Onward

We are six years down the road now. Boxwood Winery came to life in age that seems altogether different: In 2004, the housing market was riding high, jobs seemed more plentiful, and perhaps life was a bit easier across the board, for small businesses especially.

The grand chateau's of Bordeaux, from which our grape clone vines originated, have known a thousand highs and lows of their own, and those of the history that effects them: Great vintages, tragic wars, continental vine disease, and so much more. The history of Haut-Brion could hardly be fit into a text book in order to be thorough with the details. 

Now we have assumed our place among winery's who have become both affected by, and a significant part of, history.  In only six years, we have witnessed how the world around us changes our perspective, weather patterns sear themselves into memory, and we have been strengthened as a team by our challenges. 

We also know there is a difference between survival and growth. This team has no taste for mere survival. Boxwood Winery and every heart beating within it is about building, growing, and striving.

That spirit was handed-down, it is in our water supply: John Kent Cooke never intended to create half a dream or just a decent Virginia wine. All of us assembled here to win gracefully but unapologetically.

On the day the final GPS coordinates were reached. The entire staff and Lucie Morton, world-renown viticulturist, were in the winery. As is normally the case for Boxwood, there is a buzz of varying concerns being addressed: Vineyard, wine-making, maintenance, wine bars, marketing, staffing; But it seemed we all looked up at once when we knew the Syrah was on its way. We commented on how exciting it was to see eight more acres of a Rhone varietal prepped to join our original sixteen acres of Bordeaux varietals. These plans have been in the works to some degree since the start. Last winter the vineyard was sited. In these past two weeks it has become tangible: The new acreage's fence lines are in according to Lucie's plan.

When the Boxwood Syrah vines go into the ground, it will be with the might of a team whose commitment to their success has been shaped by six years of Virginian life and weather, and all the hopes that go with the bright future of a shared commitment.