to a 3rd party inspection. Although there are specific chapters designated for both vineyard water management and energy efficiency, these two concepts are woven through the rest of the workbook.
