October 23, 2017
SURRY – Bacon’s Castle will debut its signature wine, Bacon’s Castle Wĩn, produced by Hampton Roads Winery Sunday, November 5 during its annual Guy Fawkes Day event. The wine will be available for purchase by the bottle and glass during the event. Hampton Roads Winery will continue to sell bottles of the wine at their location after Guy Fawkes Day.
The wine is a combination of Norton and Bordeaux-style grapes, grown by Hampton Roads Winery in their Bacon’s Castle area vineyard. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the wine will benefit Preservation Virginia, the owner and operator of Bacon’s Castle.
“The Bacon’s Castle Wi͂n was crafted in the style of a “claret”, an old British term for red wine blends from the Bordeaux region of France,” says Diane Sheldon, owner of Hampton Roads Winery. “Our blend is a unique combination of Bordeaux style and American grapes that matches well with the unique history of Bacon’s Castle.”
Bacon’s Castle, built in 1665, was originally the home of prosperous planter and merchant, Arthur Allen, and his family, who were avid wine drinkers. During Bacon’s Rebellion, in 1676, the Allens’ home became a garrison for many of the rebels who drank the family’s wine and wrought havoc on their personal belongings and livestock. Several broken wines bottles with the “A.A.” seal were excavated by archaeologists near the garden. Some of these findings are on exhibit in the house and reproductions of the Allens’ wine bottles are for sale in the museum store.
“We are extremely pleased to partner with Hampton Roads Winery on this project. Not only do we have the archaeological evidence of the Allens’ wine bottles, we have records of the Norton grape being cultivated on the property,” says Jennifer Hurst-Wender, director of museum operations and education for Preservation Virginia.
Guy Fawkes Day will take place from 12:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The event will feature a Capital Cricket Club match, period reenactors, including the portrayal of Guy Fawkes, and a bonfire at dusk. There will also be special Rebellion Tours taking place inside the main house and the Surry County Bookmobile will be providing children’s crafts and activities. Traditional Guy Fawkes food, including baked potatoes and a toppings bar, will be for sale on-site. All activities are included with general admission tickets.
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About Preservation Virginia
Preservation Virginia, a private, non-profit organization and statewide historic preservation leader founded in 1889, is dedicated to perpetuating and revitalizing Virginia’s cultural, architectural and historic heritage, thereby ensuring that historic places are integral parts of the lives of present and future generations.
About Hampton Roads Winery
Hampton Roads Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned operation located in Surry County, VA specializing in Bordeaux and American varietals.
Press Contact
Brittney Jubert
bjubert@preservationvirginia.org
804-648-1889 ext. 304
