Forging an Unlikely Alliance
Written by Matthew Krogh, photo by Matthew Krogh
Rarely is a connection made between Georgian architecture, a Civil War battle, and the winegrowing industry. However, that is exactly what has been forged among Woodlawn Plantation, Annefield Vineyards, Hunting Creek Vineyards, and Staunton River Battlefield State Park which historically and physically connects these two Southside localities.
It all started several years ago when Mark and Jeanene Krogh purchased Woodlawn, a circa 1780 dwelling overlooking the Staunton River in Halifax. Over the next decade the Kroghs proceeded to restore the dwelling with painstaking research and accuracy. Woodlawn, a 4,000 square foot structure, is the ancestral seat of the Colemans, one of Southside’s most prominent families. Colonel John Coleman built Woodlawn in stages during the Revolution while serving in various political offices and military roles. His son, Colonel Henry Embry Coleman served as a juror on Aaron Burr’s trial in Richmond, as an infantry officer in the War of 1812, and as a justice of the peace. The site was also home to hundreds of slaves who toiled to maintain the home, crops, and livestock. Today, many of Woodlawn’s black and white residents remain buried on the property. In 2011, I made plans for a luncheon and tour of the house and grounds for Osher students. Overall, Woodlawn has given students a closer look at historic preservation and landscape architecture as well as the effects of agriculture, war, and politics on the Virginia gentry.
Two miles down the road from Woodlawn is Staunton River Battlefield State Park which hosted a skirmish in 1864. Federal cavalry surreptitiously raided Southside throughout the Summer of 1864 in an attempt to cut Confederate supply lines. This led them to the covered bridge over the Staunton River which they intended to destroy. Their raid ended when they were met by a ragtag group of Southern infantry and artillery. Colonel Henry Eaton Coleman, who was born at Woodlawn in 1837, was convalescing in Halifax when he received word of the impending battle. He hurried to the field and led the local volunteers known as the “old men and young boys” across the bridge to defy the Union army of 5,000. In the end, just over 900 raw Rebels carried the day with pluck and bluff, and the bridge was saved until April 1865 when retreating Southerners burned it. Today, a visitor center interprets the preserved earthworks, archaeological sites, and a 600 foot long bridge.
A few miles from the battlefield are two excellent wineries that have successfully parleyed Southside’s red clay into a fine grape yielding terroir. Hunting Creek Vineyards of Halifax was established in 2002 by Milt and Sandy McPherson. Stephen Ballard and Michael Leary established Annefield Vineyards in Charlotte in 2005. These two wineries, the former based in a vernacular log cabin and the latter in an antebellum plantation, have produced award winning wines. That in mind, Osher students often end their trip with a glass of Annefield’s 2011 red Bourdeaux blend which pairs well with roasted game. Students also sample Hunting Creek’s 2011 Viognier and Petit Verdot blend, which pairs well with raspberry or chocolate desserts. These two wineries have shared experiences and information over the years making for a competitive but friendly partnership. Both also end their growing season with festive harvest parties. Both wineries are proof that Virginia wine adds yet another cultural flavor to the Old Dominion.
In the end, this excursion to rural Southern Virginia helps students appreciate the Old Dominion’s heritage and history in fascinating ways. I plan to lead another field trip to the area in Summer 2014, and I encourage you to consider participating in this unique cultural experience.