This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.
Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.
It’s always fun taking a look back at the most expensive homes sold in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) region each year (see 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020) so let’s jump right into some amazing real estate that changed hands in 2024 (Note: this includes what is entered into the MLS, it’s certainly possible (likely) that expensive homes have traded hands privately outside of the MLS).
The most expensive home sold in 2024 was a $25,500,000 McLean home built in 2022, perched above the Potomac River. It edged out, this incredible home in Washington, D.C., along Foxhall Road, that sold for an even $25,000,000.
Listed by Mark Lowham, TTR Sothebys International Realty (700 Bulls Neck Road, McLean, VA 22102)
After a decade long absence from local wine shops, an exceptional Burgundian estate has made its way back to Arlington.
Domaine Denis Père et Fils, nestled in the picturesque village of Pernand-Vergelesses, has released their highly anticipated 2022 Bourgogne Pinot Noir — and wine enthusiasts are taking notice.
The estate’s story begins in 1940 with Raoul Denis, then winemaker for the prestigious Hospices de Beaune, who established the family domaine near the historic Corton Grand Cru vineyard. When his son Christophe took the helm in 1992, he elevated the estate’s reputation through an unwavering commitment to quality and traditional winemaking methods.
The 2022 vintage, drawn from vineyards surrounding Savigny-les-Beaune, Chorey-Les Beaune, and Aloxe Corton, showcases the exceptional growing conditions of that year.
The wine displays a bright ruby color and complex aromatic profile, with distinct notes of violets, raspberries, and cherries. On the palate, it offers the hallmark elegance of fine Burgundy: medium bodied with velvety tannins, balanced fruit expression, and subtle oak integration that provides structure without overwhelming the wine’s natural character.
“Through a series of professional tastings, I came across Christophe Denis and was ‘blown away,'” wrote the late wine authority Stephan Murray-Sykes, who first brought attention to this producer two decades ago. “These are some of the most gorgeous, pure, and crafted wines I have tasted in the Côte de Beaune.”
While many Burgundian wines have become increasingly difficult to source, Arrowine has secured an allocation of this remarkable 2022 vintage.
Wine enthusiasts can explore this and other selections at Arrowine’s shop, open Monday through Sunday, with both curbside pickup and in-store shopping options available.
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq., Janice Chen, Esq., and Taryn Druge, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
Here at The Law Office, we have a long (and happy) tradition of benefiting from the work of paid law clerks. In the nature of things, these relationships don’t last forever, because our law clerks go on to other things — actual clerkships, brilliant legal careers, &c. That means that we have to hire new clerks every so often. Every So Often is, as it happens, Now.
Why should you work here? Ask Daniela Corona! She would never deceive you, least of all on the internet.
Daniela Corona, pictured above, is leaving us soon as well as she finishes up her studies at American University Washington College of Law. So, as one of her parting hazing rituals assignments, I asked her if she would sit for a public exit interview.
Are you a college student (or especially) a law student? Do you want to work here as a paid law clerk? Email James at [email protected]!
Montana: In one sentence, why should law students work here?
Corona: The clients you work with here are exactly the kind of people I want to help in my future career.
Montana: What sorts of people are those?
Corona: The kind of people who are most in need of help. Over the course of my time here, I’ve done five or so U Visa petitions — those are for people who have been victims of crime and have cooperated with the police. That’s not a moneymaker for the private bar.
Montana: Before you came here, did you have any prior immigration experience?
Corona: I come from a family of proud immigrants. I hadn’t worked in an immigration law clinic in law school.
Montana: Were you given interesting assignments? (In other words: Is this like working in BigLaw?)
Corona: Yes! (Also: No!) The assignments put me in the position of a working immigration attorney — completing immigration forms, taking affidavits, handling client contact. I attended immigration court hearings and even represented a naturalization applicant at her interview.
Montana: How many times were you sent out for coffee?
Corona: Zero. Well, it depends how you look at it. You dragged me out to pick up Friday morning coffee and pastries for the office once.
Montana: Village Sweet at Westover, best coffee and pastries in town.
[…]
Montana: Does the office pay its law clerks? Does the office offer flexible hours? Does the office offer a retirement plan matching benefit from day one? Answer these softball questions, please.
Corona: Yes, the office pays. Yes, the office offers flexible hours, but the hours are entirely in-person, no remote. Yes, clerks get a 3% retirement match.
Montana: As they say in English court: Is there anything that you wish to add to your testimony?
Corona: I would say that the lawyers at this office really care about helping the clients. Working at this law office has been a great introduction to the practice of immigration law.
Montana: I hope you end up acquiring us someday in a friendly, highly compensated purchase. But I will insist on the same autonomy and independence when I’m your law clerk, too. Thanks for your time, Daniela, and good luck out there!
As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.
This column is sponsored by BizLaunch, a division of Arlington Economic Development.
Founded in 1970, Crystal Boutique is a full-service clothing shop catering to modern women who are discerning about quality, fit, style, color and exceptional service. “We specialize in personal shopping,” says Joel Cohen, President of Crystal Boutique.
For the past 55 years, Crystal Boutique has been a fixture in the Crystal City underground, becoming a beloved part of the Arlington Business Community and earning numerous awards for its longevity and outstanding customer service.
”Naomi Cohen and my father Sidney moved to Crystal City in 1968 and discovered a struggling women’s boutique. My mother later bought the shop, and it thrived — right place, right time,” says Cohen.
In April 2024, JBG Smith announced that the Crystal City Underground would permanently close at the end of October, forcing all remaining businesses to relocate. In response, the National Landing Business Improvement District and created a unique program called National Landing ReLaunch. This program offers free business consulting services, underwritten by the National Landing BID and managed through BizLaunch, to help businesses in National Landing navigate the transition.
Understanding the forthcoming challenge, Crystal Boutique was one of the first businesses in the Underground to take advantage of National Landing ReLaunch. “The program helped greatly with our social media,” says Cohen. Given National Landing’s accessibility to the DMV area, it was crucial for Crystal Boutique to rein in the area, for its namesake and because customers were familiar with the location.
The scarcity and high cost of traditional retail space in National Landing could have been a hurdle for small businesses. Still, Crystal Boutique rose to the challenge with creativity and innovation — focusing on customer service. While traditional retail space was limited, the abundance of office space opened exciting new possibilities.
Crystal Boutique quickly embraced the County’s Commercial Market Resiliency Initiative, transforming office space into a vibrant retail environment and leading others to follow. “I didn’t let COVID take me out, I wasn’t about to let the closure of the Underground take me out, now we’re bigger and stronger than ever [at the new location],” says Cohen.
Crystal Boutique and JBG Smith negotiated to find a suitable office location, eventually creating space on a third-floor office suite at 2231 Crystal Drive, above Starbucks. “We moved in the first week of November and have quickly adjusted to our new space. We’re excited to have more room to offer a truly remarkable shopping experience — for evening, daytime, casual or work,” says Cohen.
To celebrate their new location, BizLaunch and National Landing are supporting Crystal Boutique with a ribbon-cutting celebration on January 16, 2025, at 11:30 a.m.
Join us to celebrate their new location and enjoy their Trunk Show and pre-season spring sale. For more information about Crystal Boutique, visit www.crystalboutique.com.
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!
Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.
As of December 30, there are 85 detached homes, 27 townhouses and 121 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 5 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.
This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.
Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.
On Tuesday, January 14, I’ll be hosting another Ask Eli Home Buyer Workshop with my business partner Jean Ropp and local Loan Officer, Matt Ropp, with Atlantic Coast Mortgage. Food and drinks will be provided!
The workshop is a free and will cover:
New laws affecting buyer agent representation and commission
How to use data and strategy to maximize your home purchase
How to use market trends to your advantage
The latest on interest rates and mortgage programs/products
Common mistakes to avoid and some tips for success
Who is it for?
Any buyer type from first-time buyer to experienced buyers
Ready to purchase now or planning 12+ months out
Home buyers in Northern Virginia, D.C., or the Maryland Suburbs
You or anybody you know who would benefit
Where and When?
Tuesday, January 14 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street), Bluemont Room
Registration is now open and space is limited. Click the graphic below to RSVP.
Bring your appetite and your home buying questions! I’d love to see you there. Feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions about the event.
Ask Eli’s Buyer Workshop Jan. 14
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460.
While major champagne houses dominate retail shelves, a centuries-old family estate in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy offers a distinctive alternative for New Year’s celebrations.
Domaine Jean Vesselle, whose roots in the region stretch back nearly 300 years, crafts a unique style of blanc de noirs that’s garnering critical attention.
Their “Oeil de Perdrix” (Eye of the Partridge) Champagne takes its name from its pale salmon hue, achieved through gentle pressing of 100% Pinot Noir grapes. The color reflects an ancestral technique historically practiced around Bouzy, where Pinot Noir thrives in the chalky soils.
Currently helmed by Delphine Vesselle, who assumed winemaking duties at age 22 in 1993, the estate is transitioning to organic certification. Their 17-hectare property adheres to traditional methods, including hand harvesting and extended lees aging of 24-36 months.
Wine critic Audrey Frick recently awarded the current release 94 points, noting its “pretty perfume of rose water, orange blossom, and peach” alongside “pithy grapefruit citrus and salty minerality.” The wine shows aging potential through 2030.
The trend toward Grower Champagnes (designated as “RM” or récoltant-manipulant on labels) represents a shift in consumer interest toward site-specific expressions that reflect individual villages and vineyards, similar to the evolution seen in other French wine regions.
Now available at Arrowine, this champagne joins their curated selection of artisanal producers from France’s historic wine regions.
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose price have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!
Please note: While Arlington Realty, Inc. provides this information for the community, it may not be the listing company of these homes.
As of December 23, there are 89 detached homes, 25 townhouses and 123 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 9 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.
This regularly scheduled sponsored column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. If you would like to work with Eli and his team in Northern Virginia and the greater D.C. Metro area, you can reach him directly at Eli@EliResidential.com.
Eli and his team believe that your real estate needs should be managed by advisors, not salespeople. Their mission is to guide, educate, and advocate for their clients through real advice, hands-on support, and personalized service.
Merry Christmas and Hanukkah Eve! I’m grateful for another year with the opportunity to connect with you each week about real estate. The ARLnow community is wonderful and unique — thank you to Scott and the ARLnow team for building and supporting a platform that is a true community benefit.
Every year I like to reflect on what I’m most grateful for about living and working in Arlington. I also love to hear from you on the same. Here’s my list:
Diversity of Great Food
Arlington itself offers wonderfully diverse cuisines and when you add neighboring jurisdictions of Washington, D.C., Annandale, Alexandria, and Falls Church to the mix we have access to delicious international cuisine from every corner of the world within 20-30 minutes.
Passionate Neighbors
While we lack agreement on topics like Missing Middle, we do not lack passion. I appreciate how passionate both sides of the Missing Middle policy are and trust that in the long run, that passion will result in a great next generation housing policy for Arlington.
Airports
I don’t travel often, but when I do I’m grateful for our nearby national and international airports that are easily accessible by multiple modes of public and private transportation.
Parks and Recreation
No matter where you live in Arlington, you have access to an incredible network of trails, parks, and rec centers for endless outdoor enjoyment that costs nothing. Arlington’s trails and parks have given me so much joy over the years with family and friends.
Schools
Being an educator has become extraordinarily difficult and complex and I’m grateful for all the hardworking teachers, staff, and administrators who work hard, oftentimes thankless, hours keeping the Arlington Public Schools among the best in the country for our kids.
Jobs and Small Businesses
The robust and diverse job market in Arlington keeps unemployment low and the economy thriving. I’m especially thankful for all the entrepreneurs and risk-takers who fill every nook and cranny of Arlington with small businesses despite the daily challenges.
Tonya Nelson (Director of Everything): Where would I be without Tonya? She allows me to be a father, husband, and friend and keeps the ship straight every day of the week. Thanks and gratitude will never be enough.
Val Connolly (Agent): We’ve worked as colleagues and partners for a decade and she’s now building a great business around her new home in Loudoun County.
Jean Ropp (Agent): Amazing mother of two beautiful little boys and still works her tail off for clients with endless smiles and positivity.
Carolanne Korolowicz (Agent): A new mother and 6t generation Arlingtonian, I learn something interesting from her about Arlington and its history every time we talk.
Brian Wyatt (Retired): Brian and I got to spend seven years working together from the very earliest days of ERG. It was a great journey together, enjoy retirement!
From left to right: Jean, Val, Tonya and Carolanne
If you’d like to discuss buying, selling, investing, or renting, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to discuss buying, selling, renting, or investing, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland with RLAH Real Estate, 4040 N Fairfax Dr #10C Arlington VA 22203. (703) 390-9460.
Looking for a family-friendly outing this holiday season?
Synetic Theater’s “Little Comedies” offers a delightful escape. Performed in an intimate black box setting, this reimagined version of Synetic’s beloved “The Music Box” features enchanting, wordless vignettes brought to life through pantomime, masks and choreography — all set to mesmerizing music.
Audiences of all ages will be captivated by imaginative tales, including a janitor and a businessperson whose lives are transformed by a magical mask and two cowboys in the Wild West hilariously attempting to wrangle a loose bull. This unique production blends physical theater, dance and mime to create an unforgettable journey through comedy and fantasy.
Synetic Theater, founded in 2001 by Georgian immigrants Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili, has redefined storytelling in the Washington, D.C., area. The duo, who emigrated from Georgia in 1995, combines dance, theater and film with Caucasus traditions and distinctly American styles.
Synetic has earned more than 100 Helen Hayes Award nominations, accolades from the American Theatre Wing and the title of “Washingtonians of the Year” from “Washingtonian” magazine for its founders.
This production is presented with support from Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development which delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts. Our mission is to create, support, and promote the arts, connecting artists and community to reflect the diversity of Arlington. For an array of activities across the visual and performing arts, please visit our Winter Arts Highlights page.
Directed by Irina Tsikurishvili, “Little Comedies” runs December 20, 2024, through January 4, 2025 at Theatre on the Run, located at 3700 S. Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Synetic Theater’s website.
This sponsored column is by Law Office of James Montana PLLC. All questions about it should be directed to James Montana, Esq. and Janice Chen, Esq., practicing attorneys at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC, an immigration-focused law firm located in Falls Church, Virginia. The legal information given here is general in nature. If you want legal advice, contact us for an appointment.
Christmas came early here at The Law Office of James Montana PLLC — Taryn L. Druge, Esq., joined us as an associate attorney. We are thrilled to introduce her to the ARLnow readership, and, of course, the commentariat.
Taryn Druge is here, and we are happy to have her. We’re just terrible at pictures, that’s all.
By way of introduction, here is a brief Q&A between Ms. Druge and our august founder.
Montana: You have an unusual last name. How do you pronounce it?
Druge: It is pronounced like “Scrooge” but with a D at the beginning.
Montana: So, not like the G in centrifuge.
Druge: No.
Montana: So the pointy-headed boss has been pronouncing your name incorrectly from your first day on the job, until this interview?
Druge: I started in law school working as a law clerk at an immigration firm, and gained a lot of experience there. I also worked in a boutique civil litigation firm in New York, where I gained experience in motions practice, working with a wide variety of clients.
Montana: What made you want to practice immigration law?
Druge: I think that immigration law drew me in for the same reason I wanted to be a lawyer in the first place: I like the idea of solving problems. In my capacity as an immigration lawyer, I can help individuals to improve their lives; and, on a larger level, I think that lawyers help to add a certain amount of order to our larger society.
Montana: The people should be grateful. Why aren’t they?
Druge: Not every lawyer is called to the bar because they want to help people. Some people — and stop me if this sounds implausible to you — are here for the money.
Montana: At the rates we charge, that certainly isn’t true around here. What sorts of immigration cases do you like best?
Druge: Oooh, good question. I like the cases that pose special challenges — where we see particular obstacles, and are able to help clients to overcome unusual hurdles.
Montana: If you could change one thing about our immigration system, what would it be?
Druge: SHORTER FORMS.
Montana: Why would you choose that change?
Druge: It would make us, as immigration lawyers, less necessary.
Montana: Don’t give them any ideas. Or, rather, do. I would welcome a simpler system — we could help a higher volume of people that way.
Druge: I completely agree.
Montana: Speaking of which — do you have any openings for new consultations?
Druge: Yes, I do! Here is the link to schedule one directly in my calendar. Make sure the readers know that we charge for consultations here: $220 for the initial consultation; but if you hire us to do further work in your case, we subtract that from the bill!
Montana: Wonderful. I’m very glad that you’ve joined the practice, and we’ll do our best together to help clients to — as you put it — solve problems, and live lives of dignity.
As always, we are grateful for your questions and comments, and will do our best to respond.
Arlington Economic Development (AED) is celebrating a banner year in 2024, one that solidifies Arlington’s reputation as a global hub for innovation, collaboration and economic opportunity.
From fostering local entrepreneurship to forging international partnerships, AED’s achievements are driving lasting economic benefits while showcasing Arlington as a premier destination for business and technology.
Elevating Arlington on the Global Stage
This year, Arlington joined the prestigious Americas Competitiveness Exchange (ACE), a global economic development and innovation network with more than 40 participating nations. Through its participation in events in Detroit and Yerevan, Armenia, AED highlighted Arlington’s thriving business ecosystem, groundbreaking initiatives and sustainability efforts. These engagements fostered deeper relationships with international partners, creating new avenues for local businesses to expand their reach.
Arlington also welcomed delegations from countries such as Argentina, Armenia, Germany, Guatemala and Spain, engaging in forward-looking discussions on sustainable growth, smart cities and innovation driven by the private sector. These collaborations cement Arlington’s position as a global leader in economic development while infusing fresh perspectives and investment opportunities into the local economy.
Fostering Local Innovation and Inclusion
On the local level, AED launched the #LaTech community, which now includes more than 30 Latino tech entrepreneurs. This dynamic network celebrates diversity and innovation, demonstrating Arlington’s commitment to creating opportunities for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds. Initiatives like #LaTech strengthen Arlington’s tech ecosystem while ensuring that economic growth benefits the entire community.
One standout moment of the year was the visit from Ernesto Kruger, CEO of Ecuador-based Kruger Corporation. During his trip, Kruger explored Arlington as a potential hub for global expansion, meeting with leading organizations such as AWS Skills Center, Excella, and local startups Trustible and Pryze, as well as universities like George Mason and Northeastern. These engagements showcased Arlington’s collaborative spirit and its appeal to businesses seeking innovation and growth opportunities.
AED’s #TechShowcase at Genetec’s U.S. Experience Center was another highlight of the year, bringing together entrepreneurs, academic leaders, and international dignitaries to explore the latest advancements in technology. Events like these bolster the strength of Arlington’s tech ecosystem and its ability to connect local businesses with global opportunities. The showcase celebrated Arlington’s leadership in technological innovation while setting the stage for future partnerships and collaborations.
A Year of Progress and Promise
“2024 has been a year of significant progress for Arlington,” said Adriana Bonilla, International Business Investment Lead at AED. “We’ve expanded our global connections while driving economic growth that will benefit our local businesses and community for years to come.”
AED’s strategic efforts to attract international investment, nurture local innovation and promote inclusivity are ensuring that Arlington remains a vibrant place to live, work and thrive.
As AED looks ahead to 2025, the department is eager to build on this year’s successes, driving initiatives that connect Arlington with the world, create jobs and deliver economic opportunities that benefit the entire community.
To stay up to date on Arlington expansion opportunities and updates, subscribe to AED’s email list and be the first to hear about news and announcements for international and domestic companies interested in exploring Arlington as a business location.
