In 2014, while being in France for the marriage of our son Seth, we tacked on a 5-day walking tour amongst the vines in Provence. During those days, we ate all but one meal outdoors, walked for hours each day through vineyards, visited picturesque small villages, historical sites, and markets, and enjoyed some of the best meals we’ve ever consumed, accompanied by wines paired for each food. It was one of our favorite trips ever and thanks to all the walking, we didn’t gain an ounce!
So imagine our surprise when we discovered that we live a short 20-minute walk from Muse Vineyard, along a lovely country road that includes our choice of walking over a one-lane bridge or wabbling across a swinging bridge over the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Muse’s tasting room and food service reopened this summer, with strict safety protocols in place, and Rod and I made our first visit. We quickly realized that we could have a “walk in Provence” right in our own backyard. We take in some live music, sip a glass of wine, snack on tasty food, look out over fields of vines with the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley as the backdrop, and feel remarkably blessed.
Watching the grapes mature on the vines, seeing workers in the vineyard, breaking bread and sipping wine, I am reminded of Jesus, of parables about vineyards, and about abiding in Christ. I never imagined that would be one of the fruits of life in Woodstock.
Abiding – in Woodstock – and blessed. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 