Since 1996, I have hosted this wine web site dedicated to Virginia wines. In 2000, I made it easier to find by purchasing the URL "AboutVirginiaWine.com". As every winery owner will understand, this is a hobby that ran amok! What started in the late 80's as a way my wife and I could get away (without costing much money) for some relaxing time together, later became a mad dash to visit as many vineyards as possible, sampling the increasingly better wines available. It was a joy, and we met many delightful people in the wine industry in Virginia. I might add that I have yet to meet someone in the industry that does not like their job.

My wife, Jody's, health as caused her to refrain from much drinking in the past few years, and she could not travel great distances. She is much better now, but as with many things, our interests have changed a bit. We now have a vacation home in West Virginia, which will, hopefully, become a retirement home. Most of our weekends are spent there, leaving little time for winery hopping.

The web site has become static, and is rapidly loosing its usefulness. I had originally intended it to encourage people to go out and visit Virginia wineries, and I think it did its part. I have noticed in the past year, when I visited wineries, that there are far more people bellying up to the tasting bars then in years gone by. That is a good thing.

I plan to take this site down the first of May. The site was always a service, never a money maker. Just one person trying to help an industry he loved. While the site may be gone, I do not intend to be missing as well. I hope to continue pouring for different wineries at festivals, visiting your tasting rooms, and keeping my cellar stocked with the best that Virginia has to offer.

It has been a joy working with the Virginia wine industry in its early stages. My best to you all!

A Tip of the Wine Glass,