Visitors enjoy a class of wine and an art show. (photo by David Grace)
If enjoying a glass of wine while listening to a concert in a bucolic venue is for you —then, take a little trip to Abingdon Vineyards, Abingdon, Virginia.
Loren and Elizabeth Gardner have combined their viticulture and art experience to create a delightful destination for art and wine lovers.
“We were looking for a farm in California with our friends to create an event venue and education center. After years of looking at overpriced properties, our friends decided to move back to Damascus, Virginia. We offered to help them move and during our visit, we stumbled upon the winery. We fell in love with the beautiful land and gracious community. We recognized the incredible potential of the property and moved cross country a few months later,” Elizabeth says.
The scenic vineyards are nestled on the shores of South Holston Lake. Depending on the time of year, you can reach them by boat. They welcome kids, dogs and kayaks.
Loren grew up in Napa and was steeped in wine culture. He studied viticulture and winemaking at University of California Davis and then went on to start a constructioncompany building vineyards and tasting rooms throughout Napa Valley. Elizabeth has been an artist from a young age. She got a degree in art and design from Stanford University. She went on to receive her master’s degree in education and taught K-8 art in several schools. She is very passionate about art, music, gardening, cooking, event planning, education and community building.
The Gardners are committed to supporting the community and providing a space to showcase local talent. They host concerts, art shows, craft workshops and book clubs.
“We are hoping to add a Café & Culinary Center to offer farm-to-table meals and cooking classes. We want to convert our historical tobacco barn into a distillery and event space. We will continue to offer as many community events as possible. We love to collaborate with other individuals, businesses and organizations,” she says.
They have live music Fridays from 5-8 p.m., and Saturdays from 3-6 p.m. Other events, such as pop-up art shows and workshops are scheduled frequently.
October events include Reading Between the Wines Book Club, Oct. 2 from 4-6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to discuss “Cold Sassy Tree.” Three Rivers Art Auction is held Oct. 2 from 6-8 p.m. A silent and live auction benefits the Upper Tennessee River Roundtable. The Boys Bluegrass perform. Tickets are $20 per person and include a glass of wine and appetizers. Craig Street, local Americana trio, performs Oct. 3 from 3-6 p.m.
An opening night reception for the Plein Air Abingdon Festival is held Oct. 8 from 6-8 p.m. Artists paint during the day at the winery. There is a preview and pre-purchase event at the winery. Wine and food provided, $20 per person.
Samantha Gray brings her soulful blues band to the winery Oct. 10 from 3-6 p.m. Diesel Dogs food truck is there, and Wesley Jones brings his pop-up art show. $5 per person. Mason Via and Jamie Collins perform Oct. 17 from 3-6 p.m. Visitors can also view Laura Blankenship’s pop-up art show. $5 per person. Momma Molasses performs Oct. 24 from 3-6 p.m. $5 per person.
A Halloween party is held Oct. 31 from 3-6 p.m. featuring Victor Lawson and Boogie Chillen. Costumes are encouraged. $5 per adult.
“We are fortunate because we have extensive outdoor space on the river, so our guests can spread out and enjoy themselves safely. We require masks inside the tasting room to order wine flights, but then guests can go outside and have a picnic on the lawn. We covered our outdoor patio to provide space for musicians to play despite the changeable Virginia weather. We have been able to offer outdoor live music every Friday and Saturday this whole summer. Several fine artists have had pop up art shows during our live music shows with great success,” she says.
They offer cheese, crackers, salami, sandwiches, cheese trays and other snacks for picnics. Outside food is allowed with wine purchase. No outside alcohol is allowed. The vineyard is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12-8 p.m. For more information, visit www.abingdonvineyards.com.
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