GATHER, WILD

On October 4, we returned to Wollam Gardens. After ten years of gatherings, this one felt especially meaningful — a celebration of how far we’ve come, and a reminder that there is still so much ahead.

The afternoon began with a guided tour led by Bob Wollam, who planted each flower on this land and has sold the most stunning flowers at Farmer’s Markets across the DMV for more than 30 years. The tour was followed by creative exploration curated by Colleen O’Bryant of Wild Roots Apothecary and love, wild in Sperryville, Virginia. Guests moved through the farm and explored stations designed to spark curiosity and reflection — painting with natural plant pigments, making flower crowns, mindful journaling, blending foraged chai, weaving, and guided movement. It was an afternoon of play, pause, and connection before we gathered at the table.

Jordan Miller of DC Eatings prepared a stunning mezze spread for guests to enjoy during the afternoon activities, while Anne Cameron of In Good Co. Wines offered a refreshing spritz bar featuring Mommenpop Aperitifs.

As the sun began to set, guests took their seats at a long table nestled within a row of hydrangeas — lovingly known as Hydrangea Alley. The table was dressed with foraged greenery and blooms picked directly from the farm. Handmade ceramics by Jars of Dust in Virginia Beach and Luz Studio in New York City added warmth and texture to each place setting accented by linen napkins from Definition Studio in DC.

Dinner was prepared by Chef Yuan Tang of Rooster & Owl and Ellie Bird — the very chef who cooked our first Makers Meal here in 2016. His five-course menu reflected the season’s rhythm and the creativity that has always been at the heart of Makers Meals since the very beginning.

The evening began with focaccia with miso butter, followed by Bartlett pear “cacio e pepe” with pecorino and Tête de Moine, paired with Arterra Wines’ 2023 Roussanne. Courses continued with Bluefin negitoro with dashi shoyu and furikake tempura crunch and roasted kabocha squash with lime crema, hazelnut salsa macha, and figs, complemented by Arterra’s 2024 Albariño and 2023 Cabernet Franc. The main course featured braised short rib with fish sauce gastrique and red onion agrodolce, paired with Arterra’s 2022 Petit Verdot. Dessert closed the evening with an apple tart tatin with whipped Chantilly and a pour of Arterra’s Blueberry Apple Wine.

Throughout the meal, Jason and Sandy Murray of Arterra Wines shared their story and poured their beautifully expressive Virginia wines — crafted with native yeast, neutral oak, and no additives — a true reflection of the land and a testament to sustainable, honest winemaking.

After dinner, fireside music carried us into the night, alongside hot tea blended by Colleen O’Bryant of Wild Roots Apothecary.

What stood out most was the joy of reunion — guests long familiar with this land, newcomers, old collaborators, and new voices all gathered around one table. We remembered the roots of Makers Meals, the dreams that brought us here, and recognized that this evening was both a homecoming and the beginning of what’s next.

Thank you to every maker, every guest, and every helper who brought their heart, presence, and curiosity. Gather, Wild reminded us why we come together — for beauty, for connection, and for the stories still waiting to unfold.

Until the next gathering.