The Clifton Homes Tour Market Place

The Clifton Community Woman’s Club (CCWC) presented its 39th Spring Home Tour and Marketplace on Thursday. The Market Place was held at the beautiful Paradise Springs Winery.

Almost at the end of winding Yates Ford Road, the setting of the winery is perfect. On one side of the driveway is a vineyard; on the other, a charming cabin built in the 19th century; across a meadow are two inviting red barns.

Drew Wiles, the son of the owner of Paradise Springs, explained that the larger barn had opened just three weeks ago. On the first floor, it contains a spacious, comfortable tasting room, and the “production facility” is located on the ground floor.

 It was designed to match the smaller barn, which was moved from Fairfax City long ago. After each board was numbered, the barn was taken apart, carried to Clifton and then reassembled.

The handsome, new barn held the CCWC Market Place, which is always delightful to visit. It featured a silent auction and a boutique; both offered real treasures and unbelievable bargains.

Fairfax Station resident Angela Ganey has organized the silent auction for three years. Donna Kerivan, who also lives in Fairfax Station, works with her, preparing the many bidding sheets and a spreadsheet to keep track of the donations, the bids and the winners.

The items, which were donated by sponsors, friends and members, were hard to pass up:  lunches with Tim Hugo and George Barker, a golf foursome at the Fairfax Country Club, a pair of $400 sunglasses from Saks, dinner at the Bistro L’hermitage in Woodbridge, a painting by portrait artist Jeff Lubin. Tempting premiums like these covered both sides of four tables.

 In comparing this Silent Auction with those held previously, Angela Ganey said,  “The venue is great. It is great to have it here.” Like so many other guests, she added that she would like the Market Place “to stay at Paradise Springs forever.”

Jane Kincheloe, who owns the winery, circulated around the tasting room with her tiny, 2.5-pound dog Foxy. Undoubtedly the cutest pooch in Clifton, Foxy attracted people to Jane like a magnet. In discussing Paradise Springs and the use of the land, which has belonged to her family since 1716, she said, “Virginia wines are getting better. It is a good time to be part of the Virginia wine industry. A glass of wine is a perfect fit with the Homes Tour lunch.”

Visitors evidently agreed with Kincheloe. Every table was filled with happy people, chatting with each other, eating box lunches prepared at the Winery and sipping wine.

After the silent auction and lunch, it was time to check out the venders. CCWC President Barbara Muzzi and Debby Crozier co-chaired the Boutique. Muzzi commented that she, too, was “happy to have a new venue and new venders.”

Exceptional merchandise, as always, was on display. Much of it was crafted by the venders themselves. At Oo La La Jewelry, for example, owner Midge McHugh makes all her necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

Fran Spaeder, who is a quilter, has been to the event four or five times. Her quilting is beautiful. Cushions, bags, throws and even a quilt or two are sewn with brilliant colors in striking patterns. Like so many others, she praised the “lovely venue” and the time she spends at the Market Place.

At the Culinary Herb Farm table, Pat Suda represented her daughter-in-law, Kim Kresge. Years ago, Pat started the business, which is located on Popes Head Road. Then it was called the Fox Herb Farm. When she moved to Manassas, Kim took over the farm and business.

Like Pat, she grows herbs and spices, packaging them and selling them at craft fairs. Some are mixed with quality olive oil and bottled. Pat and Kim mix others, like their Cajun spice, with cream cheese and give customers a sample. All are delicious with bread or crackers.

Entertaining Designs is always an eye-catcher. Melanie Barry, who lives in Burke, embellishes glass dishes, utensils and accessories with wire and glass discs. Each item requires a minimum of 16 steps before it is completed. The implements are stainless steel; the wire contains sterling, but doesn’t tarnish; and the glass is tempered. They can all be put into the dishwasher -- no more silver to polish.

The Market Place for the 39th CCWC Homes Tour was the best yet. Over and over again, visitors and venders raved about the Winery. Its “gorgeous setting,” said jewelry designer Midge McHugh, was perfect. It was a time for friends to get together and to enjoy themselves.  Many thanks to all the people who organized and helped managed it with such enthusiasm and courtesy.