Local Wineries Support Meals on Wheels

‘Saturday in the Park, I think it was the Fourth of July…’ The lyrics of the old Chicago song described the scene beautifully. Granted, it wasn’t the fourth of July, but it was a beautiful spring day that set an almost idyllic scene for residents and visitors to enjoy in the popular Farmville event park. The sunny skies and warm weather prompted some to bring blankets to spread out under the trees in the shade along the river bank; a nature table set in the shade to sit at and enjoy a picnic lunch and a glass of wine.

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Once again, visitors to Riverside Park in Farmville were able to enjoy an afternoon of music, leisure and wine tasting from a variety of local Virginia wines. The scenic park along the Appomattox River below the Green Front warehouses was the venue for the 6^th annual Farmville, Virginia Wine Festival, the biggest annual fundraiser event organized and held to benefit Meals on Wheels. Prince Edward Area Meals on Wheels serves approximately 50 clients with volunteer drivers and help, providing healthy meals to those that cannot get out or otherwise unable to provide or prepare meals for themselves, such as the elderly or sick.

Wine enthusiasts from all over converged on the colorful, pop up town of open tents for the chance to chat with the owners or representatives of the participating wineries and vineyards. They also came, of course, for the chance to taste the delicious fruits of the vine; the local wines of which Virginians have become so proud. In addition to the wine, the event hosted several vendors that sold a variety of wares such as handmade jewelry, natural cheese, vintage neckties and the like. There was also plenty of good food on hand to enjoy with the wine. The light breeze carried the smell of barbecue and Italian sausage all over the park. The music for the event provided something for everyone. John Tracey, with his laid back style of acoustic guitar music reminiscent of James Taylor, played during the quiet, early hours of the day and ‘Class Act,’ a lively group that could pump up any party, played the afternoon, filling the air with classics like ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘Under the Boardwalk.’

Wineries that participated included: Bright Meadows Farm, Nathalie, Va., Peaks of Otter Winery of Bedford, DeVault Family Vineyards of Concord, Three Sisters of Shiney Rock Winery of Clarksville, Rebec Vineyards & Winery of Amherst, San Soucy Vineyards of Brookneal, Democracy Vineyards of Lovingston, Tomahawk Mill Winery of Chatham and finally, Byrd Cellars of Goochland. The selection and quality of wine was everything people have come to expect from Virginia wines and visitors were able to buy their favorites by the bottle or even the case.