Happy Father's Day!

The Dog Days of Summer have begun!
Bring your loyal friends out to the winery on 2nd Sundays!

 Thank goodness for the rain last night! Joe and William have been cutting wheat all week while keeping an eye on the forecast for rain to keep the corn going. We got 1 inch last night which will definitely help stabilize things in the field. After they finish the wheat it'll be time to plant more soybeans.

Garland prunes Chambourcin vines

This week has gone by quickly...the vines are growing fast but the boys have been in the vineyard pruning (though Nellie & Janet are still the toughest pruners!) and it's about halfway finished. The grapes look good- small and green, and aren't suffering too much from the drought. Grapes actually do better with a little stress, growing deep roots to find water.

Claudia and Caitlyn get the event
room prepped for the weekend.

Inside the winery we are keeping busy with a summer full of good events. Coming up this weekend is "A Night in Margaritaville", where we'll play your favorite Jimmy Buffet tunes and drink Wine-A-Ritas: Margaritas with our Vidal Blanc white wine. Plus, Keith Graffius from Crabi Gras in Cambridge is bringing Buoy Bay Original Chesapeake Salsa- fresh and delicious and the first salsa produced in the Crabi Gras kitchen! Free entry and free samples! Don't forget your Hawaiian shirt!

We also have a special Father's Day Buffet on Sunday, from 12-3pm, catered by Jerry Fletcher. It'll be a great day to bring dad to the winery and let him relax with a glass of wine. Challenge him to some horseshoes or a game of volleyball, or just find a good spot on the porch to sit and enjoy. Happy Father's Day to all the great dads out there!

Grape Blossom Festival

 CBF Butter Pecan ice cream with Costa Ventosa's
Sparking Chardonnay was wonderful!

Our 1st annual Grape Blossom Festival was a great success! The thunderstorms came early and although the day heated up quickly, we all enjoyed starting off with a refreshingly cool morning. The 4 on the Shore wineries (Costa Ventosa, Fenwick Wine Cellars, Bordeleau, and Layton's Chance!) arrived early to set up and local artists and vendors quickly filled in the circle, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Emily's Produce brought fresh berries and veggies!

Some of the highlights were Sarah and Robbie from Amused Studios with their beautiful (and functional) ceramics, and Sue Henry with her do-it-yourself charm bracelets. We also had Miche Bags, Nadina's Cremes, Mama Girl's original paper mache folk art, and Susan Taylor with her handcrafted baskets. Rescue Fire Company came from Cambridge and served traditional festival fare- hamburgers, kilbasas and BBQ, plus plenty of goodies from other local producers, including ice cream from Chesapeake Bay Farms, Pecan Yummies, Kettle Corn and Emily's Produce. Costa Ventosa even brought their own chocolatier!!

Thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed the wines, and to our wonderful volunteers! We're already looking forward to hosting this annual event here at Layton's Chance, and we'll be offering more fun events at each of the 4 on the Shore wineries. Next up, a HalloWINE Carnival at Costa Ventosa this October!