Wine N’ Vines

My love of music started with the love of Charlottesville. The artist community around UVA and the downtown mall was the origin planet of the tastes that set me in motion back in 1998. The locals of that day - and this one (Greg Howard, John D’Earth, Barling & Collins) took the wooded crust of the mountain town and made the town a beacon for jazz, improvisation and acoustic roots music. As I was able, I made the drive to Miller’s Downtown, the Jefferson Theater, The Garage and the Front Porch to see these guys at all hours of the night and weekends.

Growing up just an hour east of the mountain valley, the place was in my mind all the time. It was different from the Richmond music scene, familiar, but different. You got the sense that the people were the reason for the buildings, not the other way around. The music made the town famous without making it lame. The history outshined the present talent, but was the explanation when someone rose to the top.

25 years after the first time I went to experience the music, we spend weekends roaming the hills and back roads that lead to the most beautiful views and delicious food and wine. We’ve met the wonderful farmers, makers and servers in our years going. Each of them have a similar background and story for coming to the mountains. They’ve curated structures, varietals, views and dining over the years that make each one of them worth visiting.

This year, we’ve had a chance to see some new vines, new folks and music. In 2026, we will contribute : )

I want to thank you for coming out and seeing the show as it spreads out through the state. I feel blessed to have a chance to introduce everyone to each other, to a place they’ve never been before and getting to play for all of you together.