Loudoun County tourism leaders gathered May 9 at Stone Tower Winery outside Leesburg to celebrate 40 years of the Loudoun wine industry and the 2023 Tourism Award winners.
The event, hosted by Visit Loudoun, also honored U.S. Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Leesburg), who has represented Loudoun County in Congress since 2019 and is retiring at the end of the year due to serious health conditions.
“Her love and understanding of agritourism for our community and economy has shown her support every step of the way. She has promoted Loudoun as a best practice,” said Visit Loudoun Board of Directors Chairman Esther Turner said.
Wexton, speaking through a text-to-speech app due to his medical condition, thanked Visit Loudoun for celebrating his work and for all that tourism leaders do to promote their communities. I was grateful.
“Together, we have made Loudoun a beautiful place to live and visit,” she said.
“I never imagined my career in public service would end this way, but it has been the honor of my life to represent my community in Congress,” she said. “…I still have many months left on my time, and I intend to make the most of every opportunity to serve the district.”
Frank Morgan, Virginia Governor’s Cup Wine Competition judge and syndicated columnist, led the panel discussion. He highlighted the achievements of Ennifer Breaux of Breaux Vineyards, Doug Fabbioli of Fabbioli Cellars and Lou Parker of Willowcroft Farm Vineyards. In 1984, Parker became Loudoun’s first modern wine producer.
A panel discussion discussed the history of the vineyard, its beginnings, and how those working in the tourism industry can help foster the growth of Loudoun’s wine industry.
Mr. Breaux invited participants to visit the winery and learn more about its activities.
“We want to share our story with you. We invite you to come and get to know us, become a part of us and find out what we do in our daily work. Come take a look, spend the day in our tasting room, and ask questions,” she said.
Winner
— Chris Suarez, Bear Chase Brewing Company General Manager (Tourism Manager of the Year)
— Luke Haley, National Conference Center Senior Maintenance Supervisor (Hero Behind the Scenes)
— Eduardo Alvarenga, Guest Service Agent at Candlewood Suites Sterling (Front of the House Hero)
— Cheri Shields (Loudon Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year)
— Loudoun Art Tours (Travel Diversity)
— U.S. Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Soccer Tournament by U.S. Youth Soccer (Tourism Event of the Year)
— Leesburg Flower and Garden Festival by the City of Leesburg (Community Event of the Year)
— Leesburg Loves Dogs by Leesburg Economic Development (Tourism Marketing Promotion/PR Campaign)
— Home2 Suites by Hilton Leesburg (New Tourism Business of the Year)
— Loudoun Wineries and Winegrowers Association (Judy Patterson Award)
— Old Ox Brewery (Steve Hynes Partner of the Year)
