Business & Tech
The Grapehound Wine Tour Comes to Loudoun
Greyhound lovers gather for wine and to support their favorites canines at county wineries.
New York and Virginia may not be first two states people pair when thinking about … well, anything. But the Grapehound Wine Tour aims to raise awareness about ex-racing greyhounds with the dual-state tour.
"We started the Grapehound Wine Tour in New York in 2006," said Larry Bowersox, the tour’s founder. "The event has three goals: to celebrate these beautiful pets, to raise money to help ex-racing greyhounds and to raise awareness for the need for adoptive homes for these beautiful animals."
With those goals in mind, the first leg of the Grapehound Wine Tour descends this weekend on several Loudoun wineries. Three wineries will host events – North Gate Vineyard in Purcellville, in Lucketts and Barrel Oak Winery in Delaplane – while four others will host tastings around the county. All of it benefits greyhounds.
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"On Friday, we have a welcome for those who have registered at North Gate Vineyard," Bowersox said. "People can register at the door and we will have a wine tasting and catered food, and the opportunity to hang out with some beautiful greyhounds. On Saturday, we'll move to Lost Creek Winery, in Lucketts."
Lost Creek Winery will feature live music and a wedding tent full of vendors, "selling everything from leashes and collars to pet photography,” Bowersox said. “It'll be $30 to register for the wine tasting, but if people want to come, shop the vendors and hang out, they are more than welcome. There will be plenty of dogs to play with, and catered food will be provided."
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Sunday the tour moves to Barrel Oak Winery, which Bowersox calls "one of the most dog-friendly wineries in Virginia." People can participate in a tasking and take in absolutely breath-taking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
In addition to the three host wineries, those who pay the registration fee are invited to tastings at four other venues: Dry Mill and Willowcroft Farm in Leesburg, Hidden Brook near Lucketts, and Three Fox Vineyards in Delaplane.
The tour runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Go to www.grapehounds.com for more information. The New York portion of the tour takes place in July.
