A successful weekend!

Lots going on out at the winery! The ribbon cutting last Friday was wonderful, with a good turnout, sunny weather, and lots of wine flowing. Since the opening, we have been open and ready (hours are 11-5pm Sun-Thurs and 11-6 Friday and Saturday, though we may have extended hours for events).

From our vantage point (behind the bar) everyone seemed to have fun at the ribbon cutting, and Barbara, Alison and I enjoyed talking to people and pouring wine. I was very pleased to meet Delegate Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, and finally put a face to the names of many people who have helped Layton's Chance get set up. Outside the tasting room, Joe and William gave non-stop tours, while Laura kept her keen, teacher's eyes on everything. We had a second bar stationed outside where Richard, and later Jen, served tastings. See all the photos from the event here or on our facebook page. If you were there, feel free to tag yourself in our photos!

The Conners, William's sister Susan, her husband Nathan, and Grace, Claire and Gabe, came up from Jacksonville, Florida to be with the family for the grand opening. Although things had changed since their last visit (before the building was completed!), they fit in naturally and we were happy to have them. Susan posted at the welcome table for a bit on Friday, making sure people signed the photo release waivers. The kids had a ball, running in and out and all around, breathing in the excitement of the day.

We wrapped the weekend up with our second annual View of the Vineyard event. It got off to a slow start, perhaps because of the threatening clouds, but after a brief storm things cleared up. The rain drove a rush of people in to the tasting room and we were fortunate to have some help behind the bar with Nathan Conner cleaning and restocking glasses. The winery seems to be facilitating meetings with old friends, as Joe welcomed some of his high school classmates for a small reunion on Sunday. One friend had been an exchange student many years ago, and she came from Switzerland with her husband for the visit (and to visit their new grandson!)

Working hard but having fun too! Thanks to everyone who came out!