Return of the Native
In 1988, Virginia winemaker Dennis Horton traveled back to his home state of Missouri to examine samples of the Norton grape, a hybrid developed from native American grapes. The Norton had flourished in Virginia in the 19th century, but during Prohibition it was wrenched from the Virginia landscape. Horton brought cuttings back to Virginia to plant in his vineyard near Gordonsville. His first vintage in 1992 produced promising results.
Picking Basket
Gift of Jennifer McCloud
At Chrysalis, the workers wear the same type of basket traditionally used during Virginia’s apple harvest. Because the grapes are high on the vines, the baskets, worn across the chest, can be filled without workers having to stoop to remove the clusters.
Picking knife, 2011
Gift of Jennifer McCloud
This razor knife effectively cuts the tough stems of the Norton. Because the grapes are relatively high on the trellis, workers can cut them at eye level.
