Notaviva Vineyards Blog

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November 6, 2008

Notaviva Wins!

It just seems this year keeps getting more surreal by the week. Tonight we were surprised, yet thrilled to be named the Loudoun County Agricultural Small Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce! As you may have read a few weeks ago, we were nominated in two categories, Ag and Entrepreneur.

Obviously as parents and co-founders of two small businesses, we "don't get out much" so we decided to enjoy the evening to the fullest. We ponied up the money to buy an entire table so our friends and family could join us, since they've been so instrumental in our success this year. Of course when our name was called we got to go up on stage and receive our award, at which point Shannon "let" me go to the podium to say our thanks. :o)

So for those of you who weren't there, I first congratulated our fellow nominees and finalists, it is truly an honor to be named among you all. Then we thanked the Loudoun Chamber for putting on such a great event. Larry Rosenstrauch and the Loudoun DED and Warren Howell and the REDC for all the great work they do for small ag businesses. Special thanks of course goes to our winemaking consultant Doug Fabbioli for his wisdom and guidance over the years. Thanks and love to all the friends and family who have pitched in, and never stopped believing in us even when we had. I tried to thank my amazing wife Shannon, but couldn't get the words out and teared up on stage (I tear up as I write this as well.) And from the bottom of our hearts, thanks to our children Tristan and Duncan (and baby #3 who is on the way!) from whom we draw our inspiration, and who have often been passed from sitter to sitter at the craziest hours of the day as we've tried to manage all that life has thrown us this past year. Mommy and Papa have been put to the test, and it finally feels like we're turning the corner with great things to come.

Enjoy the pics!

A night out!

Our name announced!

Getting a pic onstage.

Posted by Stephen at November 6, 2008 11:41 PM