On Saturday, October 17, the Lodge is going to Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery in Delaplane, Virginia — a hillside winery and farm brewery in the Piedmont, about 45 miles west of Washington off I-66, under the Blue Ridge.

Bring your family. Bring your dog. And enjoy a day in the Virginia wine country, with the Blue Ridge arranging the view. This is refreshment after labor, in the oldest sense our Craft has: corn, wine and oil, on a hillside, in October.

The day

• When — Saturday, October 17, 2026, twelve noon to four in the afternoon
• Where — Barrel Oak Winery & Brewery, 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane, VA 20144
• The place — Hand-crafted wine and beer, wood-fired pizza, oysters and picnic boards, and sweeping views of the Blue Ridge
• Who — Members, candidates and friends of the Lodge, and their families. Significant others, children and grandchildren are welcome
• A thank you — The Lodge has a gift for every significant other who comes, in thanks for the support they give this Lodge all year long
• Children — A small play area for the younger ones. Bring a game if you have one; everybody is welcome to play
• Dogs — Welcome, and must be leashed at all times. Barrel Oak is one of Virginia’s best-known dog-friendly wineries, with an animal rescue on the estate
• Transportation — A bus is available for anyone who would rather not drive. Ask for a seat when you sign up; pickup points and times to follow
• Driving yourself — Welcome. If you would rather make your own way there, meet us on the back patio

Sign up by Friday, October 2

The head count sets the size of the bus. The coach is being arranged against the number who register, so tell us how many are coming with you and whether you want seats — and more will follow on where and when it picks up. Sign-ups close on Friday, October 2.