This October, Olde Virginia Gourmet, a family-run shop in Stafford, marks 20 years of offering gourmet products and gifts to the community. What began as a home-based gift basket business, run by owners Annabelle and Sean Tarallo, has developed into a local store focused on Virginia-made goods.
The celebration will be Oct. 5, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., when they’ll host a free event with Gabriele and Tim Rausse, of Gabriele Rausse Winery. In addition to a wine sampling, the store will offer a sampling of other gourmet food products and a raffle of give-aways, coupons, and gift certificates.
The idea for Olde Virginia Gourmet came from Annabelle’s gift basket company, which she had operated for over a decade. As Stafford grew in the early 2000s, the couple decided to open a retail store in 2004. “We’ve always been fond of small businesses, particularly those with that family-owned feel,” says Sean. Their vision was to combine a general store concept with a focus on gourmet foods and gifts.
The shop has adapted to changes in the community, including the expansion of the Virginia wine industry. “When we opened, the Virginia wine industry was smaller, and we carried wines from only four Virginia wineries,” says Sean. Now, the store stocks wines from nearly 50 wineries, catering to changing customer preferences for heavier reds and drier whites.
Opening the business came with challenges, including securing funds and attracting customers. “Word of mouth played a huge role,” says Sean, noting that advertising has been a challenge, especially in a transient community with a large military population. The business works continuously to stay visible as new residents move into the area.
Olde Virginia Gourmet also adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering fresh dairy products, snacks, and produce when local grocery stores were less accessible. “We were able to quickly shift to provide what our customers needed,” says Sean.
To celebrate the anniversary, Olde Virginia Gourmet will host an event on Saturday, October 5, featuring a wine tasting from Gabriele Rausse Winery from 12 to 4 p.m. Along with the wine tasting, there will be a local hot sauce sampling, giveaways, goody bags, and discounts on select wines.
Olde Virginia Gourmet stocks a wide range of Virginia-made products, including peanuts, coffee, wines, beers, and handcrafted items such as soaps and candles. Approximately 90% of the store’s inventory is locally sourced. “As our customers support us, we are supporting local producers, farmers, artisans, and crafters at the same time,” says Sean.
Gift baskets remain a key offering, with custom and pre-made options available for individuals and corporate clients. Locally made ice cream sandwiches are a staff favorite, which “fly out of the freezer,” according to Sean.
The couple has no immediate plans for major changes but is focused on continuing their approach, offering new products and maintaining their wine and beer-of-the-month clubs.
“Our local community is everything,” says Sean. “We have customers we see weekly, even multiple times a week, and they’re the ones who spread the word about us.”
Looking ahead, Annabelle and Sean express their gratitude for the support they’ve received over the last 20 years. “Without you, these last 20 years could not have been possible,” says Sean. “We’re looking forward to seeing you now and in the future.”
Olde Virginia Gourmet and Gifts is located at 261 Garrisonville Rd #109 and is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
