Local poet, Raymond E. Vickery, Jr. launches his second book of poetry “Farm Poems: Tales from the Four Suns” at Cobbler Mountain Cellars in Delaplane on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. The book is dedicated to his 95 year-old mother, Clarene H. Vickery.

According to Vickery, Virginia’s Piedmont is a “hallowed place—the most beautiful on Earth. To gaze from the Ashby Gap above Paris, down the Crooked Run Valley toward Goose Creek is a spiritual experience,” he explains. “Big Cobbler Mountain from any angle, but especially from our Four Suns Farm, is inspiring in every season.”

The Vickerys have owned Four Suns Farm in Delaplane, next door to the winery, for 45 years. The family created a conservation easement on their land through the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF), which protects about 675,000 acres of open-space in Virginia, mostly through easements.

“Over the seasons, we have observed his dedicated visits to the family-farm. Leaving the city and briefcase behind…he spent many days in denim on the tractor or at his writing desk on the farm,” says Laura McCarthy Louden, partial owner of Cobbler Mountain Cellars.

In honor of Vickery’s book and his passion, the winery will share 10% per bottle sales the day of the Book Launch Reception, to the Friends of the Hollow Organization in his name.

To reserve a spot at the book dedication and author reading, e-mail shop@cobblercellars.com or call 540-364-2802. Following the ceremony, a wine reception with live holiday music by Terry Dearmore’s Big Band  “Jazz A La Carte” will kick-off the book sale and author signing from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Books are $15 each or three for $35. Holiday orders may also be taken over the phone for purchases to be held for pick-up on a later date or to be shipped.

 About the poet

Vickery served three terms in the Virginia House of Delegates where he was a leading voice for land use planning and environmental preservation. A former Assistant Secretary of Commerce in the Clinton Administration— he is a public policy author, attorney and international consultant.

 WHO:  Poet, Raymond E. Vickery, Jr.

WHAT:  Book Release of Poetry

“Farm Poems: Tales from the Four Suns”

WHEN:  11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8

11 a.m. Dedication & Author Reading

11:30 a.m. Wine Reception

12:30 Live Jazz Music, Book Signing & Sales

WHERE:  Cobbler Mountain Cellars 5909 Long Fall Lane

GPS: 10363 Moreland Road

Delaplane, VA 20144

540-364-2802