Wineries Step Up To Help Loudoun County's Homelessness Nonprofit

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — This fall, wineries in Loudoun County will team up to help women and families experiencing homelessness.

Now through the end of October, participating wineries will host the "Shelter in Every Sip" to benefit Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia. The wineries will have informational cards on display to seek donations from guests. Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia provides shelter, transitional housing and support services to achieve stability and self-sufficiency. In Loudoun County, it has six transitional homes, an emergency shelter and four retail thrift stores.

"Many people come to Loudoun to enjoy our beautiful scenery, but they may not realize that so many of our neighbors are silently struggling with homelessness," said Good Shepherd of Northern Virginia's chief development officer Linda Lefebvre. "This partnership is a way to bring that hidden crisis into the light and offer a simple way for people to make a difference while they enjoy all that our community has to offer."

Doug Fabbioli is the owner of participating winery Fabbioli Cellars minutes from Good Shepherd's transitional housing.

"We have a responsibility to look out for each other," said Fabbioli. "Wine has always brought people together. By sharing our table and raising awareness, we can help lift up families who are working to rebuild their lives."

"We, at Bleu Frog Vineyards, are honored to join this important effort," added owner Jan Kernan on behalf of her husband Joe and staff. "As a family-friendly business, we believe in the spirit of one united Loudoun: that we are all one family, and each of us needs support and encouragement at different times in our lives."

Vineyards and tasting rooms participating in the fundraising campaign are:

• Catamaran Hills Vineyard, Lovettsville
• Doukenie Winery, Hillsboro
• Williams Gap Vineyard, Round Hill
• Two Twisted Posts Winery, Purcellville
• Walsh Family Wine, Purcellville
• 868 Estate Vineyards, Purcellville
• 8 Chains North, Waterford
• Blue Frog Vineyards, Leesburg
• Fabbioli Cellars, Leesburg
• Good Spirit Farm, Leesburg