Chronicles of the Long Shot Farm

Holidays

Craft Vendors at the Winery

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After a successful first year of being open, we decided to renovate the middle section of the barn. We wanted to make it suitable for customers to enjoy their wine in the winter months and even have small private events.  Unfortunately, we barely used this room due to the pandemic.  While brainstorming one evening on what to do with all of this space, Samantha, an artist herself, had the wonderful idea of inviting local craft vendors to set up for the holidays. We called it “Craft Days at the Winery.”

We were able to book local vendors on select weekends from November 21 until December 13.  These inside events turned out to be great opportunities to shop local and find very unique gifts.  We also charged a small vendor fee which went to help 2 families in need this Christmas.  We provided everything for a Christmas meal and supplies for a nice breakfast. We found these families through the Salvation Army.


There were eleven vendors in all specializing in felt ornaments, clothes, and candles, to wood working and nail art.  We are looking forward to making this an annual holiday event.

Posted by Anja Weyant

Sock Donations

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SOCK DRIVE for the HOMELESS!!!

The Winery is collecting socks to benefit local homeless shelters. The sock donations will help prevent mild to severe foot problems in our local homeless community.  Please help us assist local UPMC Wound nurses with their ‘Socks for the Sole’ Sock Drive! Drop off donations by Wednesday November 25th.  You can also ship socks directly to us at the winery if you do not live in the area.  We are also collecting new-like shoes, washcloths and nail clippers.

Look at the socks that have already been donated (this is a portion of donations)! We have also received lots of very lightly worn shoes.   Hopefully with clean socks and shoes, it’s one step closer to getting back on their feet.

Posted by Anja Weyant and Samantha Shaffer

Holiday Decorations at the Winery

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Our first winter at the Winery started off with decorating for the holidays in mid November.  We used a lot of greenery outside, including swags along our fence posts and a garland around the entrance way.  Left over pine branches were arranged in various containers,  ranging from flower pots to milk crates.  New light stands were wrapped around the grapevine garland along our fence rail so all the lights were brightly shining.

Inside the tasting room we kept decorations simple, since we don’t have very much space.   We hung red Christmas balls on gold ribbons in all our windows, and places battery operated candles (which are covered in actual wax) below.  Some candles were placed in wreaths, others on candleholders or in lanterns.

You may have noticed our arrow above the wine rack, which holds seasonal ornaments.  For the winter we chose a Red Cardinal and we strung a green garland through the top of the wine rack.  The music changed to holiday classics to help spread even more cheer.

Anja made festive bottle ornaments, complete with tags, transforming any of our wines into a perfect holiday gift.

Throughout the weeks leading up to Christmas, Rachel and Samantha were busy organizing various craft and painting activities at the winery.  Some were scheduled classes, others were “drop in” events to make bottle and cork crafts.

                

 

Posted by The Long Shot Farm

Mulled Wine for the Holidays

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Mulled wine is one of our favorites during the winter holidays.  There are lots of different ways to make this hot winter drink.  All recipes start off with wine to which mulling spices  are added, and the mixture is slowly heated until the flavors blend.  Some recipes use a mixture of wine and cider (or other juice), while others “spike” their wine with brandy or rum.  Often fruits, such as orange slices or cranberries, are added and some people like to sweeten the mixture a bit.

One of our favorite recipes is the less alcoholic version of wine and juice:

  • 1 bottle of red wine (such as Sweet Mountain Mist)
  • 3 cups of apple cider or apple juice  (or 2 cups of apple juice and 1 cup of cranapple juice)
  • 2 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick (about 3 inches)

Alternatively, you could substitute two bottles of our Winter Blend wine, which is a blend of Apple wine and Chambourcin wine, and omit the apple cider or juice.

Heat all ingredients in a crock pot – but never let it boil. Start off on the high heat setting until the liquid becomes hot, then turn it to the low or warm setting and let is simmer for about 2 hours.  The cinnamon stick should flatten out as the flavors blend together.  Serve hot and enjoy!

Posted by The Long Shot Farm