You are Cordially Invited to
A Virginia Hunt Country Retreat
HOSTED BY
Tuesday, November 14 – Thursday, November 16, 2023
You are invited to experience Piedmont Virginia at its finest through the lens of a multigenerational family brand. Together as friends and esteemed colleagues, proprietor Matilda Reuter Engle and the Middleburg Hospitality group invite you to experience two days in historic Middleburg immersed in the seasonal Hunt Country lifestyle.
In October, you will be receiving a physical invitation to mark the occasion, at which point this digital page will be updated with a brief itinerary, attire suggestions and we will request your flight details to ensure comfortable ground transportation is arranged for your arrival.
Experience the Magic
DAY 1 | THE RED FOX INN & TAVERN
DAY 2 | GLENSTONE GARDENS
Born into a family full of Virginia pride and a deep respect for the lifestyle that accompanied countryside pursuits and sporting pastimes, I was raised amongst the convergence of history and natural beauty. I was taught to live by the seasons, to work hard, and to entertain wholeheartedly.
“Preserving my family’s legacy and lifestyle is a gift – one that is best done by bestowing the gift upon others. I am thrilled to welcome you into our world this fall.”
Matilda Reuter Engle, Retreat Host
Retreat Locations
THE RED FOX INN & TAVERN
2 East Washington Street
Middleburg, Virginia 20117
THE RED FOX INN & TAVERN
2 East Washington Street
Middleburg, Virginia 20117
As the cornerstone of the quaint village of Middleburg, the historic fieldstone Inn & Tavern embodies the Piedmont’s cultural heritage. Steeped in the lore of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and inspired by four centuries of Virginia Hunt Country tradition, The Red Fox is a destination for unforgettable cuisine and accommodations, with a variety of tastefully appointed entertaining spaces to suit every social occasion. Located an hour outside of Washington, D.C., this landmark establishment offers a meticulously refined setting rich in Virginia hospitality and tradition, with visitations by many notable politicians and celebrities, including frequent guest Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
GLENSTONE GARDENS
39389 Buchannon Gap Road
Aldie, Virginia 20105
GLENSTONE GARDENS
39389 Buchannon Gap Road
Aldie, Virginia 20105
Tucked under the Eastern slope of the Bull Run Mountains lies Glenstone Gardens, a meticulously manicured Virginia estate ideally suited for hosting sophisticated celebrations synonymous with Middleburg’s grandeur and elegance. Located less than forty-five miles from our nation’s capital, Glenstone Gardens’ centuries old grounds, sweeping views and English inspired gardens stand in stark contrast to the bright lights, hustle and bustle of the nearby city. This magnificent property is one of the most exclusive in the area and provides a true taste of the serenity and natural beauty that only the Virginia countryside can offer.
Getting Here
ARRIVAL SUGGESTION
Flights can be booked into Dulles International Airport (IAD). Arrival by 2:00PM/ET is preferred. Private ground transportation from IAD to The Red Fox Inn & Tavern will be provided. Both night’s accommodations, along with all meals and activities are a courtesy of Middleburg Hospitality.
Please note: the travel time between IAD and Middleburg is approximately 45 minutes.
DEPARTURE SUGGESTION
Check out on Thursday, November 16 anytime prior to 1:00PM. A casual in room breakfast will be delivered in the morning, and you’re welcome to enjoy Middleburg and the region through the early afternoon.
Hunt Country Hosts
Retreat Host
MATILDA REUTER ENGLE
Matilda is the Proprietor of Middleburg Hospitality and General Manager of both Glenstone Gardens and The Red Fox Inn & Tavern. She takes great pride in her role as the third generation steward of her family’s remarkable hospitality legacy. Her passion for regional history runs deep and Matilda’s appreciation for the treasured and time-honored Virginian way of life has informed her approach to event management, design and client service in high end hospitality. Matilda has curated a thoughtful two day experience that integrates unique culinary purveyors of The Piedmont, field & country experiences, restorative moments of exploration and more.
Design Partners
MARIEE AMI
Our design partners, Neillie Butler and Chelsea Bell of Mariee Ami, have infused the design of our distinct gatherings with a masterful aesthetic eye. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, Mariee Ami is a full-fledged event production and design house, bringing multi-day celebrations to life with excellence. Their ethos is rooted in client service and the virtues of true hospitality – the perfect partner to help bring to life a centuries-old story of cultural heritage. Mariee Ami is an industry leading firm recognized not only for their immense skill and turnkey capabilities but for their warmth, humility and integrity as creative partners. Matilda and the Middleburg Hospitality team are grateful to Neillie and Chelsea for their gracious design contributions to this event.
PR + Marketing
IN GOOD COMPANY
Natalie Denyse, founder of In Good Company PR, will be joining us alongside Courtney Jenney, Account Coordinator for this special event as Glenstone Garden’s PR partner. In Good Company PR specializes in the premiere wedding, events and hospitality industry representing an exclusive collective of changemaker brands. They bring nearly a decade of expertise to our long tenured partnership and have been passionate facilitators of this special event behind the scenes.
Creative Partners
Emerson James Rental
Emerson James Rental was created to bring new and unique tabletop elements to special events, so that you can create meaningful spaces that welcome your guests and put them at ease. Their experience and service set them apart from all other rental companies. Their carefully selected items are chosen for their unique elements to create a table for your event that is one-of-a-kind. Their skillset is a huge value add, as they can help advise on every step of the process.
Sweet Root Village
Sweet Root Village began over a glass of wine and dreams of a creative and wonderful future doing what we love most: floral design and building community. Our studio space in Alexandria, VA is where all the magic happens. We have an amazing team that shares our passion for life and for people, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the bonds we’ve formed and friendships made over the years! Est. 2010 @sweetrootvillage | www.sweetrootvillage.com
Sophie Felts
The Sophie Felts Floral Design team produces upscale floral designs in an effort to infuse breath-taking beauty into life’s most essential moments. We execute events with the utmost reliability and precision while maintaining an organic, forward thinking approach. A flower in perfect bloom entrances us. In search of the freshest, most exquisite ingredients, we source unusual and heirloom flowers from growers locally and around the world. Rare foliage and blooming branches from our own tree farm give structure to our larger installations. @sophiefelts | www.sophiefelts.com
Josh Gooden Cinema
At first glance, Josh Gooden and Serena Jae are cinematographers. For over a decade they have nurtured their fondness for enchanting imagery and emotive audibles, creating fine art heirlooms with a distinguishable luminosity. Beyond a deep rooted affection for their artistry, however, is a much simpler aspiration for their collaborative filmmaking partnership. They are expert storytellers with an organic sincerity for crafting meaningful narratives. @joshgoodencinema | www.joshgooden.com
Heather Waraksa Photography
While photographing globally for nearly two decades, Heather has earned her place as one of the top wedding photographers working today. She blends both film and digital mediums to create timeless yet modern work. Originally from VA, she currently resides in Brooklyn, NY. She formally studied photography and film and received a BFA from VCU. Her work has been published in Vogue, Harpers BAZAAR, Martha Stewart, Brides Magazine, NY Magazine, and The New York Times. Among many accolades throughout the years, most recently, she was named a 2023 Best Wedding Photographer by Over the Moon + The Wed. @heatherwaraksa | www.heatherwaraksa.com
Laura Gordon Photography
Laura Gordon creates painterly images with an effortless sense of nostalgia and romance. Her work is greatly influenced by the couples she photographs and inspired by the places, people and emotive elements of a wedding day. Her work is held in high regard among industry professionals and is known for her distinctive style.
Select Event Group
Founded in 2000, Select Event Group has grown to be a highly respected event rental company for the region’s and nation’s most successful event professionals, Select is dedicated to building long term relationships based on operational excellence and a commitment to success. With over 300 talented, experienced, and passionate team members, they are one of the largest family owned event rental companies on the East Coast. From structures and tenting to rentals and furnishings, Select is committed to superior quality in all that they do. @selecteventgroup | www.selecteventgroup.com
DART COLLECTIVE
Jesse Kivel and Michael David are the founders of Dart Collective, a boutique musical entertainment company known for masterfully infusing artistry into the live performance and DJ element of distinguished private events. Dart gives private clients access to top musical talent they recognize and admire, the event entertainment that transcends all expectations. The Village Hearts, a talented folk group, will be joining us for lunch on Wednesday and Sam Jones will be DJing for our group as we dine and dance at Glenstone that evening.
Elsa Madeline
Having grown up in a family of artists, Elsa is predisposed to nurturing beauty and creating meaning through the exploration of form, color, and texture. Her education at Rhode Island School of Design, followed by her professional experiences in making hand-painted wallpaper, color product design, book illustration, and art education, further inform her ever-evolving voice as an artist.
REVERIE SOCIAL
Reverie Social was born from planner and designer demand for fresh textile designs and streamlined communication within the luxury celebration industry. As the sister company to legacy brand, PEAK Rental Services, we were able to bring together a tenured team of experts that understands the luxury event market and how design trends influence product demand. With unparalleled access to the top vendors and linen suppliers across the nation, as well as in-house manufacturing, we are able to ensure high-quality, dependable products that withstand multiple uses. We are incredibly passionate entertainers, and want to make elevated design accessible to all hosts, everywhere. @reverie_social | www.reveriesocial.com
Culinary Partners
RDV Vineyards
RdV Vineyards is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the historic town of Delaplane. Thomas Jefferson, a native of Virginia and founding father of our nation, was also a “man of the soil,” an avid viticulturist who dreamed of creating a “great American wine based on a French model.” Today, Jefferson’s vision is a reality at RdV. Bordeaux grapes, planted on a granite hillside, producing wines that marry the elegance of Bordeaux with the bold spirit of California. RdV Vineyards is open to the public for Tours & Tastings at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, Thursday through Sunday. @rdvvineyards | www.rdvvineyards.com
BOXWOOD ESTATE WINERY
Historic Boxwood Estate Winery is just outside the nation’s capital, in Middleburg, which is recognized as one of Virginia’s leading wine regions. The winery produces only estate-grown Bordeaux-style wines with a distinctly Virginia expression. Boxwood is the accomplishment of proprietor John Kent Cooke, former owner and president of the NFL Washington Redskins – and a long-time admirer and collector of French wines, particularly great Bordeaux. Boxwood worked for six years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish the Middleburg Virginia AVA in 2012. @boxwoodestatewinery | www.boxwoodwinery.com
EARLY MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS
Located in Madison, Virginia, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Early Mountain Vineyards spans over 300 acres of breathtaking Virginia countryside. Renowned for our award-winning wines and warm hospitality, we invite you to experience the very best of Virginia wine country. Relax in our welcoming tasting room or take in the sweeping vineyard views from our picturesque outdoor spaces. Savor wines crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and a deep connection to place, thoughtfully paired with hyper-local, seasonal dishes from our celebrated culinary team. @earlymountain | www.earlymountain.com
OCEANO WINES
Oceano Wines is a joint venture between Rachel Martin and Kurt Deutsch. Rachel has been growing grapes and producing wine for over 15 years at her family’s winery and vineyard, Boxwood Estate Winery, in Middleburg, Virginia. Kurt is a Grammy-award-winning music, theatre and film producer, now working as a senior vice president for Warner Music Entertainment. Together the two decided to make wine from a very specific place, Spanish Springs Vineyard, on the coast of San Luis Obispo, California. As the westernmost vineyard site in California, Spanish Springs provided the cool climate they sought for the two varieties they wanted to bottle, chardonnay and pinot noir. @oceanowines | www.oceanowines.com
LOST WHISKEY
We are architects and craftsmen who started a whiskey company. We like things old and natural: wood, steel, people, buildings, landscapes, souls, or hell…any good story. We prefer analog over the digital, the simple over the complex, the slow over the frantic. We don’t think we’re alone – yearning for more long days in the saddle, on the porch, fishing a remote river, early morning adventures and long dinners with loved ones. We think whiskey and architecture are key and compatible ingredients to life. Our straight bourbon is single barrel with a unique story number leather band. Celebrate that experience, save the leather, remember that day, that moment, that smile, that conversation. Because for us there is nothing more valuable than your STORY. @lostwhiskeydistillery | www.lostwhiskey.com
OLD TOWN CIDERY
Old Town Cidery is one of the few hard ciders made entirely in-house, crafted from our family’s legacy of Glaize Apple orchards. Every sip of our cider was planted, picked, pressed and juiced in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia under our watchful eye. As farmers, we know which apples will produce the best taste, and when to pick them. By cutting out the middleman and keeping the processing under our roof, we are able to ensure our juice is as fresh as humanly possible. Old Town Cidery is 100% tree to can. @oldtowncidery | www.oldtowncidery.com
RAPPAHANNOCK OYSTER CO.
In 1899, 24-year-old James Croxton purchased 2 acres of fertile Rappahannock River bottom near Butylo, Virginia, looking to supplement a modest farm income. What he probably never imagined was kick-starting a company that would go on to endure and prosper for more than a century. Rappahannock has since gone from supplying local dinner tables to gracing the white tablecloths of some of the finest restaurants around the world. Today the company is still family-owned, run by J.A.’s great grandsons, Ryan and Travis Croxton, recipients of Food & Wine’s “Tastemaker Award” and Southern Living’s “50 People Who Are Changing the South. @rroysters | www.rroysters.com
KINLOCH FARM
Kinloch Farm operates at the intersection of agriculture and conservation. We believe these two activities are intertwined, which is why we pursue regenerative and adaptive management principles designed to support ecological processes and outcomes across our farm. We pursue adaptive grazing practices with our cattle that are bred to consume Virginia forages and produce an outstanding animal. The grazing herd regenerates our land by improving soil microbiology, increasing water retention, storing carbon, and promoting a diversity of forages in our system. We operate in a system of patience, observation and adaptation.
Rucker Farm
At Rucker Farm we raise pastured beef, pork, and poultry! This is a multigenerational working family farm since 1952–purchased from Dick Rucker by Isabelle’s grandfather Tommy Eastham. Our mission is to steward the soil and grass and treat them as vital keystone players to our farms future success. This ensures a better understanding and harmony with mother nature– resulting in our animals living a quality life, one we are proud to share! Rucker Farm is dedicated to protecting the land for future generations, growing food that is nutrient dense, healing, and serves a greater communal need. @ruckerfarm.va | www.ruckerfarm.com
Chilly Hollow Farm
Chilly Hollow Farm, conveniently located right off route 7 in Berryville VA, was established in 2011 and is owned and operated by Farmer Justin Carrasco. Growing without chemicals requires us to put more labor and time toward protecting our crops. We use protective row cover fabric to keep out pests, not chemical sprays. We want you to know who is growing your food and how they are growing it and we strive to always use sustainable and organic practices. We grow over a hundred varieties of produce and harvest nearly everything the day of our CSA pickup to guarantee the freshest produce possible. Supporting local farmers is a great way to keep money in your community and your family healthy. . @chillyhollowfarm | www.chillyhollowproduce.com
Village Cheese Works
Village Cheese Works was started with the idea that “it takes a village” to produce a local product that supports local farms and connects customers to the community. Village Cheese Works partnered with the last commercial dairy in Loudon County, VA, Dogwood Farm, which has been family-owned and operated for five generations, to source their milk for curdling. In 2020, owners Eric Hiltgartner and Kelly Harding took an old, abandoned creamery site and rebuilt it over 18 months. Their first batches of cheese were started in March and April of 2021. Village Cheese Works offers an array of cheeses named after historic villages in Virginia. @villagecheeseworks | www.villagecheeseworks.com
Glaze Apples
Glaize Apples grow in orchards down the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Since 1937, four generations of Glaizes have added to the history of premium fruit harvests between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. Glaize Apples of Winchester is optimally located to distribute fresh fruit on routes local, regional, and beyond.
Adventure Partners
Westerly Sporting Grounds
Neighboring Glenstone Gardens, Westerly is an ultra-private sporting grounds set against the rolling foothills and ridges of the Bull Run Mountain range in Aldie, Virginia. This expansive playground offers unique sporting adventures authentic to the Virginia Piedmont, providing the perfect canvas for guided mountain hikes, trail rides, and sporting pursuits. These sporting opportunities are only available to Glenstone Garden’s clients and their guests seeking outdoor adventure and fresh Virginia air.
Oak Spring Garden Foundation
The mission of the Oak Spring Garden Foundation (OSGF) is to perpetuate and share the gifts of Rachel (“Bunny”) Lambert Mellon, including her residence, garden, estate and the Oak Spring Garden Library, to serve the public interest. OSGF is dedicated to inspiring and facilitating scholarship and public dialogue on the history and future of plants, including the culture of gardens and landscapes and the importance of plants for human well-being. Consistent with the strong and loyal support that Mrs. Mellon provided to many individuals during her lifetime, a major focus for OSGF will be to invest in people and encourage the development of individuals who can be leaders in advancing our mission.
National Sporting Library & Museum
Founded in 1954, the National Sporting Library & Museum (NSLM) is located in Middleburg, the heart of Virginia’s beautiful hunt country. The inviting, 6-acre campus, world-class research Library, and fine art Museum highlight the rich heritage and tradition of country pursuits. Angling, horsemanship, shooting, steeplechasing, foxhunting, flat racing, polo, coaching, and wildlife are among the subjects one can explore in the institution’s general stacks, rare book holdings, archives, and art collection. The NSLM offers a wide variety of educational programs, exhibitions, and family activities throughout the year. @nationalsportinglm | www.nationalsporting.org
Expedition Vintage
Expedition Vintage LLC provides exceptional and unique touring and travel experiences in Hunt Country in and around Middleburg, Virginia. From group experiences visiting the local vineyards and breweries to bespoke intimate and special experiences we offer many opportunities to have an extraordinary visit to the Middleburg region. Arriving at a local vineyard for a wine tasting becomes an entirely new and excitingly unique experience when we arrive in one of our Vintage Land Rovers. Expedition Vintage LLC will make sure your time visiting Hunt Country and Middleburg is unique, special, and fun. @expeditionvintage | www.expeditionvintage.com
Harmons Carriage
Harmon’s Carriages has been in business for over 40 years providing a dash of elegance to wedding days all across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. Our teams of horses and drivers are here to help make your day pop with that perfect arrival, go away, photo background, or rides for your guests. We are also able to provide white mares for South Asian Baraats and have helped many new couples begin their journey together with the Vidaai ceremony. We’re happy to provide carriage or hayrides for any community, church, family, or business event from birthday celebrations to community hayrides through the neighborhood to look at holiday lights! @harmonshayrides | www.harmonscarriages.com
Indian Summer Guide Service
Indian Summer Guide Service was founded in 2010 by Ashton Beebe, an Albemarle County native and avid horseback rider. The name references this cowboy’s gratitude for those warm, late Autumn stretches of time that make it seem like winter will forget about Virginia. Humbled by nature’s solitude, enlivened by exploration, and appreciation of fine local beverages, the family sought to share their perspective of Central Virginia by offering unique horseback riding experiences to the public. With the goal of creating a safe, fun, relaxed atmosphere, riders of any skill level can enjoy a private horseback riding experience. This is not a nose to tail ride, the horses are well trained, responsive, and able to accommodate riders of all skill levels on an exploratory adventure of your favorite venue. @indiansummerguideservice | www.indiansummerguideservice.com
Guest List
BLAKE SAMS
@gregoryblakesamsevents
@gregoryblakesamsevents
ALLISON JACKSON
@pineappleprodc
@pineappleprodc
CALDER CLARK
@calderclark
@calderclark
CAITLIN WHITESIDE
@calderclark
@calderclark
JACIN FITZGERALD
@jacinfitzgerald
@jacinfitzgerald
LAURIE ARONS
@lauriearons
@lauriearons
DAVID BEAHM
@davidbeahm
@davidbeahm
JUSTINE STERLING
@brigadeevents
@brigadeevents
APRIL ZORSKY
@brigadeevents
@brigadeevents
ALIX STRAUS @alixstrauss
SALLIE LEWIS @sallielewis.co
NATALIE DENYSE
@ingoodcompanypr
@ingoodcompanypr
COURTNEY JENNEY
@ingoodcompanypr
@ingoodcompanypr
Our Creative Partners will be joining us throughout the retreat, as we are crafting a collective experience to be shared by all.
Gifting Partners
