On the 252th anniversary year of Francis Fauquier’s validation of the successful cultivation of a vineyard of European vines in Virginia in 1763, the winegrowers of Fauquier County join together for an annual tradition to celebrate the Francis Fauquier Tournante.  An event inspired by Saint Vincent Tournante, the Burgundian tradition, the Francis Fauquier Tournante is an event of great symbolic importance in recognition of the winegrowing community of the northern Piedmont region of Virginia.

The celebration date falls between the vine’s dormant winter state and the first appearance of new growth, the time when pruning begins, and it signifies the beginning of the new winegrowing season.  A procession of flags bearing the arms of each Fauquier winery process in ceremony lead by the Knights of the Vine, proceedings rooted deep in the history of wine.  The procession is followed by a general assembly of the brotherhood.  Member families and guests then sit down together for a grand pig roast feast.  The procession starts promptly at 3:30 p.m.

The Francis Fauquier Tournante is one of the key events of the Fauquier County winter.  The event is hosted by a different Fauquier winery each year, and the day’s activities include: The Fauquier Wineries Tasting, live music, the Francis Fauquier Ceremony, and traditional Pig Roast feast.  The procession is open to the public.  Reservations are required for the pig roast, seating is limited. $49.95 per person.

Eleven wineries plan to participate as we celebrate the start of the 2015 Virginia wine growing season. The Knights of the Vine plan to attend, Pastor Kim of Sermon from the Vine will give the message, Kevin McGrath will sound the bag pipes, the pig will be from Dark Hollow in Markham and catered by Chef Victor of Orlean Market.  This will be an exceptional event in America’s wine country.

January 24, 2015
Hosted by Philip Carter Winery
4366 Stillhouse Rd., 
Hume, VA 22639
(540) 364-1203
Tickets through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-francis-fauquier-tournante-tickets-15062772157

Via Philip Carter Strother