Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery
Ever wonder what became of Folly Hill Winery, that rustic vineyard planted at the edge of Longwood Gardens along a wooded hillside?
We did too. Especially now during harvest-time.
So we asked local wine writer and cookbook author Roger Morris to make a visit and fill us in on all the construction, harvesting and bustling about that’s going on at the property now.
Turns out, the former Folly Hill Estate is now Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery, so named after new owners Lele and Brad Galer. The state-of-the-art vineyard is set to open summer, 2010 with plans to host private tastings to small groups. They will also sell their seven, distinct varietals to visitors and local restaurants.
To make their dream a reality, the Galer’s hired two wine consultants and a winemaker:
• Lucie Morton, an international superstar trained in viticulture (winegrape agriculture) and famous for her knowledge, experience, and wisdom in developing the highest quality vineyards in France, California and now in Virginia/Maryland/Pennsylvania;
• Nelson Stewart, a local vineyard consultant and perhaps one of the best vineyard managers in the mid-Atlantic; and
• John Levenberg, master winemaker with experience in California, France, New Zealand, and New York, known for his award-winning wines.
And, of course, there’s much more.
But we’ll let Roger tell you the rest.
Special thanks to guest contributor Roger Morris for filling in the details.
Galer Estate Vineyard and Winery: Opening Summer, 2010
By Roger Morris
Lele Galer is at heart a Romantic, and one senses there is also a touch about her of what was once called The Bohemian. Lele’s husband, Brad Galer, is a neurologist and entrepreneur whose specialty is pain medication and how to best get relief into the body’s systems.
The two met as students at Wesleyan University; Her side of the equation is art, both as an artist and a mentor, and one of her current projects has been helping re-launch the Unionville Art Gala.
Then there’s the winery.
“We thought about going to California to start one,” she says – both she and Brad are longtime wine lovers – but the kids nixed that idea.
They had settled into the Pocopson-Unionville milieu after having once again made new friends as the family moved about and being of that age when the grass looks greener where your feet are. So in 2005, Lele and Brad planted some grapes behind their old farmhouse off Route 52. And then last year the Folly Hill Winery property behind Longwood Gardens, and a couple of miles from the Galer residence, became available. (more…)
