Well, hello there, and welcome to another episode of Industry Night with me, Nycci Nellis. If you are watching the show, you may be like — she is at a winery but not the one she was at last episode — and you would be right! This week, I am taking a break from Barrel Oak in Delaplane and out further in Virginia! I am in Culpeper, Virginia, at the Old House Vineyard. It's a Vineyard, A Brewery, A Distillery, a restaurant, and so much more! And more about that in a minute. Let me tell you how I got here: A year ago, I was invited to a MATPRA conference — MATPRA The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance is all about regional tourism in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. Basically, it brings together journalists and destinations within the mid-Atlantic - now I know you know there's so much going on in this region because I tell you — but so many counties and municipalities offer an incredible array of fabulous things to do, eat, and drink. So, at this MATPRA event, I met Nicole Warner, Comms/Marketing Manager for the town of Culpeper. We hit it off for various reasons, but she really taught me what was going on in Culpeper. She was like, did you know we have a truffle farm? Um, no. And a Bison Farm — that you can go and visit? Um, no. And we have Virginia's first trifecta — a what? The first winery/brewery and distillery at Old House Vineyards.

So, needless to say, I needed to get to Culpeper and see, touch, smell, drink, and eat everything happening there.
And Voila! Industry Night With Nycci Nellis Goes to Culpeper was born.
On today's show, I am chatting with:
-Paige Read, Director of Culpeper Tourism
-Ryan Kearney, General Manager of Old House Vineyards
-Olivia Taylor & Vanessa Shea of Virginia Truffles
-Steven Williams of Virginia Bison Company
-Joclyn Yarnell, Head Chef Green Ribbon Restaurant here in Old House Vineyards

It's all so exciting because not only am I going to talk to all these people doing exceptional things here in Culpepper, but I am also going to get my hands dirty!
So listen to this show, watch it on youtube and check out my instagram because I will have reels and highlights of all of my doings while I am visiting.
And speaking of Instagram, you all have been incredibly engaged with my latest posts. Yes, I did change things up a bit. You said you wanted more from me — and I was reluctant. Put a mic in my hand, and I am good. Someone else turns a camera on me, and I light up. But turning the camera on myself? Not so easy. You all have made it super easy. Thank you for that. Nycci Knows News is a new offering, and my "Pro-Tips" are for both diners and those in the hospitality industry.

Okay before we get into the show a bit about where I have been — 'cause you know I've been out!
-A day in Delaplane. Barrel Oak Winery, Whole Ox — Double Smash Bison Burger — uh where are they getting their Bison?
-Ama - Johanna Hellrigl & Micah Wilder ode to Italia — You want to sit at the bar, the focaccia, the pasta — oh the fennel salad — but the best is chef's torte's and pistachio gelato
-Beach Trip - Thrashers, fries - duh. Fractured Prune, the hand dipped donuts - duh. Oceanside, new owners - same delicious Italian subs (don't at me you crazy Billy's fans, their subs are not what they were). Drift, no duh here - this year-old restaurant is putting out a thoughtful menu by Chef Tom Wiswell. They source regionally and they had me peach and blackberry Panzanella.

Let's Go To Culpepper
Culpeper, Virginia, named the “Prettiest Town in Virginia” by Architectural Digest in 2018, combines small-town charm with big-city convenience. Not far from Washington, DC, Fredericksburg, and Charlottesville, it is the perfect escape.

The Town of Culpeper is a place of history, and there has been quite a bit of Growth over the past few years — you can shop at unique boutiques, taste local craft brews, go on a hike in Shenandoah National Park and do not miss LOVE sculpture.

Highlites with time stamps:Guests Social Media Links:

1. Olivia Taylor & Vanessa Shea
   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiatruffles
   Website: https://www.virginiatruffle.com
2. Paige Read:
   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visitculpeperva/
   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitCulpeperVA/
   Website: https://visitculpeperva.com
3. Ryan Kearney
   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldhousevineyards/
   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldhousevineyards/
   Website: https://oldhousetoday.com/
4. Joclyn Yarnell
   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenribbonva/
   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenribbonva
   Website: https://www.greenribbonva.com
5. Steven Williams
   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginiabison/
   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginiabison/?locale=pt_BR&_rdr
   Website: https://www.virginiabison.com/

Featuring Nycci Nellis

https://www.instagram.com/nyccinellis/https://www.thelistareyouonit.com/

Produced by Heartcast Media

http://www.heartcastmedia.com

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
05:34 - Must-Visit Eateries and Destinations
14:59 - Boutique Lodging: Local Experiences and Culinary Delights
17:49 - Exploring Rural Communities and Local Offerings
26:07 - From Dairy Barn Fire to Brewery Expansion
29:38 - Truffles Unveiled: An Interview with Olivia and Vanessa
35:37 - Growing Farm Business through Agritourism and Sales
39:42 - Enhancing Taste Experiences with Truffles
45:47 - Cheryl's Insights: Farm Practices and Impact
52:11 - Utilizing Bison Bones in Dog Food Production
53:05 - Culpeper's Culinary Delights: The Green Ribbon at The Vineyard
01:04:53 - Community Connection: Annual Farm Tours & Bison Stories
01:07:39 - Outro