High spirits: A scientist and inventor perfects the art and craft of distilling


Robin Felder will go to market next year with three types of “varietal gin” and brandies made with apples, blood peaches, and Burford pears grown on his property. He says the pears are difficult to grow, because they’re susceptible to disease and pest damage, so he’s been fine-tuning planting patterns and maintenance: “If you don’t get the farming right, you’re not going to get the brandy right.” Photo: John Robinson

Save the Free Word!

For 35 years, C-VILLE Weekly has been your award-winning source for free (!) local news and arts content. This beautiful city has kept us up and running through advertising support since 1989, but now we also need you, Readers of the Free Word, to help us keep telling local stories. If free, independent news is important to you, please consider a gift of $35 to keep the lights on-in our office, sure, but also the light we will continue to shine into every corner of Charlottesville.