Located just east of Leesburg on Limestone School Road, close to Fabbioli Cellars. Opened in 2014. The vines were planted on owners’ Roxanne and Michael Moosher’s 32nd wedding anniversary, hence the name of the Winery. Ex-entrepreneurs, the Mooshers are among the latest to end corporate careers and start a second life in Virginia’s vineyards.
Wine. Tier II. Good things are coming for still-new Winery 32. The 2016 Vintage Thoroughbred Blend was awarded a gold medal at the 2020 Virginia Governor’s Cup state-wide wine competition, Winery 32’s first gold medal at the competition. The 2015 Petit Verdot and 2016 Cabernet Franc were awarded silver medals, and the 2017 Merlot a bronze medal. In their first presentation to the Governor’s Cup in 2019, Winery 32 won three silvers, for their Chambourcin Rosé, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Peaches planted along the drive also figure prominently in the wine mix, including in the inaugural Gloria Peach dessert wine, and Gloria’s Sunshine (peach wine with Vidal Blanc). Owner Michael is also the winemaker.
Setting. One star. Stonework and hardwood are featured in the indoor tasting room with a double fireplace, large windows and good views. Nice wrap-around deck overlooks a small lake and the rolling hills of the Catoctin to the West. The winery’s signature thirty-two Gloria Peach trees line the drive. Winemaker and Chef Michael Moosher serves a Bistro Menu each weekend. The artwork on the wine labels is from their daughter.
Stories. Making Wine in Virginia: extension support from Virginia Tech and counties. A decade ago, Loudoun had only a handful of vineyards and wineries scattered across the foothills of the county’s western countryside. Loudoun’s leaders have focused since on boosting the area’s rural economy. In 2009, the Loudoun Convention & Visitors Association, or Visit Loudoun, rebranded the county “DC’s Wine Country.” Along with the marketing campaign, Loudoun’s efforts have included offering educational resources to help new businesses take root. As a rising number of Loudoun residents look to launch second careers in agriculture — many making the leap from office to farm or vineyard — the county introduced a program to help beginning farmers succeed. The initiative, developed through a partnership among Virginia Tech, the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Loudoun Office and the Loudoun Department of Economic Development, was launched in 2014. “Across the nation, there’s this recognition that there is a new type of farmer emerging, and that is generally a second-career farmer,” Jim Hilleary, Director of the Extension Office, said. “Virginia Tech realized that, and they drafted a curriculum for beginning farmers. What we’ve done here locally is to take part of that statewide curriculum, localize it and apply it to the residents here in Loudoun County.” Program mentors include Doug Fabbioli, of Fabbioli Cellars. As Fabbioli said of beginning farmers. “A lot of times, we get people who have been successful in other careers, but when you get into agriculture, all bets are off”. Something is certainly working. Farming is in difficulty in many parts of the United States, but not here. Loudoun’s small agricultural businesses contribute over $100 million to the county’s revenue each year.