Al Kellert is the owner and winemaker at Gray Ghost Vineyards — but he’s also the artist behind the winery’s 27 detailed Christmas displays made of cork, depicting everything from Santa’s workshop to a huge cathedral. They’re all out for public viewing early this year for the holidays.
The family-owned vineyard recently celebrated its 30th anniversary, and the cork displays actually predate the vineyard.
“The first one I made was in 1986,” Kellert says. “It was actually a small tree that we hung up at the house. And then the next three years, I built another tree that ultimately ended up to be about 11 feet tall, but it took three years to build, and believe it or not, that was our Christmas tree up at the house. That kind of got everything rolling.”
The pieces, constructed largely from corks with the Gray Ghost logo, take anywhere from six months to three years to build. His three favorites? The cathedral, “which has turned out to be one of the most popular ones because of the intricacy of it,” as well as a hot air balloon and a biplane with a working propeller.
You can bring the kids to Gray Ghost, which is located in Amissville, about an hour’s drive from Dulles. You’ll see cork snowflakes hanging in the tasting room (each one is different, just like the real thing) then move through to the tank room, which is where the major set of displays are, Kellert says. He enjoys seeing the reaction of guests, “especially the kids.”
The newest display for this year is a set of four angels that hang from the ceiling, facing the cork Christmas tree. Each year, the new display is showcased on a collector’s wine glass that is available at the vineyard. This year, it’s a special 30th anniversary glass.
Gray Ghost’s Holiday Kickoff event is November 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with live music from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., and Santa will visit on December 15, 1 to 4 p.m.
Tickets to the 30th Annual Christmas Cork and Cheese event on December 7 and 8 are $40 in advance or $45 at the door. That includes the limited-edition wine glass, a wine tasting and glass of wine, and a cheese plate.
Outside of the events, you can visit during tasting room hours. The hours are regularly Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but check Gray Ghost’s website for additional hours in December. The cork decorations will be up through December 31.
14706 Lee Hwy., Amissville
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Feature image courtesy Gray Ghost Vineyards
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