{"id":7071144,"date":"2026-10-01T09:23:23","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T09:23:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7071144"},"modified":"2026-10-01T09:23:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T09:23:23","slug":"harvest-fun-2026-virginia-wine-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7071144","title":{"rendered":"Harvest Fun 2026 \u2013 Virginia Wine Time"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Most Virginia wineries were dealt a devastating blow this past winter and spring with relentless Arctic air and ice in January that damaged vines and then the April freeze that killed off a very early bud break. Many winemakers and vineyard managers with whom I have spoken throughout this challenging growing season reported severely reduced crops due to these factors, with some varieties being a total loss for this vintage. \u00a0However, vines did produce grapes, and harvest must go on. \u00a0Why not make the most of it? Gray Ghost Vineyards<\/a> decided to hold a Not a Harvest Harvest Party for volunteers who signed up to harvest this year. \u00a0The winery usually hosts four volunteer harvest events, but only one was held this year due to overall reduction in crops this season. However, this did not stop winemaker Al Kellert and marketing manager Amy Payette from hosting an afternoon of harvest fun at the winery. \u00a0I and other friends attended, and we had a blast.<\/p>\n

The tasting room displayed every harvest T-shirt issued at their annual harvest party since it began its volunteer program in 1997. I\u2019ve been a volunteer harvester at Gray Ghost Vineyards since 2002, and I harvested Chardonnay that year.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Volunteer harvesters are given T-shirts to remember the event. My first harvest at Gray Ghost Vineyards was in 2002, and this was the T-shirt from that year. I still have it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The afternoon was filled with games and prizes. \u00a0Al Kellert delivered a heart-warming address to partiers in which family and staff were recognized. He and Amy shared a toast with all of us, and his granddaughter Andrea Payette revealed this year\u2019s T-shirt.<\/p>\n

\"\"
I won two tickets to this year\u2019s holiday party at Gray Ghost. I had the most harvest T-shirts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Al and Amy poured sparkling wine for volunteers and toasted us along with the Gray Ghost family and staff.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Andrea Payette models this year\u2019s not a harvest, harvest T-shirt.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Not a Harvest Harvest Party included free wine tasting, two complimentary glasses of wine, grilled burgers, and side dishes.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Thanks to my friends Stacy and Jeff for sharing the juicy 2025 Cabernet Franc and the creamy, elegant 2024 Reserve Chardonnay with the table.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the Not A Harvest Harvest Party wound down, my friends and I decided to sneak in a tasting at Rappahannock Cellars<\/a>. \u00a0Although I jotted down some tasting notes, I decided not to get too geeky about it. It was an enjoyable tasting, and I ended the afternoon at Rappahannock Cellars with a glass of the 2023 Black Label Chardonnay.<\/p>\n

\"\"
It was a breezy day, and my hair was a mess. I forgot to apply my AquaNet hairspray. A bad hair day did not stop me from enjoying the 2023 Black Label Chardonnay.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Jill has cool reading glasses, and I borrowed them for this photo. They provide a pensive look!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This growing season was challenging, and I know winemakers look forward to a better 2027. \u00a0The 2026 growing season did produce grapes, despite lower yields, so when life gives you grapes, you still must make wine. \u00a0It\u2019s critical now more than ever to support local wineries, so be sure celebrate Virginia Wine Month in October whenever possible. \u00a0Perhaps plan a visit to Gray Ghost Vineyards or Rappahannock Cellars to kick off the month. \u00a0Be sure to mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Most Virginia wineries were dealt a devastating blow this past winter and spring with relentless Arctic air and ice in January that damaged vines and then the April freeze that killed off a very early bud break. 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