Sabin Wine Journeys

[April 3, 2025.   I had a long telephone conversation with the newly re-elected president of the Virginia Vineyards Association (VVA), AJ Greely.   Since 2018, AJ has been the winemaker at Hark Vineyards before being elected only the second woman to be president of the VVA and the first in some 40 years. That was in 2024.   I did not electronically record the conversation.   This post is a paraphrase of the conversation using my notes.   I have tried as much as possible to be faithful to what was said and the tone in which it was conveyed.   We are thankful to AJ  for her time and candor.] Q.   I’m taking a course on Food and Folklore with Kim Stryker at George Mason University.   She recently interviewed you.   She sends her regards.   We’re learning lots of stories and histories.   What’s your story?   You have had a wide range of careers from being a teacher in the theater arts in Northern Virginia, and, I believe, a ...

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....