If you find yourself in the central Shenandoah Valley this weekend, meander on over to the Barren Ridge Vineyard Saturday afternoon for their Swedish Fire Festival. It sounds like fun and, even if you head to Highland County for the Maple Festival early in the day, you could head to Barren Ridge later in the day or that evening.
Owner John Higgs was at the Augusta County supervisors meeting Wednesday night talking about agri-tourism and how it has helped place like Barren Ridge which was originally a family apple orchard. When that played out, the Higgs' planted wine grapes and started their vineyard that has now become a big part of the community.
Saturday afternoon's events are open and free to the public from 3-6:00 pm with a variety of activities including sheep herding demonstrations from Daniel King, owner of Quiet Acres Farm followed at 4:30 by a tour of the vineyard and lecture of how it came to be by owner John Higgs.
Reservations are required for activities beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person (2 glasses of wine included) or $90 per couple (1 bottle of wine included). Contact to see if there are still slots available (540-248-3300).
The Swedish Fire Candles will be lighted at 6:00 p.m. at the beginning of cocktail hour in the tasting room, a comfortable homey room complete with fireplace to relax and absorb the surroundings.
At 7:00 a fondue dinner in the Audrey Blackford Room will be presented by Gourmet Catering featuring traditional fondue including cheese, meat, vegetable, and fruit dipping options. From 7-9:00, entertainment will be provided by "The Roots Down," an instrumental group including an organist, guitarist, and drummer offering the best of soul, funk, and jazz.
At 9:00 all will retreat to the Shenandoah Valley outdoors to take in the views of the Swedish Fire Candles and enjoy s'mores by firelight. Ethereal sounds of the Alphorn will echo throughout the vineyards as performed by the Shenandoah Alphorn Players. It will surely be a night to remember.
If you're going:
Saturday, March 12 -- 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Barren Ridge Vineyards
984 Barren Ridge Road
Fishersville, VA 22980
540.248-3300
Owner John Higgs was at the Augusta County supervisors meeting Wednesday night talking about agri-tourism and how it has helped place like Barren Ridge which was originally a family apple orchard. When that played out, the Higgs' planted wine grapes and started their vineyard that has now become a big part of the community.
Saturday afternoon's events are open and free to the public from 3-6:00 pm with a variety of activities including sheep herding demonstrations from Daniel King, owner of Quiet Acres Farm followed at 4:30 by a tour of the vineyard and lecture of how it came to be by owner John Higgs.
Reservations are required for activities beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person (2 glasses of wine included) or $90 per couple (1 bottle of wine included). Contact to see if there are still slots available (540-248-3300).
The Swedish Fire Candles will be lighted at 6:00 p.m. at the beginning of cocktail hour in the tasting room, a comfortable homey room complete with fireplace to relax and absorb the surroundings.
At 7:00 a fondue dinner in the Audrey Blackford Room will be presented by Gourmet Catering featuring traditional fondue including cheese, meat, vegetable, and fruit dipping options. From 7-9:00, entertainment will be provided by "The Roots Down," an instrumental group including an organist, guitarist, and drummer offering the best of soul, funk, and jazz.
At 9:00 all will retreat to the Shenandoah Valley outdoors to take in the views of the Swedish Fire Candles and enjoy s'mores by firelight. Ethereal sounds of the Alphorn will echo throughout the vineyards as performed by the Shenandoah Alphorn Players. It will surely be a night to remember.
If you're going:
Saturday, March 12 -- 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Barren Ridge Vineyards
984 Barren Ridge Road
Fishersville, VA 22980
540.248-3300
Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell
Cross-posted at Virginia Virtucon
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