Industry Night: The Wines Behind Fauquier Fabulous
Hi, everyone! The holidays may be behind us, but we’re diving headfirst into 2025. Can you believe it? Happy New Year! I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible 2024 it was, and wow—what a ride!
Let’s start with travels: I’ve been all over the map! St. Martin’s Grand Case? Check. Medellín, Colombia? Absolutely—coffee tastings and Michelin-starred meals galore. New Orleans for the Beard Conference? You bet, and I ate everywhere. If you want the full scoop on my adventures (and what I ate), head to my Insta highlights.
Closer to home, the DMV food and drink scene kept thriving with major openings:
Kwame’s Dogon
Mikey Friedman’s Aventino
Mike Rafidi’s La Shukran
Kevin Tien’s reimagined Moon Rabbit
Keith McNally’s swanky Minetta Tavern
Stephen Starr’s Pastis and Mozza
Plus new hot spots like Bar Cana, Press Club, and Binge—a low-ABV/no-alcohol haven.
This is just the tip of the iceberg! So much happening in food, drink, and what I like to call wellness. (Don’t @ me.)
Now for today’s show: I’m back in Marshall, VA, exploring all things Fauquier Fabulous thanks to Laura Torpy of Fauquier County Tourism. Last time, I was at The Whole Ox. Today, I’m at the Field & Main Restaurant.
Let’s talk about Virginia wine—an industry that’s exploded in the last 50 years. From just a handful of wineries to over 300 statewide (30+ in Fauquier alone!), the growth is extraordinary. Joining me today to chat all things wine:
Kiernan Slater Patusky of Slater Run Vineyard
Neal Wavra, proprietor of Field & Main and CEO of Red Truck Bakery
Leah Papadopoulos Constable, Vineyard & Cellar Manager at Molon Lave Vineyards
Oh, and mark your calendars: the Fauquier County Wine Showcase is coming up on February 8th. Stay tuned for more details.
