Trips that changed lives - Passages

Bethesda Magazine
As told to Gabriele McCormick
July/August 2010

Twelve years ago, my husband, Bob, and I took the train from Munich to Venice. I fell asleep, and woke up traveling through the Veneto region of northern Italy. Still jet-lagged, I wasn't sure if I was dreaming or awake, but there were vineyards as far as the eye can see. There's something mystical about all those little vines lined up and the family vineyards that take up every inch of the growers' backyards. I never let go of that vision. We were back on the deck of our weekend home in Bluemont, Va., and I said to my husband, "I want to plant a vineyard." I planted vines in 1999 and started Twin Oaks Tavern Winery. Our tasting room opened in 2008, and this year we'll produce three wines.

Donna Evers, Chevy Chase
President of Evers & Company Real Estate in Washington, D.C.