Honora Winery & Vineyard Announces Plans for Historic Barn in Wilmington Governor to Speak at Reception

WILMINGTON, VT—Honora Winery & Vineyard will unveil the vision for a major new culinary tourism and community space for Southern Vermont at a “Walking, Talking & Tasting Tour” community reception and press briefing on Monday, November 30 at 11:00 a.m. Governor Jim Douglas and other invited officials have been invited to speak about the importance of tourism for Vermont and the enormous potential in agriculture and culinary tourism. The kick-off will officially launch the fundraising effort to help bring this new food venture to fruition.



Patty Farrington, owner of the building and owner of Honora Winery & Vineyard, said the historic barn was originally purchased in 2004 to operate retail and manufacturing activities. “Since then, we’ve reconstructed the barn to its original foundation footprint and realized there could be a better purpose for the 30,000 square foot space.”



“We’re committed to the new vision that will be an important economic engine for the area. The concept captures the widespread interest in good food and good living and capitalizes on the increasing dollars being spent on culinary travel and food education.”



“Here in Southern Vermont we have all the resources to offer cooking classes, cooking and baking demonstrations, creative dining experiences, food festivals, winery visits and quests for travelers interested in regional specialties. What’s missing is an agricultural and culinary center and food hub to turn this wonderful opportunity into thousands of dollars for our region and Vermont tourism.”



Special guests will include the Junior Iron Chef team, Hakuna Matata, from Wilmington’s Twin Valley High School that won Best in Show at the Junior Iron Chef Competition in Burlington last year for their Veggie Huevos Mullenos
. Team members include Stevie Cunningham-Darrah, 
Shannon Lozito, Chelsea Schneider.



Grafton Village Cheese Company will be conducting a cheese tasting and Honora Winery & Vineyard will offer a wine tasting. Sharon Myers, the Purple Chef, will be providing lite fare.



The reception will take place at 211 Vermont Route 9 East, the site of the historic barn that is situated across from the White House in Wilmington. Community members and media are cordially invited to attend. For more information, please call 802-258-3992.