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Strapped with the vision of a living, learning wine community, John Boyer and co-founder Katie Pritchard set off to launch The Wine Lab here in Blacksburg, Virginia. Both avid wine connoisseurs, John and Katie decided to put down roots (or better suited - vines) and establish a wine bar in the hopping college town.
Their idea is to bring together people through all walks of life through the appreciation and consumption of the finer grapes. Their goal is to attract students, townies, alumni and out-of-town guests alike. They envision this establishment to be a place of business meetings, casual catch-ups, wine learning and networking. This is a pretty stark contrast compared to the other bars in town - which are mainly loud music, late night and highly geared toward the younger crowds. John and Katie want to bridge the divide between all ages and walks of life. Whatever brings you to town, The Wine Lab will suit your need.
John Boyer is passionate about wine and all things wine-related (to say the least). He has been a professor at Virginia Tech for 20 years teaching geography-based courses and has taught thousands of students (PER semester). His most sought out online courses are World Regions and Geography of Wine (each ranging 1000-1800 students a semester), both of which he has been teaching and refining for years on end. Needless to say, Boyer is well-versed in the wine world and a large advocate of knowledge of wine varieties, regions and qualities. Due to his expansive reach and highly admired reputation, he is well loved in the community and amongst the student body. You will likely find him wearing plaid and some funky glasses, or around town driving his PLAID Scion.
Katie is the lesser known, yet just as pertinent, brains behind Boyer's classes. She has worked as his assistant for countless years and has been influenced by the geography of wine for years. Katie herself attended Virginia Tech studying Geography, has worked in the wine industry throughout college, continued on as a Technical Assistant to Boyer and has kept her interest in the subject since her time at VT. She is an avid wine lover and is beyond excited to see the vision of the Wine Lab come to life.
Don't know quite enough about the founders yet? Here is a little wine questionnaire to get you better acquainted with the minds behind the Wine Lab:
What is your favorite wine?
Boyer: Ahhhh, that's such a broad question. I could never narrow it down. But there are a few up there. You'll have to wait till the grand opening to see my top picks. Certainly I wouldn't stock something I don't love.
Pritchard: There's absolutely too many to pick just one, but for a red I love the 2003 Chateau Musar and for a white my first choice is a Conundrum White Blend, preferably vintage 2010.
What kind of wine will you be stocking in the Wine Lab?
Boyer: Only the best, of course! You'll see vintages ranging from the early 1900s to ones picked and processed in our own stomping grounds. We plan to source a variety of regions and give a full array of blends, varietals and vintages to give our visitors the best experience possible and the most variety in wine selection.
What made you decide to take the plunge and open the Wine Lab?
Pritchard: Basically this has been in the works for ages - but all the forces of the universe must come together in order for things to fall into place. We've been patient for the right time to venture out on this endeavor and can't wait to see the outcomes.
What are you most excited for with the opening of the bar?
Boyer: I can't wait to see the variety of people that this establishment brings together. I hope everyone takes a piece of the Lab with them and spreads it to the greater world.
Pritchard: Learning about and experiencing wine has been a highlight of my time here in Blacksburg and I can't wait to share my passion and love for the subject with those who pass through the bar.
Didn't quite satisfy? Come meet the partners and hear for yourself about their wine experiences at the grand opening on Saturday, June 30, 2018! Check the website and social media channels for real-time updates and specific details.