The decision to plant vineyards and start a winery at Wessex Hundred was met with plenty of skepticism back in the ’80s when Patrick and Peggy Duffeler started their new… Continue reading Celebrating the Roots of Virginia Wine with a Toast to Acte 12
During our fall trip to France late last year, we discovered the world of Bastides. The French word is derived from the classic bastions meaning a fortification protecting its occupants… Continue reading Discovering the World of “Bastides”
Our next stop was Athens where we were to visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon. It was a huge disappointment. The lines to enter the Parthenon were over two and… Continue reading And, Another Long Trip to Europe, Part Three
The next morning, we boarded the “Norwegian Spirit,” a cruise liner that can provide comfort and fine cuisine for some two thousand guests. Their crew of nearly nine hundred with… Continue reading And, Another Long Trip to Europe, Part Two
Francoise, my lovely wife, left for France during the closing days of August. By then, she had received all documents subsequent to her interview and her test on American citizenship… Continue reading And, Another Long Trip to Europe, Part One
For a number of years, I have shared with friends and guests the story of how we acquired this farm. At the time, I was International President of Fragrances Selective.… Continue reading Once upon a time, there was a farm in Williamsburg, Virginia
When we think of the Williamsburg Winery in the center of the farm, we think automatically of vines, grape harvest, wine, tasting, and pleasure also. There is, however, another aspect… Continue reading One of the lesser-known aspects of the Wessex Hundred Farm
Williamsburg enjoys a very peculiar climate. In 1981, Peggy, my wife, had found this out when we were doing our research before purchasing the Wessex Hundred farm. The area is… Continue reading A Siberian Snow Blizzard in Williamsburg
As we departed, our friends were puzzled where we were going. When we told them that we were going to Kischinau, the capital of Moldova, that small republic squeezed between… Continue reading Adding a famous new wine country to our roster of visits: Moldova
Gabriel Archer was a key figure of the founding of English America. A Cambridge educated lawyer, Gabriel Archer was the Co-Captain of the Godspeed, the lead ship of the three… Continue reading Gabriel Archer of 1607 Jamestowne celebrated by a Virginia Reserve Wine
Early in April ’15, Françoise and I were in Provence and drove up to Paris to pick up Matthew, the Winery’s talented Winemaker, and his wonderful wife Elena, who is… Continue reading Of Barrels, Antiques and a Container
Here we are, a Virginia Winery present at the London Wine Fair for many years. Two years ago, Matthew Meyer, our Winemaker, chatted with numerous winemakers from Argentina to discuss… Continue reading As the World Gets Smaller
Early last year, Francoise and I were looking at homes in the Perigord, one of the iconic regions of France, just Northeast of Bordeaux. The Perigord is known for its… Continue reading From the Perigord with Love
The Loire Valley in France is a place of endless castles; Chambord, Chenonceau and another one hundred castles. It has been said for centuries that the Loire Valley was a… Continue reading Bubbles from the Loire Valley
About a year ago, Françoise and I met Sabine Brochard, an absolutely charming friend. One of our French friends who lives in Washington, D.C. had made the introduction. Sabine… Continue reading Williamsburg Winery Wines now sold in France
Latest news is that Argentina, as a sovereign country, has decided to devalue its currency while for the Nth time defaulting on its foreign debt and arguing for relief with… Continue reading Don’t Cry for Argentina
Argentine wines have made a name for their country with the ever increasing quality of their Malbec varietal. When I was involved in Formula 1 Racing in the seventies and… Continue reading A Footprint in Argentina
The first twenty parts covered the history of how the Williamsburg Winery began its life. I have been working on the next volume of parts on the excitement and challenges… Continue reading One More Trip to Europe, Spring ‘13
It is often said that behind or right next to every man who develops a project, there is a woman. Well, next to me for thirty seven years was Peggy.… Continue reading Part 20: The Strength of Peggy
By the Fall of 1989, we had garnered a few awards. The regional press had been covering the start of our operation and sales were brisk. Looking at the depth… Continue reading Part 19: The (true) Art and Science of Viticulture and Winemaking at the Williamsburg Winery.