Sabin Wine Journeys

October 27, 2023.   We continued our meandering journey to Hark Vineyards in Earlysville, almost due West from Burnley crossing Route 29.   Once you get out in this vicinity, cell service can be spotty so take care with your navigation.   To me, the optimum development for a winery is to get the vineyard growing first since no great wine comes from inferior grapes.   Next build a production facility and make the investment to make wine on your own terms.   Lastly, build a tasting room to sell your product.   Hark seems to have its priorities straight.   Aaron and Candace Hark bought their property in 2015, began planting grapes in a cattle field in 2016, and had their first harvest in 2017.   They opened to the public in October 2019.   We spent some time talking with assistant winemaker Luke Hintz, who was doubling as wine server that afternoon.   Earnest and younger than his years, we greatly thank Luke for his time with us....

Now that the rain finally stopped and after indulging in a number of good wines and conversations, we began our trip home.   Our first stop on the return trip was Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm in Earlysville.   The vineyard lies just west of the Charlottesville Airport.   In fact, you will probably have to drive around the main runway to get there.    Adventure Farm was originally a cattle farm, founded in 1950 by Morris and Gigi Chisholm.   Gigi still lives on the property and visits sometimes.  They still sell beef, corn, and soy.  All of their wines are from estate-grown grapes although Chisholm relies on Early Mountain for winemaking.   The small and comfortable tasting room was opened in 2014.    There is ample outside seating both in front of a stage that features entertainment or under a trellised patio if you want shade.   If swaying to the music is what you want, the Cajun band we heard that afternoon made yo...