Planning & Design Chandon Jones Design / Venue The Manor 1858 / Photography & Videography Anna Wright Photography / Floral Design True Floral / DJ Gold Event Group / Catering Design Cuisine / Rentals Curated Events / Linens Stradley Davidson/ Live Painter Spencer Grace Art Space / Mobile Bar The Easy Pour / Valet MJ Valet / Stationery Stephanie Gould Calligraphy and Design
Some evenings just have a certain magic to them, and The Winter Wine Fête at The Manor 1858 was one of those nights. Set against the backdrop of this beautifully restored barn, the event welcomed Hunt Country’s event community for an evening of wine, conversation, and connection. It was the perfect way to introduce The Manor 1858 to those who will bring it to life with future celebrations, and if this night was any indication, it’s destined to become a beloved gathering place.
Set on a quiet stretch of countryside, The Manor 1858 is a 4,900-square-foot Stone Bank barn that dates back to—you guessed it—1858. With its weathered stone walls, exposed beams, and carefully considered updates, the space has a way of feeling both grand and intimate. That evening, the weather couldn’t have been better—mid-60s with a soft breeze—so we threw open the doors and let the fresh air carry through the space, making it feel as if we truly dining al fresco.
Inside The Manor 1858, the design for the evening played on the balance of masculine and feminine elements—strong architectural details softened by layered textiles, candlelight, and organic textures. The heart of The Parlour was an impressive 6-foot-wide by 20-foot-long table, its floral-patterned linen from Stradley Davidson adding a painterly quality to the room. Curated Events provided modern ceramic plates, ribbed flatware, and wicker chargers—understated but impactful details that made the table feel effortlessly refined.
One of my favorite touches? The custom menus by Stephanie Gould Calligraphy, wrapped in leather-textured paper and embossed with an apple blossom motif—a quiet nod to the orchard newly planted behind the venue.
Multiple lounge areas were arranged throughout, inviting guests to settle in, sip their wine, and enjoy good conversation.
One of the most-loved details of the night was live portrait artist Spencer Grace, who quietly worked in the background, capturing guests in soft, painterly strokes—an elegant and unexpected keepsake.
The evening began al fresco, with guests greeted by The Easy Pour’s Mobile Bar, where sparkling wine set the tone for the night.
Inside, Chris Gold of Gold Event Group created a warm, ambient glow that made the space feel like the kind of place you could stay in for hours. And that’s exactly what we did.
As the evening progressed, we gathered for a wine tasting led by sommelier Matthew Demma, a deep dive into Virginia wines alongside global selections. The theme—Virginia and Abroad—featured two Viogniers and two Cabernet Francs, one from Virginia and one from a renowned wine region elsewhere in the world.
Each wine was paired with a thoughtful dish: a delicate burrata ravioli alongside the Viogniers, followed by a rich, smoked short rib Bourguignon with the bold reds. To finish, a raspberry tartelette added just the right touch of sweetness.
By the time the tasting ended, the energy in the room was magnetic—guests lingered in their seats, deep in conversation, reluctant to call it a night. The Manor 1858 had done exactly what it was meant to do—bring people together in a way that felt warm, effortless, and memorable. And if this gathering was any indication, it’s just the beginning of many incredible evenings to come in this special place.
