Old Town Crier, January 2008 Issue
Exploring Virginia Wines by Doug Fabbioli

Off and Running Again

I am beginning to recognize the ebbs and flows of creative energy that make my business function and somewhat define my life. Is it because of the change in the seasons, the lowering of the sun in the horizon and the shorter days this time of year? Or does the energy shift with the cash flow and sales of this cyclical business in that the energy does not flow if the green is not flowing? I believe at this point in my life that when the crush is over and the season is not “coming at me,” I am able to stop…breathe… and start regrouping myself and my mind to take on another season with more knowledge, wisdom and energy than I have ever had before.

The success of the businesses in this industry is built upon one simple concept: Learn as quick and as well as you can and apply what you learned as soon as you can all along the journey. Am I talking about winemaking, farming, sales, construction, real estate or life? Yes, on all accounts. Since early December, I feel I have regained a clearer, more energetic drive that gives me better ideas, quicker application of learning as well as clearer vision to help me make some long term decisions on critical issues that involve building this business. One of the harder parts of feeling good like this is to keep the ego in check. Just because I may have a great idea does not mean that I have the only one. Also, I need to be humble enough to sell the idea to others so that it will be implemented.

This is the second season for Fabbioli Cellars to sell wines at the Leesburg Winter Farmers Market. There is a loyal following of customers and supporters that believe in buying local and continue to patronize the market, even on the cold days. I grew up in Syracuse with a huge regional farmers market. Indoor space, outdoor space, a little entertainment, some fun food for the kids, and lots of farmers selling their products all year long. I am spreading the word to encourage steps for Loudoun County to develop a permanent indoor/outdoor location for the market. I can see it, I know people would love it, there are some funds to do it but it all happens at a lot slower pace than what I am used to here on Rancho de Fabbioli. This market will not make a huge difference in my weekly sales, but it will help many in the area who are trying to go green and support green. It’s a good thing.

Winery Stuff
The wines are going through their winter racking. We pump the wine out of the barrels, wash the sediment out of the empty barrels and return the wines to the barrel and cave for a good winter’s rest. The pumping will expose the wine to a little air, which is good at this point. It will also get the lees out of the barrel, which can make a wine go stinky. These are the 2007 reds which will be bottled in September, just before the next harvest.

Vineyard
The vineyard is chilling right now. One of my visions over the past few weeks was how to finish planting a small field around our beautiful Asian Pear tree. We will start laying out the rows, ordering vines and posts so we can plant that vineyard in the spring. This is another great project to keep us busy and moving forward. I just hope I do not run out of capital this month.

Questions:
All the wineries seem to have awards for their wines. Do they mean that much?
The judges at each competition have the right to choose what they like. I have had some wines win gold at some competitions and win nothing at others. Some wines show better now, others show better later. I would say that if the winery has consistency in winning gold and silver medals, they are doing something right. Medals are a way to market wines and build the customer base. Some wineries do not wish to grow their business any larger, already have great wines, and do not choose to compete anymore. That is a very nice place to be. I hope to be there in a few years.

Is Virginia really a great place to grow grapes and make wine?
There are many places that are great to grow grapes and make wine. Virginia has been researching for many years what grapes grow well here, how to grow them and how to make the best wine possible from them. I tasted wines last week from Northern VA winemakers and I was quite impressed. I taste a lot of different wines and know when there are problems with wines. There are a lot of great wines out there both from established and newer wineries. Each year gets better and better and a lot of people are coming from other states and countries to taste our wines. Come and see why.

If you have a wine question, feel free to contact me at vinofab@aol.com. Thanks and try a local wine this week.