Barrel Tasting w/ Howard Fletcher

**This is our last episode of Season One! Thank you for your support!**

Join Howard Fletcher as he has a sit down with Renee Ventrice of Cork & Keg Tours at 50West Vineyards in beautiful Middleburg, VA.

Renee, a lover of Loudoun County and wine expert, shares her experiences during her journey from Navy vet, to California wine lover, to Virginia wine connoisseur, to wine industry entrepreneur and valued member of the Virginia wine and business community.

More on Cork and Keg Tours:

Cork & Keg Tours creates unforgettable winery and brewery tours for individuals, couples & small groups, combining wine tastings & craft brew visits with sophisticated fun in the beautiful wine country of Loudoun County, VA. Their customized Mercedes Sprinter Limo Van features spacious, comfortable perimeter seating and the l atest lighting & sound technology.

Connect with Cork and Keg Tours on:

Website: https://www.corkandkegtours.com/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/CAKTours/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corkandkegtours/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/corkandkegtours/

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC

Join Howard Fletcher as he travels to picturesque Bluemont, Virginia to have a conversation with Scott Spelbring, Master Cider Maker of Henway Hard Cider. We discuss all things Virginia cider and new delicious creations to come from Henway.

More on Henway Hard Cider:

Going back five generations, the Horlander family gathered around their dinner table every Sunday night for family dinner. Herman Graham Horlander, a grower of fowl and meat processor, proudly served chicken at every Sunday dinner.

Grandfather Horlander always knew the history of that particular bird, as he was the one responsible for its pre-table existence. Guests and family members alike would always remark on the marvelous platter of hen as it was being passed around the table.

Inevitably, someone would always ask grandfather Horlander, “what’s a hen weigh?” To which he would joyfully respond, “about five pounds!”

This scenario was repeated over the course of many years and many chicken dinners, and Grandfather Horlander was proud of his contribution.

Connect with Henway Hard Cider on:

Website: https://www.henwayhardcider.com/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/henwayhardcider/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/henwayhardcider/

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC

Join Howard Fletcher as he travels to picturesque Bluemont, Virginia to have a conversation with Scott Spelbring, Head Winemaker of Bluemont Vineyard.

Howard and Scott discuss his evolution from sound engineer, to home vigneron, to cellar rat at Sunset Hills Vineyard, to his present highly skilled position as head winemaker.

More on Bluemont Vineyard:

In 1993, the Zuschmeide family purchased a farm in Bluemont, Virginia, which is now home to Great Country Farms. As the Zurschmeide family nurtured the soil back into production, they envisioned using some of the adjoining land on the slopes above their farm for cultivating grapes for winemaking. The opportunity to realize this dream came true when the family was able to purchase the 100 acres that is now home to Bluemont Vineyard.

Bluemont Vineyard was established in 2007 when the first grape vines came into full production and now grows over ten varietals of grapes, including Viognier, Norton, and Cabernet Franc.

Connect with Bluemont Vineyard on:

Website: https://www.bluemontvineyard.com/

Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/BluemontVineyardStable/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluemontvineyard/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bluemont_wine

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC

Join Howard Fletcher as he returns to beautiful Leesburg, Virginia to have a conversation with Casanel winemaker Katie DeSouza Henley. Katie is one of the most innovative and talented winemakers in the area. We discuss the evolution of her family’s business from a passion project of her father to one of the best wineries in Loudoun County.

More on Casanel Vineyards and Winery:

Casanel Vineyards boast over 10,000 grape vines with varieties that define regions (Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Cabernet Sauvignon), and also characterize it as a Virginia farm winery (Carménère, Petit Verdot, and Norton). The family has renovated and restored the historical buildings on the property as well. They have re-used the wood and stone of the land, combining the old world with the new. As a result, the setting is perfect for enjoying the spectrum of wine they offer.

They are an estate winery. However, if they on occasion have to source off site, they choose to source quality fruit from their neighbors in Loudoun County. Their mission is to produce wines that would highlight the uniqueness, character, and elegance of Northern Virginia terroir.

Connect with Casanel Vineyards & Winery on:

Website: https://casanelvineyards.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasanelVineyardsandWinery/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casanelvineyards/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Casanel

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC

Join Howard Fletcher as he travels to Leesburg, Virginia to have a conversation with Doug Fabbioli, co-owner and head winemaker of Fabbioli Cellars. Doug is so passionate and dedicated to his craft and Virginia wine, he has been given the honored moniker: the “Godfather of Loudoun Wines.”

This is a good one. So, don’t miss it!

More on Fabbioli Cellars:

Fabbioli Cellars has an incredible network of family, friends, employees, and volunteers that contribute year-round to their endeavors. From planting to pruning, crushing to bottling, and delivering to pouring, the team at Fabbioli Cellars is key to the success of their rapidly growing business.

Bound by a common passion for fine wines, earth-friendly farming, and lasting friendships, everyone at Fabbioli Cellars revels in the challenges that each day brings while keeping confident that their efforts will not only bring them closer together, but will positively impact the experiences of each customer and the community, while showcasing the best in Loudoun’s rural economy.

***TO CONTACT THE NEW AG SCHOOL: http://newagschool.org/ ***

Connect with Fabbioli Cellars on:

Website: http://www.fabbioliwines.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fabbioli-Cellars-50160119338/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fabbioliwines/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fabbioliwines?lang=en

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC

Join Howard Fletcher as he travels to Centreville, VA to The Winery at Bull Run to have a conversation with the winemaker, J. Ashton Lough. Ashton started making wine for establishment in 2012 and is responsible for all aspects of their winemaking program. He has worked as a winemaker since he graduated from the University of Georgia with degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Throughout his career in the wine industry he has received numerous awards including best winemaker, four years in a row.

More on The Winery at Bull Run:

Established in 2012 as a scenic working farm vineyard, The Winery at Bull Run lies on 225 acres adjacent to Manassas National Battlefield Park and next door to an equestrian farm. The winery itself was built to represent the two types of historic barns in Northern Virginia—a smaller 1800s-style barn and a larger 1920s-era dairy barn complete with a hayloft and hay lift cable and beam. The owners’ passion for the history of the land led them to create the largest working farm in Fairfax County and to salvage the old stone foundation of the Hillwood Mansion, burned in a fire some 30 years ago.

Connect with The Winery at Bull Run on:

Website: https://www.wineryatbullrun.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWineryAtBullRun/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wineryatbullrun/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wineryatbullrun/

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC

Join Howard Fletcher as he travels down to Middleburg, VA to speak with Melanie Natoli. She is the winemaker and vigneron of Cana Vineyards and Winery. Melanie joined Cana in 2015, and she has advanced the wine program at Cana to produce several award winning vintages. In 2017, she was the first Virginia winemaker to be named Woman Winemaker of the Year at the Women’s International Wine Competition. In other words, she is one of the best at what she does.

More on Cana Vineyards & Winery:

Cana is located on 43-acres of farmland in the gorgeous Loudoun countryside. It is the perfect location to unwind and safely enjoy Virginia Wine Country. Cana’s Tasting Room and Sunset Pavilion are situated on a picturesque hillside, with many comfortable areas to enjoy Cana wines while taking in the beauty of the mountains and vineyards.

Connect with Cana Winery & Vineyards on:

Website: https://canavineyards.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canavineyards

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canavineyards/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/canavineyards

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC

This is Part 2 our visit to One Eight Distilling in Washington, DC. Join Howard as he engages in conversation with their Head Blender, Stephen Corrigan.

If you haven’t heard last week’s episode, please go check it out. It will tell you how One Eight got started and an overview of the great things they are doing there.

More on One Eight Distilling:

One Eight Distilling is named for Article One Section Eight of the US Constitution, which among other things provided for the establishment of a district to serve as the nation’s capital. The connection to history and tradition informs the company’s founding values: “We use local ingredients to create the bold flavors of our region for the people who take no shortcuts.”

Connect with One Eight Distilling on:

Website: https://www.oneeightdistilling.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneEightD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneeightd/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OneEightD

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC

Join Howard as he welcomes Sandy Wood and Alex Laufer co-founders of One Eight Distilling in Washington, DC. These two men are visionaries and influencers in D.C.’s growing craft distilling industry

More on One Eight Distilling:

One Eight Distilling is named for Article One Section Eight of the US Constitution, which among other things provided for the establishment of a district to serve as the nation’s capital. The connection to history and tradition informs the company’s founding values: “We use local ingredients to create the bold flavors of our region for the people who take no shortcuts.”

Connect with One Eight Distilling on:

Website: https://www.oneeightdistilling.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OneEightD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneeightd/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OneEightD

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC

Join Howard as he speaks with entrepreneurs and partners, Elliott Johnson and Jahi Warts of Soul Mega Brewing in Washington, D.C.

Soul Mega’s team mission is to be recognized in the craft beer industry for their “stylistically un-styled craft beer offerings and to create a culture that embraces creativity and inclusion.” Soul Mega means “the embodiment of something great.” It represents the co-founders' vision for the company and their belief that their dream will manifest much larger than we can presently imagine. Soul Mega serves as a reminder to the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Connect with Soul Mega Brewing on:

Website: https://soulmega.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SoulMegaDC

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulmegadc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SoulMegaDC

Catch Barrel Tasting with Howard Fletcher on:

Website: https://barreltastingpod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarrelTastingPod

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barreltastingpod

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fletchDC