This week at Keswick Hall, local winemakers enjoyed the blend of their industry and one of their favorite sporting activities.
“What goes better than wine and golfing?” Michael Albers, owner of Mountain & Vine Vineyards, told The Daily Progress.
On Wednesday, Keswick Hall hosted its second annual Winemaker’s Golf Tournament in partnership with Monticello Wine Trail. The event serves as a proverbial kickoff to Monticello Wine Week, which takes place from June 5-8.
The tournament has had an increase in participation since its previous installment.
“We’ve got more golfers this year than last year, a lot more press than last year,” Keswick Vineyards winemaker Stephen Barnard said. “And that’s the intention, is to grow the events each and every year. But the ultimate goal is to promote our incredible Monticello Wine Trail, the wines, and then have guests kind of interact with the winemakers.”
Along with increased numbers, the energy surrounding the event also has grown.
“There seems to be more enthusiasm about the event this year,” Rob McNamara, Keswick Club general manager and director of golf, said. “I think there’s more players, there’s more notoriety in the town and there’s definitely an increased vibe about Virginia wine, and I know that we’re excited to be able to host it and support the cause.”
Along with enjoying the time on the course, many involved also cherish the opportunity to connect with other local winemakers.
“It’s absolutely a phenomenal event,” Albers said. “We all get together, we all know each other. It’s a nice networking event.”
The athletic aspect serves as a quality method to bring people with similar interests together.
“Golf is just such a social game, which is the point,” Barnard said. “Golf is probably secondary. As long as there’s some wine and some folks that are enjoying being around each other, I would say that’s a pretty good day.”
With many high-profile winemakers in attendance at Keswick Hall, the tournament provided perspective on the abundance of high-caliber wine in both Central Virginia and the entire commonwealth.
“It’s really about the community coming together and showcasing the wine,” Barnard said. “Our job is to kind of expose our wines to as many people as possible and showcase not only the diversity of product, but also the personalities behind it and showcase that Virginia makes some pretty incredible wines that really can compete on an international scale.”
While many different vineyards were represented, the people at the event are all striving for the same results.
“It’s an industry that’s very collaborative and very supportive,” Barnard said. “We kind of share information because the goal is to improve the industry as a whole. We’re not a bunch of individual wineries. We feel that we’re part of a bigger community.”
Source: www.dailyprogress.com