I had the possibility to affix DuCard Vineyards for his or her annual Farm To Desk Harvest Dinner. Right here’s the recap!
It has been a minute since I had ventured as much as DuCard Vineyards – 11 years to be particular! The proprietor, Scott, emailed me not too long ago and referred to as me out on my absence and prolonged an invite to their annual Farm To Desk Harvest Dinner. I used to be completely happy to attend and meet up with all that DuCard has happening!
Scott and me in 2015
And our 2026 reunion!
DuCard Vineyards is about an hour north of Charlottesville, nestled in a stunning valley with mountains on all sides on the fringe of Shenandoah Nationwide Park. It’s near the favored hikes Previous Rag and White Oak Canyon, so in the event you’re heading to sort out a kind of, that is the right spot to relaxation and loosen up afterwards.
DuCard opened to the general public in 2010 and has been rising grapes since 2004. Not the entire vineyards within the space each develop their very own grapes and make wine on website, however DuCard does each.
Recognized within the area for its sustainability and philanthropy, the employees appears like household. Everyone seems to be so pleasant, they usually really care about those that stroll by the door for the primary time and the neighborhood of neighbors in Madison County. Their checklist of sustainability efforts is lengthy and spectacular.
Farm To Desk Harvest Dinner
The Annual Harvest Dinner advantages the Madison County Truthful and the 4-H Stockman’s Membership. Members of the 4-H Membership served our dinner, and the occasion raised over $3,000 from ticket gross sales and a silent public sale.
Elements for the dinner, which was ready by native caterer Kendall Rider of Rider #4, got here from native farms, orchards, and gardens together with 5 Riders Farm, William’s Orchard, Papa Weaver’s Pork, Kristin’s Desserts, Kite’s Nation Ham, Heritage Homestead A2A2 Cheeses and South Mountain Creamery.
I began the occasion with a glass of Rosé, which was included within the ticket. The Rosé was nice!
We have been seated within the open-air pavilion, and this made for the right setting for a large thunderstorm to chill the air down!
Appetizers included mini ham biscuits and my favourite summertime meals: pimento cheese!
There was a contest to see whether or not biscuits with mayonnaise or butter have been the gang favourite. I most well-liked the mayo, however butter gained by a landslide!
The Menu
We have been served buffet-style by the 4-H membership, and I loved the hen and all three sides. The traditional tacky squash casserole was my prime decide! I additionally purchased a glass of the 2023 Cabernet Franc, which I beloved.
We heard remarks from the Chair of the Madison County Truthful, Essie Berry, and closed out the public sale.
And ended the night with a delicious Peach Poke Cake with contemporary whipped cream!
Because of Scott and DuCard for together with me <3 The following time you’re heading north towards Madison County, plan a go to! They provide guided flights, charcuterie boards, and plenty of particular occasions, like stay music on the weekends. Picnics and canines are welcome, and climbing apparel is widespread.
