Soup N’ Sips at Blue Ridge Vineyard: Ag in action in Botetourt
Blue Ridge Vineyard is the oldest vineyard west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Barbara Kolb and her husband, Jim Holliday planted their first grape vines in 1985. Thirty-three years later they are producing wine annually. Every year they make 2,000 cases of different types of wine. “I really enjoy making natural wine. It is a big deal,” said Kolb. For a couple of retired Science teachers, what better second career!
They have a wine barn that serves as a stage, a place for weddings and receptions and a place to meet good friends– old and new. The view of the mountains is surrounded by 5 miles of walking trails. Better yet, “Well behaved dogs and children are welcome,” so the BRV slogan goes. Wine they make is served and visitors are welcome to bring food. Plenty of tables and chairs are part of the venue.
Delicious vegetable beef soup and spicy butternut squash soup were on the menu as well as the wines produced by the vineyard. A tasting room and shop sits to one side of the gathering area in the barn. Local baker Miranda Napier and her daughter Kylie were selling pumpkin rolls. Guests flocked together at tables and listened to Sean Bera sing a large repertoire of recognizable songs. The weather was warm around 60 degrees and partly sunny. A perfect day for a visit.
“People come here from all over the world,” said Kolb. ” Yesterday I spoke Spanish with folks from Ecuador (via New Jersey.) I loved seeing them here. We have the best customers in the world.” Indeed though this was the last main event for 2018, the wine shop will be open on weekends through the end of the year.
Weddings are a big part of BRV. “We have sometimes two or three per weekend,” said Kolb. The rustic charm of the venue and exceptional mountain and pastoral views along with a big, grassy meadow for parking, makes it a great place for a wedding.
So keep an events watch on the Botetourt Bee calendar come spring. For more information contact BRV through the website. Kolb concluded, “Come on out to see us in Eagle Rock. 1027 Shiloh Drive off Rt. 43 Narrow Passage Rd. Taste the wine and take some home.”
Miranda Napier can be reached through email for delectable pumpkin rolls at M47Napier@gmail.com.
Story and Photos by Cathy Benson
