September is Virginia Wine Month and H.T. Page is ready to celebrate. A native of Nelson County, VA, H.T. and his wife Rhonda moved to Franklin County over 30 years ago where they built a life and raised a family. In 2008, H.T. and Rhonda founded Brooks Mill Winery, a fruit farm winery in Wirtz, a Franklin County community north of Rocky Mount.

H.T.’s passion for winemaking is infectious and you won’t want to miss the chance to celebrate Virginia Wine month at Brooks Mill Winery. You can stop by the winery for a tasting or buy a bottle (or three!) at a number of local retailers.

What part of Franklin County do you live in? How long have you lived there?

My wife Rhonda, our two children and I moved to the county in 1991 when I was hired as the golf course superintendent at The Waterfront Country Club. Rhonda and I live near Westlake Corner on Brooks Mill Road which is also the Brooks Mill Winery location.

What’s your favorite part about living in Franklin County?

I really enjoy the rural setting, which is much like my home area in Nelson County. The people are so nice and there is a mix of folks from all over the country. I’m an outdoor person so the lake, nearby trails, parks, streams, and wooded areas offer an endless opportunity to enjoy nature.

What do you do for fun outside of work?

To me, work is fun, so I really enjoy growing the fruit for our wines and making wine. Hiking, biking, fly fishing, wood working, and sometimes hunting are my current hobbies. Spending time with our grandchildren and teaching them about nature is as satisfying as anything I’ve ever done.

What is your favorite place in Franklin County?

My favorite place in Franklin County has to be Waid Park. There’s so much to do there, trails for hiking, biking, and running, sports facilities and a playground for the kids, and a trout stocked stream to fish.

What’s your go-to conversation starter?

Hi, I’m H.T. that stands for “Here’s Trouble.”

Where is your favorite place to hang out/work out/ eat out in Franklin County?

I really enjoy the pub runs each Thursday at one of the breweries or our winery. Even though I no longer run, they are a great place to go for a hike with friends, meet new friends that love the outdoors and just relax and hang out.  

What professional groups or organizations are you involved in?

We are currently members of the Virginia Wineries Association and the Virginia Vineyards Association. They both promote Virginia wines and wine products.  

Franklin County Shines is a series about the people and places that make Franklin County one of the best places to live, work, and play. #FranklinCountyShines