Spencer's Blog

We have been to Virginia Mountain Vineyards twice now and both times came away impressed with thier wines and especially with their There is an interesting view of the Peaks of Otter from the backside. Some people don't even recognize it! The owner is the winemaker, bottler, taster, chief cook an...

Our next stop was out on the other side of the James river (my favorite fishing) at Blue Ridge Vineyard. Their wines were good (remember my non-critiquing rule) and we enjoyed a couple of their dry reds especially. But first and foremost their outdoor party room and indoor tatsting room are fanta...

Our first stop was meant to be the farthest from Roanoke, but because of Dick Cheney's passing through the area, rt 220 was blocked at rt 81 for some time so we detoured to Fincastle Vineyard & Winery. They are easy to get to, a short distance off route 11 closer to Trouteville than Fincastle. Th...

I recently had an opportunity to travel the Botetourt County Wine Trail. It is a bit short, consisting of just 3 vineyards, but the experiences presented by each are quality and worthwhile. Each is unique and offers a fair variety of wines, some award winners among them. I will refrain from criti...

Sales are down down down! It has been quite slow for me the past 3 months. I currently have 1 listing under contract and 1 active listing. I have a few listings coming up and I am working with 6 active buyers. Most folks are hesitant to act right now. I hear rumors about offices around town on th...

Today (Saturday 11/8) is a day off for my wife and I. We are joining 2 other couples and going on a self guided tour of the 3 wineries located within Botetourt County.   Our first stop will be Virginia Mountain Vineyards located near Fincastle a few miles off route 220. Deena and I have been ther...

As of today, Friday 11/7, there are 1413 active residential real estate listings in Roanoke and Roanoke County. In all, the entire Roanoke Valley has 3938 homes available. Keep in mind that this figure does not include commercial, farm, land or multi-family homes. If this is not a buyers' market,...