September 27, 2026
Summary of Event
On the heels of a severe Nor’easter storm, five DVJC members meet in Pipersville, PA to begin our scenic destination drive ultimately arriving at the Angelico Winery in NJ for the scheduled Art, Craft and Car Show. Among the five participants were three Jaguars although most left their vintage cars safely at home. The nine DVJC members and one well-mannered, curly-coat retriever named Mabel, left on our planned route headed to the historic Van Sant Aerodrome. With the damaging results of the waning severe storm during the preceding 48 hours, our route was blocked by many fallen tree limbs and debris plus a detached RV trailer that had sunk deeply into the mud about 200 feet off the road. When we arrived on the scene, the trailer was just being pulled out of the mud by an exceptionally large and capable tow truck blocking the entire narrow country road. How it got there, nobody knows but that was only the first of several ad hock detours thru picturesque, hilly route to the summit of the hills forming the runway of the airfield. Clearly, nobody was flying but we looked around the historic site and covered vintage aircraft anyway. After a quick stop, we resumed our journey down the mountain towards the flooded Delaware River. Crossing the narrow steel bridge at Frenchtown and watching the rushing water underneath the steel-grated bridge surface was exciting. Everyone was glad to make it across without incident although maintaining the 15 MPH speed limit made it seem like a very long bridge.
Passing north of Frenchtown just past Exoticars, our planned scenic route was blocked by downed power cables and closed to traffic. After skillfully executing another U-turn by our little caravan, we ventured off on an alternate, unmarked and unexplored road to resume our scenic route to the winery passing numerous scenic vistas, scenic countryside and historic towns. Arriving only 15 minutes behind schedule, we found the Winery’s parking lot filled with cars belonging to visitors and rapidly becoming a muddy, unnavigable field. Fortunately, our two 2WD Jaguars were offered a dry parking place next to the residence and everyone else tested the utility of their 4WD vehicles including a late-model XJS.
Our 10 scenic drive participants entered the wine tasting room of the Angelico Winery and were met by about eight more DVJC members and guests already enjoying flights of wine. After resolving some unanticipated confusion over our pre-purchased entries, our food orders began to arrive and we all enjoyed the hospitality of the Winery staff and the comradery of our membership and the local visitors of the event. Apparently, the planned, larger car show never materialized due to the very poor weather conditions with only four, slightly to very muddy Jaguars present. The local craftsmen and women were moved into the dining room of the winery away from the flooded field where they and the car show were expected. Of course, a special feature of the art and craft show was an impressive collection of our own “Bucks County Impressionist Painter” Noe La Framboise who treated everyone to a great arrangement of his artwork. Among the collection was a special one that was completed on Noe’s recent trip to the UK featuring a BRG XK140 FHC in front of a traditional British country cottage with a. beautifully rendered thatched roof. As is Noe’s custom, everyone attending his exhibition was offered a one of his famous Tastykake Crumpets as a souvenir. There were several other local artists in attendance each with equally impressive displays of their artwork. Overall, everyone enjoyed a great afternoon at the Art Show and Winery despite the challenging weather conditions and the limited participation by Jaguars and other classic cars as was planned. Many members present on Sunday are already looking forward to our “Lehigh Valley Scenic Drive and Wine Tasting” on Saturday, October 24. The events will begin at K&T Vintage Sports Cars and will conclude at the Folino Estate and Winery following a curated wine tasting and group lunch. Details will be developed as the date approaches and will be posted at: https://delvaljaguarclub.com/events/lehigh-valley-rally-and-winery-tour/
Ed Petrow
September 28, 2026.
