Archive for ‘Wine Events’

Yoga on the Wine Trail at Hiddencroft Vineyards

Journey to the Heart on the Loudoun Wine Trail

Yoga on the Wine Trail at Hiddencroft Vineyards

Meet the wine maker, also the owner, in his beautiful open air barn, tasting house, and vineyard deep in the heart of Loudoun County, Virginia. Rich with history, you can feel the strength of spirit here. It is with heart, love, and passion his wines are aged and hand crafted to perfection. This wine matches our practice, carefully combined to engage the deepest
human sense of smell, touch, taste, giving and energy that surrounds the dedication to what we love. This Natarajasana, Prana sequenced practice is a beautiful barn dance with the wind blowing through our bodies…

There are those moments when we get in our own way blocking us from seeing, feeling, doing, saying, and breathing. There are those moments when we get out of our own way unblocking us to see, do, say, breath, love, grow, give, create, live, smile, spread our feathers and FLY riding the breath of the universe…

Erin started students in a bound meditaion with Mexican blankets to prop up the back and allow the ribs and lungs to open in Supta Baddha Konasana. Breathing openly, fresh air lets the mind freely re

lease thoughts while beginning to remove gravity from shoulders in a reclined and relaxed meditation. We all rise to the sound sounds of the singing bowl making the path led by vineyard staff through the apple orchard to the vineyards, row after row of lush vines. Deep in the summer, the heat and humidity fills our lungs while travelling slowly through the grapes, soaking up the sunshine.

Yoga – Heart Opening Practice

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♣ Chakra: The Forth Chakra, the Anahata Chakra, is physically positioned at the heart region. Traditionally, this Chakra is represented as a green flower with twelve petals which match the vrittis of lust, fraud, indecision, repentance, hope, anxiety, longing, impartiality, arrogance, incompetence, discrimination and defiance.

♣ Element: Air

♣ Color: Green

♣ Animal: Antelope (deer)

♣ Body Parts: Heart, Skin, Lungs, Thymus, Blood, Lymph, Immune System

♣ Planet: Venus

♣ Focus: “When energy is not flowing freely from the heart there is a disruption of love, balance, harmony, peace, brotherhood, hope, growth or healing. When blocked there can be an inability to express or share any deep emotions including joy, fear, sadness or serenity. This Chakra is fed by finding your passion and following your heart. Having faith, find ways to express yourself and practicing appreciation, balancing giving and receiving ,and forgiveness of yourself or others.”

We return to our mats for a heart opening practice with Lara that begins in Utthita Balasana (extended child’s pose). When the knees are apart, allowing the rib cage to sink deeper, the arms are extended forward to help length in the spine and begin opening shoulders and chest. Our peak asanas, stages, or modifications are reached through poses placed in sequences to repeat, build, and open the heart, chest, and shoulders allowing for absolute freedom of breath and body movement. Natarajasana (King Dancer or Lord of the Dance), Urdva Danurasana (upward bow), Ustrasana (camel), and Salabhasana (locust) is the family of asanas.

Yoga 4 Life at Hiddencroft Vneyard Practice

Opening dedication is mind and body opening wave through hearts center. Making our way through Moon Salutations breathing in the warm summer air to progressive sequence including balance. As the birds fly through the barn doors each inhale and rise to Tadasana brings the gaze upward. Visual movement through air allows each moment to be present.

And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

– Anais Nin

Wine at Hiddencroft Vineyards

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Hiddencroft is located in the far corner of Lovettsville, Virginia. From our Purcellville Yoga Studio on East Main Street, a short drive down 287 taking a left turn down a scenic dirt road seems like a journey back in time. We sampled a large tasting menu with the winemaker and owner. Our light fare lunch was provided by South Street Under in Leesburg, Virginia and the carefully prepared selections were paired with wine following the tasting.

Clyde ages his wine between 22 and 42 months! The blueberry and cherry fruit wines were not something many of our yogis have tried before. Such a nice treat captured in the bottles of Grandma’s Love Potion ties up the knot of love with blueberries – absolutely delicious! The Sweet Cherry was purchased by many this time around to enjoy with cool desserts of the summer. We sold almost 30 bottles of wine to our yogis returning to their homes to share with their family & friends.

The Wine Selection

Here are the wines offered by Hiddencroft. A “hidden gem” tucked far out of the way of highway noise, clutter of visual distractions, and full of warmth to share. Walking through the path to the 1830′s tasting house feels like passing through time to a unique piece of history now captured and enjoyed with the wonderful wine country we are so lucky to call home. We are all grateful for the hospitality and custom vineyard tour during our meditation walk. Yoga and Wine in Loudoun County & Yoga on the Wine Trail is so pleased to have experienced the heart of the people that create wine here on a farm now cherished for generations past, present, and future. Cheers!

Purcellville Virginia Yoga Studio at Hiddencroft Vineyards

Rose

Chambourcin Rose (2011) – $19Wine

Flavors of strawberries and tart summer plums. Lovely mauve color. Dry and crisp. Excellent served as an aperitif or wine cocktail.

White Wines

Traminette (2011) – $18 (Dry)
Traminette (2011) – ~~$18~~ On Sale for $15! (1.5% res. sugar)

Two versions available: one dry and crisp; the other semi-sweet. A nose of old fashioned roses and honeysuckle. Ap

ple at the mid-palate and a spicy tingle on the finish. Excellent when served with spicy, ethnic cuisine.

Vidal Blanc (2010) – $20 (1.5% res. sugar)
Subtle notes of pineapple and grapefruit. Excellent with grilled chicken, ribs, seafood and tropical salsas.

Red Wines

Chambourcin (2009) – $23 Released December 2012

Cellared for tree years, this 100% Chambourcin wine epidimizes the saying “No wine before it’s time”. Swish this deep, dark beauty in your glass to release the palate of chocolate and black cherries, followed by a dry, but smooth, finish. A true showcase of the Chambourcin grape!

Cabernet Franc (N/V) – $23 Released December 2012

Cellar aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 3 and 1/2 years. This blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot is a great balance of fruit, oak and tannins that will blossom in your cellar for years to come.

Dutchman’s Creek Blend – $23

Our red blend displays a complex palate with a smooth finish. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Tannat have been blended for a great balance of fruit, oak and tannan. The perfect wine to complement your favorite dish of beef, lamb or wild game.

Tannat (2008) – $40

Barrel-aged for 42 months. This wine has a firm tannic structure, dense purple-red-color, a nose of tobacco, smoke, ripe berries, and a long angular finish. Enjoy it now or lay it down in your cellar to be enjoyed in 5-7 years.

Fruit Wines

Sweet Cherry (2011) – ~~$23~~ On Sale for $20! (750ml)

One of our most popular wines and a unique treat. Intense cherry flavor and sweet at the front and tart on the finish. Made fromMontmorency cherries…the quintessential pie cherry. Enjoy it by itself or with desserts; especially delicious with dark chocolate and almond pastries.

Grandma’s Love Potion – $24 (500ml) Our 2011 Vintage!

The dictionary defines love potion as “a magic drink supposed to arouse passion for a certain person in the one who drinks it.” While we make no such claim, we are certain you will passionately enjoy this unique wine with pate, game, or port, and for dessert with ice cream, creme brulee, and bread pudding or plum pudding with hard sauce.

This charming winery was started in 2008 by Clyde and Terry Housel. Please visit them at http://www.hiddencroftvineyards.com/- browse the current calendar of events, future summer wine & music in the barn, and learn about the family owned and operated farm.

Yoga 4 Life - Yoga and Wine Retreats Virginia

Please feel free to leave comments to our post. We enjoy hearing your experience and love for both yoga and wine! LoveLocalLoudoun

Namaste & Cheers!

Yoga on the Wine Trail Yogis

Yoga & Wine at Fabbioli Cellars

Yoga and Wine Fabbioli Cellars

Journey with Yoga on the Wine Trail…

A day, event, moment, week, or year is not a stage set up by a shining sun, ideal weather, or another. Movement, choice, acceptance, and trusting the universe to let us find ourselves when we let go is where we not just find life, but come alive…

See clearly, hear with acceptance, flow with connection, sing by vibration and move with evolved rhythm.

“See” shines the Sun, for the light bleeds colors into your world.

“Feel,” whispers the Moon,“my energy is near and dear.”

“Speak,” sings the birds, “our songs create waves upon which you can dance.”

“Fly,” buzz the bees, “hope is to continue on our flight to help, give, and grow.”

“Breath,” blows the wind, “into the rhythm of time that leads you to your destiny.”

“Flow,” water beckons, “let go, wash it new; ride my current of collected drops and dew.”

Our July journey on the wine trail is a cozy day of introspection. The clouds in the gray skies claim and capture heat from the sun allowing a peaceful entry to meet together not only in body, but ourselves in mind. The mats quietly go down one at a time until the space is completely filled. Closed eyes for meditation, we create space in the room, body, and self.

The quiet entry to the vineyard and calm canvas painted sky is the backdrop release in the vines. Dispersed throughout the rows, some take the path alone. Sweeping through the vines in the freedom of moving meditation or finding peace in the slow rhythm of walking one foot in front of the other – simplicity.

The cool drizzle and gentle blades of grass give way to our bare feet and rise again as each pass slowly letting go to enjoy the deep red grapes hanging gracefully below the leaves that nourish them. The roots below offer strength and a sturdy foundation of life flowing into the ground into a world only they can see. In our practice, it is that place of sacred self that we meet to heal and connect. Like the center of the earth, getting there is a process of entering layers and sometimes shedding them to the pureness of who we are and where our true soul energy lives.

The slow and steady walk onto our mat begins with linking to that soul center as we find our rhthym with breath and body loosing space, time, temperature with journey through asanas…loosing connection to everything and everyone around us allows the space for true self to rise up and then out to make deeper and truer connections with all souls.

“Dance the dance, sing the song…our shadows may may look similar but voice, touch, tone, and spirits are their own. It is that beautiful moment when they flock together, flow, and harmonize… IdentifyInterlinkInhale to riSE…”

Yoga

Our practice focus is the Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura or Third Chakra, and the Root Chakra, Muladhara or First Chakra. The combination is one of combining Fire and Earth elements. Fire is not only heat energy but light as well and the grounding element of Earth replants roots of self.

The heat fills the room as we flow through Moon Salutations (Chandra Namaskara) and a Dancing Warrior heart opening sequences. The three wave flow is based on crafting an intelligent sequence to peak asanas (poses) allow the body to open fully. The kramas (stages) to Parsva Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana and variations as the main peak asana(pose). The following sequences all lead to working on the navel region through twisting and opening asanas such as Salabhasana (Locust), visiting Uttanasana between sequences, Supta Virasana, and Dhanurasana. Working on balance and twisting the upper region we grew through twisted lunges within Chandra Namaskara and the evolution to a revolved variation of Anjaneyasana – Revolved, Standing Crescent Lunge Chandrasana.

The journey is not over but our asana practice ends in a Savasana with Tribal Winds, a Native American selection, with flutes, power animals, and soft words. Surrounded by foggy windows and the sweet singing crystal singing bowl that vibrates through the air and right into the core of our being to quiet and calm every last movement of mind. Savasana assists visit each of our students with hand blended chakra oils from Blue Moon that have simmered in stones and crystals. The reading follows and reflects directly on our earth connection, growth, giving and sharing…now we drink wine!

Wine

Fabbioli is known well not just for the fabulous wine, but also for their tastings as food and wine pairings. Our tasting was a really fun and energetic presentation by vineyard staff at our own tasting bar. The room still filled with the flowers hand selected for their color relation to the chakras, we tasted and enjoyed the changes that occurred when food was introduced. My favorite is the pear wine with ginger cookie and the Raspberry Merlot paired with locally made chocolate. The detailed description and very thorough presentation of the wine’s own journey to the bottle was so well presented; like taking a food and wine class.

2011 Rosa Luna

Rose’ is a wonderful new summer favorite. Many vineyards are creating them dry which also makes this a nice, crisp, and chilled summer selection. I have really enjoyed tasting the different variations throughout the county this summer. This one is 100% Sangiovese grapes, fermented in stainless steel preserving a crisp acidity with flavors of summer peaches. Their food and wine suggestion is to pair with poultry, white fleshy fish and herb based rubs and sauces.

Light Fare lunch is presented and each student selects their favorite wine to enjoy with fruit, mini hand made sandwiches, and delicious desserts prepared and delivered by South Street Under in Leesburg, Virginia. Please visit their location downtown below Tuscarora Mill or website at: http://www.southstreetunder.com/.

As you well know, our mission is to support local agriculture, business, and farms right here in Loudoun County, Virginia. We were honored to be invited to this vineyard and even more so because Fabbioli Cellars and Yoga 4 Life/Yoga on the Wine Trail’s philosophy is very much lined up – Doug says it best…

“One of my little catch-phrases has been “Get the train going down the track and decorate it while it is moving.” With that is mind; we have started to define the ideals we make in business. Some of these ideals should be obvious for any business and are as follows: good quality products, sound business practices, and the building of great relationships. However an ideal that makes Fabbioli Cellars unique is that this business will continually strive to do a little more for the community, the youth and the Earth. So this brings me to the last of the three “E”s: economics. Some may question the economics point, but I want to make it clear that that is what makes things function. A strong rural economy will slow down land sales to developers and maintain our green community.”

Taking it back to where we began, time after time and it is still the right start…that is what leads you forward, sideways – North, South, East and West – always coming back to center.

Fabbioli Cellars has over 20 years of winemaking experience, their award-winning wines have earned medals at some of the country’s most prestigious competitions, including double gold at the Indy International Wine Competition. The experience of ”Real People, Earth Friendly, Fabulous Wines” is just the beginning of the hospitality you will enjoy stepping into the tasting room. They offer food and wine classes and many others. They are open DAILY from 11-5pm and can be found down Rt. 15 past Leesburg going North towards Lucketts off of the beautiful country, dirt path by turning right onto Limestone School Road. http://www.fabbioliwines.com/

Their wines can be found around the region. The link to the list can be found at their website here: http://www.fabbioliwines.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44&Itemid=71.

Our journey has continued throughout the summer and into the fall. Kim Sullivan is a Wine Passionist who helps to coordinate our Yoga on the Wine Trail events. We welcome you to join us at the following vineyards coming up soon.

All Photographs from this day can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.412783768758020.88989.252543858115346&type=3

“Human giving and trust is the greatest gift of freedom, carefully placing your feet on the earth and a path to be proud of…”

♥ Namaste

Yoga on the Wine Trail – 868 Vineyard / Grandale Farm

When: October 20, 2012 9:15 am – 12:30 pm

14001 Harpers Ferry Road

Neersville, VA 20132

540-668-6000

Cost: $59

Yoga on the Wine Trail – The Barns at Hamilton Station

When: November 10, 2012 9:15 am – 12:30 pm

Where: The Barns at Hamilton Station

16804 Hamilton Station Road

Hamilton, VA 20158

540-338-5309

Cost: $59

Photos by: L. Ward & Kassia Lee Photography

Fabbioli Cellars, Leesburg Virginia in beautiful Loudoun County

We all wander around earth, in society, and our own lives seeing things we want to change, make better, or create. Sometimes it is something within ourselves or a local community. Sometimes, it is that simple and it changes our world. Sometimes, it is that simple and it changes THE WORLD. And, of course, sometimes it takes great dedication and time to do either. What inspires you to do what you do? What has inspired you to wish you had time, the money, or the motivation to do? What can you or or kids do today, this season, this year, this lifetime?

Summer is a time of renewal and regeneration. As the summer sun shines its glorious warmth on earth and us during these months, it is a time to dream, create, and connect with ourselves and our communities. Sway nature’s dance when the wind blows, soak up the sun’s rays, listen to earth songs, flow with the ease of the rivers through the wonderful journey called living…

Yoga 4 Life’s doesn’t have a “mission.” We are growing into our community and tending to our passions; we are many full of passions and passions for many. We have lots to do! As we spread our rays and shine into a summer of walking the earth in meditations or forest, sipping nature’s harvest with our communities, working with empowerment groups, we constantly cultivate our passion centers. That is where change, dedication to community, and giving freely through our practice flows outward making a difference. It is here, in this time, we can all find those inspirations.

trav·el (trvl) v. trav·eled or trav·elled, trav·el·ing or trav·el·ling, trav·els v.intr. 1. To go from one place to another, as on a trip; journey. 2. To go from place to place as a gift or service to. 3. To be transmitted, as light or sound; move or pass. 4. To advance or proceed. 5. To go about in the company of a particular group; associate: travels within a tribe, group, or circle. 6. To move along a course, as in a groove.

traveller – a person who changes location. //traveler -individual, mortal, person, somebody, someone, soul.

The Traveling Yogis takes yoga and meditation out of four walls and into the world. It gives us the ability to be free spirits and souls with those passions reaching far and wide into the county. Who knows? Maybe beyond! Beginning our summer with Yoga for Empowerment, Girls Going Global, working with Girl Scouts, and cheerleaders, youth groups and community center after school programs is just the beginning of Yoga 4 Life. The sparks lit from these experiences send light into children and young adults. Yoga practices, nature walks, spending time on farms, in vineyards and wineries, and among like minded people allows personal growth for any body, mind, and spirit. Meditation walks through the vines, forests, hills, and valleys of Loudoun County is therapudic for us all. It is simple and some choose to be still and take in movement around them while others enjoy the movement, or journey, they experience by traveling among nature’s great beauty. Yoga on the Wine Trail is becoming more than Yoga and Wine in Loudoun County!

Yoga 4: Heart ♥ Hearth Δ Health ♥ Heath Ξ

A very fresh and new thought for us. This is Yoga on the Wine Trail and part farm, opening a winery, organic market, restaurant, and things beyond our current sight yet concept in the works. What we are already doing is bringing it together and along the way will change and grow a lot. The best part is those who are on this “wagon” with us will grow and change because of it! Still developing thought and mind path to make it happen, we will incorporate what Yoga 4 means to us and the world around us.

Beginning with the word acceptance, Yoga 4 is not a “way of life” rather ALL of life beginning with acceptance of oneself and each other. We all do things we would like to change, possibly habits we are used to and like. We are not going to change those, choose to be part of or explore activities where we feel unwelcome, not following a code of ethics or belief system set up by others, or make us feel negative and harmful emotions such as guilt or shame. The universe doesn’t look at Earth and say you can’t stay here unless you “___.” We are all part of everything in this life. We can touch anything and everything that comes in contact with us in this life. We change life around us. Life changes us.

As our Yoga studio and Yoga 4 Life is based off of the four points of Earth, Wind, Water, Fire we combine the earliest ideas of Heart – Hearth – Health – Heath.

Heart (Soul – giver of energy and light – what comes from and resides within)
Hearth (home, humility, humble, hope)
Health (heart & soul combined)
Heath (heath is defined as a tract of open land - covered with low shrubs – like heather) – the Love for nature and the world that flows out when you have Heart, Hearth and Health and you want to share it with the Heath)

We hope to see you all out this summer either in practice, at our local farms and vineyard retreats, the wine festivals, pictures online of the far away lands you journey to, and around town enjoying the beautiful sunshine! Perhaps there is a change stirring in your mind you want to work on too!

A Little Summer Something @ Yoga 4 Life:

The Shine Project is making changes and we want to help. With the Summer Solstice practices and dedications to our passions, community, ourselves, empowerment, and our studio we plan to SHINE rays through the summer from within and take in all of the warmth around us to create and celebrate why we do what we do.

With your support, we will also host a “Change Jar” in the studio and three others – total of 4. You will see us out and about shining in yellow this summer.

The CHANGE 4 CHANGE campaign benefits The Shine Project’s non-profit organization The Shine Scholarship Project. All money collected will help inner city high school students afford their first year of college. Once each jar has collected $100, and it will be put directly into The Shine Project Scholarship Fund.

“LETS CHANGE THE WORLD.”

Please visit www.myshineproject.com and see the difference one person’s dream can grow….

Shine is defined as:
1. to give forth or glow with light
2. to be bright with reflected light; glisten; sparkle.
3. to appear with brightness or clearness.
4. to excel

“I believe that all of us possess talents, skills, and abilities that can be used to literally change the world. I believe that stepping out of your comfort zone to do hard things is what gives meaning and happiness to life.”

The Shine Project is:

Going out of your comfort zone
to bring light to those who need hope.
The Shine Project emulates love, sacrifice, and
CHANGE.

“The Shine Scholarship Project is a non-profit that was created by TSP to put our beliefs in action. Its mission is to improve the lives of at-risk teens through service, education, and family involvement. We do service projects with inner city students every other week to teach them the leadership skills that are necessary for them to succeed. The money we raise goes to sending these leaders to college, so they can give back to society.You can read more about how to get involved HERE. And go ahead, let the world see you SHINE.”

Inhale to rise, exhale and fold…we don’t always choose what we inhale from what is around us. It is up to us what we exhale out. Each breath is a choice – sometimes to let go of fear, stress, disappointment, acceptance, self judgement. Then, there are those amazing moments we spread our wings, dreams, hope, love, gifts, and change the world… It is Wednesday…it’s not half over, there is half left to make it happen – Lara Ward…Y4L

IGNITE YOUR INNER FLAME!

— ♥ Namaste

- Loudoun County Yoga and Wine

- Purcellville Yoga – Photographs taken by Lara Ward

- Lucketts, Loudoun County Travelling Yogis – Photograph by Gayle T. Tiller

North Gate Vineyard – Yoga and Wine

Yoga and Wine at North Gate Vineyard 2012

“Today we have gathered and we see that the cycles of life continue. We have been given the duty to live in balance and harmony with each other and all living things. So now, we bring our minds together as one as we give greetings and thanks to each other as People. Now our minds are one.”

There are times in your life you will never forget, ones that will wander in and out, and some that fade away. As we stepped barefoot into North Gate’s vineyard for our first mediation walk through the vines of 2012, it was time to meet all three at once. One at a time, we begin our journey on the Loudoun Wine Trail.

“We are all thankful to our Mother, the Earth, for she gives us all that we need for life. She supports our feet as we walk about upon her. It gives us joy that she continues to care for us as she has from the beginning of time. To our Mother, we send greetings and thanks. Now our minds are one.”

The vines in straight lines and manicured to their structures, they grow and fruit freely within and nestled neatly in front of the mountain backdrop between Hillsboro and Purcellville, Virginia. It is here, connecting directly with the wet ground, we let go, become present, and face the things that enter and leave our minds.

“We turn toward the vast fields of Plant life. As far as the eye can see, the Plants grow, working many wonders. They sustain many life forms. With our minds gathered together, we give thanks and look forward to seeing Plant life for many generations to come. Now our minds are one.”

Wandering in and out of the rows starting with a sequence of skipping rows in 3’s to completely loosing count or care in which way we go or when to turn, walk, speed up, or slow down. Starting together and then taking our own paths, the paths each of us need, chose, or are drawn toward. For a few, allowing some silent eye connection with nearby horses clearly drawn to our quietly moving bodies as we made our way through the vines. Others found the noises of nature becoming louder and hearing sounds that we often over look or the sight and texture of the flowing vines within their rows allows for the mind to escape structure by leaning on the one surrounding them.

“We gather our minds together to send greetings and thanks to all the Animal life in the world. They have many things to teach us as people. We see them near our homes and in the deep forests. We are glad they are still here and we hope that it will always be so. Now our minds are one.

“We put our minds together as one and thank all the Birds who move and fly about over our heads. The Creator gave them beautiful songs. Each day they remind us to enjoy and appreciate life. The Eagle was chosen to be their leader. To all the Birds – from the smallest to the largest – we send our joyful greetings and thanks. Now our minds are one.”

The night’s storms left us with crisp, fresh air and moist ground. The sun’s rays rose over the mountain after the thunder rolled, tornadoes spun, and rain poured. Slowly making way to our mats we began our practice with Native American flutes and meditation.

“Now we turn to the west where our Grandfathers, the Thunder Beings, live. With lightning and thundering voices, they bring with them the water that renews life. We bring our minds together as one to send greetings and thanks to our Grandfathers, the Thunderers. Now our minds are one.”

An Earth Element Practice, our Journey Through Asanas, was complete with the smell of wine, stone, drying rain drops, and hints of rose oil. Starting with our Sun Salute, rising to shine and exhaling to ground to open our bodies fully for peak poses. Building within the sequence allows all levels to experience yoga to suit their body while enjoying the breath, change, and movement of their own practice. Taking Yoga out of the studio by incorporating natural elements brings awareness to heighten senses of touch, sight and sound via mind, body, and spirit connections with our surroundings. Bringing the outside in during our walk allowed that simplicity and beauty to carry into our yoga practice. Enlighten :: Empower :: Emerge.

“We are all thankful to the powers we know as the Four Winds. We hear their voices in the moving air as they refresh us and purify the air we breathe. They help to bring the change of seasons. From the four directions they come, bringing us messages and giving us strength. With one mind, we send our greetings and thanks to the Four Winds. Now our minds are one.”

We closed our practice with a centered reading, words from Lara as we REflect, REtain and REnew. Greetings from the North Gate tasting staff, Karol and Erin, those of us who choose to celebrate this farm and vineyards wine enjoyed a fun and education tasting. Being a Loudoun County and Hillsboro resident, she had lots to share.

North Gate Vineyard has a public tasting room was built to LEED Gold specifications. The roof is lined with solar panels to bring electricity to the building – pretty amazing! We all decided on bottles to share with our light fare lunch prepared by the wonderful people of Stoneybrook Organic Farm located at the end of Rt. 690 in Hillsboro. Fresh and carefully crafted, the lunch and dessert tray of fig, coconut, peanut butter was perfectly paired with our wine selections. Getting to connect with our people over food, wine, and through our practice was a journey we all shared on our own and together.

“With one mind, we turn to honor and thank all the Food Plants we harvest from the garden. Since the beginning of time, the grains, vegetables, beans and berries have helped the people survive. Many other living things draw strength from them too. We gather all the Plant Foods together as one and send them a greeting and thanks. Now our minds are one.”

“We believe that quality wine comes from quality grapes. Pure and simple. So how do we ensure that we’ll end up with quality wine? Through our commitment to meticulous practices in our vineyard and cellar from bloom to bottle. To us, this is not a job, and not a hobby, but just something that we do together. We hope you enjoy the product of our hearts, minds and hands.”

- Mark and Vicki Fedor, Winegrowers and Winemakers

Their wine selection: 2010 Chardonnay, 2010 Viognier , NV Apple, 2010 Cabernet Franc, 2009 Merlot, 2009 Petit Verdot,

Finishing our journey at North Gate’s beautiful vineyard, we were lucky to catch Vicki coming back from the Wine Country Half Marathon and got to thank her for her hospitality. Talking about the upcoming release of the Rose’ and other wine is always fun to look forward to. Grateful for a full mind, body, spirit practice we begin June, Yoga on the Wine Trail 2012, in the sun shine of Loudoun County.

“We now send greetings and thanks to our eldest Brother, the Sun. Each day without fail he travels the sky from east to west, bringing the light of a new day. He is the source of all the fires of life. With one mind, we send greetings and thanks to our Brother, the Sun. Now our minds are one.

Now we turn our thoughts to the Creator, or Great Spirit, and send greetings and thanks for the gifts of Creation. Everything we need to live a good life is here on this Mother Earth. For all the love that is still around us, we gather our minds together as one and send our choicest words of greetings and thanks to the Creator. Now our minds are one. “

♥ Namaste – Lara, Russ, Kim, Erin & Francesca

Writings: A Haudenosaunee “Thanksgiving” Prayer

Our next Yoga on the wine trail will be hosted by Fabbioli Cellars!

Each vineyard has a unique setting and offering – Fabbioli Cellars tasting will be a Wine and Food Pairing. Their unique setting will allow us to spend time in the vines sharing, connecting, and nourishing the mind, body, spirit.

You can also find North Gate’s wine in the following locations…

Markets (Winter)

Purcellville Community Farmers Market – Saturdays 10am-1pm
Falls Church Farmers Market – Saturdays 8am-12pm
Leesburg Farmers Market – Sundays 9am-12pm

Restaurants

Retail

Hill High Orchard, Round Hill
Leesburg Pharmacy, Leesburg
Leesburg Vintner, Leesburg

Partner Wineries

Fabbioli Cellars, Notaviva Vineyards

- Loudoun County Wine Trail – Photographs by Hannah Melinia Kasabian & Lara Ward

- Purcellville Yoga & Wine

Yoga on the Wine Trail ~ North Gate Vinyard

Yoga on the Wine Trail Event

Join us for the journey…

2012 Yoga on the Wine Trail

North Gate Vineyard in Purcellville, Virginia JUNE 2nd

Yoga and Wine is possibly the perfect pair. Engage all of your senses ~ mind, body, spirit, sight, sound, touch, and taste, as they come together to create a unique and complete experience. Start your morning with a flowing yoga practice at the Vineyards along the Loudoun Wine Trail followed by a fun-filled, and joyful journey, touring the winery. Complete with optional wine tasting, you can then re-energize with light fare perfectly paired with wine. Please find our registration page a www.yogafourlife.com/register.Yoga 4 Life is a community based studio not only to give back and practice living local combining yoga with local agriculture, farms, wineries, fitness, and personal well being. It is our passion to embrace the historic charm and deep roots of Loudoun County and the working farms and vineyards that grow here. We are planning an Earthbased practice for North Gate Vinyeard’s practice. As we move on Loudoun’s Wine Trail, we will explore Yoga with the integration of elements. An element key and description will be linked to each vineyard and practice.Please join us on this wonderful journey.

More details can be found on our Workshop and Wine page at www.yogafourlife.com and our Event Page on facebook. This page will contain lots of juicy Wine and Yoga goodies next week so check back!

Vinyasa in the Vines:

* Welcome Drink on arrival (9:15am)

* Meditation Walk through the Vineyard

* Morning Yoga Session lead by Yoga 4 Life Certified Prana and Vinyasa Flow Instructors - ALL Level 90 minute Earth Element sequenced class. Mats provided if needed.

* Winery Tours Lead by Vineyard Staff and opportunity to purchase wine

* Optional/Complimentary Wine Tasting & detailed description of wines by vineyard staff

* Light Fare or lunch paired with a glass of wine purchased from North Gate Vineyard

**It is Virginia State Law Regulation that the vineyard will sell their wonderful wine individually from Yoga 4 Life.

A great Mother’s Day gift!

Check out their vineyard at www.northgatevineyard.com

Cheers & Namaste ~

New Sip’N Stretch EVENT @ Virginia Wine Factory in Brambleton

Come join us for our newest Sip’N Stretch, separate workshops March 31st and another on April 28th at the Virginia Wine Factory, located at the Brambleton Town Center. Flow with us for an hour followed by your choice of a wine flight or a glass of wine from the selected wine list.

We will start the morning with a flowing yoga practice – a spiritual, energizing, and joyful journey through asanas (poses). Building within the sequence allows all levels to experience yoga to suit their body while enjoying the breath, change, and movement of their own practice. Our passion is to take Yoga out of the studio by incorporating natural elements (Earth, Sun, Fire, Water) and bring awareness to heighten our senses of touch, sight and sound. Enlighten::Empower::Emerge

Sipping ‘N Stretching – A Fun and flowing class! We practice with an energizing flow to *Renew* combined with stretching to *Relax*, and follow with wine to *Reconnect*. Providing a gateway to engage all of your senses ~ mind, body, spirit, sight, sound, touch, and taste, as they come together to create a unique and complete experience is an oasis for stress relief and tension release, allowing you to stretch, breath, relax, and find balance. Spacing is limited!! Register for one of our workshops by going to the “Store” tab on our website. Wine, Light Fare & Class – $20.00

Sip ‘N Stretch – Tuesdays at 29 Vines

Sip N’ Stretch classes announced: Every Tuesday evening at 29 Vines in Purcellville, Virginia. Come sip wine and stretch to relaxing music. Renew. Relax. Reconnect.

Archive for ‘Wine Events’

Journey to the Heart on the Loudoun Wine Trail

Yoga on the Wine Trail at Hiddencroft Vineyards

Erin started students in a bound meditaion with Mexican blankets to prop up the back and allow the ribs and lungs to open in Supta Baddha Konasana. Breathing openly, fresh air lets the mind freely re

Yoga – Heart Opening Practice

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♣ Element: Air

♣ Color: Green

♣ Animal: Antelope (deer)

♣ Body Parts: Heart, Skin, Lungs, Thymus, Blood, Lymph, Immune System

♣ Planet: Venus

And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

– Anais Nin

Wine at Hiddencroft Vineyards

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The Wine Selection

Rose

Chambourcin Rose (2011) – $19Wine

Flavors of strawberries and tart summer plums. Lovely mauve color. Dry and crisp. Excellent served as an aperitif or wine cocktail.

White Wines

Traminette (2011) – $18 (Dry)

Traminette (2011) – $18 On Sale for $15! (1.5% res. sugar)

Two versions available: one dry and crisp; the other semi-sweet. A nose of old fashioned roses and honeysuckle. Ap

ple at the mid-palate and a spicy tingle on the finish. Excellent when served with spicy, ethnic cuisine.

Vidal Blanc (2010) – $20 (1.5% res. sugar) Subtle notes of pineapple and grapefruit. Excellent with grilled chicken, ribs, seafood and tropical salsas.

Red Wines

Chambourcin (2009) – $23 Released December 2012

Cellared for tree years, this 100% Chambourcin wine epidimizes the saying “No wine before it’s time”. Swish this deep, dark beauty in your glass to release the palate of chocolate and black cherries, followed by a dry, but smooth, finish. A true showcase of the Chambourcin grape!

Cabernet Franc (N/V) – $23 Released December 2012

Cellar aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for 3 and 1/2 years. This blend of Cabernet Franc and Merlot is a great balance of fruit, oak and tannins that will blossom in your cellar for years to come.

Dutchman’s Creek Blend – $23

Our red blend displays a complex palate with a smooth finish. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Tannat have been blended for a great balance of fruit, oak and tannan. The perfect wine to complement your favorite dish of beef, lamb or wild game.

Tannat (2008) – $40

Barrel-aged for 42 months. This wine has a firm tannic structure, dense purple-red-color, a nose of tobacco, smoke, ripe berries, and a long angular finish. Enjoy it now or lay it down in your cellar to be enjoyed in 5-7 years.

Fruit Wines

Sweet Cherry (2011) – $23 On Sale for $20! (750ml)

One of our most popular wines and a unique treat. Intense cherry flavor and sweet at the front and tart on the finish. Made fromMontmorency cherries…the quintessential pie cherry. Enjoy it by itself or with desserts; especially delicious with dark chocolate and almond pastries.

Grandma’s Love Potion – $24 (500ml) Our 2011 Vintage!

This charming winery was started in 2008 by Clyde and Terry Housel. Please visit them at http://www.hiddencroftvineyards.com/- browse the current calendar of events, future summer wine & music in the barn, and learn about the family owned and operated farm.

Please feel free to leave comments to our post. We enjoy hearing your experience and love for both yoga and wine! LoveLocalLoudoun

Namaste & Cheers!

Yoga on the Wine Trail Yogis

Journey with Yoga on the Wine Trail…

A day, event, moment, week, or year is not a stage set up by a shining sun, ideal weather, or another. Movement, choice, acceptance, and trusting the universe to let us find ourselves when we let go is where we not just find life, but come alive…

See clearly, hear with acceptance, flow with connection, sing by vibration and move with evolved rhythm.

“Dance the dance, sing the song…our shadows may may look similar but voice, touch, tone, and spirits are their own. It is that beautiful moment when they flock together, flow, and harmonize… IdentifyInterlinkInhale to riSE…”

Yoga

Our practice focus is the Solar Plexus Chakra, Manipura or Third Chakra, and the Root Chakra, Muladhara or First Chakra. The combination is one of combining Fire and Earth elements. Fire is not only heat energy but light as well and the grounding element of Earth replants roots of self.

Wine

2011 Rosa Luna

Taking it back to where we began, time after time and it is still the right start…that is what leads you forward, sideways – North, South, East and West – always coming back to center.

Their wines can be found around the region. The link to the list can be found at their website here: http://www.fabbioliwines.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44&Itemid=71.

Our journey has continued throughout the summer and into the fall. Kim Sullivan is a Wine Passionist who helps to coordinate our Yoga on the Wine Trail events. We welcome you to join us at the following vineyards coming up soon.

All Photographs from this day can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.412783768758020.88989.252543858115346&type=3

“Human giving and trust is the greatest gift of freedom, carefully placing your feet on the earth and a path to be proud of…”

♥ Namaste

When: October 20, 2012 9:15 am – 12:30 pm

Where: 868 Estate Vineyards

14001 Harpers Ferry Road

Neersville, VA 20132

540-668-6000

Cost: $59

When: November 10, 2012 9:15 am – 12:30 pm

Where: The Barns at Hamilton Station

16804 Hamilton Station Road

Hamilton, VA 20158

540-338-5309

Cost: $59

We find inspiration in climbing mountains – the views….and then we come down.

It is there, at the base, when we look toward the earth and see the reasons and inspiration to climb back up…

Looking beyond a puddle and seeing reflection, the light in the sky…

Yoga 4: Heart ♥ Hearth Δ Health ♥ Heath Ξ

Heart (Soul – giver of energy and light – what comes from and resides within)

Hearth (home, humility, humble, hope)

Health (heart & soul combined)

Heath (heath is defined as a tract of open land - covered with low shrubs – like heather) – the Love for nature and the world that flows out when you have Heart, Hearth and Health and you want to share it with the Heath)

A Little Summer Something @ Yoga 4 Life:

Shine is defined as: 1. to give forth or glow with light 2. to be bright with reflected light; glisten; sparkle. 3. to appear with brightness or clearness. 4. to excel

The Shine Project is:

Going out of your comfort zone

Vidal Blanc (2010) – $20 (1.5% res. sugar)
Subtle notes of pineapple and grapefruit. Excellent with grilled chicken, ribs, seafood and tropical salsas.

Shine is defined as:
1. to give forth or glow with light
2. to be bright with reflected light; glisten; sparkle.
3. to appear with brightness or clearness.
4. to excel