By Doug Fabbioli

The value of helping another: I have a young neighbor, Ryan, who runs his own welding and fabrication operation. As a farmer, I periodically need welding work done to keep the equipment working. We have known each other for quite a while, since he was in elementary school. He said to me the other day that the value of helping me out means more than the payment he receives.

Now Ryan has bigger jobs and important clients, but he remembers when I loaned him my tractor to dig the foundation of his shop several years ago. Also, he remembers his first driving experience with our golf cart on the farm when he could barely reach the pedals. This is what continues in farming, mentoring, and land stewardship. The relationships continue long after the crop is harvested.

All of us are looking for help these days: When the new school year starts, several of the folks we employ go back to school or work depending on their commitments. But there is an upswing in winery activity during the Fall.

It is the busiest time in the tasting rooms, and we want to take care of every one of our guests! You may consider a part-time job at your local winery to help us out and see what it’s like on the other side of the counter. Fabbioli Cellars is no different than other hospitality-based farm operations. We need to sell our products and people are the key. Reach out to us or others to build your community, help a local business, taste some great products and help maintain this gem of an industry we have here in our own backyards!

Events bring the people out! The visitor traffic to the wineries has changed dramatically in the last 10 years. Many wineries have turned to marketing around events to bring the people out. Some small, some larger, some themed around food and some just give people a chance to go out and enjoy a great venue. Wineries are a part of the community now and can host different meetings, community groups and clubs. Please understand that selling wine is what keeps them open, working, farming and welcoming. So please, patronize your local winery so they will be there in the future.

We host a big event at Fabbioli Cellars on September 12th and 13th. We will have our famous Diagon Alley Market and Harry Potter themed weekend. Talented vendors with creative and wizardly products, scavenger hunts, the rescue raptors, food trucks, specialty drinks, a special wine made for the event and so much more! No admission charge, free parking, music and a great chance to enjoy the wines that we make for you. We don’t do grand events very often, so please join us and our other guests for this event. And be sure to bring some wine home afterwards!

About the Author: Farmer, winemaker, entrepreneur, educator, and leader, Doug Fabbioli has been accelerating the growth and quality of Virginia’s wine industry since 1997. With his wife Colleen, Doug is the owner/operator of Fabbioli Cellars in Leesburg, VA. He is the founder and director of The New Ag School, which focuses on teaching the next generation of farmers and agriculture-related leaders. No wonder they call Doug Fabbioli the Godfather of DC’s Wine Country.