27 minute read
Update on Jeff school’s Swords Into Plowshares project.
Jefferson School provides update on Lee statue
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By Maryann Xue
news@c-ville.com
Community members gathered at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center on October 30 to hear the latest on the Swords Into Plowshares project, which seeks to melt down Charlottesville’s Robert E. Lee statue and repurpose its bronze into a new public artwork.
In December, the Trevilian Station Battlefield Foundation and the Ratcliffe Foundation filed a lawsuit against the City of Charlottesville, claiming the city violated state code, the Virginia Public Procurement Act, and the Freedom of Information Act when it donated the statue to the Jefferson School. (The school was initially named as a second defendant, but was removed, and is now a party to the suit.) On October 10, Charlottesville Circuit Court ruled that the lawsuit could move forward, with a trial date set for February 1.
While the Jefferson School initially planned a six-month community engagement process, during which Charlottesville residents would discuss ways to represent inclusion through art and public space, the lawsuit has delayed it. But Jefferson School Executive Director Andrea Douglas remains hopeful about where the project currently stands.
“We’re still going. We’re still raising money. We’re still asking the questions,” said Douglas. “We’re still a united front against this court case.”
During the October 10 hearing, the plaintiffs pushed the Jefferson School to disclose the Lee statue’s location to the public, but the two parties later agreed to a protective order allowing only an expert and lawyers from each side to know the statue’s location, marking a victory for Swords Into Plowshares.
UVA professor Frank Dukes, who is leading the community engagement phase of
EZE AMOS
The Jefferson School hopes to melt down the Robert E. Lee statue, so it can transform the bronze Confederate monument into a public artwork.
the project, presented the results of a survey that asked community members for input on what should happen to the Lee statue, including the stories the resulting artwork should tell. Respondents were primarily from Charlottesville and Albemarle County, and came from various age groups, including young children.
Stories that respondents thought needed to be told included information about
ANDREA DOUGLAS, JEFFERSON SCHOOL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Vinegar Hill, the Jefferson School, McKee Row, and the lives of enslaved and Indigenous people.
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Respondents also voiced fears for the project—some felt that art might be too abstract or figurative, or represent an oversimplification of a complex issue. Among those who liked the art idea, many wanted the piece to incorporate touch or sound, serve a function, and not honor a single person.
Community engagement meetings have also served as a forum for residents to voice their thoughts. “We’re gonna continue to do this until there’s an opportunity for us to say, ‘Okay, we’ve heard enough from people—we can start creating,’” said Dukes.
Zyahna Bryant, a student activist who first petitioned for the removal of the Lee statue in high school, emphasized that the final product should be treated with the same degree of esteem that had been given to the Lee statue.
“I don’t think it needs to be sad or somber, but I definitely think that it should have some level of respect and honor,” Bryant said.
Other community members hoped the new artwork would provoke dialogue while reflecting a historical consciousness. One suggested incorporating some kind of theatrical form, creating a lively interactive space.
Charlottesville resident Peter Kleeman, who has frequently attended SIP’s community engagement events, said he finds the project to be the only one of its kind he has come across.
“This whole project is such a fabulous idea,” said Kleeman. “The idea of taking a Civil War memorial and making it into something new, taking something that shouldn’t be part of our memorial collection and thinking, let’s transform it into something that meets our ideas for today.”
With the trial date looming, the Jefferson School has no plans to slow down.
“We’re deliberately moving forward with a kind of consistency of message that says to the larger world that Charlottesville will make its own decisions about its public spaces,” said Douglas.
JUSTIN IDE PHOTOGRAPHY
olorful lights paint the stage as Peggy Lee’s “Big Spender” plays over the loudspeaker. Sparkling from head to toe like the overhead mirror ball, a woman wearing a sequin dress and dripping in costume jewelry swaggers and sways onstage, proudly brandishing a championship wrestling belt. “Zsa Zsa Gabortion,” a persona that’s equal parts Zsa Zsa Gabor and abortion rights activist, has just been named the evening’s arm-wrestling champ.
It’s the Saturday night before Halloween, and after a threeyear hiatus, the Charlottesville Lady Arm Wrestlers (aka CLAW)—a collective of women that’s part creative cosplay, competition, and charitable cause—have reconvened for a rowdy revelry at Champion Brewing Company. Each Carnivale-style event is held to raise money for a women-led organization or small business. The beneficiary of tonight’s bash is the Blue Ridge Abortion Fund.
“I came to win tonight, but the real winner is BRAF,” says Zsa Zsa Gabortion. She’s right about that. The CLAWing It Back event brought in nearly $14,000, the most money raised by a CLAW gathering in its history. “All funds raised will support people from or traveling to Virginia for their abortion care,” says Deborah Arenstein, BRAF director of development.
For more than 30 years, BRAF has been providing financial and logistical support to people who need access to abortion care. “Being back in community, talking to people about abortion access and why it matters, and having fun while funding abortion is what we all need after a very challenging summer,” says Arenstein.
While the main purpose of any CLAW event is to raise funds, it’s also about putting on a show where women’s empowerment takes center stage. The outrageous antics may seem impromptu—and many of them are—but numerous volunteers lend their time and expertise.
The first meeting on October 9—just 20 days prior to the competition—assembled the arm wrestlers, introduced them to their fearless leaders, and gave them an overview of what to expect. For each event, the wrestlers are free to adopt new personas or maintain existing ones, so character development is the main topic of conversation. Sally Williamson, a full-time parent and volunteer and activist for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, fittingly assumes the role of Zsa Zsa Gabortion.
One of eight arm wrestlers, Williamson is joined by first timers like her as well as seasoned veterans. From 20-somethings to 50-somethings, these women come from all walks of life and are united by a spirit of collaboration. Crowd favorite “ChiCLAWgo,” a dolled-up flapper inspired by the play Chicago, is portrayed by Amy Hill, a graphic designer and marketing professional. Lucy Fitzgerald, a Ph.D. candidate in mechanical & aerospace engineering at UVA, is “Fist of Fu-
PHOTOS BY JUSTIN IDE PHOTOGRAPHY
riosa,” a Mad Max-style warrior. Each competitor brings her own style of sensuality and strength, sass and smarts. One even brings her own live snake—“Eve of Destruction,” portrayed by Eve Hesselroth, owner of Clay Fitness.
As the arm wrestlers brainstorm their personas, CLAW leader Claire Chandler helps them nail down character names and theme songs. Chandler has been one of CLAW’s primary organizers since 2016, when founding members Jennifer Tidwell and Jodie Plaisance turned over the reins. “As a local actress and drama teacher, CLAW has always spoken to my love of theatricality and improv,” says Chandler. “The icing on the CLAW cake has been witnessing the local community support and the amazing female friendships.”
Chandler also serves as onstage emcee “Gail,” one-half of a duo of camp counselors; fellow middle school drama teacher and CLAW organizer Edwina Herring portrays her counterpart, “Barb.” Behind the scenes, stage manager Michelle Oliva is in charge of wrangling the wrestlers and other performers to ensure the event runs smoothly.
The organizers share that a crucial piece of the event’s success is the entourages—wrestlers are allowed up to eight entourage members, who solicit the crowd for CLAWbucks, the mock money used for bogus betting. The goal of the entourages, dressed to complement the wrestlers’ personas, is to collect as many CLAWbucks as possible because they equal donations for the evening’s beneficiary. Entourage
SALLY, “ZSA ZSA GABORTION,” WILLIAMSON, CLAW COMPETITOR
Clockwise from top left: Zsa Zsa Gabortion, the evening’s big winner; Kary-OK?, a last-minute participant, who reprised her role as a jilted bride; ChiCLAWgo, winner of the Crowd Favorite trophy, a jewel-encrusted uterus; Barb, half of a duo of camp counselors, and one of the night’s two emcees; and USS Tightship, the referee who laid down the law.
members offer a variety of items—3D-printed bird skull pins, bat facts zines, and candy packaged as abortion pills— in exchange for CLAWbucks. A few days prior to the main event, the wrestlers reunite for a mandatory safety training session. Years ago, a wrestler broke her arm, and it’s clear that the incident is never far from the minds of the organizers.“It is our job to keep you safe,” says Chandler to the competitors.
The referee, known onstage as “USS Tightship” and offstage as UVA Associate Professor of Drama Caitlin McLeod, lives up to her character’s name when it comes to the well-being of the wrestlers. Her rules are simple but strict: keep your feet on the ground, maintain a straight plane, and stay out of the break arm position—the one where a wrestler’s arm is awkwardly and potentially dangerously bent. Seasoned wrestler Sidney Lyon, who drove from Boston earlier in the day to reprise her role as jilted bride “Kary-OK?” after another wrestler had to drop out of the competition, demonstrates the proper arm position. Then, each wrestler participates in a test match to prove she can compete safely.
“For all that CLAW is a joyously raucous and sometimes chaotic event, I felt totally safe and taken care of,” says Williamson, “which meant that I could focus on engaging the crowd to make the event enjoyable for the audience and a successful fundraiser for Blue Ridge Abortion Fund!”
The morning of the event, the organizers, wrestlers, and entourage members meet at Champion for a dress rehearsal. A flurry of activity is squeezed into about an hour—everything from ensuring wrestlers can compete safely in their elaborate costumes to practicing the timing of dance numbers for their stage entrances. The emcees finalize the limericks they’ll read to introduce the wrestlers, as chairs are set out for VIP guests— those who donated $75 or more to attend. The stage manager lays out rules about who can and cannot access the stage. The ref establishes “Code Tyson,” the emergency protocol, and emphasizes safety once again. Wrestlers disband and are expected to return no later than 6:15pm.
Williamson spends the pre-match time with her partner and three kids. She’s also hosting a friend from Boston, who is in town to be part of her entourage. She has her hair done professionally and preps her costume, most of which she found online. Shortly before call time, she returns to Champion to finish getting ready.
Her entourage, also decked out in sparkles and gold lamé, includes Ezra, Williamson’s 11-year-old. He isn’t the only adolescent in attendance—“Mommie Smearest,” a Joan Crawfordesque character played by Marty Moore, is accompanied by “Christina” and “Christopher.” While CLAW may not be geared toward children, backstage certainly is a family affair. Kids run in and out of the green room, grabbing pizza and candy, while women apply makeup and practice their bits.
On the Champion patio, excitement and nervous energy are palpable. Wrestlers and their entourages take turns assembling for photos with Justin Ide, who’s providing free photography of the event. Five minutes prior to doors opening at 7pm, Williamson huddles with her entourage, providing instructions and encouragement. A luchadora lays out CLAW merch, while the BRAF cohort prepares cup koozies, magnets, and other swag for sale.
As soon as the Charlottesville Derby Dames, who volunteer as security personnel, allow spectators in, the entourage members get to work. Some stand close to the entrance, enticing people to hand over their CLAWbucks as soon as they set foot inside the gate. Others charm the VIP section, knowing there are big spenders in their midst. Scantily clad women stuff CLAWbucks in their corsets; shirtless men pose for photos for a fee.
Fans filter in over the next hour until Champion’s patio reaches capacity. CLAW begins with a roar, featuring a parade of the wrestlers and their entourages. After opening speeches from the emcees and BRAF’s Arenstein, the arm wrestling gets underway. Three rounds of competition stretch out over two hours—interspersed with multiple absurd interruptions.
There are dance-offs, an impromptu wrestling battle featuring a life-size cardboard cutout, and an intermission in which Kary-OK? sits on the stage alone after smashing her own face into a wedding cake. There are multiple breaks to bribe the three judges, Darryl “Disco Darryl” Smith, Katie “Wendy Snarling” Rogers, both of Live Arts, and a giant can of corn. The crowd cheers for wrestlers ousted early to return, like Katie Aplis’ “Vampira-bortion Rights,” and jeers when Kathryn Bertoni’s “Princess Slay-a” uses the Force to overtake Zsa Zsa Gabortion in a contested match.
“It was pointless but entertaining. That’s CLAW, y’all,” says Chandler’s Gail at one point from the stage.
But at the end of the night, it’s Zsa Zsa Gabortion who goes home with the bragging rights of having won the arm-wrestling competition. ChiCLAWgo wins the Crowd Favorite trophy. The spectators, entourage, and wrestlers disperse, and a small celebration among the organizers begins. They bid adieu with a “Soul Train”-style line dance and hand gestures to accompany their standard send-off, “Love, Peace, and CLAW.”
“We’re just regular people,” says ref Tightship McLeod. “But we do it all—we know how to have fun, and we help the community. That’s what happens when women run the show.”
THE -WINE DOWN
WHAT’S DELISH AT LOCAL WINERIES? CHISWELL FARM WINERY
2021 Cabernet Franc A brand-new release, this Cabernet Franc is an excellent wine to enjoy now or age for a special occasion! With raspberry jam, fig, and allspice on the nose, it has a rounded palate full of spices, cherries, and red plums. Well balanced between earthy and fruit characters, this wine pairs beautifully with the coming Thanksgiving holiday foods like turkey, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole! With a glass in hand, enjoy the beautiful scenery from our lawn, or a cozy chair inside, where you’ll discover a variety of inviting spaces. While indoor seating is limited, there are many options for outdoor seating, including rocking chairs on the covered porch and dining tables on the lawn for small groups. You’re also welcome to bring your own folding chairs and blankets to sit further out on the hill. All seating is first-come, first-served. Ages 21+, no dogs or other pets permitted on the property. For a family-friendly experience, visit our wine shops at Chiles Peach Orchard or Carter Mountain Orchard. Wine is currently available by the glass, flight, or bottle. We have a full menu of seasonal boards, paninis, small bites and snacks to pair well with any of our wines (outside food is not permitted). Wine sales stop 30 minutes prior to closing. Sundays- Brunch featuring mimosas with juices from our farm-grown fruit. Nov. 12th- First Year Anniversary party, with live music by Max Mandu! And big news: we’re introducing the Crown Club, Chiswell and Chiles Family Orchard’s membership of wine and celebration as the first pick-up event (2-5pm) Nov. 13th – November Florals Paint & Sip (advanced ticket purchase required) Hours: Wed-Sun 11 am – 5:30 pm
430 Greenwood Rd, Greenwood, VA 22943 434.252.2947 • www.chilesfamilyorchards.com/chiswell
WINERY Guide Map
HARRISONBURG
81 340 CROSSKEYS VINEYARDS
CROZET
AFTON 64
CHISWELL FARM WINERY
DUCARD VINEYARD REVALATION VINEYARDS
29
33
STANARDSVILLE MADISON
15
ORANGE
HARK VINEYARDS MONTIFALCO VINEYARDS
29 HORTON VINEYARDS
GORDONSVILLE
33
CHARLOTTESVILLE KESWICK VINEYARDS
EASTWOOD FARM & WINERY
ZION CROSSROADS LOUISA 53RD WINERY & VINEYARD
64
PIPPIN HILL FARM & VINEYARDS
29
53RD WINERY AND VINEYARD
Thanksgiving Package! Including the 2021 Vidal Blanc, 2021 Chardonnay, 2021 Barrel Aged Rose and 2021 Cabernet Franc. Each of these wines pairs perfectly with each course of your Thanksgiving Dinner! Compliment these with great dessert wines like Noche, Virginia’s original chocolate infused wine or Kelso, our port-styled red wine. 15% off retail price if purchased as a group. We are open 7 days a week, 11am to 5pm offering our 100% Virginia wine by the bottle, glass and tasting flights. Enjoy your visit at our intimate, meadow-like setting in rural Louisa County. we offer well-spaced indoor and outside seating and customers are welcome to bring their own picnic baskets, chairs and blankets. Children and pets are welcome, but pets must always remain outside of buildings and on a leash. Quality wine, friendly staff at a great escape! Visit our website, www.53rdwinery.com. Nov. 19th – Wine Club Member Appreciation day! Plus live music by Matty Metcalfe and food from Salty Bottom Oyster Company. Nov. 20th – Friendsgiving with Sauce Catering Nov. 24th – CLOSED for Thanksgiving
Nov. 25th & 26th– Escape from Black Friday with wine, cheese, and chocolate tastings and live music by Denise O’Meara (Friday) and Adeline Tanous (Saturday) Open 7 days a week, 11 am – 5 pm
13372 Shannon Hill Rd • Louisa, VA 23093 (540) 894-5474 • 53rdwinery.com.
CROSSKEYS WINERY
2020 Meritage A rich blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon aged 15 months in new and neutral oak barrels. Blackberry and vanilla bound out of the glass but the nose evolves into mature layers of brandied cherry, black pepper, and violet. Oak provides dimension and body. Pairs perfectly with the fall October weather! CrossKeys Vineyards is a family owned and operated winery located in the heart of beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Our approach is to grow, by hand, the highest quality fruit using careful canopy management and yield balance to achieve 100% estate-grown wines that are truly expressive of the varietal and soils here at CrossKeys. Our first vines were planted in 2001 and we have only grown since then. Our 125acre estate currently houses more than 30 acres of vines with plans for more planting in the future. We currently grow 12 varietals of grapes all used to produce our one of a kind award-winning wines.We offer wine tastings throughout the day. Our knowledgeable tasting room associates will guide you through tasting our wines whether you are a novice or a seasoned veteran. We love large groups and want to make sure your experience at CrossKeys Vineyards is extraordinary. We request that large groups call the vineyard 48 hours in advance to set up a reserved group tasting. The group will have a reserved table, staffing, and a cheese plate included with price.
Mondays through
Thursday- Winery Tours (by reservation only) at 12:30 pm Fridays- Fiesta Fridays (11-5pm) reservations suggested Sundays- Taste of Europe Dinner Series (tickets required) from 5-8 pm; check our website for weekly menus! Nov. 13th – Sunday Brunch with Live Music by Jimmy-O Nov. 19th – Salsa Night (tickets required) Nov. 24th – CLOSED for Thanksgiving Open Daily from 11- 7pm
6011 E Timber Ridge Rd, Mt Crawford, VA 22841 (540) 234-0505 https://crosskeysvineyards.com/
DUCARD VINEYARDS
2021 TANA Chardonnay Produced exclusively from our TANA vineyard, this “Macon” style wine shows aromas of green apple on the nose and pleasing minerality on the palate, with a hint of oak on the finish. Our uncrowded rural Madison County area has mountains, streams and plenty of beautiful views along scenic back roads. The tasting room is near hiking and biking trails along the Shenandoah National Forest and is a perfect respite after your day out! Enjoy some peace and quiet relaxation in this challenging environment. Sit on our lawns and sip or pick up a bottle or three of our awardwinning wines to take home. Reservations available and recommended (especially for Saturdays). No reservation fee or minimum purchase. Walk-ups accommodated on a spaceavailable basis. To order wine for local delivery or UPS shipping, visit our website! Open daily – Mon-Thurs. 12-5 pm Fri. 12-9 pm Sat/Sun. 12-6 pm Weekends (Fri-Sun)- Live music Friday-Sunday all month long. Check out our website for details and the musical artist lineup! Nov. 24th – CLOSED for Thanksgiving Nov. 25th – Black Friday Live Music with Shane Click (2:30 – 5:30 pm)
40 Gibson Hollow Ln • Etlan, VA 22719 (540) 923-4206 www.ducardvineyards.com
EASTWOOD FARM AND WINERY
2021 Petit Manseng With notes of honeysuckle, pineapple, and mango, the nose on this wine is delightful. With only 0.5% residual sugar, it is dry and refreshing with balanced acidity. This small-batch wine was released last month to Eastwood Wine Club members and we are thrilled to now offer it in our Festive Gatherings Bundle - just in time for Thanksgiving. Shop the bundle online or take it home the next time you visit the tasting room. ‘Tis the season for Festive Gatherings! We are thrilled to share a new recipe for a Pear, Brie & Thyme Galette that pairs perfectly with our 2021 Petit Manseng. The recipe and a holiday pairing guide are available now on our website. Join us all month long for awardwinning wines, delicious farm-totable food pairings, special events, live music, and more. NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Winery Hours: Sunday - Tuesday (12-5PM), Wednesdays-Saturdays (12-8 PM)
2531 Scottsville Rd. (5 mi from Downtown Charlottesville) Charlottesville, VA 22902 (434) 264-6727 www.eastwoodfarmandwinery.com
HARK VINEYARDS
2019 Merlot Small vat fermented and barrel aged 16 months, this wine showcases notes of black cherry, cola, and savory herbs. This wine follows nice in the footsteps of its predecessor, our 2017 Merlot, which won Gold in the Governor’s Cup. The 2019 is still a bit youthful, and while it tastes great right now, it’s only going to get better over the next several years. The problem? By then it will be long gone! That’s the challenge and the beauty of authentic, estate grown wines. Only 200 cases were produced. Available now for you to experience on our tasting menu! Visiting Hark: Hark Vineyards is a family-owned winery focused on the belief that beautiful views and delicious wine can bring people together. Children and well-behaved four-legged friends are welcome. We welcome — and encourage — you to bring a picnic and enjoy the experience our estate offers. Some picnic foods such as cheese, charcuterie, jams, crackers, and chocolate are available for purchase. Food trucks and live music most Saturdays from March-November; check our website and social media for details. Our grapes love it here. We think you will, too. Upcoming events Nov. 12th – Live music by Matthew O’Donnell and food by Bavarian Chef Food Truck Nov. 19th- Live music by Gina Sobel and Matt Draper+ Food Truck (TBD) Nov. 24th – CLOSED for Thanksgiving
434-964-9463 (WINE) 1465 Davis Shop Rd, Earlysville, VA 22936 www.harkvineyards.com
HORTON VINEYARDS
Knots & Shuttles Red Sparkling Red sparkling was inconceivable many years ago and it is still rare. Knots and Shuttles is Horton’s flight into red sparkling. It is a dry red wine, deep garnet color with berry aromas ad a lingering effervescent finish. Knots and Shuttles is also the last installment of the Gears & Lace, Steam Punk line of wines. Overall- a fun and unique wine that will pair well with your Thanksgiving dinner! Dec. 3rd- International Touriga Nacional/Port Tasting: This is the ticketed-only International Tasting series you won’t want to miss! This is the last of the four-part series that Horton has hosted to showcase the amazing wine Virginia has to offer to the world. The tastings will start at 11:30am. Guest speakers will guide you through your tastings and discuss the history of the grape. Charcuterie boards will be available for guests to purchase to go along with their tastings. Advanced ticket purchase required via our website. Open Daily from 10 am – 5 pm
6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville, Virginia (540) 832-7440 www.hortonwine.com
MONTIFALCO VINEYARDS
2021 Montifalco Vineyard Estate Saperavi, Monticello AVA This is the first single varietal vintage of our 100% Estate Saperavi red wine. Saperavi means “dye” in Georgian. Until now we have used our Saperavi in 2020 and 2021 for our popular Estate Rose wine (2021 is almost sold out!). Saperavi is a teinturier-type (French word meaning to stain or dye). It has dark purple skin with red flesh inside. It’s a grape variety native to Eastern Europe. While most of it is grown in Georgia, it is also farmed in Russia, Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Australia. If left with longer skin contact time, the wine can actually fall into the black wine category, rather than red wine. A wine that is exceptional with savory dishes and higher fat content as Saperavi’s acidity sings with dishes like smoked brisket and grilled NY strip. Email us for recipes! Our 2021 Montifalco Estate Saperavi will be released this December 2022 and we are excited to farm and represent this ancient grape in Virginia’s wine industry. Reserve one of our super cozy outdoor lounges and seating areas with firepits, tower heaters, cushions, and blankets. (No fee!) We have limited indoor seating in our Tasting Gallery where you can enjoy our rotating collection of antique art and curiosities while sipping through a guided traditional tasting. We are open by walk-in or reservation Friday, Saturday & Sunday Noon-5pm and select holiday Mondays. We remain open year round. We do not accept groups larger than 6. We are an adults only farm winery 21+ (does not apply to infants) Please visit montifalcovineyard.com or call/ text us at 434-989-9115 for more information. We’ll see you at the vineyard! Hours: Friday- Sunday: 12 noon – 5 pm Walk-ins or Reservations; Final seating is 4:30pm.
1800 Fray Road; Ruckersville, VA 22968 (434) 989-9115 / info@montifalco.com www.montifalcovineyard.com
PIPPIN HILL FARM & VINEYARDS
2019 Petit Verdot Our single varietal 2019 Petit Verdot is a beautiful example of why we love this grape so much. We age this wine in a blend of French and American oak barrels to enhance its complexity, bringing out its rich aromas of boysenberry, black olive and tobacco leaf and highlighting fruit flavors on the palate of blackberry and pomegranate seed. Its finish is dry, with medium tannins and with notes of pepper. This lovely wine pairs well with rich meat dishes, spicy foods and a variety of hard and semi-soft cheeses. Plan to Visit: Pippin Hill is a culinary vineyard in the heart of Virginia’s wine country. There are two types of standard reservations available for food and wine pairings: Indoor Table or Covered Veranda for table service. Walk-ins are welcome for lawn seating. Reservations via Resy are recommended for Indoor and Veranda seating. For the ultimate wine tasting experience, check out Pippin Hill’s elevated wine tasting and tour experience, offered select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Learn more at pippinhillfarm.com. Hours Mon - Sun 11am - 5pm* *See Our Calendar for Early Closings. We are Closed the first Monday of every month. Sundays- Live music on the hill! Each Sunday from 1-4 PM, Pippin Hill welcomes local musicians to perform on our Veranda. Check our website for varying artists. Nov. 16th- Wine School- 101 Class Nov. 17th- One Pot Wonder Cooking Class (advanced reservation required) Nov. 24th – CLOSED for Thanksgiving Nov. 26th – Wine School Dinnner at Red Pump Kitchen Nov. 30th – Braising 101 Cooking Class (advanced reservation required) 2021 Haywood We are very proud and excited to announce the release of Haywood, our very first orange wine. The grapes were crushed, and the juice was left to ferment in contact with skins and seeds for three weeks. Also known as “amber wine”, this style of wine acquires a richer color as well more complex aromas than white wines produced by the conventional process. With aromas of white peach, tangerine, papaya, fresh mint, lemon, and dried apricots; featuring a long, sweet/salty mouthfeel and a fruity, fresh finale. When you pour a glass, be patient and allow the wine to develop in the glass to reveal its wonderful aromatic complexity. Haywood is available now in the tasting room by the bottle or glass. Visiting Revalation Vineyards is a familyowned vineyard, located in Madison’s Hebron Valley. Our property offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains from the porch of our 1830’s log cabin tasting room. Enjoy our wine by the bottle or choose one of our flights which feature five different wines. Reservations are requested for indoor, porch or outdoor seating and can be made on our website. Walkins are welcome whenever space is available. Thursday Appointment Only Pick-Up and Tastings Available in November Holiday planning, travel, and gatherings can make November a busy month. We’ve made it easier for you to pick-up the bottles you need by being available on Thursdays in November for an “appointment only” wine pick-up. Wine can be pre-purchased online (choose curb-side pick-up during check out) or purchased in the tasting room at a reserved time. We’re also opening reservations on Thursdays for “appointment only” wine tasting sessions. We have limited space available. Reserve a space inside the cabin or in our outdoor area for a $5.00 fee. (Fee is waived for wine club members reserving with their registered email.) Purchases and reservations can be made on our website www. revalationvineyards.com. Hours: Friday 12 – sunset, Saturday/ Sunday 12pm to 5pm Nov. 4th - Book World Meets Wine World Fundraiser for the Literacy Council of Madison County Nov. 4th - Try Fabulous Foods Brick Oven Pizza 3pm to sunset Nov. 18th - Jackleg Roaming Kitchen 3pm to sunset Nov. 18th - Book Club @ The Vineyard 6pm
CULTURE
THROUGH 11/20
ESSENTIAL VOICES
The Charlottesville Players Guild continues its journey through August Wilson’s American Century Cycle with Two Trains Running. The Pulitzer Prize-winning play, set in 1960s Pittsburgh, follows restaurant owner Memphis Lee and his patrons and employees as they search for justice and love amidst a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood. Leslie M. Scott-Jones directs a cast that includes Todd Carter, Cadessa Davis, Hyison Payne, and Rory Lee-Washington. $10-20, various times. Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 Fourth St. NW. jeffschoolheritagecenter.org
SUNDAY 11/13
PINK ABOUT IT
Comedian, singer, and satirist Randy Rainbow hits the road for The Pink Glasses Tour, an evening filled with opulent costumes, stellar choreography, musical parody, and plenty of political spoofs. Rainbow’s memoir, Playing with Myself, landed him on The New York Times bestseller list, and his debut studio album, Hey Gurl, It’s Christmas!, debuted at number one on Billboard’s comedy chart. Rainbow also hosts a YouTube series, “The Randy Rainbow Show,” and a podcast, The Randy Rainbow Podcast. $49.50-169.50, 7:30pm. The Paramount Theater, 215 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. theparamount.net
TUESDAY 11/15
NEXT BEST DAY
Chances are you’ve heard American Authors’ anthemic hit single, “Best Day of My Life.” The 2013 release went tripleplatinum, and has been featured in over 600 movie trailers, TV shows, and commercials. In 2020, the New York-based rock band released Counting Down, a condensed album that continues the group’s evolution to a sound that’s recognizable yet unfamiliar. “We’ve never been afraid to explore new musical genres but we always try to maintain a message of hope in our music,” says vocalist Zac Barnett. $20-23, 8pm. The Southern Café & Music Hall, 103 First St. S. thesoutherncville.com
