August 30

Gadino Cellars Sunset in the Vineyard
5 pm to 8 pm
Gadino Cellars, Washington, VA
Pursue La Dolce Vita right here in Virginia! Kick back and listen to the music of Robbie Limon while watching the sunset over Gadino Cellars vineyards from their deck or picnic area. Enjoy a fine bottle of Gadino wine with your picnic supper or purchase a delicious sausage, cheese and crostini basket. Winery tasting room will be open until 8:00 pm for this event only. Gadino Cellars is located at 92 School House Rd. just 2 miles from the historic village of Washington, VA. Visit www.gadinocellars.com or call 540-987-9292 for more info. No fee. No reservations needed first-come basis.

September 6

Headwaters 11th Annual Taste of Rappahannock
Belle Meade Schoolhouse, Sperryville, VA
A fundraiser to benefit the Headwaters Foundation. Headwaters acts as a catalyst for educational growth and community connectedness in Rappahannock County. A culinary journey of the best food and wine from Rappahannock County restaraunts and wineries. Reservations required. Contact Headwaters at 540-987-3322 www.headwatersfdn.org

September 20

Concert—Rude Rock Family
9 pm
Raes' Place
20 Main Street Sperryville, VA 22740 Map: Sperryville detail map, #44

September 27

Public Lands Day Celebration
9 am - 5 pm
Big Meadows/Byrd Visitor Center, Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park will waive entrance fees along with National Park lands across the county to celebrate National Public Lands Day. SNP staff invite you to hear an informative talk at the Byrd Visitor Center about invansive plant threats and impacts to native wildflowers. Following the talk, join in with park rangers in protecting the Big Meadow with a hands on work session. For more information call 540-999-3300 or visit us on the web at www.nps.gov/shen

October 18 - 19

Wilderness Weekend Celebration
9 am - 4 pm
Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park
Celebrate Americas wilderness heritage during Shenandoah National Parks annual Wilderness Weekend, held the third weekend of October. One of the largest wilderness areas in the Eastern United States, Shenandoahs wilderness offers opportunities for solitude, scenic views, wildlife sightings, and glimpses into the past. Experience Shenandoahs wilderness by hiking through it or looking into it from Skyline Drive. For more information call 540-999-3498 or visit us on the web at www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/wilderness_weekend.htm

November 1 and 2

The Fourth Annual Artists of Rappahannock Studio and Gallery Tour
10 am - 5 pm
The Tour begins at the Fire Hall in "Little" Washington, Virginia

The tour features 17 open studios and 7 professional galleries with more than 50 new and returning artists showing newly created work in a wide variety of media, including paintings, sculpture, pottery, glassworks, forged ironwork, jewelry, textiles, and photography. Enjoy a virtual sampling of their artwork in the following pages and learn about the participating artists as you prepare for your road trip to Rappahannock County in the foothills of the Blue Ridge.

The Tour begins at the Fire Hall in "Little" Washington, Virginia, where you will be able to view representative artwork from all 17 studios and 7 galleries and pick up a map with driving directions to all the locations. Information about area eateries, special food venues, and places to stay in the county will also be available at the Fire Hall. There is a $10 per person admission at the door.

The Tour takes you through the beautiful countryside of Rappahannock County. Please arrive early so that you have time to visit all the studios and galleries of your choice—the Fire Hall opens at 10AM both days. Although most visitors come for one day, touring the galleries and studios could easily take two days. Area B&Bs welcome you, but you will need reservations. www.raac.org

November 1

Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Gala Release Party
Celebrating the Release of the 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
7:30 - 10:30 pm
Gray Ghost Vineyards
Gray Ghost's most elegant party of the year! Celebrate the release of the 2005 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon — the only time this limited production wine is served. The black-tie-optional evening includes dinner by The Apple House of Linden, live music by the Seth Kibel Jazz Trio, dancing and enjoyment of the entire line of Gray Ghost's current release wines! Tickets go on sale Sept. 1. For more information, call the winery at 540.937.4869.
www.grayghostvineyards.com

November 15

Civil War Authors Day
11 am - 5 pm
Gray Ghost Vineyards
Featuring wines for the holidays and renowned Civil War authors in attendance to autograph books and bring the Civil War to life. Enjoy vignettes throughout the day. A "must attend" event for any history buff. Check the website often: Authors will be posted as they are confirmed. Free admittance. Authors accept cash or check for books. For more information, call the winery at 540.937.4869.
www.grayghostvineyards.com

November 28

Holiday Extravaganza
10 am - 6:30 pm
Gray Ghost Vineyards
Kick off the holiday shopping season in style at Gray Ghost Vineyards. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and browse new gifts for the holidays. Extended hours to accommodate your schedule and to entertain out-of-town guests. Free gift wrap with minimum Gray Ghost purchase. For more information, call the winery at 540.937.4869.
www.grayghostvineyards.com

December 1-31

Food Drive
Gray Ghost Vineyards
Gray Ghost is hosting a food drive throughout the month of December. Your food or monetary donations put you in a drawing to receive tickets to one of Gray Ghost's popular events. For more information, call the winery at 540.937.4869.
www.grayghostvineyards.com

December 6 & 7

Holiday Open House
11 am - 4 pm, winery open until 5 pm
Gray Ghost Vineyards
See the world's largest cork Christmas display containing more than 50,000 corks, complete with a Christmas tree, sleigh and reindeer, Santa's chair and fireplace. Enjoy a vast array of holiday foods and wine. Collect the 14th in a series of limited edition, collectable holiday glasses. Guess the number of corks on the new cork decoration. $15 per person includes wine, food and collectable holiday glass. $7 under age 21. For more information, call the winery at 540.937.4869.
www.grayghostvineyards.com

December 14

Santa Claus Visits Gray Ghost
1 - 4 pm
Gray Ghost Vineyards
Children of all ages are invited to bring their wish lists to share with Santa. Free gift for each child. Bring your children or grandchildren. Cameras are encouraged. Free. For more information, call the winery at 540.937.4869.
www.grayghostvineyards.com