Christmas Letter from the Laytons
Greetings from the Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery Family,
If there is one thing that defined 2018 it is RAIN! Maryland’s Eastern Shore received its fair share and then some. All the farmers and growers were impacted in some way – even Lazy Day Farm and Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery.
But despite the weather, our harvest is beautiful, and holds all the expectations for a great 2019! This past year’s weather has made us very grateful that we put tile drainage under all the vines as it has lessened the impact of all that rain on the grapes.
Our staff did an amazing job being flexible and thinking-on-their-feet thanks to the rainy weather. From losing power at our Music Bingo to moving several concerts to our barn, our amazing team has always rolled with punches and make the best of every situation.
And, you our guests, have made it all worth it. Seeing the fun you have at our concerts (1,100 of you!), markets, lazy day Sundays, karaoke nights and private events is why we “Work like crazy so you can be lazy.” Whether sun or rain you were not to be deterred from having a great time at the winery! Truly, that is why we do what we do and your coming back keeps us making the wines you love to drink.
Our awesome festival volunteers are amazing and the love you have for Layton’s Chance shows in every pour. You truly are our ambassadors! In 2018 our volunteers came out for 15 festivals across the state to support, pour and really talk us up. This year you really earned your way into our volunteer corps and your “I make pour decisions” t-shirts to show your membership! 2019 offers more volunteer opportunities so please come back and bring a friend.
When the 2018 Harvest Festival and Maryland Wine Festival fell on the same day our great staff and volunteers were right there to take on the challenge. With more vendors than ever before at HarvestFest and a great turn out of attendees, we celebrated the grape harvest in true Layton’s Chance style! The rain held off in Westminster for the annual Maryland Wine Festival and the wine flowed, bringing our Eastern Shore favorites to our Western Shore faithful.
This year we tried to add new touches to some of our long-time events. We had great lazy Sunday afternoons with our Wine and Unwind series, featuring light music and tastings. From our themed Karaoke Fridays, kicking off with football in February, to our specialty seasonal wine pairings, featuring chocolates, Halloween candy and Christmas cookies, we helped make lots of memories for our guests. Look for new additions in 2019 on our website and in our enewsletter.
In 2018 we added over 125 members to our Gold Leaf Wine Club family. We are still waiting to meet our 500th Gold Leaf Club member. Will it be you or someone you know?
We also have been able to give back to our community through both our United wine that benefits the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore and our Freedom Wine that benefits Friends of Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. In the first half of 2018, we donated $2,115.00, representing proceeds from the sale of 423 bottles of our “Freedom” wine. This is the second donation Layton’s Chance has made since introducing the wine in 2017, with the total donation exceeding $7,000 to date. We thank our amazing customers for making these donations possible.
And finally, Bo has had a really great 2018. She is happy because she got a new friend this year. Susie the Beagle is a rescue dog we adopted in April. Susie loves trotting around the winery and exploring her new home. She can found all over the farm and is the most optimistic animal. Sweet and loving, Susie has been a great addition to our farm family. Bo still loves to meet and greet our guests, and is hopeful for the occasional treat during our events!
From the Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery family to yours, we wish you all the best of this holiday season, all the blessings of abundance and sweetness of life, and a 2019 that brings you happiness and cheer.
Cheers to one and all,
The Laytons
