Tis the season! Das ist die Jahreszeit! The holidays are rapidly approaching as is our 8th annual Weihnachtsmarkt! Die Feiertage nähern sich rasant, ebenso wie unser achter Weihnachtsmarkt! What is a Weihnachtsmarkt anyway? Was ist eigentlich ein Weihnachtsmarkt? By the way, the title of this blog translates to "Our Weihnachtsmarkt is one month away!"
As the rather difficult pronunciation and the switching between two languages above might lead to, Weihnachtsmarkt is in the German language, which is where these events originated. It does literally mean Christmas Market in English. They are open air markets that have seasonal items, food and various types of drinks including the famous hot mulled wine or Glühwein in the German language.
As mentioned before, this is Bluestone’s eighth year hosting this annual event. Our winemaker, Lee Hartman, previously lived in Germany. While there the rest of the Hartman family visited him and experienced a true Christmas Market in Germany. This inspired them to bring the tradition to the Shenandoah Valley at the vineyard and these markets have gained more traction in the area to showcase local artisans and vendors.
As the rather difficult pronunciation and the switching between two languages above might lead to, Weihnachtsmarkt is in the German language, which is where these events originated. It does literally mean Christmas Market in English. They are open air markets that have seasonal items, food and various types of drinks including the famous hot mulled wine or Glühwein in the German language.
As mentioned before, this is Bluestone’s eighth year hosting this annual event. Our winemaker, Lee Hartman, previously lived in Germany. While there the rest of the Hartman family visited him and experienced a true Christmas Market in Germany. This inspired them to bring the tradition to the Shenandoah Valley at the vineyard and these markets have gained more traction in the area to showcase local artisans and vendors.
 The first annual market in the tank room.  2nd Annual Christmas Market moved to the crush pad. |  The tanks were even decorated.  Gluhwein being served in 2013 outside on the crush pad. |  The beginning of an annual tradition.  In 2014 the event moved up the hill to outside of the Manor. |
The first year of the Weihnachtsmarkt was held in our tank room and then out on the crush pad. From there it moved to what we now call The Manor as guests perused through the handcrafted items that were lined up outside. After that it included vendors set up our back patio, by the adirondack chairs, and wrapped around to where the entrance of the tasting room is now. Each year the event has grown in size with different offerings. Last year it was the first year that incorporated the inside of our new tasting room! Unfortunately there was inclement weather so vendors moved into The Meeting House Banquet Hall. This year we will cross our fingers for better weather so patrons can experience the atmosphere of an open air market with Glühwein warming their hands.
 Blue skies for the event in 2015.  Vendors on the back patio in 2017. |  Vendors expanding in 2016.  The sun setting on the event in 2017. |  Hot Mulled Wine. Yum!  New tasting room was open in 2018. |
What else does this year’s Weihnachtsmarkt have in store? There will be two food trucks: The Bavarian Chef and Mama’s Caboose with delicious German style food. Over 25 craft vendors from handmade jewelry, quilts, bottle lamps, home decor, even items for your four legged canine friends. Follow our social media this month leading up to the event for highlights of our scheduled vendors!
Bluestone’s version of Glühwein will be flowing and we will also have all the items to make your own Glühwein at home! Our Glühwein uses our Crooked and Weedy as the base for the mulled wine and add mulling spices to it. Just the thing one needs when walking around on a cool December day.
The tasting room will be open as well from 11-6 p.m. and the vendors will be onsite from 11-5 p.m.
Thanks for tuning into this week's edition of Out of the Barrel! Cheers! Danke fürs Lesen! Prost!
Bluestone’s version of Glühwein will be flowing and we will also have all the items to make your own Glühwein at home! Our Glühwein uses our Crooked and Weedy as the base for the mulled wine and add mulling spices to it. Just the thing one needs when walking around on a cool December day.
The tasting room will be open as well from 11-6 p.m. and the vendors will be onsite from 11-5 p.m.
Thanks for tuning into this week's edition of Out of the Barrel! Cheers! Danke fürs Lesen! Prost!
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