When the 18th annual Roanoke Valley Wine Festival lost its principal sponsorship this year, with Center in the Square pulling out, the Williamson Road Area Business Association stepped in. Naturally, WRABA wanted the wine tasting event to be closer to home, so it was moved to the Holy Trinity Church parking lot on Williamson Road.
About a dozen Virginia wineries took part last Saturday, including Fincastle Vineyard, Peaks of Otter Winery and Chateau Morrisette. About 2000 paid their way in; most stayed on even though a violent rain and windstorm interrupted the festivities for about a half hour around 2 p.m.
Most of those who stayed seemed to take the soggy weather in stride as they sampled some of the dozens of wines, which were all available for purchase, as they enjoyed the live music.
Mike Conner, owner of a local towing company and immediate past president of the Williamson Road Area Business Association, said he was pleased with the decision to sponsor the wine festival. “This was an event that the [WRABA marketing committee] wanted to bring to Williamson Road. I think it’s a great idea.”
Conner called the Holy Trinity Church parking lot “a really nice location,” with plenty of on-site parking. That’s something that was always a challenge at the Wine Festival’s most recent home, Elmwood Park. The event, which began 18 years ago, was originally held on the grounds of Hotel Roanoke.
While some might have been “aggravated” with the move out of downtown, Conner said WRABA’s participation made that logical. “We’ve got 150 businesses on this road … that pay a tax to the Williamson Road Area Business Association, and it’s their mission to bring events that bring people to this road.” The Wine Festival seemed like a good way to do that, drawing some that normally don’t patronize businesses on Williamson.
Net proceeds from the 18th annual Roanoke Valley Wine Festival went to support Fiddlefest, the bluegrass showcase that will be held at Hollins University in late July, and charities that Fiddlefest supports. Fiddlefest – organized by Conner, who is also a musician – has no paid staff, and “every penny” not used to stage Fiddlefest goes back in to the community for various charitable causes.
Late in the day he seemed satisfied. “I’m actually pretty pleased with [the turnout]. You never know,” said Conner about moving a popular event from its long time home. Those that came out on a somewhat soggy day last Saturday were apparently in agreement.
By Gene Marrano [email protected]
I really think the best Roanoke Valley festival was the one that was held at Explore Park many, many years ago.
maybe that should be considered again.
It is a wonderful venue and beautiful views to go with it.