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.

Would you rather have a bouquet of Rosés than Roses? The benefits to having the Rosés are: enjoying rosé from all around the world, they will not turn brown or wilt; they smell just as lovely as a rose, and at times have the same aroma; and you do not have to remember, or want, to add water! With summer in full swing, with porch and poolside sitting, picnics and outside dining, here is a half-dozen bouquets of Rosé’s for you to enjoy.