Emma’s Eye View on Fall

Hi all,

Fall is here. Last night it was 46 degrees at the vineyard! I was happy that Janet (the lady who cuts my hair) left me some insulation because I need it now. Robert says it’s good for the grapes to have cool nights now that we are almost in October. The crew has already harvested all the whites and the portions of the Cabernet Franc and Gamay that will make the 2022 Rosé. We have an abundance of grapes, so we hope we don’t run out of Rosé as quickly as we did this year! Especially after winning the gold medal in the California Experience Rosé Competition. The 2021 went out the door as fast as I do when I’m chasing a deer out of the vineyard!

Speaking of October, did you know that it is Virginia Wine Month? We will be joining more than 300 wineries in the Commonwealth to celebrate the harvest and hold special events that expand knowledge of our growing industry. We planned special events every weekend here at Muse. On October 2 we will be honored to have Reverend Anne Chamberlain, pastor of the Woodstock Church of Christ lead a morning seminar on Spirituality and Wine. It’s sure to give participants food (and wine) for thought as they take the time to stop and savor what is happening right here. Building on the success of the Cabernet Franc journeys of the past weeks, Sally will host a brand new wine journey featuring Clio. Sally says they will celebrate the glory and history of Bordeaux blends and how they are grown, fermented, and blended at Muse; they will take place on October 15th and 22nd. I plan to escort the group through the vineyard to look at Cab Franc, Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec vines and taste some in barrel in the winery before coming back to the tasting room for a vertical tasting of vintages past. I think that means it’s the same kind of wine from different years, but we do serve some wines in little towers, so we’ll just have to wait and see! The chef always puts together some yummy bites to accompany the wines. That’s my favorite part!

There’s lots more going on: check out our website and/or sign up to receive our email for more details. The art show of the month opens on October 4. It’s an exhibition designed by local grassroots environmental group Sustainability Matters. Rumor has it that cats and spiders are included—not my favorite creatures– but I’m reserving judgment. I’ve heard their spokescat Haym is some sort of big star; he’d better not try to be a bigger star than me!

Hope to see you around. You know where to find me. And if you don’t, I’m usually by the front door unless something needs my attention like food dropping on the floor or the UPS truck needing a chase.

Emma